Picking the best dog food for your Beagle can be a challenging task. If your Beagle hunts for food like an eagle, it’s even harder. There are plenty of decisions to make. That’s why you need to consider fido’s lifestage and health requirements. You need to ensure that she gets all the right nutrients from the highest quality sources. All of this with the abundance of information might be overwhelming.
I used my 12 years of Veterinary experience and reviewed over 100 dog food products to find the best dog food for the little eagles.
After considering the nutritional needs along with genetic health conditions that Beagles tend to have, I found that ”Nutro Ultra” is the best overall food for adult Beagles. In addition to meeting my dietary criteria for Beagles, it has the best combination of nutrients and quality sources.
But I understand that no two Beagles are alike, and your Beagle might have a different life stage or have different needs. That’s why I prepared a shortlist of the best Beagle foods that address the most common Beagle needs.
In addition to picking the best products for your pooch, I outlined my process for choosing dog food. I want you to know what gets inside the furry stomach. The process is written in plain & simple English that will help you make wiser dietary decisions for your Beagle.
I encourage you to read our review process and check out our in-depth reviews below so that you’ll be able to come up with your own dietary decisions.
Let’s get started.
Before You Pick The Best Food For Your Beagle
There’s no such thing as one food that fits all Beagles. While I did my best to find the best food for most Beagles, you might prefer to pick a more specific formula.
That’s why I elaborate here our main considerations while reviewing the best dog foods for Beagles.
You can divide your research journey into 3 steps:
- First, pick the right food for your Beagle’s life stage – Puppies, Adults and Senior Beagles are in different development stages. Their joints, bones, and muscles develop at a different pace. That’s why you’ll need to pick the proper nutrients in the correct quantity for your Beagle’s life stage.
- Picking the right food to reduce common Beagle health issues – Each dog breed has an increased risk of catching certain health conditions. These health conditions are genetic and Beagles are not indifferent. So make sure to pick the right ingredients to support common Beagle health issues.
- Picking suitable nutrient sources – Sometimes two dog foods might seem similar. Both could provide the same nutritional value. However, it’s essential to question how these nutrients were sourced. We want to avoid chemicals and low-quality nutrients that can introduce some side effects.
The rest of the guide will show you how to pick the right food for your Beagle’s life stage, how diet helps in common Beagle health issues, and what to look for on the label.
For your convenience, I (Dr. Libby Guise) shortlisted 12 dog foods. These foods were carefully selected and should satisfy your Beagle’s needs. I also noted which food is best for certain life stages or particular health issues.
After going through the shortlist, you can find additional considerations that might be of interest to you and your fur-baby.
Finally, I answered the most popular questions that I’m being asked regarding Beagles’ nutrition and diet.
Please keep in mind, while I tried to do my best to find the best food for your Beagle, it would be a good idea to understand how and why we made our decisions.
The recommendations in this review are not intended to replace the doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your veterinarian before making significant adjustments to your furbaby’s diet.
The Right Diet For Puppies, Adults, And Senior Beagles
Beagles were originally bred for hunting, they have enormous amounts of energy and are known for having a ravenous appetite. Given the chance, your pup will eat anything he can get his mouth on. It’s crucial to provide a well-balanced diet with the proper energy density.
In addition to serving food with a proper energy density, the kibble should have about 30-40 % proteins from wholesome real meat sources, a healthy fat level of about 5-10%, and a blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy skin, coat, bones, and body function. Avoid fillers, artificial flavors or colors, and other chemical additives.
If you have a beagle for a house companion, you’ll need to monitor his diet closely to maintain a healthy weight. These pooches are prone to overeating and obesity, which can contribute to arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), heart disease, and other health issues.
Macronutrient Requirements for Beagles
Each healthy diet for your Beagles would need to have the following macronutrients:
- Healthy Fats – choose fat sources that provide essential fatty acids such as omega 3 and 6, which support healthy skin and coat.
