Whether you have a Beagle or if you’re planning to get one, this guide will help you find the best dog food for your pup.
With so many dog foods on the market, it can be hard to decide, especially considering that Beagles can be prone to obesity.
Furthermore, dogs in different life stages require different nutrition, so buckle up and take a look at our table below.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Picks for Best Dog Food for Beagles in 2021
| Dog Food Recipes | Our Rating | |
| Best Overall | Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food
|
5 |
| Best for Beagle puppies | Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
| Best for Adult Beagles | ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
| Best for Senior Beagles | VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
|
4.5 |
| Best Budget Food for Beagles | Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
|
5 |
The best dog food brands for Beagles by stage
Beagles are easy to please in the dietary department. Perhaps due to their keen sense of smell, they are very rarely picky eaters.
These small breed dogs come in two AKC-recognized sizes, but both types require the same dietary requirements.
Best puppy foods for Beagles
As mentioned, Beagles often need weight management, but not during their puppyhood. Puppies need a caloric and nutrient-dense formula made from quality ingredients.
1. American Journey Active Life Formula Puppy Chicken, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal
Type: Dry
With deboned chicken as the first source of protein, this recipe features naturally occurring glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
A nutrient-dense formula packed with antioxidants for a strong immune system, you won’t find any corn, wheat, or soy fillers in this kibble.
Pros:
- Contains optimal levels of nutrients for healthy joint development
- DHA and ARA for vision and brain growth
- Most affordable, high-quality option
- Suitable for all dog breeds
Cons:
- Kibbles are 10 x 5 mm (0.4 x 0.2 inches), which may not be ideal for the Beagle puppy’s small jaws
2. Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Puppy Turkey, Oatmeal & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal
Type: Dry
High protein content at 28% and specially crafted for small mouths. This small breed formula uses turkey as their primary protein source and comes fortified with salmon oil and omega fatty acids.
Pros:
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Small kibbles ⅓ of a penny which encourages proper chewing
- Boosts immunity with essential nutrients, including probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken Grain-Free Small & Medium Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Potato
Type: Dry
With chicken as the main ingredient, this high protein option is GMO-free and is an excellent choice for dogs with sensitivities to lentils and grain, gluten, or peas.
With a low glycemic formula, you don’t have to worry about problems with weight gain. Furthermore, you will find naturally occurring antioxidants and glucosamine.
Pros:
- High protein content at guaranteed 35%, which is great for high energy Beagles
- Kibbles slightly smaller than a penny
Cons:
- The high protein content can cause blood urea nitrogen in sedentary dogs or toy breeds
4. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Puppy Recipe Canned Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Turkey
Type: Wet Pate
Pate-type soft dog food that’s easily digestible and, therefore, gentle on your Beagle puppy’s stomach. This formula features natural flavors from rosemary, sage, and thyme to whet your puppy’s appetite.
Pros:
- Many happy puppies are on this formula, including those with sensitive stomachs
- A good option for picky eaters that are allergic to grain, corn, soy, or wheat
- It contains salmon oil and flaxseed oil, which gives puppies a shiny coat and a healthy digestive system
Cons:
- Some puppies seem to have adverse reactions to this wet food
5. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal
Type: Dry
A popular option with high protein content.
Considered to be one of the best options for Beagles, it’s a grain-free formula featuring natural goodies such as chicken fat and nutrient-dense superfoods for your puppy’s health and wellbeing.
Don’t be put off by the meat meals in this recipe. High-quality fish meal or poultry meal can have high amounts of protein due to the way it’s processed.
Pros:
- 38% guaranteed crude protein content
- Small kibble sizes ideal for small to medium breed puppies
- Added veggies and botanical probiotics for a healthy digestive tract
Cons:
- Not for all fussy eaters
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Turkey & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Puppy Canned Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken
Type: Wet pate
Use it as a topper in your puppy’s meals or give it to them straight from the can.
There are adequate amounts of DHA for the brain, eye, and cognitive development. It’s also chock-filled with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from vegetables.
Pros:
- Does not include any artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Free from grain, gluten, corn, wheat, and soy, which makes it a gentle recipe for your puppy’s growing digestive system
Cons:
- Not every puppy would enjoy the pate texture of this wet dog food
7. Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal
Type: Dry
Arguably one of the more popular dog food brands out there. You can rest easy with Purina’s puppy formula.
Formulated with whole grains for heart health, it’s also enriched with essential nutrients, including DHA, which is found in your puppy’s mother’s milk for cognitive development.
Pros:
- Supports a strong immune system with a special blend of antioxidants, zinc, selenium, and vitamins A and E
- Include optimal levels of calcium and phosphorus for healthy joint growth
Cons:
- Kibble size might not be ideal for Beagle puppies as it’s formulated for all breeds; it’s triangular in shape and ⅜ of an inch long
- Pricier than other lines from Purina
8. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
A popular choice for puppies with protein intolerance or grain sensitivities.
