7 Best Dog Foods for Beagles in 2024

Beagles, those adorable family pooches, hail from a pack of sniff-happy hounds. They’re like the Fox Hound’s smaller cousin but don’t let their size fool you. These pups earn their kibble sniffing out trouble at airports and border crossings, thanks to their top-notch noses. Not only are they ace detectives, but they also shine as hunting buddies and domestic pals. So why keep reading? Because who wouldn’t want the inside scoop on these sniff-savvy, tail-wagging family favorites?

The Beagle is independent and strong-willed, and while they are a relatively healthy dog breed, they still require quality nutrition. If you haven’t done so already – it is about time you start looking for the best dog food for Beagles. Here are seven of the top adult dog and puppy food brands, all of which are suitable for the energetic and outgoing Beagle.

Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best food for your Beagle dog, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

Best Dog Food for Beagles

1. Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

The Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Food is perfect for Beagles that easily gain weight because it has ingredients that promote a lean and muscular body. This nutritious dog food is possibly the best Beagle dog food. It is packed with protein and fat from real meat, fiber for digestion, delicious veggies and legumes like kale and spinach, and salmon oil and flaxseed with natural Omega-3.

Not only will your Beagle feel great when fed this weight management kibble, but they will also look great! Fatty acids promote healthy skin and coat, and for a short-haired dog like the Beagle – it can make all the difference.

Why We Like It – Dog food for Beagles needs to be healthy and nutritious, but it also requires certain benefits that suit the breed. Keep your pup at a healthy weight with this grain-free dog food and enjoy all the good that comes with natural fibers and fatty acids.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,698 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	34.0% min
Crude Fat	16.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Calcium	2.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.5% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	3.25% min

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2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dry Dog Food

Choose between Chicken & Brown Rice, Fish & Brown Rice, and Lamb & Brown Rice, and get the perfect food for your Beagle. Since Beagles are prone to food and skin allergies, this kibble is great for preventing an allergic reaction because it’s made without animal by-products.

The Blue Life Protection Formula dry dog food contains wholesome grains, vegetables, and a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. You also get Blue Buffalo’s unique LifeSource Bits! These contain a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and other antioxidants, promoting a healthy oxidative balance and a strong and resistant immune system.

Why We Like It – The LifeSource Bits used by Blue Buffalo are hard to compete with due to their richness in vitamins and minerals. The chance to choose between three meat varieties makes this a good dog food for Beagles with allergies. This Blue Life Protection Formula dog food is available in a puppy food form, also.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,613 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	22.0% min
Crude Fat	14.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Calcium	1.0% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.75% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.0% min

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3. Diamond Naturals Adult Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food

Real beef protein gives this kibble a rich and irresistible flavor, which not even the fussiest Beagle will be able to resist! This Diamond Naturals dry food for Beagles contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 to promote healthy skin and coat, and it has been enhanced with probiotics and a mix of superfoods.

You find both vitamin E and selenium in this premium beef and rice formula, which will promote your pup’s heart health, kidneys, eyes, and more. A stronger immune system is always desirable, and your Beagle will enjoy all the benefits of a top-quality product that places itself among the best dog foods for Beagles.

Why We Like It – If you are not ready to take your Beagle off grains – this is the product to turn to. They use only quality grains to balance out the high protein content, and your dog will love the natural flavor!

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,518 kcal/kg, 329 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	25.0% min
Crude Fat	15.0% min
Crude Fiber	3.5% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Vitamin E	150 IU/kg min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.4% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.4% min

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4. Go! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient

If your Beagle has a sensitive stomach, this delicious good-natured grain-free dog food could be the ideal Beagle diet. There is only one animal protein source used in this limited ingredient recipe – salmon, a mild meat-type perfect for dogs with dietary health issues.

The kibble is free from sweet potatoes, corn, wheat, and soy, leaving room for nutritious ingredients packed with vitamins and minerals. Another benefit is that this food for adult beagles is gluten-free, meaning that young and adult dogs with gluten intolerance can eat it happily.

