Best Dog Food for Beagles: Fueling Your Pal’s Health & Energy!

Beagles have 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.

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 an overweight little 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 don’t exercise, they crave and desire.

Because of this, it’s very important to watch how much you feed your Beagle. Being overweight or obese can cause serious health problems and shorten your dog’s life.

To keep your Beagle at a healthy weight, it’s crucial to monitor your dog's food intake, and feed them a high-quality food.

In this article we’ll discuss dietary priorities for this affectionate hunting breed, and we also list out the 10 best dog foods for Beagles. Let’s dig in!

 

Overall Best Dog Food for Beagles

1. Nom Nom Pet Food

Nom Nom is a gently-cooked dog food created to meet all of your dog’s 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 Beagle’s 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.

It’s 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!

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2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley

Taste of the Wild was created with all of your hunting dog’s needs in mind. This dog food will satisfy your Beagle’s 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 doesn’t 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 breed’s active needs.

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3. American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Protein First Recipe

This affordable dog food can be given to your Beagle at any life stage. It’s full of nutritious ingredients to fuel your pup’s 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 fur baby antioxidants that are found naturally in superfoods such as sweet potatoes, dried kelp, blueberries and cranberries.

It’s 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.

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4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy

Your Beagle’s puppy years are absolutely crucial in terms of proper development. This important stage sets the groundwork for your pup’s 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.

This 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.

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5. Wellness CORE SIX Salmon & Chickpeas

Just because your Beagle has a sensitive tummy doesn’t mean they need to miss out on a delicious, wholesome meal. This tasty kibble is crafted with salmon as the first ingredient.

Other beneficial ingredients include salmon meal, peas and chickpeas for the high-quality nutrition. And it’s completely free of grains, chicken, potatoes, tapioca, dairy, soy and wheat, making this food perfect for sensitive pups.

This formula from Wellness 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 it’s flavorful and packed with nutrition.

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6. Merrick Classic Small Breed Recipe

Merrick 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. It also contains high levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.

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7. Hill's Science Diet Senior Adult 11+

Perfect for your pint-sized senior Beagles, this gourmet blend combines chicken meal, barley, and brown rice for a taste that's both hearty and wholesome.

Tailored to support aging joints and maintain optimal health, it's like a fountain of youth in every bite. Prebiotic fiber aids digestion, while healthy fats from fish oil enhance joint health.

With a balanced mix of minerals, it supports a healthy heart, kidneys, and bladder in toy breeds. Omega-6 and vitamin E nourish your dog's skin and coat. 

Made with natural ingredients and a blend of antioxidants, it promotes lifelong health for your beloved companion.

Because even the wisest dogs deserve to feel young at heart—and enjoy a meal that's both delicious and nutritious!

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8. Purina ONE Healthy Weight Lamb & Brown Rice

This canned food offers a nutritionally complete meal for your adult pooches. 

Crafted from premium, high-quality ingredients enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, this formula ensures your dog receives the comprehensive nutrition necessary for lifelong health.

The real lamb and wholesome rice (brown) in a delectable gravy create an irresistible flavor that will delight your dog's taste buds, keeping him both happy and satisfied. 

With this scrumptious meal, you can confidently provide a balanced and delicious diet that supports your dog's overall well-being.

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9. PetPlate Human Grade Venison Entree

Your furry friend might not dine at the table, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't enjoy food worthy of it.

This “home cooked meal” is crafted with premium, human-grade ingredients such as lean venison, apples, carrots, and a medley of colorful fruits and vegetables. 

Each entrée is gently cooked in small batches to retain essential nutrients and then frozen to ensure freshness without artificial preservatives.

Venison, a low-fat novel protein, is an excellent alternative for dogs with sensitivities to common proteins like beef or chicken.

This specially formulated, complete, and balanced recipe is made in human-grade kitchens in the USA and can be served as a standalone meal or used as a topper.

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10. Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Small Breed 

Revitalize your furry friend's diet with this chicken recipe, a fresh and wholesome approach to pet nutrition. Even the pickiest eaters will relish the taste of fresh meats and vegetables.

This grain-free formula features bite-sized pieces packed with nutrient-dense protein, fruits, and veggies. It includes 100% natural fresh chicken and antioxidant-rich sweet potatoes, cranberries, and carrots.

These wholesome ingredients are gently cooked to unlock their full nutritional benefits, supporting your small dog's health and high-energy needs.

The brand's fresh and prepared meals are gently cooked and minimally processed, ensuring your pet gets the best of both flavor and optimal nutrition. These meals are guaranteed to delight your furry friend and satisfy their cravings.

6 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations

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: You’ll want to avoid purchasing dog food that doesn’t 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 this breed. Purchasing a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin can help strengthen your pup’s 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 pet is extremely active, their calorie requirements could be higher. In addition to considering your dog’s 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 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 pup’s 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 it’s 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 Beagle’s 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: It’s 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 puppy’s mother’s 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 that’s 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 there’s a definite difference when it comes to quality.

Beagle Puppy Feeding Chart

For your puppy, it’s 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 weeks old: 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 weeks old: 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 months old: Your puppy is probably very hungry and ready to eat all the time! Now’s a good time to begin a feeding routine if you haven’t already, offering your Beagle 4 scheduled meals per day.
• 6 months old: When your Beagle reaches 6 months of age, you can transition them to eating 3 meals a day, rather than 4. It’s best to feed them once in the morning and once in the evening, then somewhere in between.
• 1 year old: 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 you’re giving your Beagle, as the calories add up quickly. Your Beagle should be eating 2 meals per day as an adult.

Our 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. Don’t 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, it’s 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.

It’s best to read the feeding guidelines on your dog food to determine the best amount to give your fur baby.

Parting Words

It might seem like your pet 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 he’ll take it every time. It’s 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 Beagle’s high needs for energy are met.

You’ll 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 pooch in prime condition, helping him to enjoy a long, healthy life.