Terrier group · Breed guide
Irish Terrier: weight, routine and daily dose
The Irish Terrier’s bright red coat was not always its trademark. The Royal Kennel Club records that when the breed was first shown, in 1870, dogs came in mixed colours — mostly black and tan, black, grey and brindle — until a bright red bitch called Poppy, the product of two champions, produced puppies that were all the same colour. Selective breeding then made red the breed’s identifying feature.
With the colour came a reputation for a fiery spirit and a daredevil nature, the RKC says, and the breed is racier and more streamlined in build than many terriers. It was recognised in 1879, the first of the native Irish terriers to be recognised by The Kennel Club. The RKC suggests up to an hour of exercise a day, which makes for a manageable rhythm: one good walk, regular meals, and a calm moment for a daily tablet.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 11–12.5 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 6 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 27 pounds (male), 25 pounds (female)” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Irish Terrier need?
A typical adult Irish Terrier weighs 11–12.5 kg, which sits entirely in the 11–25 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 2 tablets/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Irish Terrier
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
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 Irish Terrier owners
- At around 11–12.5 kg, the breed sits just above the 10 kg point where the feeding guide changes, so weigh your own dog rather than going by the breed range.
- Feed once your dog has settled after exercise, rather than just before setting out.
- If your terrier gulps its food, the PDSA suggests a slow-feeding bowl and several smaller meals rather than one big one.
- 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.
Irish Terrier: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Irish Terrier have a day?
Typical adult Irish Terriers weigh 11–12.5 kg, which is the 11–25 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 2 tablets/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Irish Terrier?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
What is a good mealtime routine for an Irish Terrier?
Two meals at regular times, fitted after walks once your dog has settled, are easy to keep. Give DIGEST+ with the same meal each day, whole or crushed into food. Speak to your vet if your dog’s appetite or digestion changes.
My Irish Terrier is very excitable at mealtimes. Does that matter?
Asking for a calm sit before the bowl goes down and feeding in a quiet spot can make mealtimes steadier. If your dog eats very fast, the PDSA suggests slowing them down with a slow-feeding bowl. If your dog is often sick after eating, speak to your vet.
Can every Irish Terrier have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Irish Terrier is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Irish Terrier Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Irish Terrier | Breeds A to Z | The Kennel Club — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus) — PDSA. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated