Known for their playful nature and innocent “puppy dog” expression, beagles are a breed you can’t help but fall in love with. Their superior sense of smell makes them excellent hunting dogs, but sometimes following their nose can get them into trouble.
Beagles are very easy to care for and are generally a healthy breed; however, they may face challenges like hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.
Nevertheless, if you want your beagle to live a healthy life, you need to give them the ideal dog foods.
There are a lot of different dog foods on the market catered for breed-specific small, medium, large and giant dogs, so choosing the right option for your dog will make sure they get the nutrition they need.
The Best Dog Food for Beagles in 2020
#1. Orijen Regional Red for Dogs
Orijen prides itself on making nutritious, biologically appropriate dog food for various breeds and sizes ranging from puppies to adults. They source their ingredients regionally, so you know it’s fresh. “Regional Red” is one of their finest, best-rated products.
Two-thirds of the meat products in Regional Red are fresh or raw, with 38% of the calories coming from protein sources. In contrast, only 20% come from carbohydrates. The high-protein ingredients are made from various anatomical components, e.g. muscle meat, cartilage, and various organs.
The first 16 items are animal-based ingredients. No other dog food has so many different types of protein in their ingredients list. In addition to the proteins, Regional Red also includes various nutritious fruits and vegetables and essential probiotics.
Dog owners absolutely love this product, however, it’s really pricey. If money is not a concern, then you should definitely go for this dry dog food.
Check out the latest price on Amazon.
#2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe
Customised for small breeds, the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe is perfectly suited for your beagle. Blue Buffalo is one of the best brands on the market and their high-quality foods packs nutrition for your dog in every bite.
They primarily use deboned beef, which is an excellent source of protein. Their 100% grain-free formula will satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs. Their recipe also includes antioxidant-rich vegetables, fruits, and essential supplements to ensure proper growth.
It has everything one would expect in a premium brand, but premium products come with premium prices. It will cost more than other brands.
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#3. Taste of the Wild, Canine Formula
Taste of the Wild uses real roasted meat in their products. In addition to providing your dog with the essential proteins, it also makes the food very tasty.
They use buffalo as their primary ingredient, mimicking the beagle’s wolf ancestors. The food is 100% grain-free and they use potatoes and peas to fulfill the dog’s carbohydrate needs.
They also use other whole proteins in their formula, as well as fruits and vegetables, vitamins, essential minerals, and at least three probiotic strains are also used. Other than a few packaging and shipping problems, Taste of the Wild is loved and recommended by many dog owners.
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The Dog Food For Beagles With Allergies
#4. PS For Dogs Hypoallergenic Dog Food
PS for dogs uses hypoallergenic proteins e.g. lamb and turkey, both of which resolve most skin issues beagles face. It’s totally grain-free but contains all the proteins and other necessary nutrients a dog needs.
The best thing about PS is that it really minimizes itchiness and skin infections. Your dog’s overall smell also improves after feeding for a few months. The kibble is tender and easy to eat.
It’s highly recommended for owners who are looking for high-quality dog food for their Beagles with allergies.
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#5. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Stomach
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Purina is already a reputable brand known for making quality products. Their “Sensitive Stomach” product uses salmon and rice as their main ingredients, both of which are hypoallergenic and safe for your beagle’s consumption. Salmon contains omega fatty acids which will give your dog a silky, healthy coat, in addition to being a great source of protein.
You are sure to see a change in your beagle’s skin and stool. The natural ingredients and its effectiveness are well-vouched for by many, many users. Your dog will enjoy the flavor, in addition to having a healthy stomach.
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Calorie Requirements for Beagles
*Please note that these are all General figures. Consult a vet for accurate numbers.
Generally, beagles are not picky eaters. Many have described beagles as a nose attached to a stomach! If you’ve met some, you’ve probably never met a beagle who didn’t enjoy the food. Still, you never want to overfeed your pet. Free feeding will result in an overweight hound dog.
