Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Beagles

Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Beagles

You don’t need us to tell you that your Beagle isn’t like any other dog. Loyal, inquisitive, and smart as a whip, these pups are some of the best companions anyone could hope to have.

But they’re also different from other breeds, and that extends to their nutritional requirements. You can feed them generic kibble, but if your dog doesn’t get all the nutrition a Beagle needs, he won’t be able to thrive the way he should.

Of course, it can seem like it takes multiple advanced degrees just to figure out what any dog needs to eat, let alone a specific breed, and there’s certainly a lot of misinformation out there. In the reviews below, we’ve done our best to cut through all the confusion to find the best dog foods for your Beagle and his specific needs.

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Beagles

Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Lamb & Blueberry Medium & Maxi Adult Dry Dog Food

Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain
Calories: 394 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Lamb, dehydrated lamb, whole spelt, whole oats, dried whole eggs

This dog food is a top choice packed with nutritious and tasty ingredients. About 90% of the protein in the formula derives from high-quality animal sources. This formula is also great for dogs with hyperglycemia or diabetes. It’s specifically designed to be a low-glycemic formula that won’t cause blood sugar levels to spike.

The recipe doesn’t contain any plant products that are hard to digest, such as legumes. It also doesn’t have any meat meals or by-products. However, keep in mind that although the food is marketed as a lamb recipe, it contains whole eggs and a small amount of chicken fat, which are common food allergens.

The kibble is relatively large and can be too big for medium-sized dogs. So, many dog owners opt to feed their dogs the small breed version of this recipe.

If you’re wondering if this dog food is worth the high price, it depends. It has high-quality ingredients that seem to attract a lot of dogs. So, if your Beagle’s a picky eater, there’s a good chance it’ll like this recipe. However, if your dog isn’t very picky, you might benefit more from selecting a more cost-effective option.

Cons
  • Contains chicken fat and eggs

  • Large kibble size

Pros
  • Low-glycemic formula

  • No legumes, meat meals, and animal by-products

  • Uses high-quality ingredients

  • Palatable for picky eaters

Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Value

Purina ONE Natural Weight Control + Plus Healthy Weight Formula
Calories: 320 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Turkey, rice flour, soybean meal, corn gluten meal

Feeding your Beagle a high-quality meal doesn’t have to make a significant dent in your wallet. Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula is a more affordable option that meets many of a Beagle’s unique needs.

Real turkey is the first ingredient. The recipe also has an abundance of antioxidants to support the immune system and vitamins A and E, which benefit the eyes and joints.

The recipe also contains fewer calories and fat, so it’s an excellent option for Beagles that need weight management support. It also includes a good amount of fiber to help them feel fuller for longer.

The ingredient list does show that the recipe has some carbohydrate fillers, such as corn and soybean products. However, the guaranteed analysis shows that the formula consists of 27% crude protein, which is more than enough protein for an adult dog.

For all the benefits that this dog food provides, we believe that it’s the best dog food for Beagles for the money you pay.

Cons
  • Contains corn and soy

Pros
  • Affordable option

  • Helps with weight management

  • Supports healthy eyes and joints

  • Great source of antioxidants

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall

the farmers dog all together with dogs paws

Calories: 721 cal/lbs of food
First Five Ingredients: Beef, sweet potatoes, cooked lentils, carrots, beef liver

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food is the best overall dog food for Beagles. The recipes are all packed with high-quality, human-grade ingredients. Yes, you read that right, human-grade. Meaning it’s good enough for you to eat!

Regular dog food can be bland, filled with nasty preservatives, and just plain boring for your dog. The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food formulas are created by vets and backed by the AAFCO so you know they aren’t only satisfying for your dog, but they’re healthy too!

Along with beef. there are three other protein recipes available – chicken, turkey, and pork. When you go on The Farmers Dog website you’ll need to complete a small quiz to find out more about your dog and after that, you are all set. Your first order will be delivered right to your door.

One thing to consider about this brand is it is a little more expensive than regular, store-bought kibble, but we think it’s a small price to pay for this level of quality and convenience.

Cons
  • A bit pricer than average food

Pros
  • High-quality ingredients

  • Delivered to your door

  • Veterinarian formulated

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet with Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet with Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe
Calories: 384 kcal
First Five Ingredients: Deboned salmon, salmon meal, brown rice, oatmeal, barley

This Merrick dog food formula is another top choice for Beagles because it checks all the boxes for meeting this dog breed’s needs. It’s a limited ingredient diet and only contains nine key components, so there’s very little chance that your dog will experience an allergic reaction. It also doesn’t contain any common meat allergens, such as beef and chicken.

The recipe lists deboned salmon as its first ingredient. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acid, which has many health benefits, including supporting healthy skin and coat. The formula also doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

You won’t find any other ingredients that can cause digestive issues, such as dairy, eggs, and lentils. However, since brown rice is high in fiber, it might be a little more difficult for some dogs with particularly weak digestive systems to digest. Other than that, this recipe is a nutritious and safe choice for Beagles.

Cons
  • May contain too much fiber

Pros
  • Only 9 key ingredients

  • Great source of omega 3s

  • No common allergens

  • No artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food – Best for Puppies

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food
Calories: 428 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley, fish meal, canola meal

In general, puppies have more sensitive stomachs and require more protein than adult dogs. So, Beagle puppies can be more susceptible to getting an upset stomach if they’re not fed a simple formula.

Purina Pro Plan Puppy Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food addresses this issue very well. It uses relatively gentle ingredients, such as salmon and rice, and it doesn’t contain any common food allergens, except for a small amount of beef fat. It also doesn’t have any artificial colors and flavors.

Along with being gentle on the digestive tract, this formula nourishes and protects the skin and coat. It also contains a lot of fish, which includes omega fatty acids that support brain and vision development. With the crude protein at 28%, this recipe includes a substantial amount of protein that promotes healthy growth and development.

Cons
  • Contains beef fat

Pros
  • Made for sensitive stomachs

  • Rich in fatty acids

  • No artificial colors and flavors

  • Crude protein of 28%

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Calories: 415 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Deboned salmon, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, menhaden fish meal

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a high-protein recipe that’s great for active Beagles. The formula is 34% protein, which is substantially higher than most other dog foods. Keep in mind that too much protein can be detrimental to dogs, so if your Beagle doesn’t engage in an exceptional amount of activity, you may want to pass on this recipe.

Deboned salmon is the first ingredient, and the recipe also contains menhaden fish meal. These ingredients contain a high volume of healthy omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat and the immune system.

Although marketed as a salmon recipe, this dog food lists chicken meal as its second ingredient, and it contains dried egg product. So, it’s not a recipe for Beagles with food allergies.

Cons
  • Not for low-energy Beagles

  • Contains chicken and eggs

Pros
  • High-protein diet for active Beagles

  • Deboned salmon is first ingredient

  • Good source of omega fatty acids

 

American Journey Grain-Free with Lamb, Venison & Beef Dry Dog Food

American Journey Grain-Free with Lamb, Venison & Beef Dry Dog Food
Calories: 345 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Deboned lamb, turkey meal, chicken meal, chickpeas, peas

This grain-free dog food has a high-quality recipe that’s very ideal for Beagles. It has animal protein and meat meal as its first three ingredients, and it also contains nutritious fruits and vegetables, including blueberries, carrots, and cranberries.

The formula excludes corn, wheat, and soy, and it also doesn’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. It’s been fortified with prebiotics and natural fibers to help with digestion. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and coat.

Since the recipe also contains various additional meats, it’s more palatable for picky eaters. Just keep in mind that it does contain some common allergies, like chicken and beef. So, if your dog has a particularly sensitive stomach, it may have a more challenging time digesting this dog food.

Cons
  • Contains common allergens

Pros
  • Variety of meat protein

  • No artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives

  • Promotes healthy skin and coat

  • Supports a healthy digestive system

Instinct Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Recipe with Real Turkey Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

Instinct Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Calories: 469 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Turkey meal, peas, turkey, tapioca, canola oil

This dog food works exceptionally well for dogs with severe food allergies. It only contains one animal protein and one vegetable and doesn’t have any artificial colors or preservatives, grains, dairy, eggs, beef, or chicken.

