Beagle Obesity The Impact of Food Quality on Weight
10 Best Dog Food for Beagles: Our Top Brands for 2024
Beagleshave noses made for following scent trails all day, every day. Their enhanced scenting and trailing abilities were developed over centuries of selective breeding of small to medium sized hounds. They were bred for the purpose of hunting rabbits and other small game.
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A Beagle's powerful nose also tends to lead the dog to food, as this highly active sporting breed has a ravenous appetite. But if left unchecked, a Beagle's love for food can produce anoverweightlittle hound dog.
By nature and breeding, Beagles are active little hunting dogs but since this is the 21st century, many Beagles today are pets and they often dont exercise, they crave and desire.
Because of this, its very important to watchhow much you feed your Beagle. Being overweight or obese can cause serious health problems and shorten your dogs life.
To keep your Beagle at ahealthy weight, its crucial to monitor your dog's food intake, and feed them a high-quality food.
In this article well discuss dietary priorities for this affectionate hunting breed, and we also list out the 10 best dog foods for Beagles. Lets dig in!
Overall Best Dog Food for Beagles
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
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Taste Of The Wild Appalachian Valley
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American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe
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Wellness CORE SIX Salmon & Chickpeas Recipe Small Breed
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe
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CANIDAE PURE Small Breed Real Chicken, Potato & Whole Egg Recipe
| Check Price on Chewy | |
True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe
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Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Recipe
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I and Love and You Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Recipe
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What Is The Best Dog Food For Beagles?
- Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
- Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley
- American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Food
- Wellness CORE SIX Salmon & Chickpeas Recipe Small Breed
- Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe
- CANIDAE PURE Small Breed Chicken Recipe
- True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe
- Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed
- I And Love And You Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Recipe
1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Formulated with fresh ingredients that are safe enough for human consumption. All of their meals are guided by delicious science.
Nom Nom is a fresh dog food created to meet all of your dogs nutritional needs. This food is SO good, that even humans could eat it!
But save the enjoyment for your Beagle they will absolutely love this heart-healthy meal option. Nom Nom is fully customizable for your pup, so your Beagle will be eating food that is specifically catered to their needs.
When you order Nom Nom dog food, the recipe is created around your Beagles weight, age and exercise level. You can even note any food allergies your pup may have, so those ingredients can be eliminated. The Healthy Turkey Feast recipe is contains vitamin-rich pumpkin and carrots.
Its also formulated with super foods such as chia seeds and blueberries, as sources of vitamins and antioxidants. If you have the budget for a restaurant grade delivery dog food, we highly recommend Nom Nom for your Beagle!
Pros
- Minimally processed
- No fillers or artificial flavors
- Crafted from organic & fresh ingredients
- The food is delivered straight to your door
- Customizable to suit your dogs specific needs
Cons
- Does require a substantial amount of freezer space
- This is not a cheap food
2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Inspired by nature, this protein-rich, grain free kibble features a multi-protein formula. All of which are novel proteins plus it is full of nutrients and antioxidants too.
Taste of the Wild was created with all of your hunting dogs needs in mind. This dog food will satisfy your Beagles instinctual craving while providing all of the nutrition they need to thrive.
With highly digestible properties, this delectable food is great for dogs who are constantly expending energy. Real venison is the first ingredient, followed by other rich proteins.
Taste of the Wild is formulated with natural antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables. These ingredients promote healthy digestion and offer prebiotic support.
Since Beagles are prone to allergies, this is a great food to give your pup because it doesnt contain any grain, corn, wheat or other fillers.
This particular food is made for small breeds, and this will benefit your Beagle because the protein to fat ratios are spot on for the breeds active needs.
Pros
- Rich in proteins and fat
- Made in the USA by a family owned company
- Crafted with ingredients from trusted sources
- Contains proprietary K9 strain probiotic blend to help support your Beagles digestive health
Cons
- Offers only one flavor for small breed dogs
3. American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This well rounded dry dog food contains premium protein source from real chicken plus organic veggies and healthy fats to boost his immune system.
This affordable dog food can be given to your Beagle at any life stage. Its full of nutritious ingredients to fuel your pups next adventure.
Real, deboned chicken is the first ingredient, helping your dog maintain lean muscle mass. American Journey is Full of natural dietary fiber from sources like flaxseed, carrots, blueberries, oatmeal, brown rice and barley.
This hearty meal will give your Beagle antioxidants that are found naturally in superfoods such as sweet potatoes, dried kelp, blueberries and cranberries.
