Willow the Jack Russell Willow the Jack Russell

Best Food for Jack Russell

Read time: 6 mins

21 Dec 2019

One of the many things we know about dogs is that small breeds, like the Jack Russell, can have mighty appetites. If you share your home with one of these cheeky characters, you'll know exactly what we mean. They're determined pups whose enthusiasm for life is infectious. And they're just as enthusiastic about eating. Jack Russells are bouncy bundles of energy who love lots of exercise. So it's no wonder they're always after a biscuit (or five).


The JRT's combination of small stature and big calorie burn means it's important to get their food just right. Always-on-the-go terriers need a healthy complete diet, packed with plenty of protein and vitamins, to keep them fully fuelled.


Based on our current customers, we estimate that adult Jack Russells need around 333 calories per day. This can vary based on your pooch’s age, weight and activity level.

Why Does My Jack Rusell Follow Me Everywhere?

Is there a shadow lurking around every corner? Do you always feel like someone is watching you? Ah, you must own a Jack Russell. Be prepared to abandon all hopes of personal space when you bring this little pooch into your life.


Rest assured that this is normal behaviour from this breed. More often than not, Jack Russells suffer from quite extreme separation anxiety, meaning that they like to be by your side as much as pawsible. This is due to the comfort and reassurance they experience when they’re with you. Whilst it might be a lovely ego-boost at first (yes, your pooch loves you more than anyone or anything) it can often interfere with your lifestyle.


If you can’t leave your dog for more than five minutes without them whining, howling or barking the house down it can make life difficult. This is something you may need to consider before buying a Jack Russell. However, a combination of practising regular separation periods and professional training could help your JRT to break the cycle. 

Do Jack Russells Shed?

Generally yes, Jack Russells do shed fur. The volume at which they shed is largely determined by their coat type which comes in three variations: smooth, broken and rough.


Surprisingly, it is often the case that the shorter the Jack Russell’s coat, the more they shed. In this case, that would mean that the smooth coat variation sheds the most. Because of their predominantly white coat, they will shed white hairs. A lint roller and light clothes will be essential, unless you enjoy a furrier look.


Sadly, this means that Jack Russells are not hypoallergenic.


Fun fact, Jack Russells have what is known as a double coat. Two whole layers of fur. The first one acts as an insulator to keep them warm and toasty, whilst the second coat is for protecting against the elements and any harmful materials.


Fun fact #2, the amount that Jack Russells shed is affected by the seasons. For example, in Spring, Jack Russells will shed most of their heavier winter coat to prepare for a warm (ish… we do live in the UK after all) Summer. One very clever pooch weather-radar. 

Are Jack Russells Good With Kids?

These feisty little terriers are one of Britain's best-loved breeds – and third in the top 10 of Butternut Box eaters (behind Cockapoos and mixed breeds, trivia fans). They adore being part of a human pack and as they're big fans of children, they make excellent family pets.

Are Jack Russells Easy to Train?

The Jack Russell was originally bred in the early 19th century by a hunting enthusiast who needed a bold and intelligent hunting dog that could be trained to catch – but not eat – prey. They became popular ratters and, due to their sociable natures, soon charmed their way from barn to farmhouse.


Because of their loyalty to owners, Jack Russells are usually fairly easy to train. They thrive off making their humans feel proud.


However, it is impawtent to be mindful of a Jack Russell’s deep-rooted hunting instincts. Smaller creatures may trigger these instincts so you must bare this in mind for other household pets and when out on walks. 

How Much Exercise Does a Jack Russell Need?

Today's Jack Russell thrives on fun, fun and more fun in the form of exercise. If they were sports stars, they'd be decathletes. There's no game they won't try and they adore a kick-about or seaside scamper (with obligatory diving in). However, lots of activity is only part of keeping these pups healthy.


As an ultra-smart breed, they need plenty of mental stimulation too. A popular game that goes down well with JRT's is scattering treats around the house for them to hunt and eat.


The typical Jack Russell has a solid little body and a delicate face. Happily, they're generally healthy specimens. Though they can be affected by arthritis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes Syndrome (an inherited bone disease). You can help manage these by controlling your pup's weight.

How Much Do Jack Russells Cost?

According to research conducted by Pets4Homes UK as of 2022, the average cost of purchasing a Jack Russell is £761.


First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances. A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions. 


As well as the cost to purchase a Jack Russell it is impawtent to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life:


  • Vaccines
  • Flea and worming treatments (first dosage and boosters)
  • Neutering / spaying (usually from 6 months onwards)
  • Equipment (collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, poo bags, toys)
  • Food
  • Insurance
  • Daycare / boarding 

Butternut Box is Perfect for Jack Russells

Butternut Box is the best Jack Russell dog food because it's high in protein thanks to the human-quality meat we use. We also add other ingredients that can be beneficial for Jack Russells. If they're prone to a bit of dandruff, the natural oils, fats and beta carotene-rich veg in our meals can help to maintain a healthy skin and coat. And we take the guesswork out of portion control. Meals arrive in perfectly portioned pouches that have been measured to match your dog's unique nutritional needs.


Jack Russells aren't fussy diners. They enjoy their food and rarely turn their noses up at what's on offer. But they still appreciate meals that have tongues lolling and tails wagging. Serving up a human-quality, goodness-fuelled bowl of Butternut Box may make JRs go drool-loopy, so stand back and let them at it.


And why should pet parents love Butternut? First and foremost, you know your busy bundle of joy is getting the right nutrients for their active lifestyle, and in the correct quantities. Secondly, when you're holding down a busy lifestyle and a high-energy Jack Russell, time is precious.


You'd love to cook your dog the diet they need, but realistically, that's not always possible. Time spent cooking or shopping for dog food could be spent playing run-like-the-wind around the park, which both of you would prefer. So here's the deal: you take care of your Jack Russell's exercise, and we'll look after their diet. Together, we make the pawfect team.