Our Top Picks: The 9 Best Dog Foods for Beagles in 2024

The Beagle is a small-breed dog known for its powerful sense of smell, its long floppy ears, and its friendly temperament. These dogs were developed as scent hounds, trained to hunt deer in packs, but they are also incredibly popular as family pets due to their loving and playful personalities. Beagles are very smart which makes them a good choice for various dog sports and they are also used as scent detection dogs, trained to sniff out everything from illegal food items to drugs and weapons. If you are looking for a happy-go-lucky breed that will continually surprise you with his intelligence and goofy personality, the Beagle is definitely a breed to consider.

Developed as a hunting breed, the Beagle has excellent stamina and endurance as well as a strong work ethic. This breed is very smart, so he will do best when given a job to do, whether or not any hunting is actually involved. These dogs come in two different sizes, but they generally weigh between 20 and 35 pounds at maturity. The smaller of the two sizes stands up to 13 inches tall and the larger grows to somewhere between 13 and 15 inches. As a small and active breed, the Beagle has a long average lifespan between 13 and 16 years. In terms of health, Beagles are generally healthy but they can be affected by numerous inherited conditions such as hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism as well as other health problems like diabetes, seizure disorders, and allergies.

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General Nutritional Recommendations

While protein is a necessity to keep your Beagle’s body in good condition, he also needs plenty of fat to provide the necessary energy to fuel his fast metabolism. Compared to large-breed dogs, small-breed dogs like the Beagle need more calories per pound of bodyweight because their bodies are basically calorie-burning machines. This being the case, you want to choose a product that offers an absolute minimum of 5% fat, but ideally something in the 10% to 35% range.

In addition to thinking about the nutrient ratios in your Beagle’s new dog food, you also want to pay close attention to the quality and type of ingredients used. Never purchase a 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 simply fresh meats that have been cooked to remove moisture in a process that produces a highly concentrated source of protein. Just like proteins, the fats in your Beagle’s diet should also come from quality animal sources like chicken fat or salmon oil. Always opt for named sources of fat, not generic sources like “poultry fat”, because it is difficult to judge the quality of generic ingredients.

Aside from protein and fat, you also want to see some digestible carbohydrates in the product you choose for your Beagle. Because Beagles are prone to food allergies, consider a grain-free diet or, at the very least, make sure that the main carbohydrates are whole grains like brown rice or oatmeal. Whole grains and starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes are lower on the glycemic index than refined grains like corn and wheat which means that they will provide your dog with slow-burning energy. This is important for his metabolism and it also helps to prevent blood sugar spikes which can be dangerous for Beagles that have diabetes.

Finally, you should make sure that the product you choose offers good nutritional balance with the addition of healthy supplements and it is always a good thing to see a product made with dried fermentation products or other probiotics. Synthetic supplements are by no means bad, but the best dog foods will contain fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key vitamins and minerals – these are easier to absorb and utilize than synthetic supplements. If the product does contain synthetic supplements, look for chelated minerals – these are minerals that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which makes them easier for your dog’s body to digest and absorb. In addition to thinking about the ingredients that ARE included in your Beagle’s food, make sure that low-quality ingredients are NOT used. Avoid products made with corn, wheat and soy ingredients as well as those made with artificial additives like colors, flavors, and preservatives.

What is the Best Dog Food for My Beagle?

To make sure that your Beagle gets the protein he needs to maintain a healthy weight as well as plenty of fat for concentrated energy, you need to be very intentional about choosing the right dog food. When shopping for a new dog food for your Beagle, the best place to start is with a small-breed specific dog food formula. Below you will find reviews for several high-quality dog food formulas that could be a good choice for your Beagle:

American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Peas, Rice Bran
Key Features :

• No corn, wheat, or soy
• DHA and ARA for brain and eyes
• Antioxidants for a healthy immune system
• Nutrient-dense

A great option to consider comes from American Journey. Their chicken and rice recipe is a great source of nutrients for your beagle. Deboned chicken serves as the core protein, supporting healthy muscle development.

Antioxidants are added to support a healthy immune system, omega fatty acids to help maintain skin and coat health, and a useful blend of calcium and phosphorus provides support for healthy bones and teeth. American Journey never adds any wheat, corn, soy, chicken or poultry by-product meals, or artificial preservatives, colors or artificial flavors.

Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Turkey breast, turkey liver, kale, carrots, lentils
Key Features :

• Human-Grade
• Subscription-based
• Portioned Individually for your dog
• Auto-ships direct to your door

Fresh food options are becoming more popular in the world of pet food, as they have in the world of human food. Ollie fresh dog food is known for human-grade recipes delivered fresh to your doorstep based on a delivery schedule that you can customize. The cost is higher for fresh food as compared to regular dog food, but it has a lot of great benefits for keeping your dog healthy and active. Ollie has a few different proteins you can choose from including beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. The Healthy Turkey Feast includes carrots (which are full of phytonutrients for eye health), blueberries (which are high in antioxidants), and chia seeds which are a source of copper, zinc, and manganese. All Ollie dog foods are slowly cooked to preserve nutrients and they don’t use any preservatives or fillers. They also include super foods such as chia to help support your pet’s active lifestyle. You can rest-assured, when feeding your dog Ollie, that you are choosing a premium food.

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry

Healthy Ingredients : Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
Key Features :

• Small kibble pieces
• Grain-free
• Not suitable for growing puppies
• Protein-rich

Specially formulated for small breeds like your Beagle, this Taste of the Wild recipe is not only extremely popular, but a healthy pick for your pet! It is grain-free which can be great for pets with food sensitivities, and it includes venison as the main protein to provide lasting energy for your active dog. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley is a natural recipe with the added vitamins and powerful antioxidants your pet needs for overall health, as well as the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids necessary to support healthy skin and coat. Made in the USA by a family-run company, there’s no mistaking that Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands we review.

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Salmon Meal, Ground Barley
Key Features :

• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
• Microbials for digestion
• DHA for brain and eye development
• Antioxidants for immune support

The Wellness company is known for producing high-quality pet food products designed in keeping with the principles of holistic pet nutrition and this Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food recipe is no exception. Made with optimal caloric content to support your Beagle’s metabolism and plenty of animal protein for energy and lean muscle mass, you would be hard pressed to find a better product that this. This recipe features deboned turkey, chicken meal, and salmon meal as the primary ingredients which are supplemented with digestible carbohydrates like oatmeal, ground brown rice, and ground barley. Not only does this recipe contain the ideal balance of nutrients for small-breed dogs like the Beagle, but it contains live microorganisms to support his digestive health as well as a balance of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It is also rich in natural flavor!

Merrick Classic Small Breed Adult Recipe

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas
Key Features :

• Glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
• No artificial additives
• High in protein
• DHA for brain development

This Merrick Classic Small-Breed recipe is ideal for Beagles because it is rich in both protein and fat as well as digestible carbohydrates for slow-burning energy. The first five ingredients in this recipe are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, turkey meal, and brown rice so you can rest assured that this product will provide for your dog’s needs for high-quality protein and healthy animal fats. This formula is also supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide natural sources for key nutrients and dried fermentation products which act as probiotics to support your dog’s digestive system. For a high-quality dog food product made with fresh, natural ingredients, you will be surprised to see just how affordable this recipe is. It would be a great choice for your Beagle if you want something that offers balanced nutrition at an affordable price point.

Fromm Gold Small-Breed Adult Dry Food

Healthy Ingredients : Duck, Chicken Meal, Chicken,Oatmeal, Pearled Barley
Key Features :

• Nutrient rich
• Concentrated energy
• Protein packed
• Made for small breed dogs

If you are in the market for a high-quality adult dog food formulated specifically for small-breed dogs like the Beagle, look no further than this Fromm Gold Small-Breed Adult dry food formula. Because this product belongs to the Fromm Family Gold line of products, you can rest assured that it is made with the freshest, most high-quality ingredients available. This recipe starts with fresh duck, chicken meal, and fresh chicken as the top three ingredients and they are followed by oatmeal, pearled barley, and brown rice. With healthy animal fats like chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, and salmon oil, this recipe is a great source of concentrated energy for your dog – it offers a full 17% crude fat and 26% crude protein minimum. Simply put, if you want a product that will not just meet but exceed your Beagle’s nutritional needs and you want something rich in natural flavor, consider this Fromm Gold Small-Breed Adult dry food recipe.

What is the Best Dog Food for Beagle Puppies?

Beagle puppies tend to grow very quickly so it is important that your puppy gets the right balance of nutrients to make sure he grows well. To make sure that your Beagle puppy gets the protein he needs to fuel his growth and development as well as the fat needed to support his metabolism, consider a small-breed puppy formula. Below you will find reviews for several high-quality dog food formulas that could be a good choice to consider for your Beagle puppy:

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Whole Ground Barleys
Key Features :

• Affordable
• Grain-friendly
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Omega fatty acids for skin and coat health

Made with protein-rich deboned chicken as the primary ingredient, this small-breed puppy formula is the perfect choice for your Beagle puppy. Not only does this product contain fresh chicken, but it is supplemented with several additional sources of protein such as chicken meal and eggs – it also contains plenty of animal fats like chicken fat and fish oil. What makes this product truly unique, however, is the inclusion of Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource bits which contain a special blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. This small-breed puppy recipe will provide for your puppy’s nutritional needs while also helping to support his immune system and his digestive system. Plus, it is completely free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Any puppy would be lucky to receive this food!

AvoDerm Small Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula

Healthy Ingredients : Chicken Meal, Ground Whole Brown Rice, Ground Whole White Rice, Chicken Fat
Key Features :

• High in protein
• High in healthy fats
• Includes California avocado
• Supports healthy skin and coat

As a small-breed specific formula, this AvoDerm Small Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Brown Rice formula is designed to meet the nutritional needs of your Beagle puppy. This recipe begins with chicken meal as the first ingredient, so you can rest assured that it provides plenty of animal protein – it offers a full 35% crude protein which is extremely high for a commercial dog food product. In addition to offering plenty of quality protein, this recipe is rich in fats as well with 35% crude fat coming from multiple nutritious sources including chicken fat, avocado, flaxseed, and salmon meal. What sets this product apart from other brands is the inclusion of California avocado – this ingredient provides your dog with healthy monounsaturated fats to fuel his metabolism while also supporting his skin and coat health. All in all, this recipe is designed to provide optimal nutrition for small-breed puppies.

Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations

In terms of how many calories your Beagle actually needs on a daily basis, it really depends on his bodyweight, age, and activity level. A 20-pound adult dog generally needs about 700 calories per day but, because the Beagle is an active breed, your dog’s true calorie requirements could be higher. In addition to considering your dog’s calorie needs, you should also pay special attention to his macronutrient ratios. Small-breed dogs like the Beagle need more dietary fat than large-breed dogs to provide the energy they need to keep their metabolisms running strong day in and day out. Protein is still the most important nutrient for Beagles but you should seriously consider a small-breed specific recipe to make sure that your dog gets plenty of protein as well as plenty of fat.

Keep in mind that Beagle puppies will need more calories than adult dogs to fuel their growth and development – it is generally a good idea to feed Beagle puppies freely to ensure that they get the energy they need when they need it. Once your Beagle reaches maturity you may need to scale back his portions a little bit but you should still feed him two or three meals a day to keep his metabolism running properly. As your Beagle approaches seniority, his metabolism will slow down a little bit so you may need to reduce his fat consumption to prevent him from gaining an unhealthy amount of weight. Beagles are highly prone to obesity and obesity is very dangerous for dogs because it puts them at risk for a host of serious health problems.

Not only will your Beagle’s nutritional needs vary depending on his age and activity level, but certain health problems to which the breed is prone may influence his dietary needs as well. For example, Beagles with hereditary hip dysplasia (or other musculoskeletal issues) may require additional glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation to support their bones and joints. Hypothyroidism is another health problem that is fairly common in Beagles, especially in middle-aged dogs between 4 and 10 years old. This condition requires synthetic hormone therapy and many veterinarians recommend reducing fat intake. Dogs with diabetes generally respond well to a low-glycemic diet and dietary modifications may be required to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.

Beagle Dog Food Comparison Table
Rank	Product	Price	Rating
Best Value	American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.12/lb	A+
Human Grade	Ollie Healthy Turkey Feast Fresh Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Save 50% Here	Varies	A+
Most Popular	Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.55/lb	A+
#1	Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$2.76/lb	A+
#2	Merrick Classic Small-Breed Recipe  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$2.10/lb	A
#3	Fromm Gold Small-Breed Adult Dry Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$5.78/lb	A
#4	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Puppy Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe Dry  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.93/lb	A
#5	AvoDerm Small Breed Puppy Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.73/lb	A

Conclusion

When it comes to choosing a high-quality diet for your Beagle, there are many excellent options out there. As you start looking around, be sure to choose a small-breed formula to ensure that your Beagle’s high needs for energy are met and select a product made with fresh, natural ingredients. You do not necessarily need to spend a small 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 Beagle in prime condition, helping him to enjoy a long, healthy life as your faithful friend and companion.