The Jack Russell Terrier is a force of nature: perpetually hungry, incredibly food-motivated, and deceptively easy to overfeed. A slightly overweight Jack Russell is remarkably common in Britain, and it matters more than many owners realise.
At 5–8 kg, a Jack Russell needs only about 400–500 calories per day to maintain a healthy weight. That's less than half a standard cup of most commercial kibbles. Add in treats, table scraps, and the occasional "I feel bad, here's an extra bit" — and you've easily overshot by 20–30% before you've noticed.
For an average adult Jack Russell at moderate activity:
Jack Russells benefit from crunchy treats that take time to eat — this slows consumption and provides mental stimulation. Safe options include:
The easiest way to catch weight gain early: weigh your Jack Russell monthly using bathroom scales (weigh yourself holding the dog, then subtract your weight). A healthy adult should maintain the same weight month to month.
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