This recipe contains whole turkey, turkey meal, freeze-dried turkey, liver, and heart. Turkey is a more digestible alternative to chicken, and it’s highly nutritious for dogs.

Although it only contains two ingredients, the recipe’s fortified with all the essential nutrients that your Beagle needs to thrive. It has natural sources of omega fatty acids and antioxidants to protect your dog’s immune system and nourish its skin and coat.

We only have a couple of concerns with this dog food. First, turkey meal and peas are the first two ingredients, not turkey, which is the third ingredient. This may affect the quality of the recipe since the composition of the turkey meal is unclear. The food contains more calories than other recipes on our list. So, it won’t be the best choice for dogs that require weight management and maintenance.

Cons
  • Turkey meal is first ingredient

  • Highly caloric

Pros
  • Only contains one protein and one vegetable

  • No common food allergens

  • No artificial colors or preservatives

  • Fortified with essential nutrients

Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Calories: 394 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Turkey, turkey meal, chickpeas, peas, sunflower oil

Zignature Turkey Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can be a viable option for Beagles with sensitive stomachs and food allergies. It has a very simple recipe that’s chicken-free and dairy-free.

The only source of animal protein is turkey and turkey meal. Turkey’s a good source of essential vitamins and minerals, including selenium, riboflavin, and phosphorus. It’s relatively low in saturated fat, so this recipe is great for dogs that require weight management.

The recipe also has a crude protein percentage of 32%, so it’s an excellent option for young and active Beagles. It contains antioxidants to strengthen and protect your dog’s immune system, making this recipe a great choice for energetic Beagles who enjoy playing and spending time outdoors.

Cons
  • Not for low-energy dogs

Pros
  • No common allergens

  • Good for weight management

  • High-protein diet

Royal Canin Beagle Adult Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Beagle Adult Dry Dog Food
Calories: 283 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Corn, chicken by-product meal, brewer rice, wheat, corn gluten meal

Royal Canin has dog food specifically formulated for adult Beagles older than 12 months old. The formula supports weight control and contains the appropriate amount of calories for this dog breed. It also provides bone and joint support for active Beagles.

The kibble also has an intentional shape and size so that it’s easy for Beagles to pick up. The shape also encourages dogs to chew thoroughly and slow down eating.

Our concerns lie in the main ingredients in this recipe. It lists corn as the first ingredient and chicken by-product meal as the second ingredient. By-product meal is very ambiguous, so it’s difficult to know what’s inside. The fact that the recipe doesn’t list whole chicken at any point is also concerning.

Most Beagles do enjoy eating this food, so it’s a popular option amongst dog owners. However, with its premium price, we can’t confidently say that it’s the best dog food for Beagles.

Cons
  • Corn is the first ingredient
  • No whole chicken
  • Relatively expensive
Pros
  • Specially formulated for Beagles

  • Slows down fast eaters

  • Supports weight control

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food
Calories: 291 kcal/cup
First Five Ingredients: Chicken, cracked pearled barley, brown rice, pea fiber, corn gluten meal

This dog food is another great option for Beagles that may need some help with weight loss or management. It contains only 291 kilocalories per cup and has a lot of fiber to keep your Beagle feeling full for a long time. The only caveat to this is that the high amount of fiber may cause digestive issues for some dogs with sensitive stomachs.

The only meat protein that this recipe uses is chicken, so it’s safe for dogs with beef allergies and rarer fish allergies. The amount of chicken and protein in this recipe helps support and maintain lean muscle mass.

The recipe does contain corn gluten meal, which can cause hot spots for some Beagles. Overall, it works best for Beagles that love chicken, need to lose some weight, and don’t have particularly sensitive stomachs.

Cons
  • May have too much fiber

  • Contains corn gluten meal

Pros
  • Low number of calories per cup

  • Only protein is chicken

  • Keeps dog feeling full

  • Helps maintain lean muscle mass

A Brief History of Beagles

For most of human history, dogs were bred and kept for specific purposes rather than companionship, and that’s true of Beagles as well. They likely descended from dogs known as Talbot Hounds, which were popularized in the 11th century C.E. by the English king William the Conqueror.

