How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Beagle Puppies
A sweet little pooch that is driven by its nose, the Beagle puppy is the perfect family companion. A breed known for being loving and affectionate, a Beagle pup is a wonderful addition to any home but particularly shines in a home with children.
Beagle puppies can be quite active, and they need a diet that supports this type of lifestyle. Choosing the right food for a Beagle puppy can be challenging with so many options on the market today. A hardy breed, the typical Beagle puppy’s nutritional requirements are easy to satisfy. A high-quality puppy food that is properly balanced and with the correct ratios of calcium, phosphorus, and protein is all that is required to help the Beagle pup grow up to a be a healthy adult dog.
Beagle puppies are similar to their adult counterparts in that they love food. Though puppies do require more daily calories to support their development than an adult dog, care should still be taken to measure and monitor the best dog food for Beagle puppies to avoid weight gain which could be harmful to the dog’s developing musculoskeletal system.
Feeding Beagle Puppies
Beagles are available in two different size variations: the 13” and the 15”. Though this differentiation may not be noticeable during the puppy years, it does mean that the adult Beagle will grow to weigh anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds. The feeding guide on the packaging will serve as a handy guide for the quantity to feed your Beagle pup as they grow.
In general, puppies require more calories to fuel their development as well as to keep pace with their busy lifestyle. Puppies should be fed three meals per day to prevent hunger between meals. The best dog foods for Beagle puppies have been carefully calibrated nutritionally to support a healthy rate of growth.
Dietary Requirements for Beagle Puppy Foods
Correct proportions of protein, fats, and carbohydrates are vital to ensuring the health and proper development of the Beagle puppy. The best source of protein for a Beagle pup is derived from animals such as poultry or fish. These lean meats are complete sources of protein, offering puppies the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to fuel their growth.
One of the key elements of any Beagle puppy’s diet is fats derived from animal origins. Popular ingredients include chicken fat or salmon oil. Healthy fats lubricate joints and contribute to skin and coats that are lustrous and shining.
The primary role fats play in the puppy’s diet is to provide a viable energy source. When compared against adult formulations, puppy food is far richer in healthy fats to support the needs of a growing puppy.
Carbohydrates also play an important role in nutrition and there is no need to avoid grains for the majority of healthy beagle puppies.
Balance is the most important thing in a Beagle puppy’s diet. A diet that is too rich in protein, calcium, or phosphorus can lead to overly rapid bone growth and cause orthopedic issues later in life. For this reason, feeding a diet specially formulated for growing puppies is essential.
The best dog foods for Beagle puppies often include supplements to support optimal digestion and joint health.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Beagle Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Beagle puppy:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Since protein is vital to the health and development of the Beagle puppy, a high-quality source of protein should be one of the first ingredients listed. Whole proteins are preferable but meat meals are also excellent. The term ‘meat meal’ simply refers to proteins that have been condensed through the removal of such elements as bone and additional moisture, providing a high-quality source of protein.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
No list of ingredients added to a dog food is complete without the addition of vitamins, nutrients, and supplements to support optimal health. Two of the key things to look for in a high-quality puppy food for a Beagle are probiotics and prebiotics which can help with digestion and promote good intestinal health.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All puppy foods for a Beagle pup should be stamped with the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating the food is complete and balanced to meet the needs of a growing puppy.