5 Best Dog Foods For Basset Hounds

How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds

With his long ears and droopy jowls, the gentle natured Basset Hound is a breed that is much loved throughout the world. A dog that has become synonymous with the famous shoe brand Hush Puppy, this stocky little pooch carries itself with dignity and grace and is highly prized for its hunting prowess.

The Basset Hound traces its roots to France. Its name is derived from the French term “bas,” a reference to this dog’s short stature. The breed is well muscled and strong. Though it moves with its own distinctive lumber, the Basset Hound has excellent stamina and is very strong.

Basset Hounds are considered to be scent hounds. Their lengthy ears serve an important purpose in helping them fulfil their jobs by wafting scents from the ground up towards their noses. A typical hound, the Basset moves with its nose to the ground as often as possible. They can be very difficult to train as they are prone to being stubborn by nature.

The Basset Hound does not require much daily exercise to remain mentally and physically satisfied. However, this sweet natured, loving breed loves to eat and gains weight very easily. To help maintain a healthy body condition, the Basset Hound should never be free fed.

The Basset Hound is gentle and affectionate. Not prone to having large amounts of energy, this breed is often described as lazy. The Basset Hound bonds deeply to its family and is well renowned for its faithful, friendly nature.

The best dog foods for Basset Hounds have a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.

Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Basset Hounds

Selecting the right food for a Basset Hound is only slightly harder than figuring out precisely how much of it to feed a dog. The best dog foods for Basset Hounds have suggested serving sizes printed on their packaging. These are an excellent starting point for owners. The best course of action is to adjust the amount of food given to reflect the dog’s activity, appetite, weight, and age until the correct portion is found.

All food given to the Basset Hound should be carefully measured. Since this breed is prone to obesity, owners should take care to monitor all intake as well.

Dietary Requirements for Basset Hound Dog Foods

Basset Hounds, like all dogs, are carnivores and thus require a diet with meat as its primary ingredient in order to thrive. The best dog foods for Basset Hounds include whole meats or meat meals as the basis of their formulation. By-products are comprised of undesirable parts of an animal that are not deemed worthy of human consumption. These are not optimal for the Basset Hound and should be avoided.

Plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are common allergens for many dogs. Since Basset Hounds can suffer from skin sensitivities, foods containing these ingredients are best left on the shelf. Other ingredients to avoid include chemicals, additives, preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.

No well-balanced diet would be complete without carbohydrates. These can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Of primary importance in any carbohydrate included in a diet for the Basset Hound is its antioxidant and fiber content as these nutrients support excellent digestion and a healthy immune system. For Basset Hounds with food-related allergies, a grain-free diet may be preferable.

Healthy fats are the stepping stones that help the Basset Hound to enjoy coat and skin health as well as strong reserves of energy. The best sources for these items are animal based and include such foods as chicken fat and oily fish. Plant-based oils such as safflower and canola also offer ample servings of these vital nutrients.

Supplements can help a food to be more effective for the Basset Hound. The most beneficial supplements to look for in a diet for this breed include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Basset Hound:

• Meat-based proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list

The best dog foods for Basset Hounds list a lean meat as their first ingredient. Whole meats or meat meals are the best option. By-products and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are inferior in quality and should be avoided.

• Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients

The most nutritionally complete foods for Basset Hounds are comprised of ingredients that are easily recognizable to most dog owners. The addition of chemicals, colors, or fillers provide no nutritional value to the Basset Hound and can trigger an allergic reaction. Avoid foods containing one or more of these items.

• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements

Supplements can help boost the nutrients found within a diet to provide the Basset Hound with additional nutritional benefits. The ideal supplements to look for include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

As a baseline measure of quality, any food selected for a Basset Hound should bear the AAFCO seal of approval as indication the food is properly balanced and appropriate to meet the dog’s basic nutritional needs.