What to Feed a Westie: Diet Tips for Growing Puppies
What to Feed a Westie: Diet Tips for Growing Puppies
Bringing home a Westie puppy is such an exciting moment — full of play, cuddles, and that adorable puppy energy! But one of the most important parts of raising a happy, healthy Westie starts with what’s in their bowl. Westies have sensitive tummies and fast-growing bodies, so choosing the right food can make all the difference. Here’s a simple guide to help you feed your Westie puppy the right way from the very start.
🍼 1. Start with High-Quality Puppy Food
Your Westie puppy needs a diet that supports strong bones, healthy joints, and a shiny white coat. Look for premium puppy food made with real meat as the first ingredient — chicken, turkey, or salmon are excellent choices. Avoid foods with fillers like corn, soy, or artificial dyes, as they can upset your Westie’s sensitive stomach.
Tip: Brands that offer small-breed puppy formulas are best, since they’re made for little dogs with big appetites and smaller mouths.
🥩 2. Protein Is the Key
Growing Westies need plenty of lean protein to build muscle and stay active. Aim for at least 22–28% protein content in your puppy’s diet. Protein helps support energy, immune health, and that strong, sturdy Westie frame we all love.
🥕 3. Add Healthy Variety
Just like people, Westies benefit from variety. Along with kibble, you can occasionally mix in:
- Boiled chicken or turkey
- Steamed veggies like carrots, green beans, or pumpkin
- Plain rice or sweet potato for gentle digestion
Avoid onions, garlic, grapes, and chocolate — these are toxic to dogs.
💧 4. Keep Fresh Water Available Always
Westie puppies are active and playful, so they can get dehydrated quickly. Make sure they always have fresh, clean water available — especially during playtime or warm weather.
🕒 5. Follow a Feeding Schedule
Puppies do best with structure. Feed your Westie:
- 3 meals a day until 6 months old
- Then transition to 2 meals a day (morning and evening)
Consistent mealtimes help with digestion and potty training.
⚖️ 6. Watch Portion Sizes
Westies love to eat (and they’re great at begging!), but overfeeding can lead to weight issues later. Use your puppy food’s portion guide as a reference, and adjust based on activity level and growth. You should always be able to feel your puppy’s ribs, but not see them.
🌿 7. Consider Supplements Wisely
Most premium puppy foods already contain what your Westie needs, but talk to your vet about adding:
- Omega-3s for skin and coat health
- Probiotics for digestion
- Calcium if recommended for bone development
Never add supplements without your vet’s advice — too much of a good thing can cause imbalances.
💬 Final Thoughts
Feeding your Westie puppy right sets them up for a lifetime of good health, bright energy, and that signature happy sparkle in their eyes. At PurePaw Westies, we start each pup on a balanced, vet-approved diet so they leave our home healthy and strong — ready to thrive in yours.
If you’d like to learn more about what we feed our PurePaw puppies or need personalized advice, reach out anytime — we’re always happy to help new Westie families get started on the right paw! 🐾
