Scottish Terrier Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
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.
An adult Scottish Terrier weighing 18 to 22 lb needs about 507 to 590 kcal a day, around 549 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 1.3-1.6 cups daily, roughly 137 to 169 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 2-2.4 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 6-11 oz of food, about 2-3% of body weight. Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by cup, since kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, count treats inside that total rather than on top of it, and keep them under ten per cent of the calories. A Scottish Terrier that gains or loses weight on these amounts needs a vet's opinion, not simply a different scoop: these figures are a starting point for a healthy dog, and they assume the 12-to-15-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
The condition this breed is most often screened for changes how it should be fed. With hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid slows the metabolism, so a dog on the correct ration can still gain; if weight rises without more food, that is a reason to test rather than to cut the ration further. That is a reason to weigh the ration rather than estimate it, not a reason to buy a different food.
A short coat makes body condition visible, which is the one advantage that matters at feeding time: the waist and the ribs can be seen and felt without parting fur, so the weekly check takes seconds and needs no scale. For a Scottish Terrier, that is the check worth making weekly.
Males and females of this breed differ enough in size that one ration does not fit both: around 20 lb against 17 lb on average, a gap of 18 per cent. Feeding both from the same scoop overfeeds one and underfeeds the other, and the figures on this page should be read against the dog in front of you rather than against the breed average.
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
An adult Scottish Terrier typically needs 507-590 calories per day, which translates to approximately 1.3-1.6 cups of dry kibble daily, split into two meals. However, this is a starting point, your specific dog's needs depend on their exact weight within the 18-22 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Scottish Terriers should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of small breeds prefer three smaller meals, which can help with digestion and energy levels throughout the day. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion, blood sugar, and make house training easier.
Look for a food that lists real meat (not meal or by-products) as the first ingredient, contains 22-30% protein, and is formulated for small breeds. Small breed formulas offer calorie-dense kibble in smaller pieces suited to your dog's jaw. Weigh the food rather than measuring it by cup: kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, so the same cup can hold 80 or 120 grams.
While Scottish Terriers can technically eat standard kibble, small-breed formulas are recommended. They feature smaller kibble pieces that are easier for your Scottish Terrier's small jaw and teeth to chew, reducing choking risk and improving digestion. Small-breed formulas are also more calorie-dense per cup, which matters when your dog only eats 1.3-1.6 cups per day, every bite needs to count nutritionally.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Scottish Terriers, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Scottish Terrier, that means roughly 6-11 oz per day. The diet should include muscle meat (70%), raw meaty bones (10%), organ meat (10%), and vegetables/fruits (10%). However, raw diets carry risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Consult a veterinary nutritionist before switching.
A healthy adult Scottish Terrier weighs between 18-22 lbs (males: 18-22 lbs, females: 15-19 lbs). Use the body condition score (BCS) method: you should be able to feel ribs with light pressure but not see them, observe a visible waist when viewed from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. If your Scottish Terrier exceeds 25 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Males: 18–22 lbs. Females: 15–19 lbs. Compact and sturdy at 18 to 22 pounds and about 10 inches tall, they are surprisingly heavy for their size due to their dense bone structure.. Consult your vet for a personalized assessment. The figures on this page assume a neutered adult at a healthy weight with moderate activity; an intact, working or growing dog needs more, and a dog on restricted exercise needs less.
The Scottish Terrier is predisposed to Scottie Cramp, Bladder Cancer, Von Willebrand's Disease, and other conditions. Scotties have a dramatically elevated risk of bladder cancer compared to all other breeds, making routine urinalysis screening critically important.. An adult Scottish Terrier weighs 18-22 lb, which is what sets the daily ration: energy needs rise with body weight but not in a straight line, so a dog twice as heavy does not eat twice as much.
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.