- Carbohydrates – Look for digestible carbohydrates such as starchy foods like potatoes and whole grains that are low on the glycemic index.
- Vitamins and Minerals – Whole food ingredients from fruits and vegetables can help ensure that your pup gets essential vitamins and minerals.
- Probiotics and Fiber – Probiotics from Bacillus and Lactic acid microorganisms enhance digestion. Fiber can help keep your pup’s gut healthy and bowel movements regular.
- Joint Supplements – Chondroitin and glucosamine provide building blocks to support joint health and repair.
- DHA and taurine – DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid that supports brain function and alertness. Taurine helps protect your pup’s cardiac health.
Daily Calorie Requirements
The average number of calories your furbaby needs each day varies by age and activity.
- Puppies: 55 calories per pound
- Adults: 45 calories per pound
- Seniors: 42 calories per pound
Feeding Quantity & Frequency
The package label provides a good starting point for how much you should feed your beagle. Check the guidelines, which are based on your dog’s age and weight. If your pooch remains fit and trim, stick with the product recommendations. Some dogs may need more or less food based on their activity level.
When you look at your furbaby from above, you should be able to see the waistline taper just after the ribcage. You should also be able to feel the ribs through a thin layer of fat. However, if bones are prominent, your dog is likely underweight.
Young puppies require more frequent meals to keep a steady energy level in the bloodstream. Divide their daily allotment into three daily meals until they are around 6 months old. After that, you can gradually switch to twice a day feedings. We recommend that you maintain this pattern through the adult and senior years.
When Should You Change from Puppy to Adult to Senior Food?
- Puppies – When you first get your pooch from the breeder, use the same food as they offer their puppies until your new furbaby is around 2 months. If you wish to switch to higher-quality kibble at this point, transition slowly over several weeks. Keep your pooch on puppy food for his first year to support proper bone and muscle growth.
- Divide daily portions into three daily meals until your puppy is about 6 months, then you can slowly switch to twice-a-day feeding.
- Adults – You can start switching Fido to adult food between about 11 months and 1 year of age. At this point, the body frame is done growing. As long as you have a high protein content from wholesome meats, your pal shouldn’t need the rich content of puppy food. The one exception is if you have a pregnant or nursing bitch.
- Seniors – As your furbaby ages, his metabolic needs change. Transition to senior dog food with lower energy density around 7 years of age.
The Appropriate Nutrition For Common Beagle Health Issues
Some health conditions are more popular among Beagles than other dog breeds. Each breed inherits some genes that can be associated with certain health issues.
It doesn’t mean that fido is going to develop these conditions, it just means that Beagles have a higher chance as compared to other breeds.
However, it’s possible to reduce the risk by proactively feeding Beagle with the right nutrients. Here we list the most common Beagles health issues and how certain nutrients can reduce risk.
A quick reminder: if you think your special pal suffers from any of these conditions, schedule an exam with your veterinarian to confirm your suspicions. Even with healthy dogs, these dietary recommendations may help prevent future problems. Always check with Fido’s doctor before making changes in his diet.
Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, and Other Joint Problems
Beagles are one of the many breeds that have genetic predispositions to joint conditions that include hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. As your pup ages, these issues can contribute to degenerative arthritis. In addition to keeping your pooch on a balanced diet for maintenance, look for nutrients that support joint health.
- Glucosamine is an important substance for joint health. It occurs naturally in cartilage and helps to support normal joint function and repair.
- Chondroitin helps to fight inflammation and provide lubrication in the joint capsule.
IVDD
With their short, powerful legs, beagles like dachshunds are at higher risk for bulging or ruptured discs. A diet that is high in protein and has moderate carbohydrate and fat can help to reduce the stress on your pup’s back by supporting healthy muscle mass and preventing obesity.
In addition to feeding a diet with the right nutritional profile, you’ll need to closely monitor your pup’s food intake and limit snacks or treats. Aim for a body condition score of 4.5 out of 9 for good lean muscle mass.
Obesity
As a hunting dog that has a high metabolism, the Beagle has a reputation for being a vacuum cleaner that eats anything in sight. It’s important to provide quality food that has adequate energy density and wholesome fats to meet your pup’s metabolic requirements. But that’s just part of the story. Most beagles require a strict diet. If they’re allowed to eat free-range, they’re likely to overdo it.
Allergies
While not all beagles develop allergies, you need to be prepared. If your pooch develops signs like dandruff, red skin, or itchy skin, it may be food-related. You should consider a small dog food that is limited-ingredient or doesn’t contain common allergens.
The nice thing about limited ingredient diets is that they contain fewer ingredients, so there’s less risk of your pup encountering something that causes a reaction. These foods also tend to avoid chicken meal, which is a common irritant for pups with food allergies.
Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect that your furbaby has a food allergy. You may be able to test or try some elimination diets to pinpoint the cause. Then you’ll know exactly which ingredient(s) you should avoid.
Sensitive Stomach
Also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome(IBS), a sensitive stomach can be a chronic condition. The causes of this disease aren’t always easy to determine. However, food allergies and a fiber deficiency can contribute to the problem. To help ensure good digestive health look for food with:
- Low to moderate fat
- High fiber
- Hypoallergenic, grain-free ingredients
- Wholesome meat ingredients for protein
It’s imperative that your beagle’s diet has enough fiber to promote healthy bowel movements and prevent stomach upset.
Eye Disease
Some eye diseases that are common for beagles include cataracts, cherry eye, dry eye, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. Some common food ingredients have nutrients such as Vitamin A, lutein, selenium, zinc, and antioxidants that help to support eye health. Check the label for:
- Blueberries
- Eggs
- Fish such as cod, salmon, and tuna
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Broccoli
Hypothyroidism
Some beagles will experience a malfunction of their thyroid gland where the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Although it can occur at any age, it’s most common in the senior years. In some cases, a healthy diet and exercise regimen may help prevent the condition.
If your pup develops hypothyroidism, you may notice hair loss, lethargy or weakness, and rapid weight gain. Fortunately, once you have a diagnosis, it’s easily treatable with oral replacement hormones.
Because weight gain is a concern with hypothyroidism, it’s advisable to feed a diet that’s low carb and grain-free. Additional supplements that may be helpful include omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, and milk thistle. If you’re feeding a homemade diet, consult with your veterinarian about iodine supplementation.
Ensuring High-Quality Nutrients
Now that you have information about the basic nutritional needs of Beagles and how to adjust their diets to prevent some common health conditions, we need to ensure that the nutrient sources are best of class.
- Wholesome Protein as the Main Ingredient- Beagles need a high protein level from real meat sources. You’ll want to look for whole foods like chicken, beef, lamb, and fish at the top of the ingredient list. A protein content of as much as 30-40% will help to support your pup’s lean muscle mass and active lifestyle.
- Enriched With Probiotics and Other Supplements- Probiotics and prebiotic fiber help to promote gut health and may lower the risk of IBS. Ingredients like fish oil, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help prevent or minimize arthritis and other joint issues later in life.
- Meets AAFCO Nutritional Guidelines- The American Association of Feed Control Officials is a voluntary association of agencies at the local, state, and federal levels. The group relies on Expert Panels that include veterinarians, animal nutritionists, and other professionals to conduct scientific studies on pet food ingredients. Based on their research, they craft nutritional guidelines for pet foods. Look for a statement on the label the indicates the food meets the AAFCO requirements for a complete and balanced food.
- Has Easily Digestible Materials- Sometimes dogs have a hard time digesting ingredients such as complex proteins or too much fat. Feeding a limited ingredient diet with easy-to-digest foods can help minimize problems with digestive upsets.
