When I brought home Dumpling, my Boston Terrier puppy, I was excited, nervous, and—let’s be honest—totally overwhelmed. Her huge eyes watched me as if asking, “Are you sure you know what you’re doing?”
I spent hours researching, reading every label on every bag of food at the pet store, and texting my vet with “urgent” questions about meals and snacks. Every Boston owner I know has been there:
Am I feeding enough? Too much? Is this brand good? When should I switch to adult food?
If that sounds like you, you’re in the right place. In this guide, I’ll share everything I wish I’d known at the start—how much to feed, what ingredients matter, how to change food safely, and what “best” actually means for Boston puppies.
And if your Boston is already grown, check out my Best Food for Adult Boston Terrier—it’s packed with real reviews and owner-tested tips.
Why the Right Puppy Food Matters for Boston Terriers
Boston Terrier puppies are pure energy. They grow fast, burn calories like tiny athletes, and have sensitive stomachs. What you feed them now sets the foundation for strong bones, shiny coats, and a happy adult dog.
I quickly learned that Boston Terriers are not “just small dogs”—they have unique needs. Their digestion is delicate, their muscles develop rapidly, and even a little nutritional mistake can lead to skin issues or tummy trouble.
“Puppies should be fed food formulated for growth and development, not just adult dog food.”
— AKC: Puppy Feeding Fundamentals
What Should I Feed a Boston Terrier Puppy?
I made plenty of mistakes at first—homemade meals, the wrong kibble, or switching foods too often. Here’s what actually matters:
Look for a puppy food that offers:
- High animal protein (22–30% or more)
- Healthy fats (like chicken or fish oil)
- DHA and Omega-3 for brain and eye development
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus for strong bones
- Vitamins, minerals, and prebiotics for immunity and digestion
Most veterinarians and experts recommend feeding a commercial, high-quality puppy food—it’s balanced, complete, and tested (PetMD: Best Puppy Food). Homemade diets sound wholesome, but unless your vet designs the recipe, it’s risky.
Never give puppies:
- Cow’s milk
- Onion, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate
- Cooked or raw bones from your plate
- Fatty or salty leftovers
Dumpling’s picky tastes taught me this: sometimes “simple and premium” wins over fancy or homemade.
Feeding Boston Terrier Puppies Before 8 Weeks Old
If you’ve raised your Boston from birth, you know those early weeks are sacred.
Birth to 4 weeks:
Puppies need nothing but their mother’s milk.
If the mother isn’t available, use only a vet-approved puppy milk replacer. Never substitute cow’s milk—trust me, I tried once out of panic, and Dumpling’s little tummy paid the price.
4–8 weeks:
Begin introducing “puppy gruel”—a mushy mix of puppy kibble and warm water or milk replacer. Let the puppies explore and lap up the mush while still nursing.
This transition should be slow, gentle, and always supervised.
“Young puppies should stay with their mother and siblings until at least 8 weeks of age. If bottle feeding is required, use a commercial canine milk replacer.”
— VCA Hospitals: Feeding Growing Puppies
If you want a week-by-week breakdown of puppy milestones and care for new moms, check out my Boston Terrier Pregnancy Week by Week Guide.
Boston Terrier Puppy Feeding Guide — Week by Week
Here’s the chart I wish I had taped to my fridge when Dumpling was little:
| Age | Meals per Day | Portion (dry food per meal) | Calories per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 8 wks | 6–8 (milk) | — | — |
| 8–10 wks | 4 | 1/4–1/3 cup | 350–400 |
| 10–12 wks | 4 | 1/3–1/2 cup | 400–500 |
| 3–4 months | 3–4 | 1/2 cup | 450–550 |
| 4–6 months | 3 | 1/2–2/3 cup | 500–600 |
| 6–12 months | 2–3 | 2/3–1 cup | 550–700 |
Tips from experience:
- If your puppy finishes a meal in seconds and begs for more, try a slow feeder or add a little bit to the portion.
- If leftovers are common, reduce the serving a bit—portion size is not set in stone.
- Always provide fresh water, especially in hot weather or after play.
