Rat Terrier Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Rat Terrier — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Rat Terrier is a beloved small breed from United States, ranked #81 in AKC popularity. Rat Terriers are velcro dogs that want to be wherever you are, combining terrier tenacity with an unusual sensitivity and desire to please their people. Terriers are spirited, tenacious dogs originally bred to hunt vermin, and the Rat Terrier carries that bold energy in a small package. Despite their compact size, they have a fast metabolism and need nutrient-dense meals to match their feisty personality. An adult Rat Terrier needs between 359 and 714 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Daily food for an adult Rat Terrier: 0.5–0.5 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $42–67/month. Puppies growing toward 10–25 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. Generally one of the healthier terrier breeds with fewer genetic issues, though patellar luxation remains a common orthopedic concern to screen for.—treats count toward daily calorie intake.
Daily Calorie Needs for Rat Terrier
Adult
359-714
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
507
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
261-519
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different — consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Rat Terriers
With an above-average energy level, the Rat Terrier benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 0.9-1.9 cups of kibble provides steady energy without the blood sugar spikes of a single large meal. Choose a formula with at least 25% protein and moderate fat to support their daily activity.
Rat Terrier Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.5-1 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.5-1 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Rat Terrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 0.9-1.9 cups | 359-714 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 1.4-2.9 cans | 359-714 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 3-12 oz | 359-714 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 0.9-1.9 cups
- Calories
- 359-714 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 1.4-2.9 cans
- Calories
- 359-714 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 3-12 oz
- Calories
- 359-714 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Rat Terriers
The Rat Terrier requires significant daily exercise — typically 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity. On high-activity days (hiking, running, dog sports), increase their food by 10-20% to compensate for the extra calorie burn. On rest days, stick to the baseline portion. Never feed a large meal within 30 minutes of intense exercise; instead, offer a small snack 2 hours before activity and the main meal 1 hour after.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Rat Terriers, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Heart-Supportive Nutrition
Rat Terriers have a genetic predisposition to Cardiac Issues, making heart-supportive nutrition especially important. Choose foods naturally rich in taurine (found in animal proteins, especially dark meat and organ meats) and L-carnitine. Keep sodium moderate — not salt-free, but avoid high-sodium treats and table scraps. The FDA has investigated potential links between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM); while research is ongoing, discussing diet choices with your veterinarian is prudent for this breed. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in dogs, supporting healthy heart rhythm and reducing inflammation.
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Rat Terrier are disproportionately affected by dental disease — their teeth are crowded into a small jaw, creating pockets where bacteria thrive. By age three, an estimated 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease, and small breeds are often affected earlier. Diet can help: the mechanical action of chewing kibble provides some cleaning benefit, and specific dental diets have VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) approval for plaque reduction.
- Include dry kibble as at least part of the diet — the chewing action helps scrape plaque
- VOHC-approved dental chews provide clinically proven plaque and tartar reduction
- Avoid feeding exclusively soft/wet food, which offers no mechanical dental benefit
- Raw carrots and apple slices (no seeds) serve double duty as low-calorie treats and natural teeth cleaners
- Schedule professional dental cleanings annually — small breeds often need extractions earlier than larger dogs
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Rat Terriers eat small quantities, free-feeding makes it impossible to track actual intake and can lead to gradual weight gain. Measure portions and offer meals at consistent times, removing uneaten food after 15-20 minutes.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Rat Terrier that runs for 2 hours burns significantly more than one that had a lazy day. Track activity and adjust portions accordingly — up to 20% more on high-activity days, 10% less on rest days.
Skipping joint supplements until problems appear
For breeds predisposed to joint issues, preventive supplementation with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect cartilage before damage occurs. Starting these supplements early — even at 1-2 years old — is more effective than waiting for symptoms.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 10-25 lb dog, a single ounce of cheese is equivalent to a person eating an entire hamburger. Table scraps quickly add up to a significant portion of a small breed's daily calories. Stick to dog-appropriate treats sized for small mouths.
Switching foods abruptly without a transition period
Any diet change — brand, flavor, or formula — should happen gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Abrupt switches cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, gas) in most dogs, Rat Terriers included.
Rat Terrier-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Tip 6
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Rat Terriers, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Add a joint supplement with glucosamine (500-1000mg) and chondroitin. Consider foods with added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce inflammation.
Taurine & L-Carnitine
Choose foods rich in taurine and L-carnitine. Moderate sodium intake. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil support cardiovascular health.
Rat Terrier Ideal Weight
Assessing your Rat Terrier's body condition (healthy range: 10–25 lbs): Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage—you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer. Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips. Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib. Overweight Rat Terriers face higher risks of Patellar Luxation, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Rat Terrier
10-25 lbs
5-11 kg
Female Rat Terrier
8-22 lbs
4-10 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.