- Is Low to Moderate Fat- A low to moderate level of wholesome fats is sufficient for your Beagle pal. Remember that this breed has a tendency to become obese. Look for a fat content around 5-10%.
- Includes Limited Ingredients- With limited ingredients, it’s easy to know what your beagle is eating. If your pooch has food allergies or a sensitive stomach, using food that doesn’t have additives or artificial ingredients can help prevent flare-ups and support overall health. These diets are also made from whole foods which provide a quality source of nutrients.
- Ingredients and Final Product Manufactured in Trusted Countries- Knowing the source of your foods helps ensure that you’re giving your pooch quality ingredients. Look for trusted manufacturing sites such as the United States, Australia, and Canada. Avoid any products from China.
- Made Using Natural Ingredients- You don’t want to feed your furbaby artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives ingredients. Look for statements affirming that the ingredients are natural. Additives do not contribute to the nutritional value of the food.
Our 2024 Review For 12 Dog Foods For Beagles
We reviewed over 100 products by following the process presented above and classified the best of them based on everyday Beagle needs.
We considered the life stage, common Beagle health issues for each pick and ensured it has the best nutrient sources.
Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Key feature: Protein-rich formula for adults
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein, 14% Crude Fat,4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 341 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Natural Dry Dog Food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Overall Pick for Best Dog Food
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional needs recommended by the AAFCO
This adult kibble features a higher protein content of 25% to support muscle mass and a moderate fat content of 14% that provides adequate energy for the active adult Beagle. The protein comes from three sources: chicken, lamb, and salmon.
The formula includes superfoods such as blueberries, coconut, chia, and kale that are packed with valuable nutrients and antioxidants.
Beet pulp and flaxseed provide healthy prebiotic fiber, and brown rice and oatmeal allow for easy digestion. The kibble also includes omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.
Beagle owners share that their dogs love the food and that it helps their pups maintain a healthy weight while providing adequate energy.
Wellness CORE Natural Dry Grain Free Puppy Food, Chicken and Turkey
- First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas
- Key feature: High-protein, moderate fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: 36% Crude Protein,17% Crude Fat,5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 491 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-free dry dog food
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Best for: Beagle Puppies
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for growth and gestation/lactation
Made to support the growth stages in your beagle puppy, this food has 36% protein from fresh meat ingredients. This key nutrient will help your furbaby build lean muscle mass. This kibble also has 17% fat content to provide adequate energy for an active young pooch.
Packed with wholesome whole foods such as spinach, broccoli, blueberries, and kale, this food has the macronutrients and antioxidants your growing pup needs to be healthy.
The formula includes prebiotic fiber from chicory root and probiotics from not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb total Lactic Acid Microorganisms for easy digestion.
Wellness Core includes EPA, DHA, and Omega Fatty Acids from natural sources to give your growing pal support for whole-body health.
Puppy owners who use this food report that their beagles have shiny coats and plenty of energy, and they love to eat the food.
Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, lentils
- Key feature: Nutrient-rich, grain-free
- Guaranteed Analysis: 25% Crude Protein,15% Crude Fat,5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 338kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Dry adult food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Adult Beagles
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional needs established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for all stages of life
Packed with nutrient-dense whole foods, this product features 25% protein to support an adult beagle’s lean muscle mass. The 15% fat content is designed to provide adequate energy while maintaining your pup’s youthful figure.
Readily digestible whole fruits and vegetables in the formula provide essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy lifestyle. The food uses prebiotic fiber and not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb of probiotic microorganisms from Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and other species for enhanced digestibility.
This food includes supplementation with omega fatty acids, DHA, and taurine to support brain, heart, and skin health.
Owners who use this food report that their dogs love it, and they don’t have to feed as much as cheaper brands because of the nutrient density.
Eukanuba Senior Maintenance Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken by-product meal, wheat, corn, chicken fat
- Key feature: High protein, moderate fat for active senior lifestyle
- Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein,12% Crude Fat,3.8% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 330 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Medium breed dry dog food
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best for: Senior Beagles
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional needs established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for senior dogs
With 27% protein from chicken and chicken meal, this kibble provides support for lean muscle mass in your aging pooch.