Best Puppy Food for Boston Terrier — Top 5 Picks
I’ve tried and researched dozens of puppy foods. These are the five I’d recommend to a friend, based on vet advice, owner reviews, and my own experience with Dumpling:
- Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Puppy
Dumpling’s first kibble. Tiny bites, easy to digest, kept her coat shiny and her belly happy. - Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites
Gentle on sensitive tummies, highly palatable, and backed by clinical nutrition research. - Wellness Complete Health Puppy
Packed with protein, no artificial colors or preservatives. Perfect for active, growing pups. - Purina Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed
High in DHA for brain development, and gives plenty of fuel for endless puppy zoomies. - Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy
Ideal for grain-free needs or suspected allergies—worked wonders for a friend’s Boston with skin issues.
| Brand | Protein | Calcium | Grain-Free | Highlights | Approx. Price/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Royal Canin | 28% | 1.2% | No | Easy to digest, small | $1.20 |
| Hill’s | 25% | 1.3% | No | Immune support | $1.10 |
| Wellness | 29% | 1.2% | Yes | Natural ingredients | $1.30 |
| Purina Pro | 28% | 1.1% | No | Brain & vision support | $1.00 |
| Blue Buffalo | 27% | 1.2% | Yes | Allergy friendly | $1.30 |
How Many Calories Should a Boston Terrier Puppy Eat?
Every Boston is unique, but most need about 40–55 calories per pound of body weight daily.
In real life, this means your three-month-old, 6-lb puppy will need 250–300 calories per day.
Don’t overfeed—even though those puppy eyes are hard to resist! Obesity is a big risk for small breeds.
I check Dumpling’s waist every week. If she starts looking round instead of hourglass-shaped, it’s time to adjust her food.
“Puppies need about twice as many calories per pound as adult dogs.”
— VCA Hospitals: Feeding Growing Puppies
Homemade Food for Boston Terrier Puppies: Pros and Cons
I’ll be honest: I’ve made homemade meals for Dumpling on special occasions. But as a regular diet?
Homemade Food Pros:
Homemade Food Cons:
If you really want to try home-cooking, use this safe starter recipe (vet-checked):
- 60% lean cooked meat (chicken or turkey, no bones)
- 20% cooked complex carbs (rice or buckwheat)
- 20% boiled veggies (pumpkin, carrots, zucchini)
- 1 tsp. fish oil or olive oil
- Supplements only if approved by your vet
How to Safely Transition Your Boston Terrier Puppy to a New Food
Never switch food suddenly. When I made this rookie mistake, Dumpling had an upset stomach for days!
Do it gradually:
- Days 1–2: 75% old food + 25% new
- Days 3–4: 50/50 mix
- Days 5–6: 25% old + 75% new
- Day 7: 100% new food
If your pup has diarrhea, vomiting, or acts sluggish, slow down the transition or ask your vet for advice.
Conclusion
Feeding a Boston Terrier puppy isn’t just about “filling a bowl.” It’s a daily act of love, patience, and learning. Over time, you’ll spot the difference between “happy full” and “uncomfortable full,” between a diet that gives your pup energy and one that slows them down.
For Dumpling, what finally worked was a high-protein kibble and a consistent routine—plus lots of water and the occasional carrot as a treat.
My advice? Listen to your vet, observe your puppy, and don’t stress over perfection. You’ll figure out what’s best together.
And when your Boston outgrows the puppy stage, check my Best Beds for Boston Terriers article because after a good meal, every Boston deserves a great nap.
FAQ
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How much should I feed a 10 week old Boston Terrier puppy?
A 10-week-old Boston Terrier puppy generally needs about 1/3 cup of puppy food per meal, four times daily. Adjust based on activity, metabolism, and body condition.
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How often should I feed my Boston Terrier puppy?
Feed puppies under four months four times per day. From 4–6 months, feed three times per day. After six months, two meals are fine for most Bostons.
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What is the best puppy food for a Boston Terrier with allergies?
Choose a grain-free or limited-ingredient puppy formula (like duck or salmon) if allergies are suspected. Always consult your vet before making big diet changes.
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How many calories does a Boston Terrier puppy need per day?
Small breed puppies need about 40–55 calories per pound of body weight each day. Adjust for activity and growth.
