What are the Best Dog Foods for Airedale Terriers?
The lively, athletic Airedale Terrier makes an excellent family companion. A breed with an air of nobility, the Airedale is full of charm and spiritedness. Its high prey drive makes it best suited to families with terrier experience or those who can keep this breed mentally stimulated.
To keep the Airedale healthy and strong, a high-quality diet is a must. Whether your dog is a puppy, adult, or senior, our list of premium foods can help you find the right diet to support your Airedale’s health and active lifestyle.
AKC Classification: Terrier Group
Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour/day
Ideal Weight:
Healthy Male Weight: 50-65 lbs
Healthy Female Weight: 40-55 lbs
Breed Summary
The Airedale Terrier traces its roots to the Aire Valley in Yorkshire, England. Its original purpose was to rid properties of nuisance creatures, such as otters and rats. In later years, the Airedale played a vital role as a working dog, serving alongside soldiers in World War I.
The Airedale is a bold breed that possesses an innate intelligence. A dog that is playful to its core, the Airedale bonds deeply with its family and enjoys spending time in active pursuits with those it loves most.
A highly active breed, the Airedale requires vigorous, daily exercise to remain physically and mentally content. They make excellent companions for children and have the stamina to keep pace with their busyness and fun all day long.
The Airedale takes great delight in digging, chasing small animals it considers prey, and making lots of noise. It is a breed known for its independent spirit, making it a challenge to train. However, Airedales are sensitive by nature and require a gentle hand in training. Though the breed is quite friendly, it also possesses a strong instinct to protect its family members.
Fun Fact: The largest of all the terrier breeds, the Airedale is affectionately referred to as “the King of terriers.”
Physical Traits
Athletic, graceful, strong, flexible, muscular
Personality Traits
Playful, intelligent, friendly, affectionate, spirited
Health Considerations for Airedale Terriers
Though Airedale Terriers are typically a very healthy breed, there are some health problems that can befall them. The most common ailments which can affect the Airedale are hip dysplasia, allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and Von Willebrand’s disease.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition Airedales can inherit from one or both parents. It is seen when the hip bone does not rest properly within the socket, causing bone to rub against bone. It can be a very painful condition for the dog and often leads to lameness. Arthritis often sets in early in Airedales with hip dysplasia. The only prevention is genetic testing before breeding, but treating symptoms can help ease pain. For overall joint health, we like diets with:
Thyroid Support and Symptom Management
Thyroid issues can be common in Airedales. Hypothyroidism, for example, is a genetic illness that occurs when the thyroid gland does not function properly. The symptoms of this disease include obesity, poor energy, hair loss, and skin problems. Both diet and medication play a role in helping the Airedale achieve a healthy thyroid.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
Von Willebrand’s Disease is a genetic disorder that is seen in both humans and dogs. Airedales suffering from this condition do not possess the ability for their blood to clot properly. Though the illness is often identified when bleeding becomes profuse after an injury or surgery, it is also evidenced by nosebleeds, extended heat cycles, or even blood identified in feces. Medication is required to treat this problem.
From a nutrition perspective, Vitamin K helps blood clotting factors. Avoid nutraceuticals and supplements like turmeric which is a natural blood thinner.
Foods We Recommend: Airedale Terrier Puppies
When do Airedale Terriers grow out of the puppy stage?
12 months old
A large breed terrier, the Airedale is considered a puppy until it reaches 12 months of age or 75% of its full adult size. Until this time, the Airedale pup should be fed a puppy food specifically for large breed puppies.
The amount of protein found in the diet for an Airedale puppy should be modest to prevent too rapid a growth rate. Also, vitally important is the inclusion of the correct rate of calcium to phosphorous as it has an impact on the dog’s bone growth and development. Among the foods we recommend for Airedale Terrier puppies are:
Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Puppy Dry Dog Food
Bright Puppy Natural Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Beneful Healthy Puppy with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food
Be Natural Puppy Real Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Foods We Recommend: Airedale Terrier Adults
When do Airedale Terriers become adults?
12 months old
Airedale Terriers typically reach full maturity between 18 to 24 months of age. However, most often, this breed will be transitioned to an appropriate adult food prior to reaching this stage. Among our top recommendations are:
Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat Healthy Weight Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Primitive Natural Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food
Real Lamb, Goat & Venison Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Fresh, Personalized Ingredient Meal Plan
+ Custom, human-grade diet
+ More expensive than kibble
Foods We Recommend: Airedale Terrier Seniors
When do Airedale Terriers become seniors?
7.5 - 10 years old
The Airedale Terrier enters its senior years at 7.5 to 10 years of age. Since elderly Airedales are less active than they were in their youth, a diet based on lean proteins and moderate calories.
The best diets also include supplements such as probiotics and glucosamine and chondroitin to encourage good digestion and joint health. The diets we recommend for senior Airedales include:
Limited Ingredient Diet Turkey & Potato Recipe Senior Dry Dog Food
Senior Real Chicken, Sweet Potato & Garbanzo Bean Recipe Dry Dog Food
Science Diet® Adult 6+ Large Breed dog food
CORE Grain-Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food