If you’re the owner of a happy, go-lucky beagle, you must be well aware of the seemingly limitless amounts of energy that these playful pups have.
For this reason, you should choose an appropriate food for your dog that will provide him with the necessary nutrients and ensure his optimal health and well-being.
Best Dog Foods for a Beagle
- Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Puppy Recipe
- Nutrisource Small and Medium Breed Puppy Food (Turkey)
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
- Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Dog Food
- Simply Perfection Super Premium Grain-Free Chicken and Chickpea Dinner
- Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Reduced-Fat
- “I and love and you” Naked Essentials Wet Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
Choosing Age and Size Appropriate Food
When choosing a dog food, it is important to keep in mind the different stages of development of your beagle.
Puppies, adults and senior dogs each have different dietary requirements so you should choose an age-specific food. While dog foods labelled as appropriate for “all life stages” may seem convenient, they are probably not a good idea for a beagle who may be prone to certain health issues.
Your beagle will be considered a puppy from birth to 12 months, an adult from one to seven years and a senior from seven years onward.
Choosing a food that is age-specific means that your beagle pup will get a more calorie-rich diet, as opposed to your senior beagle who will need a diet designed for weight management.
Beagles come in two sizes; under 13 inches, weighing between 22 and 30 pounds and between 13 and 15 inches, weighing from 25 to 35 pounds.
Both categories can be considered medium-sized, but their nutritional requirements may vary.
Dog foods designed for medium breeds are appropriate, but a good quality food that is not age-specific will be fine, particularly if designed for dogs with a propensity for obesity.
Ingredients
As a pet owner, one of the most important things you can learn is how to properly read labels on packaging. More often than not, better quality ingredients will come with a price tag, and you may not be in a position to pay for a premium product. Nonetheless, you should be aware of exactly what it is that goes into each product so that you can make an informed decision.
You should avoid any “fillers” in dog food, i.e., cheap ingredients such as soy, wheat and corn that will leave your pet feeling full but don’t provide any nutritional value.
Meat, poultry and fish by-products and by-product meals are also cheap, low-quality ingredients that should be avoided.
Many dog foods include higher quality meals in their ingredients, such as chicken, lamb or salmon, which come from one specific animal. These meals are higher in protein per gram than unprocessed meat which is why they are often recommended as ideal ingredients.
The problem is, meals differ greatly in their quality and there is no way of knowing for sure what type is in each pet food – unless you assume that a more expensive product contains better ingredients, which is not always the case.
Pay attention to the first five ingredients on the list as, by law, manufacturers must list ingredients in descending order according to their weight.
However, keep in mind that weighing occurs prior to cooking so that meat or poultry, which have a higher moisture content than other ingredients, may not really be the first ingredients, even though they are listed as such.
You’ll also need to ensure that your beagle is getting the right amounts of protein and fats. For a puppy, look for foods with around 28% protein and 17% fat content and an adult, 18% protein and between nine and 15% fat content.
However, if your beagle is overly active, a food with around 25% protein content will do well.
Seniors will need higher levels of protein compared to adults, contrary to what was believed in the past. Look for senior dog foods which contain at least 25% protein.
Beagles are prone to a variety of health issues, many of which can be linked to their eating habits.
Overeating or a poor diet can lead to diabetes, heart disease, hip dysplasia and obesity. It’s important to choose a dog food that is geared towards greedy pooches so that you can keep your pup’s weight in check.
Allergies, in general, are a problem for many beagles and food allergies are a common culprit.
You’ll need to take into consideration your dog’s individual needs – a talk with your vet is your best bet – but choosing a grain-free dog food will instantly eliminate common allergens for beagles such as soy and wheat.
Keep in mind, though, that your beagle may do just fine with a grain-inclusive diet.
Serving Suggestions
How often and how much you feed your beagle will depend on his size, age and physical activity. Whether his diet consists of dry food, wet food or a combination of the two will depend on your budget as wet food is typically more expensive, but keep in mind that wet food, although more palatable, contains less protein and fat and more moisture.
A puppy will eat anywhere between 140 and 320g per day. This should be split into four servings between two and four months, three servings between four and six months and two servings from six months onwards.
An adult will eat between 150 and 280g per day and should be fed in two servings.
As long as he’s maintaining a healthy weight and getting plenty of exercise, don’t give in to his begging ways. If you’re concerned at any point, seek advice from your vet.
Best Dog Food for Beagle Puppy
Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Puppy Recipe
This grain-free puppy food contains no preservatives or fillers and is a quality choice for a beagle pup. With 30% protein and 16% crude fat, this food will ensure your pup gets off to the right start in life. The omega fatty acids support a healthy coat and skin, which is especially important for beagles who may be prone to skin allergies, and the added glucosamine and chondroitin promote healthy joints, which can help in preventing hip dysplasia down the road. The first listed ingredient is deboned chicken – a quality source of protein, however, some people may not appreciate the chicken meal and potato listed as the second and fourth ingredients, respectively.
PROS
- Grain-free
- No preservatives or fillers
- 30% protein and 16% fat
- Omega fatty acids
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
CONS
- Chicken meal is the second ingredient
- Potato is the fourth ingredient
Nutrisource Small and Medium Breed Puppy Food (Turkey)
This dog food has been specifically designed for puppies that won’t grow to more than 70 pounds when they reach maturity and is an ideal choice for a beagle pup. The recipe is grain and potato-free and designed for a healthy gut, brain and skin and coat. The protein and fat levels are appropriate at 32 and 18%, respectively, and turkey is listed as the first ingredient. One potential drawback is that turkey meal is the second ingredient.