These hounds were primarily used for hunting deer, and they had powerful noses that made tracking easy. There was one problem: they were very slow. This problem was solved by breeding them with greyhounds.

Birth of the Glove Beagles

The first Beagles were tiny little things, and they were so small they were called “Glove Beagles” because, well, they were about the size of a glove (people weren’t very creative back then, apparently).

These tiny Beagles have since gone extinct, but in the 19th century a Brit named Reverend Phillip Honeywood developed the precursor to the modern Beagle. Honeywood wanted to create the perfect hare-hunting dog; this meant a strong nose for tracking over long distances, excellent stamina for all-day hunts, and a willingness to let the hunter kill the hare rather than the dog finishing it on his own.

Many of these characteristics live on in modern Beagles, as they have incredible noses, seemingly endless stamina, and a gentle nature with other animals and small children.

Of course, the need to stay on a scent trail for hours at a time also gave them a stubborn streak a mile long, but you probably knew that already.

Buyers Guide – How To Find a Healthy Dog Food Formula

Contrary to popular belief, dry dog food can be very beneficial and healthy for your dog, as long as you find a high-quality recipe. When shopping for dry dog food, there are certain categories of ingredients that you should look for and other kinds that you should do your best to avoid.

Healthy Ingredients

Good dog food uses high-quality animal meat and nutritious fruits, vegetables, and grains. When reading through ingredient lists, always check for real meat protein and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables.

Real Meat Protein

The first thing you want to check for is natural meat protein. You want to make sure that your dog consumes protein from high-quality protein sources, so look for natural meat, like deboned chicken, beef, or salmon.

Meat meal is a little more ambiguous, but it’s also passable because many dog food companies use high-quality meat meal. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can do some research on individual pet food companies and search their histories for recalls or reports of using low-quality ingredients.

Nutritious Fruits and Vegetables

Many fruits and vegetables are both nutritious and tasty for dogs. Common nutrient-dense vegetables dogs can safely eat include carrots, kale, and green beans. Blueberries, apples, and bananas are delicious and also contain some vitamins and minerals essential to dogs.

When it comes to grains, opt for recipes that contain whole grains, oats, and barley. These kinds of grains have a lot of nutrients and a good amount of fiber to help keep your Beagle feeling full.

Essential Vitamins and Minerals

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has rules and regulations that document essential vitamins and minerals that dog food formulas should contain. Here are the following vitamins that your dog needs to support daily bodily functioning:

  • Vitamin A, B12, D, and E
  • Thiamine
  • Riboflavin
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Niacin
  • Pyridoxine
  • Folic acid
  • Choline

The following are essential minerals for dogs:

  • Calcium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Sodium
  • Chloride
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Iodine
  • Selenium

Carbohydrate Fillers

Carbohydrate Fillers are one of the reasons why dry dog food can have a bad reputation. Low-quality dog food will contain cheap carbohydrates to increase the volume of food and bind the kibble into bite-sized pieces.

Examples of carbohydrate fillers are cornmeal and white potatoes. Some dog foods will also use corn syrup to help bind kibble together. All these types of ingredients add little to no nutritional value and can just increase the number of carbs and calories that your dog consumes.

Common Allergens

Since Beagles are susceptible to food allergens, you can avoid recipes containing common allergens. The most common food dogs are allergic to is beef, followed by dairy and chicken. Dogs can be allergic to wheat, but it’s pretty rare for dogs to have wheat allergies.

By-Product Meal

Meal meals aren’t the worst ingredient that you can find in recipes, but it’s best to be wary of animal by-product meals. These are very vague ingredients containing varying amounts of animal tissue, bones, and organs, excluding hair, horns, teeth, and hooves.

Final Thoughts

Based on our reviews, The Farmer’s Dog is the best dog food for Beagles. The formula is great for Beagles with food sensitivities and supports healthy skin and coat.

Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Weight High Protein Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is another one of our favorites because it addresses most of a Beagle’s unique needs at an affordable price.

Overall, Beagles have specific dietary needs. So, it’s important to pay attention throughout their life stages to ensure that they eat foods that support them.

Edward Hollon is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Edward has been writing for petdii for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners. Edward has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Edward knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.