Scottish Terrier Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Scottish Terrier — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Ranked #57 by the AKC, the Scottish Terrier is a small terrier dog with roots in Scotland. Bred to hunt and kill badgers, foxes, and vermin in the rugged Scottish Highlands, their low build allowing them to pursue quarry into underground dens. Terriers are spirited, tenacious dogs originally bred to hunt vermin, and the Scottish 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 Scottish Terrier needs between 507 and 590 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Daily food for an adult Scottish Terrier: 0.5–0.4 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $41–65/month. Puppies growing toward 18–22 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. Scotties have a dramatically elevated risk of bladder cancer compared to all other breeds, making routine urinalysis screening critically important.—treats count toward daily calorie intake.
Daily Calorie Needs for Scottish Terrier
Adult
507-590
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
560
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
406-472
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 Scottish Terriers
The Scottish Terrier has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 1.3-1.6 cups of quality kibble daily, divided into two meals. A standard adult maintenance formula with balanced macronutrients works well. Monitor weight monthly, as moderate-energy breeds can gradually gain weight if portions aren't adjusted for actual activity.
Scottish Terrier Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
0.7-0.8 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
0.7-0.8 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Scottish Terrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 1.3-1.6 cups | 507-590 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 2-2.4 cans | 507-590 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 6-11 oz | 507-590 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 1.3-1.6 cups
- Calories
- 507-590 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 2-2.4 cans
- Calories
- 507-590 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 6-11 oz
- Calories
- 507-590 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Scottish Terriers
Moderate daily exercise (30-45 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Scottish Terrier fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Scottish Terriers do well on a consistent daily portion without needing exercise-day adjustments. If your dog gets significantly more activity on weekends (long hikes, beach trips), you can add a small handful of kibble to their evening meal on those days.
Dental Health Through Diet
Small breeds like the Scottish 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
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Scottish Terriers, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Scottish Terrier with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Scottish Terrier shows these signs, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. While thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is the primary treatment, dietary support matters: ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet, maintain strict portion control to prevent weight gain, and consider a weight-management formula if your dog is on thyroid medication but still struggling with weight.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Free-feeding because "they don't eat much"
Even though Scottish 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.
Giving human food scraps as treats
For a 18-22 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.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Scottish Terriers are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Scottish Terrier is gaining weight despite measured feeding, ask your vet for a thyroid panel before simply cutting food.
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, Scottish Terriers included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Scottish Terrier's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 300 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Scottish Terrier-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Scottish Terriers, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Scottish Terrier Ideal Weight
Assessing your Scottish Terrier's body condition (healthy range: 18–22 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 Scottish Terriers face higher risks of Scottie Cramp, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Scottish Terrier
18-22 lbs
8-10 kg
Female Scottish Terrier
15-19 lbs
7-9 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.