Its also loaded with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat. We like that American Journey dog food is affordable without compromising quality.
Pros
- No corn, wheat or soy
- Can be fed at any life stage
- Contains plenty of dietary fiber for healthy digestion
- Formulated with DHA to promote brain and vision development
Cons
- Can only be purchased online, not available in retail stores
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Food
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Blended with nutrients to promote the healthy growth of your Beagle puppy plus it is made from real deboned chicken. It also contains DHA and ARA for healthy visual and cognitive development.
Your Beagles puppy years are absolutely crucial in terms of proper development. This important stage sets the groundwork for your pups bone, brain, vision and immune system growth and wellbeing.
Feeding your new puppy a quality food will ensure that they are consuming all necessary nutrients to become the strong hunting dog that they are meant to be.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is made with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit. It also contains added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.
This recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken, as well as DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development and high-quality protein for healthy muscle growth.
Pros
- No corn, wheat or soy
- Special puppy-sized kibble
- Formulated with ingredients to promote your puppys overall health
- Contains a special blend of LifeSource Bits which provide essential antioxidants and nutrients
Cons
- Is only available in chicken flavor
5. Wellness CORE SIX Salmon & Chickpeas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Carefully made using only 6 main, non-GMO ingredients along with the essential nutrients in order for your Beagle to thrive. This is also a grain free kibble which is ideal for highly sensitive pets.
Best Sensitive Stomach Food for Beagles Just because your Beagle has a sensitive tummy doesnt mean they need to miss out on a delicious, wholesome meal. Wellness CORE Six is crafted with salmon as the first ingredient.
Other beneficial ingredients include salmon meal, peas and chickpeas for the high-quality nutrition. And its completely free of grains, chicken, potatoes, tapioca, dairy, soy and wheat, making this food perfect for sensitive pups.
Wellness CORE SIX contains just six main ingredients for the first-class, high-protein and balanced diet your Beagle needs to thrive.
Plus, healthy omega fatty acids encourage healthy skin and a lustrous coat. Your furry friend is sure to enjoy this highly digestible food, as its flavorful and packed with nutrition.
Pros
- Made with 6 main ingredients
- Highly digestible for sensitive pups
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Small breed formula offers s good balance of fat and protein
- Free of grains, wheat, soy, dairy and other common allergens
Cons
- Only available in small bag sizes
Pros:
- Made with 6 main ingredients
- Highly digestible for sensitive pups
- No artificial flavors, colors or preservatives
- Free of grains, wheat, soy, dairy and other common allergens
- Small breed formula offers s good balance of fat and protein
Cons:
- Only available in small bag sizes
More Top Rated Beagle Foods
6. Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This is a grain inclusive formula especially made for small breed dogs. Crafted from real chicken and ancient grains such as quinoa making it a nutrient-dense and unique kibble.
Merrick Classic Small Breed dry dog food provides your Beagle with top-notch natural nutrition from a wholesome balance of protein, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.
The potato-free recipe features real, deboned chicken, along with peas, carrots, apples and more, as well as nutrient-rich ancient grains like quinoa.
Formulated with vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition, this small breed food also contains high doses of glucosamine and chondroitin for increased mobility, which is especially helpful for active Beagles. Merrick also contains high levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
7. CANIDAE PURE Small Breed Chicken Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Crafted with just 9 simple ingredients with real chicken on top of the list. It also contains organic fruits and veggies to supply long lasting energy to your little buddy.
CANIDAE Grain-FreePURE Small Breed Chicken recipe keeps things deliciously simple. Using a special recipe for sensitive dogs, this limited-ingredient diet is made with just 9 key ingredients and zero corn, wheat or soy.
Even if your Beagle isnt sensitive to ingredients, hell still love the great taste. The recipe starts with chicken as the first ingredient, followed by whole foods like peas, lentils and potatoes for gentle digestion.
Feed your favorite hunting partner all the nutrition he needs with the flavor he craves.
8. True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A mixture of USA-raised beef and farm grown fruits and vegetables from trusted local farmers is what keeps this kibble nutrient-dense. It boosts and supports their immune system, skin and coat health.
True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe is made with USA-raised chicken as the first ingredient and real, farm-grown veggies like peas and carrots. This complete and balanced kibble delivers flavor and nutrition to delight and nourish your Beagle with every bite.
Its crafted with natural fibers to support gentle digestion, antioxidants to support a strong immune system, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to help maintain a healthy and shiny skin and coat. Plus, there are no grains like wheat or corn, or artificial colors or flavors.