PROS
- Age and medium-breed specific
- Grain and potato-free recipe
- Designed for a healthy gut, brain, skin and coat
- 32% protein and 18% fat
- Turkey is the first ingredient
CONS
- Turkey meal is the second ingredient
Best Dog Food for an Adult Beagle
An Adult Beagles diet will vary slightly from a junior dog, hence it’s a good idea to look for a senior Dog food.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Natural Senior Dry Dog Food
This quality grain-free food has been designed for senior dogs and contains no artificial flavours or preservatives, making it ideal for beagles who may have particular sensitivities. The first listed ingredient is deboned chicken, which provides quality protein for lean muscles. The 30% protein and 12% fat content is ideal for optimum health and weight management in senior beagles, and the precise blend of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A also promotes bone health. The specially designed LifeSource bits promote immune system health and the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids ensure a healthy coat and skin. One possible drawback is that the second and fourth ingredients are chicken and turkey meal, respectively.
PROS
- Designed for senior dogs
- No artificial flavours or preservatives
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
- 30% protein and 12% fat
- The right blend of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin A
- Specially designed LifeSource bits for immune health
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
CONS
- Chicken and turkey meals are second and fourth ingredients
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Dog Food
This senior dog food is made with quality, non-GMO ingredients with farm-raised chicken listed as the first. It is free of any artificial flavours, colours or preservatives and contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy and shiny coats, which is great for beagles who tend to have sensitive skin. The recipe consists of 23% protein and 12% fat which is ideal for maintaining a healthy weight and strong muscles in an ageing beagle. This recipe is not grain-free, with Brewer’s and brown rice listed as the second and third ingredients, so it may not be suitable for certain dogs.
PROS
- Non-GMO ingredients
- Farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient
- No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- 23% protein and 12% fat
CONS
- Rice listed as second and third ingredients
Best Dry Dog Food for a Beagle
Some Dogs prefer a dry food and some prefer wet, people often mix and match as Dry food can tend to be a little bit cheaper and helps bulk out the meal.
These are our favourite dry foods.
Simply Perfection Super Premium Grain-Free Chicken and Chickpea Dinner
This grain-free dog food is rich in vitamins and minerals which support the immune system, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat and healthy skin and free of any artificial flavours, colours or preservatives. With a 28% protein and 15% fat content, this food is ideal for an active beagle and with chicken as the first ingredient, quality is assured. However, some may not appreciate the chicken meal and dried potatoes as the second and third ingredients.
PROS
- Grain-free
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- No artificial flavours, colours or preservatives
- 28% protein and 15% fat content
- Chicken is the first ingredient
CONS
- Chicken meal and dried potatoes are second and third ingredients
Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Reduced-Fat
This healthy-weight management dog food with real turkey and salmon oil is ideal for beagles prone to tubbiness. The grain-free formula is free of any artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and by-products and is made using natural, non-GMO ingredients, providing a quality, healthy option for your pet. With a 33% protein and 10% fat content, this reduced-fat formula, with deboned turkey as its first ingredient, ensures it is free of dangerous, empty calories and its omega fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics promote healthy skin and digestion. A possible turn-off is that turkey and chicken meal are the second and third ingredients.
PROS
- Grain-free, reduced-fat formula
- No artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or by-products
Non-GMO ingredients
- Deboned turkey is the first ingredient
- 33% protein and 10% fat content
- Omega fatty acids, prebiotics and probiotics
CONS
- Turkey and chicken meals are the second and third ingredients
Best Wet Dog Food for a Beagle
Wet Dog foods tend to be a bit more appealing to your paw pal.
Let’s take a look at our favourite wet foods for Beagles.
“I and love and you” Naked Essentials Wet Dog Food
This grain-free wet dog food contains no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, fillers or the controversial thickening agent carrageenan, ensuring a healthy treat for your pet. With omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from flaxseed, sunflower and fish oils, this food promotes a healthy and shiny coat, which is great for sensitive beagles. While turkey is the first ingredient, there is only an 8% protein and 4% fat content and turkey and vegetable broths are listed as the second and third ingredients, explaining the 82% moisture content.
PROS
- Grain-free
- No artificial colours, flavours, fillers or carrageenan
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Turkey is the first ingredient
CONS
- Overly high moisture content
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Adult Wet Dog Food
This wet food features quality ingredients as its first five – beef, beef broth, beef liver, carrots and peas – resulting in a nutritional meal for your dog. It contains no corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-product meals, or any artificial flavours or preservatives. This food is not, however, grain-free and it does contain the thickener carrageenan.
PROS
- Beef is the first ingredient
- No corn, wheat, soy or poultry by-product meals
- No artificial flavours or preservatives
CONS
- Not grain-free
- Contains carrageenan
Summary and our overall recommendation
When choosing a dog food for your beagle, you’ll need to keep in mind that your pooch probably has a tendency to pack on a few extra pounds and that he may be susceptible to certain allergies.
We recommend Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Reduced Fat for a balanced, healthy diet.
With quality protein – deboned turkey being the first ingredient – and a reduced-fat formula, this food is ideal for energetic beagles who may still have a propensity for weight gain.
The omega fatty acids are great for a healthy coat and skin, and with the absence of artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and by-products this dog food is a good choice for beagles with allergies and those without.