Terrier group · Breed guide
Jack Russell Terrier: weight, routine and daily dose
The Jack Russell Terrier was given official recognition by the Kennel Club in 2016. The Royal Kennel Club explains that although Australia is seen as its country of development, the breed’s roots are in the working terriers of the British Isles, taken by emigrants who used them to keep down vermin on new homesteads; the Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia was founded in 1972 and the FCI recognised the breed in 1991.
The UK standard describes a strong, active, lithe and lively working terrier of great character — bold, fearless, friendly and confident, and sturdy enough to go easily to ground. The RKC notes that British breeders have kept the original type, similar to the Parson Russell in proportion but in a smaller frame. Up to an hour’s exercise a day is the RKC’s guide, so fixed walks and fixed meals give a busy little terrier’s day its shape.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 5–6 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 1 tablet/day
- One bottle lasts
- 120 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 12 weeks
Weight: Fédération Cynologique Internationale, “Weight: Being the equivalent of 1 kg to each 5 cms in height, i.e. a 25 cms high dog should weigh approximately 5 kgs and a 30 cms high dog should weigh 6 kgs.” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Jack Russell Terrier need?
A typical adult Jack Russell Terrier weighs 5–6 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 Jack Russell 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 Jack Russell Terrier owners
- The FCI standard links weight to height — about 1 kg for every 5 cm — so a 25 cm dog should weigh about 5 kg and a 30 cm dog about 6 kg. That makes height a useful sense-check alongside the scales.
- Give the main meal once your terrier has settled after exercise, and keep walks and meals at regular times.
- Count training rewards and titbits in the daily total; on a dog of 5–6 kg they add up quickly.
- The chicken-flavoured tablet can be offered by hand or crushed into food for a dog that is quick to spot something new in the bowl.
- 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.
Jack Russell Terrier: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Jack Russell Terrier have a day?
Typical adult Jack Russell Terriers weigh 5–6 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 Jack Russell Terrier?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 1 tablet/day one bottle lasts 120 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
How can I tell if my Jack Russell is the right weight?
The FCI standard gives a simple rule of thumb: about 1 kg for each 5 cm of height at the withers, so a 25 cm dog should weigh about 5 kg and a 30 cm dog about 6 kg. Use your dog’s actual weight with the feeding guide, and ask your vet to check body condition.
Is a Jack Russell the same as a Parson Russell for the feeding guide?
They are separate breeds; the Royal Kennel Club describes the Jack Russell as similar to the Parson Russell in proportion but in a smaller frame. The feeding guide works by weight rather than breed, so weigh your own dog.
Can every Jack Russell Terrier have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Jack Russell Terrier is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- FCI-Standard N° 345 Jack Russell Terrier — Fédération Cynologique Internationale. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Jack Russell Terrier – Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Jack Russell Terrier breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated