Are Westies prone to weight gain?

Yes, the breed is commonly prone to putting on weight relative to their small size, which is why measured portions and counting treats as part of the daily total are particularly useful habits for this breed.

Do Westies need a special diet for their skin?

There's no single required diet, but the breed is commonly associated with skin sensitivity, so some owners choose a food with added omega fatty acids as general support. A vet should assess any actual skin problem rather than relying on diet alone.

My Westie seems to gain weight easily even on a normal amount of food — what should I do?

Double-check that treats and any extras are being counted as part of the daily total, since these are easy to underestimate. If your dog is still gaining weight on a measured, reasonable diet, it's worth a vet check to rule out other causes.

West Highland White Terrier feeding guide

West Highland White Terriers are a small, energetic breed that tends to put on weight easily relative to their size, and the breed is also commonly associated with skin sensitivity, which makes portion control and label reading two of the more useful habits for owners generally, alongside a normal twice-daily feeding routine.

Portion control matters more than the exact food

Westies are a small breed, and even a small amount of extra food or too many treats can add up to a meaningful proportion of their daily calorie needs, which is part of why the breed is commonly prone to gaining weight. Measuring food to the guideline for your dog's actual weight, rather than eyeballing a scoop, is one of the simplest ways to keep on top of this.

A regular body condition check — feeling for ribs without pressing hard, and looking for a visible waist from above — is a more reliable ongoing guide than weighing your dog occasionally, since it catches gradual weight gain early rather than after it's become established.

Why skin condition is worth keeping an eye on

West Highland White Terriers are a breed commonly associated with skin sensitivity, and some owners choose a complete food with added omega fatty acids for general skin and coat support as a precaution, though this isn't a treatment for an existing skin problem. A visibly itchy, flaky or irritated coat is a reason to see a vet rather than to simply switch food and wait.

Reading the ingredients list for a named protein source and checking for added omega-3 is a reasonable habit for this breed specifically, even without any current sign of a problem.

A sensible everyday routine

Two measured meals a day, using the feeding guide on your chosen food as a starting point and adjusted to your individual dog's weight and activity level, works well for most adult Westies. Treats should be counted as part of the day's total food rather than added on top without adjustment, since it's easy to underestimate how much they add up.

If you're ever unsure whether your Westie's weight or coat condition looks right, a vet check is the most reliable way to know, and it's a normal, sensible thing to ask about at a routine appointment rather than something to work out alone.

Feeding kit

Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.

James Wellbeloved Adult Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice

A hypoallergenic dry food for adult dogs, in small and large breed versions, built around single-source turkey protein

From£45.75

Choose options

James Wellbeloved Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice

A hypoallergenic dry food for adult dogs, built around a single source of turkey protein

From£41.45

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Burns Adult/Senior Dog Original Lamb and Brown Rice

Single-source lamb and brown rice, formulated for adult and senior dogs with sensitivities

£35.99

Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice

A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.

£49.00

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Common questions

Are Westies prone to weight gain?: Yes, the breed is commonly prone to putting on weight relative to their small size, which is why measured portions and counting treats as part of the daily total are particularly useful habits for this breed.
Do Westies need a special diet for their skin?: There's no single required diet, but the breed is commonly associated with skin sensitivity, so some owners choose a food with added omega fatty acids as general support. A vet should assess any actual skin problem rather than relying on diet alone.
How many times a day should I feed a Westie?: Two measured meals a day is a common and sensible routine for an adult Westie, using the feeding guide on your chosen food as a starting point and adjusting based on your individual dog's weight and activity level.
My Westie seems to gain weight easily even on a normal amount of food — what should I do?: Double-check that treats and any extras are being counted as part of the daily total, since these are easy to underestimate. If your dog is still gaining weight on a measured, reasonable diet, it's worth a vet check to rule out other causes.

Sources

Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.

Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.