Top Dog Food Brands for Westies: Nourishing Choices for Your Furry Friend

When it comes to selecting the best dog food for West Highland White Terriers, commonly known as Westies, choosing the right brand can make a significant difference in their health and well-being. Westies have specific dietary needs due to their energetic nature and predisposition to certain health conditions like allergies and skin issues. High-quality dog food brands that offer balanced nutrition and cater to these specific needs can help maintain their vibrant coats and active lifestyle. In this article, we explore some of the top-rated dog food brands that are perfect for keeping your Westie happy and healthy. Discover the best options for your furry friend below.

Illustration of dog food for westies

Best brands of dog food for westies in 2025

Royal Canin

Royal Canin, established in 1968 by a veterinarian, offers a breed-specific dry dog food for West Highland White Terriers, with a focus on maintaining their unique coat and skin health using omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and specific amino acids, and contains a minimum of 19% crude protein and 14% crude fat; the kibble is designed for the Westie's jaw, and includes calcium chelators to help reduce tartar, while also satisfying picky eaters with a combination of exceptional aromas and flavors.

Hill's Science Diet

Hill's Science Diet, established in 1939, offers a range of dog food options, with their adult formulas, like the Chicken & Barley recipe, containing around 23.9% protein and 14.7% fat, and being a popular choice for Westies due to their balanced nutrition. Formulated with natural ingredients, Hill's Science Diet aims to support healthy digestion with natural fibers, and promote a beautiful coat using omega-6 and vitamin E, while also supporting lean muscle growth through high-quality protein; Hill's Science Diet became available through vets and pet professionals in 1968 and is often recommended by veterinarians. You can find more details about their products.

Blue Buffalo

Blue Buffalo, established in 2003, is considered a high-quality dog food brand, featuring real deboned chicken as a primary ingredient and a blend of brown rice, cranberries, and vegetables for a balanced diet with essential proteins and omega fatty acids for a healthy coat. Their Life Protection formula, with 324 kcal per cup, is often recommended for Westies, though some lines are considered pricey by some pet owners. This brand avoids chicken by-products, corn, wheat, and soy, offering various recipes including grain-free options for a variety of dietary needs. You can find more information about Blue Buffalo products.

Wellness Core

Wellness Core is a highly-regarded brand, established in 1926, offering grain-free dog food with a focus on high protein content, often exceeding 30%, and featuring real meat as a primary ingredient, which is beneficial for Westies who may have sensitive stomachs and require a diet rich in quality protein for muscle maintenance and energy. Their formulas also incorporate omega fatty acids, prebiotics, and probiotics to support skin, coat, and digestive health, and some recipes have glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. A good example of their product line is the Wellness CORE Original Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which contains deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meal as the main ingredients.

Nutro Ultra

Nutro Ultra is a premium dog food brand, known for its high-quality ingredients and use of a trio of proteins like chicken, lamb, and salmon, with real chicken often being the #1 ingredient, which can be beneficial for Westies as it provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients; their formulas often include a blend of 15 vibrant superfoods and are crafted without chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives which may help with allergies or sensitivities some dogs experience; Nutro Ultra offers a variety of recipes, including options for small breeds, large breeds, puppies and senior dogs, allowing pet owners to choose the formula best suited for their Westie's life stage and specific needs, with some formulas having about 31% protein and 21% fat; while some customers find it a bit pricey, many report improvements in their dogs' coat health, energy levels, and overall well-being while using this brand. For more detailed information, visit Nutro Ultra's official website.

Merrick Grain-Free

Merrick Grain-Free is a top-tier dog food brand, offering recipes with real deboned meat as the first ingredient, often featuring chicken, beef, or salmon. It is a great option for Westies, with formulas boasting high protein levels, often around 65% protein, and healthy fats, alongside 35% produce, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The inclusion of glucosamine and chondroitin supports joint health, while omega fatty acids maintain skin and coat vitality. Available in both dry and wet options, Merrick Grain-Free includes puppy-specific formulas and offers a range of grain-free recipes like the Real Chicken & Sweet Potato recipe. For more information, visit the Merrick Grain-Free website.

Orijen

Orijen, a premium pet food brand, offers a biologically appropriate diet for Westies, with recipes packed with up to 85% quality animal ingredients like fresh or raw free-run chicken and turkey, and wild-caught fish. Utilizing whole prey ingredients, Orijen provides the most nutrient-dense parts and is made in the USA with quality ingredients from around the world, catering to all life stages. The first five ingredients are often fresh or raw chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, and chicken liver, ensuring high protein levels, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy coat and digestion. Orijen's formulas are grain-free, addressing potential sensitivities common in Westies, and are designed to mirror their ancestral diet with a focus on meat, organs, and bone. You can find their products and learn more.

Nature's Logic

Nature's Logic, established in 2006, offers a top-tier, 100% natural and highly digestible option for West Highland White Terriers, featuring a variety of recipes with over 90% animal-based protein, which helps promote healthy digestion and vitality in Westies. Their formulas often include nutrient-rich organ meats and are free from artificial ingredients, ensuring a complete and balanced diet, making them a great option for sensitive dogs.

Canidae Pure

Canidae PURE stands out as a top-tier dog food brand, offering limited-ingredient recipes with real meat, like lamb or salmon, as the first ingredient, often paired with wholesome options such as sweet potatoes and peas, ensuring a nutritious diet for Westies and other breeds. While many recipes are grain-free and contain under 10 ingredients, making them suitable for dogs with sensitivities, this brand has consistently received positive reviews, often earning a 5-star rating due to its high-quality components and focus on digestive health with added probiotics and antioxidants. Canidae PURE provides a balanced meal with essential vitamins and minerals that promote healthy skin and coats, as well as joint health, and is available in both dry and wet food options.

Natural Balance

Natural Balance has been a trusted brand for over 30 years, with many owners choosing it for their West Highland White Terriers due to its focus on limited ingredient diets, often containing a high percentage of protein from sources like salmon or chicken, which can help with food sensitivities sometimes seen in the breed; their formulas are often crafted with a precise balance of nutrients, usually around 25-30% protein and 15-20% fat, that support healthy skin and coats, which is especially important for Westies; the brand also offers a variety of textures, including dry kibble and wet food options, which can appeal to different dogs; many Westie owners report improvements in their dog's digestion and overall well-being after switching to Natural Balance. For more information, visit Natural Balance's dog food page.