The formula includes omega fatty acids and DHA to help keep your furbaby alert and mentally sharp. Glucosamine and chondroitin from chicken meal give your senior pup building blocks to fight joint disease in his later years.
This food has digestible ingredients and includes prebiotic fiber from beet pulp to keep Fido regular.
Owners who feed this food share that their dogs like the flavor and thrive when eating Eukanuba.
Orijen Regional Red
- First 5 ingredients: ranch-raised beef, wild boar, bison, grass-fed lamb, pork
- Key feature: High protein, moderate fat for an active lifestyle
- Guaranteed Analysis: 38% Crude Protein,18% Crude Fat,5% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 465 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Medium-size breed dog food
- Life Stage: All Stages
- Best for: Active Beagles
- AAFCO Statement: Orijen is formulated to meet the nutritional level established by the AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for all life stages
Packed with 38% protein from five sources of red meat, this food gives your active beagle the building blocks he needs to maintain lean muscle mass. Add to this 18% crude fat for energy needs, and your pal will have the fuel necessary to hike, hunt, or roam with you.
The formula includes whole superfood sources to provide essential vitamins and antioxidants for a healthy lifestyle. EPA and DHA support healthy brain function.
Because an active beagle can be at risk for joint injury, this food includes glucosamine and chondroitin to support cartilage health and repair along with calcium and phosphorus for strong bones.
With digestible ingredients, prebiotics from chicory root, and no less than 60,000,000 CFU/lb of Enterococcus faecium microorganisms, this food should be easy on your pal’s stomach.
Owners who use this food report that their dogs love the flavor and show improved energy and alertness.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Adult
- First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, pea fiber
- Key feature: Moderate protein, lower fat for weight loss and maintenance
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein,9% Crude Fat,10% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 326 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Weight control dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Weight Loss
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for maintenance
With moderate (20%) protein from deboned chicken and 9% fat content, this kibble from Blue Buffalo is designed to help overweight beagles trim down and maintain a sleek figure.
The formula includes whole foods from grains, fruits, and vegetables to provide antioxidants and nutrient-dense meals for your pup. The Life Source bits have a blend of essential vitamins and minerals to support strong bones and immune health.
Natural sources add glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and omega fatty acids to support the skin and hair. This product includes prebiotic fiber and probiotic microorganisms to enhance digestibility.
Owners who serve this to their dogs say it makes the coat shiny and helps their pups reach and maintain a healthy weight.
Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb & Oatmeal Recipe
- First 5 ingredients: lamb, lamb meal, oatmeal, peas, ground rice
- Key feature: Moderate protein, lower fat for weight loss and maintenance
- Guaranteed Analysis: 21% Crude Protein,12% Crude Fat,4.75% Crude Fiber, 11% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 406 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Limited Ingredient dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Allergies
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for maintenance
The limited ingredients in Wellness Simple include low allergen ingredients such as lamb and oatmeal. With no wheat, corn, soy, gluten, dairy, or eggs, this food may help reduce red, itchy skin, diarrhea, and other signs of food allergies.
The moderate protein helps to support healthy lean muscle mass and comes from digestible whole meat sources. Prebiotic fiber and probiotic microorganisms also help to support gut health.
With omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin and glucosamine for joint health, this product provides broad nutritional support.
Owners who tried this food report that their pups have fewer skin rashes and firmer poop.
Wellness Core Natural Dry Dog Food Original Turkey & Chicken
- First 5 ingredients: deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, peas, potatoes
- Key feature: high protein, moderate fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein,16% Crude Fat,4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 417 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-free, protein-rich dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Grain-Free
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for maintenance
This kibble has a high protein (34%) content from whole meat sources to support lean muscle mass in active beagles. The moderate fat content (16%) offers adequate energy for your pooch.
