Terrier group · Breed guide
Border Terrier: weight, routine and daily dose
“Essentially a working terrier,” says the breed standard, and the Border remains one. The borders of Northumberland and Scotland gave the breed its name around 1880, when it worked as the earth dog alongside the Border Foxhounds; locally it had also been called the Reedwater Terrier and the Coquetdale Terrier. Because it was bred to run with hounds — the standard asks for a dog capable of following a horse — the Royal Kennel Club notes it tends to get along better with other dogs than many terriers.
At home the Border is intelligent, affectionate and good-natured, but it keeps a strong prey drive and a natural instinct to dig and chase. The Royal Kennel Club suggests at least an hour of exercise a day with plenty of mental stimulation, and says Borders do not do well left alone for long periods — so a lively, people-centred day with regular walks and meals at the same times suits them well.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 5–7 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 1 tablet/day
- One bottle lasts
- 120 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 12 weeks
Weight: Royal Kennel Club, “Weight: dogs: 6-7 kgs (13-15½ lbs); bitches: 5-6.5 kgs (11½-14 lbs).” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Border Terrier need?
A typical adult Border Terrier weighs 5–7 kg, which sits entirely in the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days | Every 12 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Border Terrier
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablet/day | 120 days | 240 days | 360 days | from £0.17 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Border Terrier owners
- At 5–7 kg, adult Border Terriers sit in the up to 10 kg band. Weighing every so often is still useful, as a small dog’s weight shifts quickly with extra snacks.
- Food-based games and training rewards are a good outlet for a busy terrier’s mind; count them as part of the day’s food.
- A chewable tablet can be given from the hand or crushed into a spoonful of food — see how to give a dog a tablet.
- Keep food changes gradual, and speak to your vet about any vomiting, diarrhoea or change in appetite.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Border Terrier: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Border Terrier have a day?
Typical adult Border Terriers weigh 5–7 kg, which is the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Border Terrier?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 1 tablet/day one bottle lasts 120 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Is a Border Terrier’s mouth too small for a tablet?
Most Borders chew a small flavoured tablet without difficulty. If yours spits it out, crush it and mix it into a little of the usual food, offered before the rest of the bowl.
My Border Terrier scavenges on walks — does that change the routine?
Keep the supplement and mealtimes the same, and focus on recall training and secure fencing, which the Royal Kennel Club calls essential for this breed. If your dog eats something it should not, or has vomiting or diarrhoea, speak to your vet.
Can every Border Terrier have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Border Terrier is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Border Terrier breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Border Terrier — Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated