How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Beagles
The Beagle is an amiable little breed, bringing joy with it wherever it goes. A dog known to enjoy excellent health and an active lifestyle, the main consideration when it comes to a Beagle’s diet is a high-quality dog food that is both affordable and nutritionally balanced to meet the dog’s needs.
Since Beagles love food, they are prone to over-eating which can lead to serious weight gain. Portion control is important to help the Beagle achieve and maintain a healthy weight. The best dog foods for Beagles are nutrient-dense, placing an emphasis on quality and not quantity.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Beagles
Beagles come in two different sizes: the 13” and the 15”. This size variation means that the Beagle’s weight can range from as low as 20 pounds to as high as 30. As a basic rule of thumb, the average Beagle requires between 550 and 800 calories per day to maintain a healthy body weight (with smaller dogs requiring fewer calories). Individual calorie count will vary depending on factors like activity level and if they are spayed or neutered. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information.
The best dog foods for Beagles are nutritionally balanced to support optimal canine health.
Dietary Requirements for Beagle Dog Foods
Because the Beagle defies easy categorization; being too large for a small breed yet too small for a medium breed, it can be difficult to determine which brand of food is best. Dog foods designed for small breeds may be too calorie dense for the Beagle, leading to easy weight gain. However, large breed formulations may leave this dog breed feeling hungry, particularly if the dog is very active.
The best course of action for a Beagle is to avoid foods that are labeled specifically for use with small or large breeds in favor of a more comprehensive approach. As a general rule of thumb, Beagles do very well on a dog food that is high in proteins derived from animal sources and that are properly balanced with the correct amount of healthy fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals.
Animal-based proteins are far preferable for Beagles because they are complete in their nutritional formulation. Animal proteins are comprised of amino acids which can readily be processed by the Beagle’s body to help maintain optimal health and sustain vital body processes. Beagles are easily able to digest proteins from these sources.
Carbohydrates also play an important role in the Beagle’s diet. The ideal carbohydrates found in a dog food should be easy for the dog’s system to break down and properly process.
Fats can be derived from animal or plant origins and fish oils, in particular, are excellent sources of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
The best dog foods for Beagles often include supplements to support vital body processes such as digestion.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Beagles
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Beagle:
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Complete proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
A diet that is rich in high-quality proteins is vital to keeping the Beagle healthy and well. The ingredients list of a high-quality diet suitable for a Beagle should include whole proteins or meat meal as one of the first ingredients.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Since no food is complete without the addition of the correct vitamins and minerals, it is always a good idea to look for a food that is supplemented with items that promote good health.
Probiotics improve digestion and promote the growth of helpful bacteria. Supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine provide support for the Beagle’s skeletal system, an important help for active and aging dogs.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
As a baseline measure of quality, any food selected for a Beagle should bear the AAFCO seal of approval as an indication that the food is properly balanced and appropriate to meet the dog’s basic nutritional needs.
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Contains minimal to moderate fat
Because the Beagle is prone to gaining weight easily, it is important the food selected for this dog breed be low to moderate in fat content. But the type of fat also makes a difference in the quality of the food. Aim for a diet that contains animal fats such as chicken or oily fish like salmon or mackerel.