With prebiotic fiber and not less than 80,000,000 CFU/lb Total Lactic Acid Microorganisms, this formula provides digestive support for dogs with a sensitive stomach. The nutrient-rich superfood ingredients are grain-free and easy on the system.
This product includes natural sources of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint function.
Customers who feed this product to their dogs share that dogs thrive on this food and love to eat it.
Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: turkey meal, peas, turkey, tapioca, canola oil
- Key feature: high protein, moderate fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein,18% Crude Fat,3.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 469 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Limited Ingredient dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Sensitive Stomach
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for maintenance
This grain-free recipe with real ingredients is made to be easy on the stomach. The protein-rich food uses turkey and freeze-dried turkey to support lean muscle mass in active beagles.
In addition to a single protein source, the formula relies on one vegetable to help minimize the risk of food sensitivities. Prebiotic fiber from pumpkin seeds also supports digestive health.
The formula includes natural omega fatty acids and antioxidants to bolster skin, hair, and immune health in your pooch.
Owners report that their dogs don’t have diarrhea or stomach issues when eating this food.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: water buffalo, chicken meal, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, peas
- Key feature: high protein, moderate fat
- Guaranteed Analysis: 32% Crude Protein,18% Crude Fat,4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 370 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Grain-free dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Picky Eater
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for maintenance
With a range of whole meat sources that include bison, venison, and chicken, this protein-rich (32%) kibble has a flavor appeal for hunting dogs like beagles.
The moderate fat content enhances the tasty aspect of the food and provides adequate energy for active pups.
This product is grain-free and includes prebiotic fiber and probiotic microorganisms for easy digestibility. Whole foods provide antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and other nutrients to support total body health.
Owners that feed kibble to their furbabies share that their dogs love the flavor and gobble it up.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, pea fiber
- Key feature: Moderate protein, lower fat for maintenance
- Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein,9% Crude Fat,10% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 326 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: Dry dog food
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best for: Joint Pain/IVDD
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for maintenance
With moderate protein (20%) from whole meat, this product supports lean muscle mass that is essential for joint stability. The formula also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for overall joint health.
A lower fat content helps to keep your active pup from adding extra pounds that can put unwanted stress on the joints and spine.
This formula includes superfoods such as blueberries and cranberries for a rich supply of antioxidants and essential nutrients for total body health.
Customers with dogs suffering from arthritis share that this food helps keep their pups at a healthy weight to manage joint pain. One owner reported that her senior pooch was acting like a puppy again.
Canidae Life Stages Platinum Formula Canned Dog Food
- First 5 ingredients: chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, dried egg product, brown rice
- Key feature: digestibility
- Guaranteed Analysis: 9% Crude Protein,6.5% Crude Fat,1.5% Crude Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 504 kcal/13-ounce can
- Type of Product: Wet dog food
- Life Stage: All Stages
- Best for: Wet Food for Beagles
- AAFCO Statement: formulated to meet the nutritional level established by AAFCO Dog food nutrient profile for all life stages
This wet dog food features a balanced nutritional profile with an adequate protein and fat content to support a beagles muscle mass and energy needs.
The ingredients are easily digestible and come in a ground pate. There are no fillers or corn, wheat, or soy. The liquid source is chicken broth for added nutritional content and flavor.
Owners report that their dogs gobble the food up and thrive on the formula.
What Foods Should I Not Feed My Beagle?
Most of us have favorite foods that we like to share with our four-legged family members, but are they safe? Here are some foods that you should not feed your pup:
- Alcohol, beer, and hops
- Apple seeds
- Almonds, macadamia nuts
- Avocado, coconut, or coconut oil
- Bacon and other fatty meats
- Candy, gum, or anything with Xylitol
- Chocolate, coffee, or tea
- Garlic, onion, or chives
- Grapes and raisins
- Human vitamins
For a more exhaustive list of items, refer to our post: “Can My Dog Eat This?”
Is Grain-Free Dog Food Good for Beagles?
In 2019, the FDA issued a warning that grain-free dog foods may be linked to heart disease in some breeds, but the research is still unclear at this time. If your pup has food sensitivities that include grain allergies, grain-free diets are a wise choice.
Consult with your veterinarian and monitor your pooch if you choose this route. Many pups thrive on nutritionally balanced grain-free and limited ingredient formulas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Should I Feed My Beagle?
Check the packaging for feeding instructions based on your pup’s weight. This is a good starting point. You may need to adjust the amount slightly if you notice that your pooch is gaining or losing weight.
Do Beagles Overeat?
Beagles have a tendency to overeat if their food is not strictly regulated. Unlike other breeds, this pooch does not seem to sense fullness and will gorge itself if given the chance.
Why Is My Beagle Always Hungry?
Beagles are eating opportunists and always seem to be hungry. They will eat whenever afforded the opportunity. That doesn’t mean that you should keep feeding them, however. Research shows that for beagles, food digestion doesn’t start until the meal is in the stomach. It takes longer for these pups to sense fullness, so they tend to overeat if given free choice.
Why Do Beagles Eat So Fast?
Because digestion doesn’t start until the stomach in beagles, they feel hungry longer than many breeds. They’re also opportunistic eaters, so they’ll try to gobble up food before it’s taken away. If they have other pups, food competition can also enhance wolfing down meals.
What is a Healthy Weight for a Beagle?
Beagles range between 18 and 35 pounds. Your pal’s healthy weight will depend on his frame size, which varies from about 13 to 16 inches high at the shoulder.
If your pooch is trim and healthy, you should be able to see a waistline behind the ribs, and you should be able to feel his ribs and spine through a thin layer of fat.
What Should You Do if Your Beagle Puppy Won’t Eat?
If you recently brought a new beagle puppy home, and it stops eating, you can try to make the food more appetizing by:
- Adding some moist food if you’re feeding kibble
- Adding some low-sodium chicken broth (make sure it has no onion, garlic, or chives)
- Adding some plain white rice or boiled chicken
- Adding plain yogurt or cottage cheese
- Putting it in an interactive toy
If these measures are unsuccessful, you should contact your veterinarian. New puppies can’t afford to skip meals because they don’t have the energy stores that older dogs may carry.
What Should I Do if My Beagle Is a Picky Eater?
We get it. It’s hard to restrain yourself from sharing tasty table treats with your furbaby. But, if you keep special extras to a minimum and follow the following guidelines, your pooch should be more likely to eat his food:
- Divide your puppy’s daily food into 3 meals and transition to twice-a-day feeding around 6 months. While adults can handle one feeding, many pooches prefer morning and evening meals. Do your best to provide portions on a regular schedule.
- Your beagle’s system will anticipate regular feeding times. This helps foster hunger. But it also means that if you miss or delay a meal, your dog may wolf down his kibble. Gulping food can cause problems, so be careful!
- Use wholesome treats with no artificial colors and no fillers. Avoid the brightly colored orange and red snacks. Also, keep extra tidbits to a minimum so that your pooch is ready to eat his meal.
- Teach your pup good “table manners.” Train him to sit for any meal or snack. That way, you’ll maintain alpha status, and he’ll be more likely to show some control when he eats.
The Final Woof
After evaluating over 100 products on the market and comparing them to our criteria for beagles, we recommend Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food as the Best Food for Beagles.
This formula has the best overall combination of high protein and moderate fat content to support the active lifestyle of a beagle.
It includes nutrient-dense superfoods that are readily digestible and provide essential nutrients for overall health. There are no fillers or artificial ingredients in the product.
Prebiotic fiber and probiotics help to ensure overall gut health.
The overall nutritional profile of Nutro Ultra meets our criteria for high-quality dog food for beagles.
