The Ultimate Glen of Imaal Terrier Food Buyer’s Guide
If you come across a scruffy but substantial little terrier with endearing eyes, it might be a Glen of Imaal Terrier. Besides being a good general farm dog, Glens were used for ratting and hunting. The breed was recognized by the Irish Kennel Club in the 1930s, and eventually by other registries. Glens are hardy, intelligent, bold, and spirited dogs that are gentler and less excitable than many other terriers.
Fanciers of the breed sometimes refer to the Glen as a turnspit dog. A turnspit dog ran in a wheel to turn the spit over the fire in the kitchen so meat cooked evenly. Turnspit dogs existed in 16th century England, but it’s not certain that Glens actually performed this job.
The Glen of Imaal Terrier is very rare today. There are only a few hundred registered in the United States at this time and the breed is not very well known. In the UK it’s considered to be a vulnerable native breed by the Kennel Club, meaning fewer than 300 puppies are registered per year.
Glen of Imaal Terrier Health Problems
Glens are well-muscled but they are also heavy on the front end and they have the crooked front legs that are typically found in dwarf breeds. For this reason, they can be particularly susceptible to growth plate injuries. Injuries and rapid growth related to their diet can affect the development of their front leg bones. Owners of Glens should not allow them to jump off furniture, or engage in repetitive exercise such as jogging, or following you when you bike until they are at least a year old.
Elbow dysplasia is a problem in the breed. A dog that is affected shows forelimb lameness and elbow pain. Breeders test for elbow dysplasia when dogs are about two years old through x-rays.
PCDU or Premature Closure of the Distal Ulna is also found in Glens. This condition can lead to abnormal growth of the front legs causing great pain. It can occur in growing puppies and lead to growth plate fractures.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA, type crd3), a congenital disorder that gradually results in blindness starting at about five years of age, is found in the Glen. Fortunately, a genetic test is now available to detect the defective gene, however, it will take some time to eliminate this problem from the breed.
Nutritional Needs for the Glen of Imaal Terrier
As moderately active dogs, Glens enjoy a good walk or romp and they will actively pursue small prey. If you are doing agility, earthdog training, or other strenuous activity with your dog take this into account when determining your Glen’s caloric requirements.
According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult Glen of Imaal Terrier weighing 35 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 1115 kcal. Adjust your dog’s food intake based on his activity level and individual factors.
Glen of Imaal tend to be slow to mature; it can take up to four years for them to reach full physical maturity. Because they are heavy in their front and a dwarf breed, it’s important to encourage slow growth in Glen puppies. Due to their build, breeders often recommend that adult Glens be fed a lower protein diet.
Feeding Your Glen of Imaal Terrier
As with any dog, you should feed your Glen of Imaal Terrier a good quality dog food. Most Glens have good appetites and are efficient at metabolizing their food. Because it’s advisable to feed low to moderate protein foods choose chicken, fish, or eggs as the main protein.
Some Glens have allergies but don’t assume that all allergies are food-related. Out of the different kinds of allergies: inhalant, contact, flea bite, and food, flea bites and inhalants account for more allergic reactions in dogs than food. So, if your Glen seems to be having an allergic reaction, with itching, scratching, redness, etc., it may not be due to the food he’s eating. Working with your veterinarian can help you identify the kind of allergy your Glen has.
If your Glen of Imaal has problems with diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, or a gurgly stomach when he eats, this is probably not a food allergy but a food sensitivity. It’s a good idea to feed a food-sensitive dog minimal ingredient foods so there is less chance of giving him something to upset his gastrointestinal system.
Ingredients to Look for (and Avoid)
Look for:
- Real whole meat as the first few ingredients.
- A good animal-based fat (ex.chicken fay, omega-3), promotes healthy coat and skin, as well as brain and eye development in puppies.
- A healthy form of carbs. If certain grains don’t work, opt for rice, oats or barley as the carb component, most dogs can tolerate these.
Avoid:
- Food that has a higher percentage of plant-based protein than meat-based protein. Meat protein is easier to digest for most dogs.
- Although finding food without any meal is almost impossible, try to see if you can find one with more meat than meal.