Why We Like It – If you are looking for the absolute best dog food for your Beagle that suffers from allergies or food sensitivities, the Go! Sensitivity + Shine Limited Ingredient product is one you want to consider.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	4,084 kcal/kg, 449 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	24.0% min
Crude Fat	12.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.5% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Calcium	1.2% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.3% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	1.5% min

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5. Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Natural Adult Rocky Mountain Recipe

Blue Buffalo is a leading brand for high-quality dog food, and this is their grain-free dog food option for those who prefer to skip grains for their Beagles. You can get it with beef, chicken, or lamb, and the protein content is just right for a dog as active and energetic as the Beagle.

The grain-free aspect also makes it gluten-free, and there are no fillers like corn or wheat listed – only high-quality items packed with nutrition! The LifeSource Bits are found in this grain-free kibble giving your dog a real health boost with every bite!

Why We Like It – Some Beagles are sensitive to gluten, but with this kibble, you won’t have to worry! It is one of the best hunting dog food brands, and this dry food contains all the nutrients your pup needs while being completely grain- and gluten-free. Try other recipes from this fantastic brand, such as the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe. More variety of Blue Buffalo is explained here.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,583 kcal/kg, 373 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	24.0% min
Crude Fat	14.0% min
Crude Fiber	6.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Calcium	1.0% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.5% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.5% min

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6. Eukanuba Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food 

A trusted brand like Eukanuba never disappoints! They give you the best dog food for Beagle mixes, purebred Beagles, and other breeds, and the price is slightly more affordable than some of the other brands.

This Eukanuba product also offers 3D DentaDefense technology to reduce existing tartar and to prevent new build-ups. This is a dream come true for Beagle owners, as some Beagles are prone to dental problems and poor oral health issues.

The kibble is suitable for Beagles a year old or older, and it has all the daily nutrition your pooch needs to thrive. Wave goodbye to pointless fillers, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and say hello to quality ingredients and premium nutrients.

Why We Like It – One thing that is great about Eukanuba is how easily you can find it in pet stores and online worldwide! This pet food offers quality nutrition for dogs like the Beagle without complicating things with unnecessary ingredients that do little to nothing for a dog’s health. Just a recipe that caters to your Beagle dog’s nutritional needs. Eukanuba also offers a medium-breed puppy food version.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,826 kcal/kg, 371 kcal/cup
Crude Protein	25.0% min
Crude Fat	16.0% min
Crude Fiber	3.8% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)	0.01% min
Glucosamine	218 mg/kg min
Chondroitin Sulfate	8 mg/kg min

– Contains chicken by-product meal and corn meal

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7. WholeHearted Grain Free All Life Stages

If your budget is a little tight, but you still feel you want to invest in good dry food for your Beagle – check out this affordable product! It is one of the best dog foods on the market in its price class, and it has a real duck as its first ingredient!

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce signs of skin allergies while also promoting a healthy and shiny coat. The carefully selected canine probiotics are there to ensure an improved metabolism and functional metabolism. This WholeHearted grain-free canine food contains antioxidants, minerals, quality vegetables, and other nutrients, and it is made without grains.

A grain-free canine food like this does not usually come at such an affordable price. It is the ultimate option for those wanting to save a few dollars without compromising on quality.

Why We Like It – This is a newer brand of dog food that your Beagle is likely to love. This natural grain-free dog food contains has everything many of the more established brands have and more! No grains or gluten, and no artificial colors or flavors. Your Beagle will love it!

Nutrition Information:

Crude Protein	26.0% min
Crude Fat	14.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Moisture	10.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.4% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.5% min

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Bonus Buy: American Journey Chicken Active Life Formula Puppy Dog Food

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Looking for dog food that caters to the needs of your Beagle puppy? The American Journey Chicken Active Life Formula Puppy Dog Food has complete and balanced nutrition designed for growing Beagle puppies. It provides optimal health support with a precise blend of nutrients and antioxidants.