Weighing from 25-30 pounds, beagles fall into the small dog category. They might be small, but they are a very active breed. The dietary requirements of beagles change throughout the various phases of their life—check out the chart again to find out how many calories a beagle needs, on average.
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has published general requirements of the macronutrient needs for a beagle. They recommend a minimum of 22% protein for beagle puppies and 18% for adults. When it comes to fats, the minimum numbers are 8% for puppies and 5% for adults.
Macronutrient Information for Beagle Puppies:
Macronutrient Information for an Adult Beagle:
Most dog foods on the market will have more than the required percentages. But, like in all commercially-made products, quality is an important factor. Premium dog foods for beagles will feature meat proteins mixed with the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Beagle Feeding Habits and Health
Glaucoma
Some beagles suffer from congenital diseases and disorders such as glaucoma, but this isn’t really anything related to the food choices. You can, however, promote good eye health by ensuring these ingredients are present in their food.
- Broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes
- Fish (e.g. cod, salmon, tuna)
- Eggs
- Blueberries
These foods contain lutein, selenium, and zinc, all ingredients that will help keep support your beagle’s vision and eye health. Also, they help prevent progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and cherry eye (prolapse of the third eyelid).
Allergies
Allergies, however, are a different story. They usually come from the proteins such as beef, chicken, dairy and wheat used in dog foods.
If your dog shows the following symptoms, you can assume he may be allergic to some ingredient(s) in the food.
- Ear and skin infections
- Diarrhea and excessive gas
- Intense scratching of the ears and feet
- Vomiting
Many dog owners prefer hypoallergenic dog foods for their pets. Hypoallergenic foods often contain salmon, potato or lamb which usually don’t induce allergies and help with the digestion.
It takes time for hypoallergenic dog food to work, usually about 4-6 weeks to see a noticeable improvement. Be sure to avoid other food—even treats—with artificial flavors during the regimen.
If your pet is still allergic despite changing the food, contact a veterinarian for further advice.
Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis
Another common problem dogs like beagles face is hip dysplasia. Look for glucosamine and chondroitin in your dog food ingredients. These will help ward off the bone and joint problems.
Glucosamine helps repair damaged cartilage in the dog’s body and keeps the dog in peak condition, while chondroitin—which is found in animal cartilage—acts as a shock absorber and lubricant for the bones.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Beagles sometimes suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, mostly because of their excitable and easily-stressed nature. If not kept in check, this may turn into a chronic condition. It’s a good idea to choose food that promotes healthy digestion as it will lower the risks drastically.
Here are a few ingredients that will prevent IBS:
- Decent amount of fibers
- Hypoallergenic diet
- Low fat
- Grain-free food
- Quality meat protein
Fiber helps your dog have regular bowel movements and will prevent his stomach from getting upset. No downsides whatsoever!
Bladder Cancer
Beagles, like most other dog breeds, suffer from bladder cancer. Here are a few things you can do to lower the chances of that happening to your loved pet.
- Ensure their food contains high-quality protein
- Avoid all filler foods, artificial colors, additives and flavors
- Feed them food that contains fruits and vegetables, which will provide natural antioxidants and help fight cancer
- Target low carb foods
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight because obese dogs have a higher risk of cancer
Obesity
Beagles rarely refuse food and will gobble up every bite at any chance. You will need to control what they eat and how often they eat it. It is recommended that depending on their lifestyle and activity level, they should NOT be allowed to feed more than 2-3 portions per day.
Despite being active, free-feeding can cause your dog to gain weight rapidly, and an obese beagle is prone to diseases like arthritis, cancer and heart problems.
Concluding
So, that concludes our reviews on 5 of the best dog foods for beagles on the market. We are sure that one of these will be sure to fulfill your dog’s needs. Moreover, we included a few dog foods for Beagles with allergies, sensitive stomachs, and skin problems.
Let us know in the comment section below about your experience with the brands of beagle dog food you used previously.