Best Dog Food for Beagle: A Complete Nutritional Guide for Hounds
Beagles have an exceptional sense of smell. As such, these dogs often let their noses easily steer them straight to their next meal. Unfortunately, this skill sometimes means disregarding their own health and nutrition. To keep your pet’s diet on track, you need the best dog food for beagle dogs. Fortunately, American Natural Premium ticks every box when it comes to providing canines with a balanced, nutrient-dense diet.
An Overview of Beagles
Beagles were initially bred for pack hunting, so these dogs have a hunting prowess that not all dogs possess. However, beagles also embody the essence of a companionable spirit. Generally, this breed comes in two sizes. Regardless of their size, beagles are robust, well-built, and lovable. As such, it’s no surprise that the breed has consistently ranked as one of the most favored hound dogs among American pet owners.
Dietary Needs of Beagle Puppies
Generally, growing beagle puppies and younger dogs often need increased food portions because of their developmental needs.
- Protein, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: The ideal dietary composition for beagle puppies includes about 25% protein. Additionally, five to 10% of their diet should consist of fats. Lastly, around 6% of their intake should be fibers.
- Feeding Portions: Feeding portions for a beagle puppy should range from a minimum of 0.3 cups to a maximum of 1.75 cups daily. This portion ensures an energy intake that spans between 220 and 1650 kilocalories.
- Feeding Schedule: At the early stage of weaning up to their third month, puppies should eat four times daily. However, as they mature from the fourth month to the first year, transition to three meals per day.
- Nutritional Supplements for Growth: On the one hand, beagles having a commercial diet tailored to their breed’s needs typically won’t require additional supplements. On the other hand, for beagles having home-cooked meals, supplements might become necessary.
Dietary Mistakes To Avoid
Primarily, overfeeding can lead to obesity, a growing concern among beagles due to their propensity for weight gain. Additionally, feeding human food can create bad habits and potentially introduce toxic foods. Similarly, inconsistent feeding times can disrupt a puppy’s digestion and eating habits. Furthermore, neglecting to always provide clean, fresh water can result in dehydration.
Transitioning to an Adult Beagle Diet
Ideally, the shift from puppy to adult food for your beagle should occur when they are about 10 to 12 months of age. It’s best to transition slowly over seven to 10 days. First, introduce a small amount of the new adult-formulated food to the puppy kibble. Next, incrementally increase the proportion of fresh food daily while reducing the old portion.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Beagle
The best dog food for beagle dogs provides a complete and balanced diet. Here’s a guide to feeding your beagle in its adult years:
- Protein, Carbohydrate, Fat, and Fiber Requirements: For adult beagles, an optimal meal composition would include 25% protein, 25% carbohydrates, 5.5% fat, and 3% fiber.
- Feeding Portions: The appropriate daily food intake for an adult beagle ranges from 0.75 to 2.75 cups. This portion delivers between 1125 and 1575 kilocalories.
- Feeding Schedule: Adult beagles benefit from a structured feeding routine of two meals roughly 12 hours apart.
American Natural Premium — the best dog food for beagle dogs — contains essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that adult beagles require. Moreover, the recipes include vital protein sources free from artificial preservatives and coloring.
Monitoring Weight and Adjusting Portions
Consequently, monitoring your beagle’s weight vigilantly and adjusting their food portions accordingly is imperative. Beagles are prone to weight gain, which can lead to health issues. As such, regular weigh-ins ensure that your pet maintains a healthy weight. Moreover, if you notice a weight change, modify the food intake to align with their dietary needs. Most importantly, consult a veterinarian to keep your beagle in top condition.
Special Considerations for Hounds and Senior Beagles
Hounds represent a diverse and specialized class of dogs, known for their sharp hunting skills and keen sense of smell or sight. Hunting beagles need specialized diets and regular exercise to maintain their energy levels. On the other hand, senior beagles may require adjustments in their diet to accommodate any health concerns or conditions.
First, your senior beagle’s diet should include 18% protein, a reduced fat content of around 5%, and adequate fiber. Second, provide a daily diet portion ranging from 0.5 to 2 cups. This amount equates to an energy intake of approximately 1050 to 1470 kilocalories. Further, senior beagles typically benefit from a twice-daily feeding schedule. Lastly, additional vitamins and minerals can ease some health concerns.
Special Considerations for Beagles With Health Conditions
Beagles are often at risk of health issues such as obesity and allergies. These health problems can lead to joint problems, discomfort, or even more serious conditions. American Natural Premium is the best dog food for beagle dogs because every recipe helps prevent or manage these health concerns.
Firstly, the real, natural ingredients keep allergies at bay and help prevent skin irritations. Secondly, the nutrients ensure adequate weight control for beagle dogs. Thirdly, the flavors and textures make mealtime an enjoyable experience for your beagle.
Average Lifespan of Beagles
The Beagle, a small hound known for its friendly disposition and excellent sense of smell, is a popular and endearing breed. The average life span of a Beagle ranges from 12 to 15 years, although many live longer with proper care and attention. This longevity is indicative of the breed’s robust health and resilience. Owners can help ensure their Beagle enjoys a long and healthy life by providing a well-balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups to detect and address any health issues early.
Despite their generally good health, Beagles can be susceptible to certain genetic and health conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and various eye disorders like glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy. Being aware of these potential issues and seeking timely veterinary care can help manage and mitigate health risks. Additionally, regular physical activity and mental stimulation are crucial for this active and curious breed, as they help maintain their physical health and prevent behavioral problems associated with boredom. With the right care and environment, Beagles can thrive and bring joy to their families for many years.
Homemade vs Commercial Dog Food
On the one hand, homemade dog food offers pet owners control over the ingredients. However, achieving the precise nutritional balance that dogs require can be complex and time-consuming. Conversely, commercial dog foods meet all of a dog’s dietary requirements across different stages of life and health statuses.
Specifically, premium brands like American Natural Premium stand out by providing a superior blend of high-quality, natural ingredients. Our dog food options save you time and effort while guaranteeing that your beagle gets all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Contact American Natural Premium Today
Providing the best dog food for beagle dogs is paramount. A nutritionally balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle for these energetic companions. As such, with the right food, you can address a beagle’s tendency for weight gain and ease potential allergic reactions.
American Natural Premium offers a solution that prioritizes both health maintenance and palatability. Ultimately, we ensure that your beagles are healthy and satisfied. Contact us for bulk orders.