Growing puppies need strong bones and teeth to lead a healthy and active life. That’s why this formula contains calcium and phosphorous to promote healthy bones and teeth.

What else? Ther #1 ingredient is a high-quality protein from real chicken to support lean muscle development. Each bite is formulated with essential fatty acids, DHA and ARA, to promote cognitive and retinal development great for thriving puppies.

Lastly, it’s made without unnecessary fillers, by-product meals, or artificial preservatives. Your precious Beagle puppy will surely love this American Journey Puppy Dog food because it makes sure your pup receives nutrient-rich ingredients only.

How We Chose The Best Dog Food for Beagles

By choosing nutritious medium-breed recipes, you’ll be giving your Beagle a chance to thrive. If you’re curious about what to look for in selecting the best dog foods for Beagles, we’re here to help you out. This is how we chose our top 7 Beagle dog foods and what you need to consider when buying dog foods for Beagles.

Premium Animal Proteins

Ensure your pooch’s overall health by giving them dog food that has high-quality animal protein sources. Protein helps in the growth and development of your Beagle, and your dog is better off with quality foods like the Wellness Core Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which is #1 on our list. It’s rich in high-quality protein from deboned Turkey and meat meals, such as Turkey and Chicken Meal.

Complete and Balanced Nutrition

Whether it’s dry or wet canned dog food, you need to choose dog foods that offer complete and balanced nutrition. A good example of one of the quality foods that provide a complete and balanced diet is our #6 on the list, the Eukanuba Adult Small Bites Dry Dog Food. This dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of small and medium breeds, perfect for your fur baby Beagle.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide the essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your dog needs to thrive. And having this in their diet will promote a healthier and active lifestyle for your pooch. Like the one on our list, some dog foods, the Diamond Naturals Dry Food for Adult Dog, has fruits and vegetables as superfoods with antioxidants for immune health.

No Fillers or Animal By-products

For your peace of mind, we made sure that most of the dog food for Beagles we listed here contains little to no fillers or animal by-products. Dedicated to serving you only the best, we also avoid unwanted fillers and by-products that are low in nutrition so that your pooch can only get the best for their health.

Omega Fatty Acids

Two types of essential fatty acids are beneficial for your dog’s health, Omega-3, and Omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3s help boosts your dog’s kidney function, helping those dogs who are suffering from chronic kidney disease. Meanwhile, Omega-6s are the ones that give support to your pet’s brain and eye development. These essential fatty acids also promote healthy coat and skin for your Beagle, ensuring that your dog has soft and silky fur

Best Dog Foods for Beagles Buyers Guide

While the Beagle is considered a healthy dog breed, it is susceptible to various health problems. Beagles tend to gain weight easily, which could quickly become a problem. Excess weight gain puts unnecessary stress on bones and joints, which unfortunately could lead to pain and discomfort, especially as the dog grows older.

By getting the best wet dog food or dry dog food for Beagles, you will be lowering the risk of your pooch packing on pounds and potentially also prolonging their lives. So opt for dog foods for Beagles that satisfy their nutritional needs to ensure they’re growing with optimal health. A healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog is a dog you can take with you on adventures.

Nutritional Needs of a Beagle

Every dog has a specific nutritional requirement depending on their age and health status. But there’s a general nutritional guideline you can follow for all dogs, which we listed below.

Protein

Something that you can’t take away from any dog’s diet is protein. Because dogs are natural meat-lovers, it’s only proper that you feed your Beagle with a protein-rich diet. And it’s even vital for their overall growth and development because amino acids are found on the protein that helps build your pooch’s muscle tissues.

Vitamins and Minerals

Like protein, vitamins and minerals are just as essential in a dog’s diet – or in everyone’s diet. Vitamins and minerals are the way to boost your dog’s immune system, provide energy, and maintain good health. According to American Kennel Club, there are 7 vitamins your dog needs for a healthy life, namely Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and Choline. While minerals, calcium and phosphorous, are the most beneficial in establishing strong bones and teeth for your Beagle.