The use of novel protein sources offers the essential amino acids that dogs require without triggering an allergic reaction to more common meats.
Live active cultures are also in place to aid your dog’s digestion.
Pros:
- Formulated for all life stages and also comes in a can
- Contains raspberries and blueberries, which are both antioxidant-rich and great for the digestive system
- Chelated minerals are used for maximum absorption
- Also comes in an adult formula
Cons:
- Unfortunately, some dogs can develop an allergic reaction to novel protein as well
- Owners have complained of picky eaters turning their noses up at this kibble
Best dog food for Beagle adults
As they mature, you should switch to a less rich recipe that can help them maintain their health and weight. A young pup that used to tuck away 2 cups of kibble generally will cut its consumption by half.
However, this is entirely dependent on the dog. If you’re working your little Beagle hard and burning up all his energy, it’s safe to assume that he needs more and not less.
1. Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice
Type: Dry
Formulated for all breeds, you’ll find a mix of premium protein and essential nutrients for sound maintenance.
Nutro’s formula contains lots of wholesome ingredients such as sunflower oil for glossy coats and superfoods such as chia seeds and kale to provide vitamins and fiber.
It’s also fortified with the ABCs of vitamins and other added supplements, including biotin, folic acid, and zinc
Pros:
- Filled with chelated minerals and a rainbow of supplements to keep your pooch’s immunity and coat strong
- Best value for money
- Grain inclusive formula that doesn’t include any soy, corn, or wheat fillers
- Contains naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Cons:
- Owners have complained about gas and loose stools, but it’s a very rare occurrence (likely due to an undetected allergy)
2. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food (all life stages)
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
Taste of the Wild delivers an easily digestible recipe for dogs of all ages. A grain and chicken-free recipe for dogs with sensitivities.
Formulated with real lamb as its first ingredient, it’s a wonderful option for doggos that can’t have chicken.
Essential minerals are chelated for maximum absorption, and you’ll find naturally occurring antioxidants and prebiotics for healthy digestion.
Pros:
- Features a proprietary K9 strain probiotic blend for your pup’s digestive health
- Formulated for dogs of all life stages
- Well-rounded dog food with high-quality protein and a balanced diet
Cons:
- Some owners noted that their dogs became thirstier on this formula, which could be due to a number of reasons but often happens when switching from wet food to dry kibbles
3. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
Formulated with novel proteins to prevent allergies from developing, this recipe contains highly digestible ingredients such as peas and potatoes, which are gentle on fido’s stomach.
Keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy and strong with this kibble, which is fortified with omega oils.
Pros:
- Free from chicken and grains
- Features powerful antioxidants from natural sources such as blueberries, tomatoes, raspberries
- Contains chelated minerals for maximum absorption along with other essential nutrients
- Formulated for all dog breeds
Cons:
- There’s been a complaint of inconsistent kibble sizes
4. ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Beef, Deboned Wild Boar, Deboned Goat
Type: Dry
A high-quality product that works well for many dogs. Since dogs largely survive on animal meat in the while, this kibble provides a similar diet that is high in protein.
This high-protein diet is suitable for all dog breeds, making it an excellent choice for multidog households.
Pros:
- Formulated for all dog breeds
- Owners have noticed a change in their dog’s coat after starting this kibble, saying that it’s glossier now
- Protein-dense with up to 85% of animal derivative ingredients
Cons:
- While it’s formulated for all dog breeds, the kibbles can be too big or tough for Beagles
Best dog food for Beagle seniors
Going into their senior years, you might notice a drop in their energy levels.
Being less active means that they will need even fewer calories, but they also require certain levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joint health.
Added supplements for a strong heart and a shiny coat is an added bonus.
1. VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet
Type: Dry
A gluten-free option that’s grain inclusive for older pups. With your dog’s digestive health in mind, this recipe is gentle on the stomach.
It also packs a punch from a nutritional standpoint, with added supplements, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
Pros:
- Specially formulated for less active canines with the added benefit of glucosamine and chondroitin
- Contains VPRO Blend for aided digestion and immune system support
- L-carnitine to keep your older dog’s metabolism in peak conditions
Cons:
- Kibble is a bit hard, and older dogs might struggle to eat it
Best dog food for Beagles with health issues
The best food for your dog will prevent health issues from developing. Older dogs need glucosamine and chondroitin for limber joints.
Puppies should be fed food with DHA and healthy fat for their growing limbs, vision, and brain.
Choosing a dog food for Beagles with health problems
Certain ingredients can aggravate existing health problems while others can help manage the problem.
For sensitive dogs, opt for a limited ingredient dog food. Dogs with skin problems might see improvement with omega oils.
