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FREEZE-DRIED RAW FEEDING GUIDE

How to feed a Bedlington Terrier

The Bedlington Terrier looks like a lamb and lives like a terrier — graceful and gentle at home, hard-wired to chase. But the trait that should shape their bowl is invisible: this breed carries a hereditary tendency to store copper in the liver, which makes what goes in their food matter more than for almost any other dog.

Here is exactly how to feed a Bedlington Terrier on freeze-dried raw — by weight and life stage, with whole-food nutrition that supports their liver, joints, coat, and lean athletic frame.

  • Adult weight17–23 lb
  • SizeMedium
  • EnergyModerate
  • Lifespan11–16 years
  • CoatCurly, lamb-like single coat — low shedder
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A healthy Bedlington Terrier
iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

What a Bedlington Terrier's body needs

Every Bedlington Terrier trait comes back to one thing: how you feed them. Here's what matters most.

  • Copper toxicosis risk

    Needs: Whole-food, single-protein recipes

    Bedlingtons can store copper in the liver. A simple, minimally processed raw diet of named proteins — with no copper-fortified synthetic premixes or mystery organ blends — keeps the ingredient list short and easy to read for a copper-aware dog. Always confirm your dog's status and copper plan with your vet.

  • Lean, athletic terrier build

    Needs: Moderate-to-high animal protein

    83% meat, organs and bone fuels the wiry muscle and quick bursts of energy this working terrier was bred for — without the starchy fillers that add empty calories.

  • Distinctive curly coat

    Needs: Omega-3 fatty acids

    Whole-food animal and fish fats feed the skin barrier from the inside, helping that signature curly coat stay soft and supple between grooming sessions.

  • Patellar luxation risk

    Needs: Joint support + a lean waistline

    Real meat, organ and ground bone supply natural glucosamine and chondroitin, while omega-3s ease joint inflammation — and keeping a Bedlington lean takes day-to-day load off the knees.

  • Moderate energy, calm at home

    Needs: Honest, measured portions

    Bedlingtons are active in bursts but settle quietly indoors, so calories add up fast. Freeze-dried raw fed by weight makes portioning precise and keeps a tidy terrier from creeping over.

How much to feed a Bedlington Terrier

Quick answer: a healthy adult Bedlington Terrier (17–23 lb) needs about 2.6–3.5 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry — so it's much less by volume than kibble. Feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.

Ideal adult weightFreeze-dried per dayPer meal (×2)
17 lb 2.6 oz 1.3 oz
19 lb typical Bedlington Terrier 2.9 oz 1.4 oz
21 lb 3.2 oz 1.6 oz
23 lb 3.5 oz 1.7 oz

Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.15 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active dogs need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.

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What to feed a Bedlington Terrier

For a Bedlington Terrier we recommend complete freeze-dried raw as the daily base — real meat, organs and ground bone with no heat-processed filler — or as a topper while you transition. Just add water and serve.

Lean single-protein recipes like Chicken or Wild-Caught Cod keep things simple and easy on the waistline, while Salmon adds omega-3s for that curly coat. Single, named proteins also make it straightforward to keep a copper-aware diet clean and predictable.

Recipes for Bedlington Terriers

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Daily support for Bedlington Terriers

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Treats Bedlington Terriers love

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Feeding a Bedlington Terrier by life stage

  • Puppy: Bedlington puppies need frequent fuel for growth — feed roughly 5–7% of current body weight across 3–4 meals a day, adjusting as they grow. If there is any family history of copper toxicosis, talk to your vet early about the right diet.
  • Adult: Feed to a lean, visible waist across two meals a day. Use the chart below as a starting point and adjust to body condition, not the bag.
  • Senior: Older Bedlingtons often do well with smaller, more frequent meals for easy digestion. Keep protein high to preserve lean muscle and lean into joint- and skin-supporting nutrition.

Common Bedlington Terrier concerns — and the diet connection

  • Copper toxicosisA hereditary tendency to store copper in the liver. Diet is central to management: a simple, whole-food menu of named single proteins keeps the ingredient list transparent and easy to manage with your vet — who should always guide a copper-aware feeding plan.
  • Patellar luxationA slipping kneecap common in smaller breeds. Keeping a Bedlington lean reduces strain on the joint, while real bone and organ supply natural glucosamine and omega-3 to support day-to-day comfort.
  • Eye conditionsBedlingtons have a higher-than-average rate of genetic eye issues. A whole-food diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 supports overall ocular and skin health, though genetics — not diet — drive these conditions.
  • Coat & skin upkeepThat curly coat needs help staying conditioned. Omega-rich whole-food fats nourish the skin barrier from the inside, complementing the regular grooming this breed requires.

Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.

Feeding a Bedlington Terrier: what to know

Feed a Bedlington Terrier to body condition: you should feel the ribs easily and see a clear waist from above and a tucked-up belly from the side. Because they are calm indoors, it is easy to overfeed an active-looking dog who actually rests most of the day.

One breed-specific note: the most important thing on the label for a Bedlington is the protein source and simplicity. If your dog has tested positive for, or is at risk of, copper toxicosis, work with your vet on a copper-managed plan — a short, whole-food ingredient list makes that conversation far easier.

Bedlington Terrier feeding questions

How much should I feed my Bedlington Terrier?
A healthy adult Bedlington (17–23 lb) needs roughly 2.5–3.5 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split between two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry, so it is far less by volume than kibble — feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.
What is the best food for a Bedlington Terrier with copper concerns?
Bedlingtons can be prone to copper toxicosis, so a simple, whole-food diet of single, named proteins makes the ingredient list easy to read and manage. Always confirm your dog's copper status and the right plan with your veterinarian before making changes.
How do I switch my Bedlington to raw?
Transition over 7–10 days, mixing a little more Land Animal into the old food each day. Freeze-dried raw is rich, so start at the lower end of the range and watch your dog's stool and waistline as you go.
Does a Bedlington Terrier need supplements?
Many benefit from omega-3 for that curly coat and joint support for the breed's patellar luxation risk. Our Skin & Coat Omega and Hip & Joint chews are easy add-ons, but always check with your vet first — especially around any copper-management plan.
Are Bedlington Terriers good for people with allergies?
Bedlingtons shed very little, which some allergy-prone owners find easier to live with, though no dog is truly hypoallergenic. A whole-food, omega-rich diet supports a healthy skin barrier and coat between their frequent grooming sessions.

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  • "Knowing exactly how much to feed took all the guesswork out. He's leaner, with more energy on our walks."

    — Jenna & Cooper

  • "My picky rescue finally runs to the bowl — and cleanup in the yard is a fraction of what it was."

    — Priya & Luna
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Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual dog's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.