Healthy Fats

Looking out for the fat content you feed your Beagle is necessary, especially if you want to avoid your dog having an unwanted weight gain. However, there’s also the type of fats that are considered healthy. These are the essential fatty acids that come from animal fats, fish oils, or vegetable oils. The essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 promote healthier skin and coat and brain and eye development.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates refuel your dog’s energy levels but are not necessary for their nutrition. Feeding your Beagle with carbs allows them to be active and energized, especially when provided with complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes. This is because complex carbs take more time to digest, keeping your dog feel full for longer. Still, watch out for the number of carbs you feed your Begale because too much carbohydrate content can cause bloating.

Main Health Problems for Beagles

As a loving fur parent of your Beagle, it’s better to be prepared for possible future obstacles that relate to their health. Knowing the common health problems that Beagles are prone to might be beneficial for future purposes. Your existing knowledge of the leading health problems of Beagles can save your dog’s life. Because you’ll be able to identify any signs or symptoms and take immediate action to help them.

Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is when a dog’s third eyelid (yes, dogs have third eyelids) prolapses, causing the eye to get swollen and turn red, hence the name cherry eye. The third eyelid gland is responsible for tear production, and once your pooch develops a cherry eye, this makes it hard for them to produce tears. The redness in the membrane is usually visible and not overly painful for your dog, but enough to cause discomfort. Without tears, the eye won’t be lubricated, eventually causing eye irritation or eye infection, which is more painful.

Glaucoma

Another common eye problem of Beagles is glaucoma, a medical condition caused by too much pressure on the inner eye. The pressure can cause unwanted pain for the dog, and they can get intense headaches or migraines because of this condition. The signs and symptoms of glaucoma are poor appetite, lethargy, change in behavior, rubbing or pawing of the eye, dilated pupils, redness in the eye, swollen cornea, and uneven size of the eyes (one may appear larger than the other).

Chinese Beagle Syndrome

Chinese Beagle Syndrom, also known as Musladin-Leuke Syndrome (MLS) today, is a genetic condition involving Beagles’ overall tissue development. Based on the AKC Canine Health Foundation, this condition can affect the heart, bone, skin, and muscle development, causing genetic defects.

“Beagles with MLS are born with several defects characterized by short outer toes on the front and sometimes all four feet, high set creased ears on a flat skull with extra cartilage in them, slant narrowed eyes and very thick tight skin with little scruff. Such pups are small in stature with a very stiff gait.”

AKC Canine Health Foundation about the Musladin-Leuke Syndrome

Unfortunately, there’s no known treatment for this genetic condition. The only way to prevent this is to avoid breeding the affected Beagles.

Pulmonic Stenosis

Pulmonic Stenosis is a born defect that affects the pulmonary valve because of the narrowing of the arteries that connect the pulmonary artery and the right ventricle, causing blockage of blood flow. This condition can cause heart damage that can range from a murmur to arrhythmia and even heart failure. Symptoms include irregular or out-of-sync heartbeats, difficulty breathing, exercise intolerance, fainting, or sudden death.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common condition in Beagles wherein they suffer from a thyroid hormone deficiency. Because of the lack of this thyroid hormone, your dog’s metabolism slows down, causing a possible unwanted weight gain. The signs and symptoms to watch out for are sudden weight gain, hair loss, exercise intolerance, lethargy, and persistent skin or ear infections. Thankfully hypothyroidism is treatable through thyroid hormone therapy, and your pooch can still live a long life as long as it’s caught and treated early.

Common Allergies of Beagles

Dogs are just as susceptible to allergies as humans. That’s why it’s only precautionary to pay attention to the different types of allergies that also affect dogs.

Food Allergies

Allergic reactions from food can come from highly processed or commercial foods with ingredients that don’t agree with your dog. Or they can be allergic to a specific type of food such as animal meat like fish, chicken, or beef. Other common allergens are grains and carbs such as corn, wheat, soy, potatoes, etc. If you’ve identified the ingredient your dog is allergic to and noticed signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, take them to the vet to get them treated.

