A Diet for Beagles By Team PetCareRx on July 11 @ 12:00AM

Beagles have noses made to follow scent trails to their end. Their enhanced scenting and trailing abilities were developed over centuries of selective breeding of small to medium-sized hounds to hunt rabbits and other small game. A Beagle's discriminating nose also tends to lead the dog to food, as this highly active sporting breed has a ravenous appetite. Unchecked, a Beagle's penchant for food can produce an overweight little hound dog. To keep your Beagle at a healthy weight, monitor the dog's food intake, and feed your Beagle creatively to engage the dog's hunting skills.

Caloric Requirements

Beagles range in weight from 25 to 30 pounds and need between 674 and 922 calories per day. This recommendation must be adjusted according to the activity level of your Beagle, with more active dogs needing more daily calorie intake. Most Beagles are active, energetic dogs with seemingly boundless energy, so the larger daily recommendation is likely to be more well-suited to your dog, especially if your dog is a puppy. Beagles over 7 years old are typically less active and need fewer calories. Regular exercise is crucial to maintaining a Beagle's optimal health and preventing weight gain.

Types of Food

Beagles are not known for being picky about food. In fact, they'll eat almost anything. Dry dog food works well with Beagles, especially since it helps to keep their teeth clean. Commercial dog food can be free-fed during the day because it doesn't spoil, but free-feeding is not the road to weight control if you are concerned about your Beagle's weight. Measure your Beagle's food carefully according to advice on the dog food package for your dog's weight and activity level, or look at the calories per cup and measure accordingly. Divide your dog's daily ration into two to three daily meals. A small amount of canned dog food can be mixed with the dry, but the total should add up to no more calories than your Beagle requires.

Ingredients

Beagles require a high-protein diet to support their active lifestyles, especially if the dog is involved in tracking or agility competitions. Foods approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials contain all of the necessary ingredients for a balanced diet. Select a dog food with poultry, fish, or whole meats listed first among the ingredients on the package label. Sources of essential fatty acids, such as sunflower, safflower, or fish oil, help keep your dog's coat shiny and maintain the dog's energy level. Vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates such as brown rice add healthy fiber to the food. This nutritionally balanced diet supports joint health and helps to prevent health issues like hip dysplasia.

Avoid ingredients like meat by-products and cereal grains such as corn or wheat, which can be harder for your Beagle to digest than whole meats or meat meals. Higher-quality foods contain easily digestible proteins, vegetables, and fruits that usually result in less waste and smaller stools. Natural preservatives like Vitamin E or Vitamin C are preferable over artificial preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, and ethoxyquin.

Creative Feeding

Beagles are hunting dogs and enjoy following an interesting scent. Take advantage of this natural tendency and engage your dog's mind during the day by hiding dry dog food around your home in places your dog can sniff out. This makes a fun game out of feeding and helps to prevent destructive behaviors when you aren't around your Beagle.

Beagles love to chew, so providing your dog with a chewable puzzle toy that you can fill with dry food mixed with something like peanut butter satisfies this need in your dog. This also helps to protect your prized possessions from possible destruction in your absence by your dog. Beagles enjoy spending time with their people and can develop destructive behaviors if they are lonely and bored. Feeding your dog in this manner helps to curb such behaviors.

Obesity

The Beagle is a relatively healthy breed with few health concerns. Unfortunately, an overfed Beagle can easily become obese, and that can lead to a variety of health conditions such as arthritis and heart disease. Feel along your dog's sides and back. If the ribs and spine are so padded by fat that you can't easily detect them, your Beagle is overweight. Seek the advice of a veterinarian about reducing the dog's weight; some health conditions can also cause obesity.

Besides increasing your Beagle's daily exercise, just cutting your dog's food ration or feeding them a low-calorie dog food containing increased fiber can help your dog lose weight. Dividing your dog's food into several meals throughout the day can burn more calories while keeping the dog feeling full. You can also consider adding healthy ingredients such as green beans or canned pumpkin while reducing the dog's ration. According to the National Beagle Club of America, such ingredients can help your dog feel full without adding many calories.

Special Considerations

Beagle puppies have specific nutritional needs that must be met to ensure healthy growth. The best dog food for Beagle puppies includes a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Beagle puppies require food that supports their developing bodies and brain. Be cautious with human food as it can cause food allergies and other health issues in dogs. Fresh food can be a part of their diet, but it must be nutritionally balanced to support their energy levels and overall health.

Senior Beagles have different dietary requirements compared to younger dogs. Their metabolism slows as they age, and they may be prone to joint problems and other health issues. Feeding your Beagle a diet that includes healthy fats and adequate fiber can help maintain their health. Avoid toxic foods and ensure their diet includes all necessary nutrients for body cells to function properly. A raw diet may also be considered, but it should be carefully balanced to meet all nutritional requirements.

Maintaining your Beagle's coat health is important, and a diet rich in fatty acids like fish oil can contribute to a shiny and healthy coat. Vitamins and minerals are essential for your Beagle's overall health, so choose a diet that provides these nutrients to support joint health and other bodily functions.

By carefully managing your Beagle's diet, you can ensure they live a healthy and active life.

Frequently Asked Questions

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