Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

The best dog food for beagles: What you should (and should never) give your pup

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

Spend some time with a hungry beagle, and you’re bound to notice the breed’s affinity for food. Whether it’s mealtime, treat time, or stealing something off the floor time, this vibrant breed and its powerful nose will be first to the scene of the crime. You can imagine that a food-motivated breed wouldn’t be picky when it comes to meals, but some kibbles and formulas are better suited for your beagle than others.

Here’s where that leaves us: What’s the best food for beagles, and what should they avoid?

Recommended Videos

We’ve scoured canine resources for the best answers in the hopes to get you one step closer to your dog’s new favorite food. True, it may take a little trial and error before everyone is happy, but there’s no time like the present to get started.

What should I feed my beagle?

Look for weight-friendly formulas

Because this breed is prone to obesity, some regular kibbles may be too rich and calorie-dense for your pup’s diet. Luckily, many veterinarian-approved dry foods come in weight-friendly formulas that can be just as delicious. Many of these recipes, like Royal Canin’s Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Moderate Calorie Dry Dog Food, require a vet’s approval in order to purchase, so don’t wait to talk to your dog’s doctor about changing up their diet.

Make sure you account for your beagle’s age

It’s also important to feed your pup food that’s meant for their specific life stage. Food for puppies, for example, will differ from that of adult dogs. Even elderly pets have their own formulas! This will help every dog get the nutrients necessary to support healthy bodies at any age.

Consider high-protein options

Since beagles love to eat, you can try investing in a high-protein kibble that will keep them full for longer. This is a great alternative to adding a second helping to their dinner, as that can lead to obesity and other health concerns. Even dogs need to practice moderation in their diets!

A Beagle puppy eats from a blue food bowl in the grass
Soloviova Liudmyla/Adobe Stock

What should you not feed a beagle?

While shopping for your buddy’s next food, check the details more closely than you’re used to. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has compiled a set of standards and regulations to ensure that their endorsed products provide a nutritionally complete diet for animals, so you can look for this seal of nutritional adequacy on many of your pet’s favorite products. If it doesn’t have the AAFCO seal, don’t buy it!

Some dog experts believe that beagles don’t benefit from wet dog food as much as dry kibble, but every pup will have unique needs. Canned dog food can be a great tool for pups who don’t feel interested in their old food, or who need a little push to eat. For beagles, this should almost never be the case. This food-loving breed is not known to be picky, notes the American Kennel Club, so you should have no trouble with kibble.

When it comes to feeding your beagle, the how can be just as important as the what. Regardless of what you give your pup, giving it to him in set portions during mealtimes will help him to snack in moderation. In other words, don’t think about free-feeding a food-motivated breed like the beagle — your pup will eat too much, too fast! You can always try a slow feeding bowl or kibble-releasing dog toy to help your buddy eat slower, too. Whatever works!

A Beagle puppy eats from a silver food bowl at home
New Africa / Shutterstock

What human foods can beagles eat?

To keep your best buddy happy and healthy, many canine professionals suggest not feeding them any table scraps at all. Even though many ingredients in human food are the same as in dog food, the way they’re prepared for people can cause digestive upset in dogs. Other ingredients are downright toxic, so it’s safer to avoid people’s food altogether.

If you choose, you can safely prepare basic human foods like chicken, rice, or turkey for your beagle. Make sure not to include any herbs or spices if you’re cooking for your dog, but when it comes to choosing a kibble, feel free to get experimental! When in doubt, you can always look for dog food with a flavor your fur baby loves — something like American Journey’s lamb, venison, and beef formula.

What human foods should beagles avoid?

If you do choose to share some of your meals with your beagle, make sure not to pass along any of these foods that are poisonous to dogs:

Many other human foods, including avocado and dairy products, can cause significant digestive trouble if too much is eaten. The same goes for pitted fruits like persimmons and peaches, as the flesh of the fruit is safe but the pit — which dogs don’t know to avoid — can contain toxins or cause intestinal blockage (via Poonav Sachdev, MD).

Now that you’re equipped with everything you need to know about the best food for beagles, you can officially start your search. We know there are lots of kibble options to choose from, but you’ll get there one meal at a time. When in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask your veterinarian for advice as well.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned
It's usually just the weather, but you should look for signs of dehydration or excess thirst
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Ensuring your furry best friend gets plenty of water is one of the most important parts of being a pet parent. But how much water should your dog drink on a daily basis? Veterinarians claim the general rule of thumb is a simple equation: The majority of dogs require around 1/2 to 1 ounce (about 1/8 of a cup) of water per pound of body weight each day. Don't want to reach for your measuring cup? Make sure your pup has round-the-clock access to clean water, and everything should be fine.

That being said, if your dog empties their water bowl several times a day, or you notice their intake has increased drastically, you should probably keep a close eye on things. If your dog drinks a lot of water, you may be wondering, "Why is my dog always thirsty?" We'll share how to monitor your pup's water intake, the most common reasons your dog may be thirsty, and when you should speak with your vet.

Read more
Are Himalayan dog chews safe for your pet? Know this before you buy
These dogs treats are still trendy but should probably be eaten in moderation
A close-up shot of a pug standing in the grass with a bone-shaped treat in his mouth

What do blueberries, kale, and broccoli all have in common? In addition to being delicious, all three are part of the group of so-called superfoods. Unfortunately, there's no federally regulated definition for the term, but Harvard scientists claim food that "offers high levels of desirable nutrients, is linked to the prevention of a disease, or is believed to offer several simultaneous health benefits beyond its nutritional value" can be labeled superfoods. 

Just like you might add chia seeds to your granola or spirulina powder to your smoothies for additional vitamins and minerals, you also want to make sure your dog's food and treats pack a beneficial wallop. Made famous on Shark Tank, Himalayan dog chews have become one of the most hotly debated treats in the pet food game, which begs the question, "Are Himalayan dog chews as healthy as some people think?"

Read more
Can dogs eat mango? Read this first
Find out if this tropical fruit is safe for your pup
A dog in the kitchen looking up at woman drinking coffee

As humans, we love to share with our dogs. Perhaps your pet snuggles up to you in bed, sharing — or stealing — your blankets. Sharing experiences, like holiday activities, can also be a fun way to bond.

Food can get dicier, though. Some human-favorite items, like chocolate, are toxic for dogs. Others make fine (and even healthy) treats. If mango is your favorite fruit, you might want to slip your pet some. Also, your dog might always be around the fruit and sneak some off your plate. Can dogs eat mango safely? Generally, the answer to this question is yes, but there are some caveats. Also, correctly serving a mango is critical. Before throwing your dog a piece of this sweet fruit, here's what to know.

Read more