- Food that’s too expensive for you. There’s no point in buying an excellent food one time, then switching to a cheaper food when the budget is tight. Your dog and his stomach will appreciate the consistency.
Recommended Dog Food For Glen of Imaal Terriers
Best Dog Foods for Glen of Imaal Terrier Puppies
Glen of Imaal Terrier puppies can usually begin eating a puppy food or good all life stage food right after they are weaned. Puppy foods should have a calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. All life stage foods and most puppy foods are properly formulated so you should not add any extra calcium, such as milk, cheese, or supplements. Doing so can lead to serious health problems such as OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) and other orthopedic problems.
Here are some of the puppy foods we like for Glen of Imaal Terrier puppies.
Canidae Grain-Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula 
This is one of our favorite foods for all puppies. It’s a limited ingredient food with nine ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. It’s grain-free with antioxidants for a healthy immune system, and omega-3 and -6 to support healthy skin and a beautiful coat. The first five ingredients are chicken; menhaden fish meal; lentils; peas; and potatoes. The recipe is supposed to be especially good for puppies with sensitive digestion. The food has 30 percent crude protein; 12 percent crude fat; 4 percent crude fiber; and 10 percent moisture. This food is high in calories at 520 kcal/cup, but active, growing Glen puppies can burn them off and you don’t need to feed a lot of food because it’s so nutrient-dense. If your Glen of Imaal Terrier puppy does well on this food, Canidae has some good adult food options.
Holistic Select Puppy Health Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe
Holistic Select has some excellent dog and puppy foods. This puppy formula is designed for all puppies, regardless of size. It’s formulated with Holistic Select’s unique Digestive Health Support System which includes active probiotics, healthy fiber, and digestive enzymes. The naturally-preserved food features DHA to support brain development in puppies; increased protein and fat levels; and a healthy blend of fish and chicken proteins. The first five ingredients are anchovy & sardine meal; ground brown rice; ground white rice; chicken meal; and chicken fat. It has 28 percent crude protein and 17 percent crude fat.
Best Dog Foods for Glen of Imaal Terrier Adults
Canidae All Life Stages Formula
This Canidae formula is an all life stages food so you can feed it to dogs of all ages. The first five ingredients are chicken meal; turkey meal; lamb meal; brown rice; and white rice. The food contains grains, for dietary fiber (rice, oatmeal, barley); even dogs that have problems with corn or wheat can eat these grains. There’s no corn, wheat, or soy. The food is naturally preserved and contains pre- and probiotics for healthy digestion, along with antioxidants and omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for good skin and coat. Guaranteed analysis shows 24 percent crude protein; 14.5 percent crude fat; and 4 percent crude fiber. It has 468 kcal/cup. This is a good food for dogs that do well on moderate protein and fat. Canidae has had a good reputation for many years.
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed All Breed Dog Diet
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed is a small, independent company. Foods are made using a unique, slow-cooking process at low temperatures that is said to make the carbohydrates easier to digest and ensure optimum nutrient absorption. The formulas are made using only EU (European Union)-approved ingredients, which sometimes have to meet a higher standard than USDA ingredients. Foods contain no animal by-products; fillers; gluten; corn; wheat; artificial preservatives; flavors; or colors. Best Breed uses only ethoxyquin-free sources of fish, and chicken raised without antibiotics. The first five ingredients are chicken meal; oatmeal; pearled barley; dried beet pulp, and sorghum. It has 25 percent crude protein; 12 percent crude fat; 4.5 percent crude fiber; and 445 Kcal/cup. If your Glen can’t eat chicken, Dr. Gary’s has other formulas with salmon and other proteins that might work for your dog.
Now Fresh All Breeds Grain-Free Adult Dog Food Recipe
Now Fresh is made by Petcurean. You may be familiar with some other product lines from this Canadian company, such as Go!, Spike, or Summit. This food for all breeds is made from 100 percent fresh turkey, salmon, duck and 100 percent Omega-3 and -6 oils from coconuts and canola. Now Fresh contains no grains; gluten; wheat; beef; corn; soy; rendered meats; by-products; or artificial preservatives. This formula features balanced proteins and fats to support an active lifestyle; omega oils to promote skin and coat health; pre and probiotics to aid digestive health, and antioxidants to support increased immunity. The first five ingredients in this food are deboned turkey; potato flour; peas; apples; and whole dried egg. It contains 378 kcal/cup and has 26 percent crude protein and 16 percent crude fat.
Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal
Wellness makes many good dog foods but we’ve chosen the Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal formula for Glens because of its moderate protein level. This recipe does include grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and barley, but these grains provide good dietary fiber and are easier to digest. The first five ingredients in this food are deboned chicken; chicken meal; oatmeal; ground barley; and peas. The food has 24 percent crude protein; 12 percent crude fat; 4 percent crude fiber; and 10 percent moisture. It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin; taurine for heart health; omega-3 and -6 fatty acids; as well as probiotics. It has 434 kcal per cup.
Best Dog Foods for the Senior Glen of Imaal Terrier
It’s not unusual for many Glen of Imaal Terriers to live into their teen years. Many older dogs put on pounds as they become less active. For this reason, most “senior” dog foods have fewer calories but they skimp on protein. As long as your older dog doesn’t have problems with his kidneys or with phosphorus, there’s no reason to avoid higher protein levels.
If your dog is doing well on his regular food, keep feeding it, especially if it’s an all life stage food.
If you’re looking for a good quality senior food for your Glen, try one of these:
Nulo Freestyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe
Nulo has only recently become a nationally-known brand so not everyone is familiar with it. Their foods have 80-84 percent animal-based protein, one of the highest amounts of any dog food. Nulo is also one of the few companies using probiotics that seem to actually survive the manufacturing process. (Check their site to read more.) Their foods are low-carb and low-glycemic. They don’t use corn; wheat; soy; potatoes; tapioca; glutens; genetically modified organisms; poultry; eggs; meat by-products; artificial colors; flavors; or preservatives. The food contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It also has L-Carnitine which aids your senior dog’s metabolism and helps turn fat into muscle. The first five ingredients are deboned trout; turkey meal; salmon meal; yellow peas; and sweet potato. It has 30 percent crude protein; 12 percent crude fat; and 396 kcal/cup. This food is AAFCO-approved for maintenance. This is probably one of the best senior dog foods available today.
Canidae® Grain-Free PURE Meadow® for Senior Dogs with Fresh Chicken Dry Formula
We like this Canidae formula for senior dogs because it has 28 percent crude protein – not easy to find among senior dog foods. Dry matter basis figures are 31.1 percent protein; 11.1 percent fat; 5.6 percent fiber; and 43.3 percent carbs. The fat percentage is a little low and the carbs are a little high but we like the protein percentage. This limited ingredient food is good for senior dogs who need to lose just a little weight, and dogs with food sensitivities. No corn, wheat, or soy. This particular formula uses chicken and Canidae uses fresh meats in their foods. The first five ingredients are chicken; chicken meal; turkey meal; sweet potatoes; and chickpeas. This food has 409 kcal/cup.
Weruva’s Caloric Harmony Venison and Salmon Meal Dinner with Pumpkin.
This food (and several others in this product line) is potato-free with no corn or wheat, easy to digest, and low-glycemic. It contains pumpkin and oatmeal for healthy gut motility. The first five ingredients are grass-fed venison; venison meal; salmon meal; herring meal; and oatmeal. The dry matter basis for this food is an estimated 37.8 percent protein;14.4 percent fat; 3.9 percent fiber; and 35 percent carbs. The calorie count 348 kcal/cup. This food is not specifically made for older dogs but it has the ingredients and percentages that make it a good choice for senior dogs that need to watch their weight.
Below is a list of Products reviewed in this article
- Canidae Grain-Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula
- Holistic Select Puppy Health Anchovy, Sardine & Chicken Meals Recipe
- Canidae All Life Stages Formula
- Dr. Gary’s Best Breed All Breed Dog Diet
- Now Fresh All Breeds Grain-Free Adult Dog Food Recipe
- Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal
- Nulo Freestyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Canidae® Grain-Free PURE Meadow® for Senior Dogs with Fresh Chicken Dry Formula
- Weruva’s Caloric Harmony Venison and Salmon Meal Dinner with Pumpkin