Best for Sensitive Stomachs or Allergies
Dogs with an intolerance to certain foods often fare better on limited ingredient formulas featuring novel protein sources. Here are a few top picks for your furry little friend.
1. Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (also good for puppies)
Our rating: 5
Top ingredients: Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chickpeas
Type: Dry
Limited ingredient recipes are great for allergic dogs and Zignature has thrown out the most troublesome ingredients.
The result is low-glycemic dog food that’s fortified with a complete spectrum of vitamins and minerals for fido’s wellbeing, as well as antioxidants and essential fatty acids.
Pros:
- With guaranteed levels of 32% crude protein
- Formulated for dogs of all breeds and suitable for both adults and puppies
- Cruelty-free and made from ethically sourced meat
- Relatively affordable
Cons:
- Very few owners have reported that their dogs have reacted adversely to this kibble due to the chickpeas, which is a rare food intolerance
2. Rachael Ray Nutrish Just 6 Natural Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Ground Rice
Type: Dry
Made from just six key ingredients, you won’t find any by-products or unnecessary fillers in this recipe.
Don’t be put off by the chicken fat in this product because studies have shown chicken fat doesn’t have the protein that causes allergic reactions in dogs.
That means that dogs allergic to chicken can still eat this dog food.
It’s a great source of healthy fats to have in your dog’s diet, giving him energy and a healthy coat thanks to the naturally occurring vitamin E and omega 6.
Pros:
- Free from animal by-products and fillers made from wheat, corn, or soy
- Profits from the sale of Rachael Ray products go towards animal charities, which means you won’t just be feeding your dog with this kibble, but an animal in need, too
- Gentle on your pup’s digestive system
Cons:
- Protein content on the lower end of the spectrum at guaranteed levels of 20%
Best for Weight Management
If your dog is prone to packing on the pounds, perhaps these products would fit your pooch a bit better. High protein and low in fat, which is exactly what a pudgy puppy needs.
1. CANIDAE All Life Stages Less Active Chicken, Lamb & Fish Formula Canned Dog Food (all life stages)
Our rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Brown Rice
Type: Wet pate
A pate-based wet food that offers your dog a low caloric meal that doesn’t sacrifice nutrition or quality. A good choice for older dogs or dogs that are more couch potatoes than active adventurers.
Pros:
- Formulated for all breeds and dogs of all life stages, it’s a great option for those who have a multiple-dog household
- Vet-formulated recipe with ideal protein levels and wholesome grains
- Free from corn, wheat, soy, and chicken by-products
Cons:
- Includes psyllium husk which has laxative effects and may cause loose stools
Best dog food for Beagles buying guide
Beagles are active small breed dogs that require hip and joint support. The usual kibble for small breed dogs is not going to cut it.
Whether you have French Bulldogs or Rottweilers, their diets will vary from your sporty little Beagle.
It might be tempting to get the highest-rated dog food off Amazon and call it a day, but you should look for formulas that cater to your dog’s needs.
Quality food should contain natural ingredients or superfoods, with protein as the first ingredient. Amino acids found in protein are the building blocks of your doggo’s health.
Beagle nutritional requirement: What kind of diet is best for a Beagle?
Beagles are an active breed and require high-quality protein in their diet to stay healthy. Puppies need the highest amount of protein content and anything above 22% is a good choice.
Adults over the age of 18 months only need 18% of protein content.
As they grow older, you can increase their protein amount to help keep them lean but you might want to cut down on fat and bring it down to 5-6%.
For puppies and adults, it’s best to keep fat levels in the 10-30% range.
Contrary to popular belief, dogs require carbohydrates, too! They don’t need a whole lot and they would benefit more from complex carbs such as sweet potatoes rather than white rice.
If your dog has grain sensitivities that aren’t uncommon in the breed, you can opt for grain-free options.
You also want to pay attention to the added supplements. For instance, chondroitin and glucosamine will help keep joints supple and strong in older dogs.
Puppies would benefit from DHA for developing their brain and vision. Prebiotics and probiotics are great for digestion. Vitamins are key to a healthy immune system.
Ingredients to avoid when feeding your Beagle
What you want to avoid are fillers. There’s a bit of a misconception when it comes to fillers. Fillers are ingredients that are completely superfluous and add no nutritional value.
Many dog owners take this to mean any kind of carbs, but as we detailed above, carbs play an essential part in providing energy for your dogs.
While you don’t want your dog food to be made mainly from potatoes or white rice, it’s okay for dog food to contain suitable amounts of it.
What you don’t want to see in your dog food are soy products as they could cause allergies. Avoid corn syrup or any kind of artificial flavors, chemical preservatives, or by-products.
Steer clear of vegan or other meat-free options because it could cause them to be deficient in essential nutrients such as vitamin D and B.
Should my Beagle eat a grain-free diet?
As mentioned above, Beagles tend to develop food allergies. They can be allergic to a wide range of things, from wheat to animal protein.
To prevent your dog from developing an allergy, you can switch up their kibble every now and then and introduce novel protein sources such as wild bison or kangaroo instead of chicken or beef.
A grain-free diet shouldn’t be your first choice when choosing a pet food as there are certain health risks associated with certain ingredients found in grain-free options.
Should you give your Beagle dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?
Beagles can thrive on all types of dog food as long as it meets their dietary requirements. Kibble is by far the most convenient as it’s easy to store and can help keep fido’s teeth clean.
Wet dog food is much more palatable and digestible, which is great for finicky eaters.
Homemade and raw diets usually need to be supplemented with e unless you are a pet nutritionist and can craft a perfectly balanced meal for your pup.
The most important thing is to feed your dog a balanced diet. Deficiencies often lead to poor health.
Fruits and vegetables your Beagle can and cannot eat
Veggies are not necessary for a dog’s diet but they are certainly nutritious. However, some might cause more harm than good. Below is a quick guide to what they can eat and what they shouldn’t.
Don’t forget to take into account the extra calories you’re giving your dog. Fruits in particular can be high in sugar.
| Yes | No |
|
Blueberries Cantaloupe Cored apples Carrots Peas Green beans Potatoes Bananas Oranges |
Avocado Cherries Grapes Tomatoes Asparagus Mushrooms Onions Garlic Rhubarb |
A homemade recipe you can try for your Beagle
Homemade meals are better because you know exactly what goes into your dog’s bowl. What can be difficult is ensuring that your dog is getting a balanced diet.
If you’re serious about feeding your dog home-cooked meals, we recommend researching some more but here’s a simple and nutritious recipe to try.
Ingredients
¾ cups of grated veggies (sweet potato, carrots, broccoli, zucchini)
2 lbs (0.9 kg) of lean ground beef
1 ½ cups of rolled oats
2 eggs
½ cup of cottage cheese
Ground flax seeds
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F° (180°C)
- Mix all ingredients together
- Lightly butter a flat pan and pour ingredients in
- Bake for 20 – 24 minutes
- Portion the food and serve; store the remainder in the freezer
Beagle Feeding Chart
Beagles don’t do well with free-feeding because they tend to overeat. Here’s a video that talks about the Beagles eating behaviors:
It’s better to feed them regular meals. While you should feed your dog based on his or her activity levels, gender, and size, here’s a general idea of how much a Beagle should be eating.
| Age | Frequency | Amount |
| 10 weeks old | 4 times a day | 1.5 cups |
| 3 months old | 4 times a day | 1.5 – 2 cups |
| 6 months old | 3 times a day | 1.5 – 2 cups |
| 1 year old | 2 times a day | 1 cup |
Notice how adult Beagles require less than puppies. As a general rule of thumb, a growing pup needs about 40 to 50 calories per pound (0.45 kg) of body weight.
An adult Beagle needs around 30 calories per pound of body weight and seniors only need about 25 calories per lbs of body weight.
Transition: How to switch from puppy to adult dog food?
You should never switch your dog’s food abruptly.
This can cause an upset tummy. Instead, swap out some of the old kibble with the new formula, increasing the ratio over a week until they are purely on the new kibble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a Beagle have part of my dinner?
We would never recommend sharing your meals with your furkid unless you’re on a clean diet that doesn’t feature salt or any other seasonings.
If you’re having steamed chicken breast or boiled veggies, by all means.
However, if you’re thinking of giving your pup some fried chicken, bolognese, or stir-fry vege, think again. There are a fair few ingredients that we love using in our food that isn’t exactly dog-friendly.
Garlic and onions can be toxic and salt is never good for your pooch.
Do Beagles need supplements?
Dogs on a well-balanced diet do not need to be supplemented. If you’re feeding them a high-quality kibble that’s proven to be a balanced diet, there’s no need to give them any additional supplements.
On the other hand, dogs with underlying health problems might need certain supplements to improve the quality of their life.
Dogs on a home-cooked diet can also benefit from certain additives to make up for whatever the diet is lacking.
Best dog treats for Beagles
You should reserve 20% of your dog’s intake for treats whereas the remaining 80% should be reserved for their meals. The best doggie treat for your furry buddy is one with low calories.
The Wellness Soft Puppy Bites Lamb & Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dog Treats are great for training puppies.
Specially formulated for dogs under 1 year old, it contains all-natural ingredients with natural sources of omega-6 fatty acids and DHA.
You can also use veggies or fruits for a delicious and healthy treat for your pooch.
What makes dog food good for Beagles?
You want to give your dog the best, if not you won’t be here.
But the best dog food doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive or high-quality dog food on the market, it simply has to work well for your pooch.
Tell us your thoughts! Has fido tried any of the food on this list? Which was his favorite?