9. Instinct Raw Boost Small Breed Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This is a tailored nutrition teeming with nutrients, high quality protein, phosphorous, calcium, chondroitin, glucosamin and guaranteed levels of live probiotics. This is a one of a kind kibble plus it contains freeze dried raw bites!
Unlock your Beagles potential to thrive with Instinct by Nature's Variety Raw Boost Small Breed Recipe. This delectable food is high in animal protein, boosted nutrition features bites of freeze-dried raw meat throughout.
Its made especially for small breeds by putting the benefits of raw nutrition into every bowl. Featuring cage-free chicken as the first ingredient, theres an ideal balance of protein, fat and calories to promote healthy weight.
Theres also probiotics for digestive health, high levels of omegas for healthy skin and coat, plus plenty of antioxidants for immune health.
Instinct is roudly made in the USA free from grains, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal or artificial colors or preservatives.
10. I And Love And You Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Recipe
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
A uniquely made dry dog food packed with all the nutrition your beloved Beagle needs to stay healthy and active.
Offer your Beagle buddy the nutrition and taste they love and deserve with I and Love and You Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Recipe!
This delicious and nutritious dry dog food doesnt contain fillers, and its outfitted instead with wholesome ingredients to give your Beagle the fuel he needs to stay active and healthy.
Free of grains, corn, by-product meals and anything artificial, Naked Essentials Lamb & Bison Recipe has real lamb as the number one ingredient along with sweet potatoes and a special blend of prebiotics and probiotics. This premium food is excellent for Beagles at any life stage.
6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of Beagles
Beagles come in two different sizes, but they generally weigh between 20 and 30 pounds at full maturity. The smaller of the two sizes stands up to 13 inches tall, and the larger Beagles grows to be somewhere between 13 and 15 inches. As a small hunting dog, the Beagle has a long average lifespan between 13 and 16 years.
Beagles are generally healthy dogs, but they can be affected by numerous genetic health conditions such as hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism. This compact breed is also known for battling health problems like diabetes, seizure disorders, and allergies. Below are some dietary and nutritional factors to take into consideration when choosing a food for your Beagle:
Grain-free diet: Beagles are prone to allergies, so you may want to consider a grain-free meal option for your pup. When picking out food, make sure that the main carbohydrates are whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal. Whole grains and starchy vegetables are lower on the glycemic index than refined grains.
Fast metabolism: Beagles are incredibly active dogs, so they burn a lot of calories. Because of this, you want to choose a product that offers an absolute minimum of 5% fat, but ideally something in the 10% to 30% range.
Ingredients: Youll want to avoid purchasing dog food that doesnt list a quality, animal-based protein as the first ingredient. Fresh meats, poultry, or seafood are always a good choice, though meat meals are great as well. Meat meals are fresh meats that have been cooked to remove moisture in a process that produces a highly concentrated source of protein.
Nutritional components: The best dog food for your Beagle will contain fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key vitamins and minerals these are easier to absorb and utilize than synthetic supplements.
Hip dysplasia: Hereditary hip dysplasia is a common ailment with Beagles. Purchasing a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin can help strengthen your pups bones and joints.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is fairly common among Beagles, especially during their middle-aged years. If your dog is hypothyroid, your vet may recommend a food with less fat intake.
The amount of calories that your Beagle is eating will really be determined by their age, weight and activity level. An adult Beagle weighing around 20 pounds will generally need to eat about 700 calories per day.
However, if your Beagle is extremely active, their calorie requirements could be higher. In addition to considering your dogs calorie needs, you should also pay special attention to his macronutrient ratios. Beagles and other small breed dogs need more dietary fat than large breed dogs in order to provide the energy they need to keep their metabolisms running strong.
5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Beagle Puppy
What you feed your Beagle puppy has a huge effect on his health, now and for years to come. Everything they consume will either be beneficial for their growth or detrimental.
Your pups diet sets the foundation for proper growth, maintaining weight, energy, good digestion, and nutritional levels to power him both physically and mentally. This means that its absolutely crucial to choose a good food for your puppy, and feed them proper amounts.
Protein source: Protein is the most important ingredient in your Beagles food, no matter what life stage they are in. Your Beagle puppy will need to eat a food made with a whole protein as the first ingredient.
Protein provides the building blocks for healthy growth and development, and it should come from high-quality, animal-based sources. Animal proteins are complete proteins for dogs which means that they contain all of the essential amino acids your puppy needs.
Essential fatty acids: Its extremely beneficial for your Beagle puppy to eat a food that is formulated with essential fatty acids. DHA, for example, is a fatty acid found in a puppys mothers milk and is essential for the healthy development of their brain and vision.
Other helpful ingredients: We suggest considering a food with minerals like calcium and phosphorus. These help the formation of bones as your Beagle puppy grows, and can help prevent problems with their joints.
Ingredients to avoid: Beagles are super prone to allergies, so your Beagle puppy may thrive on a grain-free diet. Ingredients that may cause an adverse reaction include grain, soy, dairy and anything artificial.
Lots of protein and calories: Puppies have a lot of energy, and your Beagle will be chomping at the bit to get their nose working all the time. Puppy food with lots of protein and calories will supply the nutrition your busy pup needs.
When it comes to feeding a Beagle puppy, kibble thats specifically formulated for puppies is the preferred choice. Commercial kibble is easy to serve, affordable, and readily available. Luckily there are numerous dry food brands to choose from, but theres a definite difference when it comes to quality.
Beagle Puppy Feeding Chart
For your Beagle puppy, its recommended that you divide the food into meals and feed on routine rather than free feeding. Offering regular meals encourages dogs to eat their food when you serve it instead of becoming picky about their food or overeating.
- 8 week old Beagle: By 4 weeks old, your Beagle is slowly weaned off their mother with an incremental introduction to solid foods. Every few days, the ratio of liquid to solid will be less. By week 6, most Beagle puppies are eating a purely solid diet.
- 10 week old Beagle: Your Beagle puppy is now on a solid diet, and they are loving it! Keep feeding them 4 times on a day, and keep to a consistent schedule if you can.
- 3 month old Beagle: Your puppy is probably very hungry and ready to eat all the time! Nows a good time to begin a feeding routine if you havent already, offering your Beagle 4 scheduled meals per day.
- 6 month old Beagle: When your Beagle reaches 6 months of age, you can transition them to eating 3 meals a day, rather than 4. Its best to feed them once in the morning and once in the evening, then somewhere in between.
- 1 year old Beagle: Your Beagle is now in the adult phase of their life, and weight gain is slowing quite a bit. Be wary of how many extra snacks youre giving your Beagle, as the calories add up quickly. Your Beagle should be eating 2 meals per day as an adult.
Our 2024 Beagle Feeding Guide
Beagles range in weight from 25 to 30 pounds as adults, and they need to consume between 650 and 900 calories per day. This recommendation should be adjusted according to the activity level of your Beagle, with more active dogs needing higher daily calorie intake.
Most Beagles are active, energetic dogs with seemingly boundless energy, so the larger daily recommendation is more likely to be well-suited to your Beagle, especially if they are still a puppy. Beagles over 7 years old are typically less active and need fewer calories.
- Puppy Diet: Growing puppies need to eat about 55 calories per each pound of their body weight, per day. Of course, this can vary depending on exact age, health and activity level. Feeding your Beagle 3 to 4 scheduled meals per day will be best. Dont free feed your Beagle puppy, as they will keep eating until you run out of food!
- Adult Diet: Healthy adult Beagles need to consume approximately 45 calories per pound of body weight. Remember that your pup will need more calories if they are incredibly active and constantly burning calories. Adult Beagles should be fed twice a day.
- Senior Diet: Senior Beagles will slow down and become less active. Since their metabolisms are lower, its best to offer your Beagle around 42 calories per pound of body weight during their golden years. Senior Beagles should still be fed twice a day.
Many pet parents want to know exactly how much to feed a Beagle, but to say one cup' would not be helpful or accurate. Each type of food (wet, dry, homemade, etc) will have varying levels of calorie-dense ingredients.
Its best to read the feeding guidelines on your dog food to determine the best amount to give your Beagle.
Conclusion
It might seem like your Beagle is always hungry, and when he looks at you with those big, pleading eyes it can be hard to say no. But remember that this hunting dog is susceptible to obesity.
If he smells food and sees a chance to get fed hell take it every time. Its imperative to stick to your feeding schedule to keep your Beagle in good health throughout the years.
Choosing a high-quality diet for your Beagle probably seems like a challenge since there are many excellent options out there. As you start looking around, consider picking out a small-breed formula to ensure that your Beagles high needs for energy are met.
Youll also want to select a product made with fresh, natural ingredients. You do not necessarily need to spend a fortune to feed your dog each month, but it is a good rule of thumb to buy the best dog food you can afford.
A healthy, high-quality diet is the best way to keep your Beagle in prime condition, helping him to enjoy a long, healthy life.
