Terrier group · Breed guide
West Highland White Terrier: weight, routine and daily dose
The Westie grew out of Cairn terrier stock. In the mid-19th century the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire developed a white strain of Cairns, arguing that white dogs were easier to see when working on the moors. Early names included the Poltalloch terrier and the Roseneath terrier, after a strain on the Duke of Argyll’s Roseneath estate; The Kennel Club recognised the breed in 1907.
The breed standard describes a small, active, game and hardy dog, “possessed of no small amount of self-esteem”, alert, courageous, self-reliant but friendly. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day and notes the breed suits a flat, so a Westie’s routine is a lively but compact one — brisk walks, plenty of company and regular meals.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 6.5–9.5 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 1 tablet/day
- One bottle lasts
- 120 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 12 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 15-20 pounds” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a West Highland White Terrier need?
A typical adult West Highland White Terrier weighs 6.5–9.5 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 West Highland White 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 West Highland White Terrier owners
- A typical range of about 6.5–9.5 kg puts adult Westies in the up to 10 kg band; weigh yours to be sure.
- A chewable tablet can be given from the hand or crushed into a spoonful of food.
- Count training rewards as part of the day’s food so a small dog keeps a steady weight.
- Make food changes gradually over several days, 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.
West Highland White Terrier: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a West Highland White Terrier have a day?
Typical adult West Highland White Terriers weigh 6.5–9.5 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 West Highland White Terrier?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 1 tablet/day one bottle lasts 120 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Will a Westie take a tablet from the hand?
Many will, especially if it is offered as a small reward. If yours is wary, crush it into a little of the usual food and give that before the rest of the meal.
What is the best time of day for a Westie’s supplement?
Whichever meal is most regular in your household. Tying it to the same meal every day is easier to remember than a time on the clock. Keep fresh drinking water available.
Can every West Highland White Terrier have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your West Highland White Terrier is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- West Highland White Terrier Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- West Highland White Terrier — Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- West Highland White Terrier breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated