Beagle Dog Feeding Guide and Diet
Choosing the right beagle dog food is crucial for your pet's overall health and longevity. A well-balanced beagle diet supports proper growth, weight maintenance, energy, and digestion, ensuring that your Beagle thrives both physically and mentally. Every meal impacts your Beagle's well-being, making it essential to select the best beagle food for puppies as well as adult and senior dogs. This beagle feeding guide will help you navigate the best dietary options and feeding practices, so your furry friend enjoys a healthy and happy life.
What to feed adult beagles?
When determining the ideal diet for adult Beagles, a balanced approach is crucial. Here’s everything you should consider when feeding your adult beagle:
Types of dog food
Dry and wet food can both be beneficial for beagles:
Wet food
Wet food is often more palatable and hydrating. Adding this to your pet’s diet will ensure that it stays hydrated throughout the day. Wet dog food will also be easier to chew for your beagle.
Dry food
Dry kibble helps maintain dental health by keeping dogs’ teeth clean. It is also easier to manage and better for weight loss as the pellet format it comes in, simplifies portion control.
If you want to provide your pooch with a balanced diet, include both types of dog food and meet their nutritional needs effectively.
Size appropriate food they can digest
Beagles are medium-sized dogs, so it's essential to select beagle dog food that is appropriately sized for easy digestion. Choose kibble that fits their mouth size to prevent choking and ensure they can comfortably chew and digest their meals.
What type of food to avoid
Avoid low-quality beagle food that contains fillers, artificial additives, and by-products. These ingredients can lead to poor nutrition and health issues. Instead, opt for high-quality beagle dog food with real meat as the first ingredient and minimal artificial additives.
What type of food to feed
For a high-quality beagle diet, choose beagle food that lists real meat, such as chicken or beef, as the primary ingredient. Ensure that the food is rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to support their overall health. High-quality beagle dog food should also be free from unnecessary fillers and high-calorie ingredients to maintain a healthy weight.
What to feed beagle puppies?
Feeding your Beagle puppy the right diet is crucial for their growth and health. Initially, continue with the beagle food they were eating before you brought them home to avoid digestive issues. Gradually transition to a new food by mixing a little more of the new beagle dog food with the old one at each meal.
Around 10 months to a year, start transitioning your Beagle puppy to adult food. And that’s all. Following this beagle feeding guide will help you ensure that your puppy grows into a healthy adult.
What to feed beagle seniors?
As Beagles age and transition into their senior years, typically around 9 years old, it’s essential to adjust their diet to accommodate their slowing metabolism. A proper beagle diet is crucial to prevent weight gain, which can lead to various health issues. So, make sure your senior Beagle consumes about 42 calories per pound of body weight daily.
Splitting their meals into two portions remains beneficial, just as during their adult years. Opt for beagle dog food that is specially designed for seniors, which typically contains reduced fat and fewer filler ingredients. Additionally, a senior beagle food must include joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which can be beneficial for aging dogs.
How much to feed a beagle?
Maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for your Beagle's overall health and well-being. Here’s a comprehensive Beagle feeding guide to help you manage your Beagle's diet effectively.
Quantity
An average adult Beagle, weighing between 10 to 20 kg, typically requires about 40 calories per kg of body weight. For instance, a Beagle weighing 15 kg would need approximately 600 calories per day. For Beagles fed with Wholesome Grains Fish and Potato adult dog food, this translates to around 160-275 grams of food daily, depending on their activity level.
Ideal timings
It is recommended to split the total daily food intake into two meals — breakfast and dinner. This schedule helps in better digestion and keeps the metabolism steady.
Nutrition schedule chart
| Weight (kg) | Daily Food (grams) | Meal Times |
| 10-12 | 160-200 | Breakfast/Dinner |
| 12-15 | 200-235 | Breakfast/Dinner |
| 15-20 | 235-275 | Breakfast/Dinner |
Health issues that beagles may face due to an improper diet
An improper beagle diet can lead to a host of health issues that can severely impact their quality of life. Overfeeding is a common problem, given Beagles' voracious appetite. This can result in obesity, which in turn can lead to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Following a beagle feeding guide is essential to avoid these issues.
Underfeeding, on the other hand, can lead to malnutrition, affecting their energy levels and immune system. A balanced beagle dog food should help you meet their nutritional needs without excess calories. Additionally, some Beagles may develop food sensitivities, resulting in symptoms like itching, digestive discomfort, and skin problems. Identifying and eliminating allergens from their beagle food is crucial for their well-being.
Beagles are also prone to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), making it vital to feed them a diet that is easy to digest and rich in fiber and probiotics. Foods formulated for sensitive stomachs are often the best choice. A diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can promote a healthy coat and skin, reducing inflammation and supporting overall skin health.