Environmental Allergies

In some cases, your pooch can also be exposed to environmental allergens such as pollen, weeds, or dust mites. Suppose they also develop an allergic reaction affected by seasonal changes. In that case, that might be a sign that they are suffering from environmental allergies. For example, if they’re more prone to allergies during the summer, this means that pollen or weeds are the allergens that affect them because this is the time where pollens and weeds are more prevalent.

Flea Allergies

Flea allergies are caused by the saliva of fleas coming in contact with your dog’s skin when a flea bites them; this is what causes an allergic reaction from your pupper. If you want to protect your Beagle from flea bites, either buy a flea collar that provides long-lasting protection from fleas and ticks or use flea sprays. You can also use a flea shampoo for flea and tick prevention.

Better to be on the lookout for the signs and symptoms of allergies, so you can take immediate action and consult your vet. The most common signs and symptoms of an allergy include:

• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Red skin
• Itchy skin
• Coughing
• Snoring
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Skin rashes
• Gassiness
• Biting their paws
• Skin shedding
• Constant licking

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Food for My Beagle Puppy?

Almost all brands mentioned in this article also sell a medium breed puppy food version of their dog food – made to meet the needs of a growing Beagle. Another brand that we would recommend as food for Beagle puppies is Taste of the Wild. Taste of The Wild’s puppy food is a popular choice among new Beagle owners, and we do believe it is also a great product.

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The Taste of The Wild Grain-Free High Prairie Dry Puppy Food is popular for a few reasons. The first being that this dry puppy food recipe is grain-free. If you fancy trying your Beagle breed puppy out on Taste of The Wilds High Prairie Beagle puppy food, we recommend opting for a smaller pack to begin with. You can always start by using the kibble as a dog treat and see how your Beagle reacts to it.

The Taste of The Wild Pacific Stream recipe dry dog food is a popular favorite among Beagle owners. However, Taste of The Wild’s formula list is extensive. Take a look at all the formulas and recipes, and pick a few you think your Beagle puppy will like.

What Is the Recommended Calorie Content for Beagles?

The recommended calorie intake for Beagles will depend greatly on their age, weight, activity level, and health status. But you can also follow this general feeding guideline table that we made for you.

	WEIGHT IN LBS	CALORIES PER DAY	PER POUND OF BODY WEIGHT
Beagle Puppies	4 to 10 lbs	220 – 550	55 calories
Average Adult Beagle	25 to 30 lbs	1125 – 1350	45 calories
Larger Adult Beagle	35 lbs	1575	45 calories
Senior Beagles	27 to 33 lbs	1134 – 1386	42 calories

What Foods Should Beagles Avoid Eating?

As usual, avoid low-quality ingredients and ingredients that provide a low nutritional value, such as fillers and animal by-products. Fillers like corn or wheat are hard to digest for dogs, and sometimes these are also one of the most common causes of allergies. While animal by-products are not a good source of protein because we are unsure if they’re sourced from a clean and sterile environment. By-products are meat leftovers that came from slaughterhouses. Although they’re a good source of protein, they’re still considered low-quality and should be avoided.

Conclusion

Shopping for dog food can be both interesting and fun when you know what you are looking for, and it does not have to be difficult to find the best puppy food for Beagle puppies or the best dry dog food for adult Beagles. Take your time with the process, read up on the brand you are considering, and – most importantly – be patient.

All dogs are different, and not all Beagles do well on the same foods. You might have to try a few products before you find the one that works for you and your pup, but once you do – it will all be worth it.

Expert Tip

Never change your Beagle’s food from one day to another, as this can cause diarrhea and stomach pain, and instead start off with only a little and gradually increase the percentage of new pet food added to the old one, until the switch is complete. Using the new recipe as a dog treat is also a great way of building up a tolerance.

Did You Know?

The stubborn, independent and lovable Beagle is surprisingly the 5th most popular dog breed in the United States. Think Beagle is the dog for you? Check this article about everything you need to know about Beagles.