What you feed your beagle will play a vital role in their overall health, both now and in the future. Studies show that 40 to 50 percent of dogs are overweight, making a well-managed diet crucial.
Obesity in dogs can shorten their lifespan and increase the risk of arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and the need for surgery.
A nutritious diet is essential for your beagle’s growth, maintaining a healthy weight, energy levels, good digestion, and overall well-being.
That’s why it’s important to carefully choose the best foods for your beagle, whether they are a puppy, adult, or senior, and to follow proper feeding guidelines diligently.
Before We Begin, Let’s Talk Calories
Determining the exact amount to feed your beagle can be challenging. A simple measure like ‘one cup’ isn’t particularly helpful. And different types of food—wet, dry, chicken, or bison—vary significantly in calorie density.
When it comes to calorie requirements, growing puppies typically need about 55 calories per pound of body weight each day. This can vary by 20% depending on factors like activity level, age, health, and individual metabolism.
- For fully grown adults – Approximately 45 calories per pound
- For seniors with slightly slower metabolisms – Approximately 42 calories per pound
Broadly, adult beagles require between 674 and 922 calories per day, depending on their weight.
Moreover, this range should be adjusted based on your beagle’s activity level. More active dogs will need more calories daily. Beagles over 7 years old tend to be less active and will require fewer calories.
How Much Should a Beagle Eat in a Day?
| Beagle’s Weight (lbs) | Total Calories | Dry Food (g) | Fresh Food (g) | Wet Food (g) |
| Daily Food Intake | ||||
| 5 | 380-390 | 85-90 | 310-320 (2.3 cups) | 350-360 (0.9 cans) |
| 7.5 | 520-530 | 115-120 | 420-430 (3.1 cups) | 480-490 (1.25 cans) |
| 10 | 650-660 | 145-150 | 520-530 (3.9 cups) | 600-610 (1.56 cans) |
| 12.5 | 760-780 | 170-175 | 620-630 (4.6 cups) | 710-720 (1.8 cans) |
| 15 | 880-890 | 195-200 | 710-720 (5.3 cups) | 810-820 (2.1 cans) |
| 17.5 | 990-1000 | 220-225 | 800-810 (5.9 cups) | 910-920 (2.4 cans) |
| 20 | 1090-1100 | 245-250 | 880-890 (6.5 cups) | 1010-1020 (2.6 cans) |
| 22.5 | 1190-1210 | 270-275 | 960-980 (7.1 cups) | 1100-1110 (2.8 cans) |
| 25 | 1290-1310 | 290-295 | 1040-1060 (7.7 cups) | 1190-1200 (3.1 cans) |
| 27.5 | 1390-1410 | 310-320 | 1120-1130 (8.3 cups) | 1280-1290 (3.3 cans) |
| 30 | 1480-1490 | 330-340 | 1200-1210 (8.8 cups) | 1370-1380 (3.5 cans) |
The chart above will help you calculate how much food per day you should give your beagle.
If you’re feeding your pet manufactured dog food, you’ll usually find a feeding guide on the back of the bag indicating the daily amount based on your pet’s size and weight.
However, this guide doesn’t account for your dog’s activity level. If your dog is more active than average, you might need to increase their food intake.
Conversely, if your dog is less active, you should reduce the amount of food accordingly.
What Is a Good Weight for a Beagle?
Beagles come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you shouldn’t go by an average ‘good weight’ or ‘right weight’. First, measure your beagle’s height. Then calculate their expected weight based on their size and age.
Our blog on how much beagles should weigh provides a comprehensive guide on calculating your beagle’s ideal weight for their age.
What Should You Feed Your Beagle?
Beagles need a high-protein diet to fuel their active lifestyles, especially if they participate in tracking or agility activities. Foods approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) ensure a balanced diet.
- Choose dog foods that list poultry, fish, or whole meats as the first ingredient
- Include essential fatty acids from sources like sunflower, safflower, or fish oil to maintain a shiny coat and energy levels
- Incorporate vegetables, fruits, and carbohydrates like brown rice to provide healthy fiber, supporting joint health and preventing issues like hip dysplasia
What Not to Feed Your Beagle
Source: Raw Pet Food
Avoid ingredients such as meat by-products and cereal grains like corn or wheat, which are harder for beagles to digest.
Opt for higher-quality foods with easily digestible proteins, vegetables, and fruits, leading to less waste and smaller stools.
Natural preservatives like Vitamin E or Vitamin C are preferable to artificial ones like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin.
Also, dog foods with lots of fillers should be off-limits for your beagle as they contribute to weight gain. Treats should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet and be given sparingly. The following human foods are also completely off-limits for beagles:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onions
- Avocados
- Macadamia nuts
- Plums
| More reading you might like: How Big Do Beagle Lab Mixes Get? Common Health Problems Among Beagles How Much Exercise Does a Beagle Need? |
How Often Should You Feed a Beagle
4 Weeks to 8 Weeks Old
During the first 3 to 4 weeks, beagle puppies primarily consume their dam’s milk. By week 4, they begin weaning with a gradual introduction to solid foods mixed with canine milk replacer.
Every few days, the ratio of solid food increases, such that by week 6, most beagle puppies are on a fully solid diet.
8 Weeks to 6 Months Old
When you first bring home an 8-week-old beagle puppy, it’s best to continue feeding the same brand they are accustomed to.
Transition to your preferred brand gradually over 3 to 4 weeks to avoid stomach upset, mixing both old and new food.
Make sure to schedule feedings, with 3 meals per day recommended. Avoid free feeding to aid in housebreaking and to encourage better behavior.
6 Months to 18 Months
Around the 6-month mark, transition to 2 meals a day—one in the morning and one in the early evening. If your beagle is home alone during the day, provide a light breakfast and leave a good portion of food in a treat-release Kong.
Snacks and treats will be necessary for training, so having your beagle down to 2 meals will accommodate the additional treats given as rewards.
18 Months and Older
As your beagle transitions to adulthood, their weight gain slows down significantly. Be mindful of the number of snacks you give, as these calories can quickly add up. Maintain a balanced diet to support their health and manage their weight effectively.
Whereas this article provides best practices for an average-sized, averagely active beagle, yours may be an outlier. Routine visits to the vet and regular weigh-ins will ensure your beagle is growing healthily and maintaining the right weight. If you have any concerns about foods in your beagle’s diet, you should consult with a vet immediately.
