Your Boston Terrier’s Life Starts in Their Gut

If you own a Boston Terrier, you already know they are more than just dogs. They are family.

But what many Boston owners don’t realize is that your dog’s gut microbiome influences nearly every system in their body. Digestion, immunity, skin health, allergy response, inflammation, bladder health, and even lifespan all trace back to what lives in the gut.

Many of the most common health issues seen in Boston Terriers don’t begin with genetics alone. They often begin in the bowl.

At Olive & Co., we focus on feeding dogs in a way that supports their biology rather than fighting against it. Whether you choose raw, gently cooked, or a cleaner commercial option, this guide will walk you through what actually matters, what to avoid, and how to make confident food choices for your Boston.

👉 Jump to our recipe 👈

How We Got Here: A Brief History of Dog Food

Before the mid-1800s, dogs primarily ate table scraps, raw meat, bones, and whatever they could forage. Their diets were minimally processed and closely aligned with what carnivorous animals evolved to eat.

In the 1860s, James Spratt introduced the first commercial dog biscuits, marketed largely to wealthy pet owners and dog show participants. By the late 1800s, commercial pet food advertising had begun appearing in kennel publications.

Canned dog food became popular in the early 1900s. During World War II, metal shortages limited can production, accelerating the rise of dry kibble. From that point forward, pet food became increasingly industrialized, relying on shelf-stable ingredients, synthetic vitamins, and preservatives.

With each shift, convenience increased. Nutritional integrity often declined.

Why Gut Health Matters for Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers are especially prone to:

• Allergies and chronic itching

• Colitis and digestive upset

• Bladder stones and urinary issues

• Skin infections

• Inflammation-related conditions

The gut microbiome plays a central role in regulating inflammation, immune signaling, and nutrient absorption. When the gut is compromised, the body compensates until it can’t anymore.

Food quality is the single most powerful lever you control.

Ingredients to Avoid in Your Boston’s Food

These ingredients are commonly found in ultra-processed dog foods and are best avoided long-term:

• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA)

• Ethoxyquin

• Propylene glycol

• Sodium selenite

• Carrageenan

• Sorbitol

• Xylitol

• Artificial dyes (Red 40, Blue 2, Yellow 5)

• Corn and corn gluten

• Wheat

• Soy and soybean oil

• Barley and oats

• White rice and rice bran

• Beet pulp

• Animal digest

• Meat meal or meat-and-bone meal

• By-product meals

• Synthetic preservatives such as thiamine mononitrate

Ingredients That Support a Healthy Microbiome

Foods that nourish gut health and overall vitality include:

• Fresh muscle meat

• Organ meats (liver, kidney, spleen, heart)

• Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)

• Eggs with shell

• Green tripe

• Low-glycemic vegetables

• Antioxidant-rich fruits (blueberries, cranberries)

• Ginger for digestive and joint support

• Natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols)

Your Real Feeding Options

After extensive research, we’ve found four realistic ways to feed a Boston Terrier well:

1. Homemade Raw Diet

Offers the highest level of nutritional integrity when properly balanced.

2. Homemade Gently Cooked Diet

Ideal for owners not ready for raw but wanting whole, fresh food.

3. Commercial Fresh Raw

We trust Viva Raw for their transparent sourcing, minimal processing, and species-appropriate formulations.

4. Freeze-Dried Whole Food

Brands like The Honest Kitchen can be transitional options, though still more processed than fresh food.

Ultra-processed kibble is not recommended as a long-term primary diet for Boston Terriers.

Raw Feeding: The BARF Model Explained

We follow the principles of Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF), which focuses on feeding dogs the diet they evolved to eat.

Balanced Raw Ratios:

• 70–80% muscle meat

• 10% raw edible bone

• 10% organ meat

  
  

  • 5% liver

  • 5% other secreting organs

  
  

• Optional: 5–10% vegetables

Feeding Amounts:

• Average adult: 3% of ideal body weight

• Weight loss: 2%

• Weight gain: 4%

Balanced Additions:

• Eggs with shell

• Green tripe

• Whole prey animals (rabbit, quail)

Is Raw Meat Safe for Dogs?

This concern comes up often. Dogs have short, acidic digestive tracts designed to handle raw meat and naturally occurring bacteria when they are otherwise healthy.

Bacteria exists everywhere, including in dry kibble. A healthy dog’s digestive system is fundamentally different from a human’s and is equipped to manage bacterial exposure.

Can Puppies Eat a Raw Diet?

Yes. Puppies can thrive on a properly balanced raw diet.

• Feed 2–3% of expected adult weight

• Or 10% of current body weight if adult size is unknown

Feeding Frequency:

• Up to 6 months: 3 meals daily

• 6–12 months: 2 meals daily

• Adults: 1–2 meals daily

Gently Cooked “Forever Dog” Recipe (25 lb Adult Boston)

This recipe is inspired by the principles taught in The Forever Dog Life by Dr. Karen Becker and Rodney Habib and adapted for Boston Terriers.

Protein (70–75%)

• 1.5 lbs grass-fed ground beef, turkey, or chicken

• 3 oz beef liver

• 3 oz kidney or spleen

• 2 whole eggs with shell, lightly cooked

Vegetables (10–15%)

• ½ cup carrots, lightly cooked

• ½ cup spinach or kale

• ¼ cup blueberries or cranberries

Healthy Fats

• 1 tbsp sardine oil or wild fish oil (EPA/DHA)

Calcium & Minerals

• ½ tsp finely ground eggshell powder per pound of food

• Optional: ⅛ tsp kelp powder

Optional Add-Ons

• ¼ tsp ginger

• Probiotic or digestive enzyme

❌ No grains, legumes, synthetic multivitamins, or fillers

Storage & Portioning

• Refrigerate for up to 3 days

• Freeze portions for up to 1 month

A 25-pound Boston typically requires 500–600 calories per day depending on activity level.

A Note on Longevity

Whether you choose raw, gently cooked, or a cleaner commercial option, your dog’s long-term health begins and ends in the gut.

A supported microbiome means fewer chronic issues, stronger immunity, and more healthy years by your side.

Have questions? Meet us in the comments or DM FOOD and we’ll guide you.

References

• Becker, K. & Habib, R. The Forever Dog Life

• Dogs Naturally Magazine

• Hare Today Raw Feeding Resources