Best Dog Food for Beagles In 2024

My family bred Beagles for years, so I know how hard it can be to pick out the best dog food for them. 

Proper nutrition is essential for Beagles, especially if you’re looking to avoid joint and back problems. Beagles have slightly longer backs than their legs can easily support, so they tend to develop problems later in life if they don’t have good diets. 

Out of all the options on the market, I recommend Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food.

The high-quality meats in this recipe provide the nutrients your beagle needs to build healthy muscles, properly support their back, and prevent the joint problems so common in this breed. 

However, I also know that every Beagle is different and many will benefit from a niche recipe. I’ve reviewed ten of my favorite dog foods for Beagles below. 

Best Dog Food for Beagles

• Diamond Naturals All Life Stages Dry Dog Food (Best for Adult Beagles)
• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Beagle Puppies)
• VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food (Best for Beagle Seniors)
• Solid Gold Leaping Waters Dry Dog Food (Best for Beagles with Sensitive Stomachs)
• Natural Balance Grain Free Dry Dog Food (Best for Beagles with Allergies)
• ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Premium Food for Beagles)
• Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials Dry Dog Food (Best Budget Food for Beagles)
• Purina Beyond Ground Entrée Grain-Free Canned Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Beagles)
• Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food (Best for Overweight Beagles)

9 Best Dog Foods for Beagles Reviewed

Digging through the mound of dog foods available on the market can be overwhelming. To help, I’ve narrowed it down to ten of the best options. 

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Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Fat
• Key Feature: High-quality dog food at a low price
• Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 16% Fat, 2.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: No Corn, Soy, or Wheat
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Best for: Adult Beagles

Out of all the foods on the market, I recommend this formula by Diamond Naturals for most Beagles. It’s what my family feeds their own companions — unless, of course, they are puppies or are pregnant. 

This formula includes high-quality ingredients without breaking the bank. Chicken and chicken meal are included as the first two, providing your canine with much of the protein and fat they need to thrive. 

Whole grains are included as well — a nutritious option for dogs who aren’t sensitive to gluten. 

A variety of different fruits and veggies are also included to increase the antioxidant content. Kale and blueberries appear on the list, though they are much further down than most other ingredients.

I particularly like that this food includes high amounts of probiotics to support your dog’s digestion and immune system. When dogs are only eating their dog food, these must be included to ensure they’re healthy.

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Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein
• Key Feature: Protein-rich puppy food
• Nutrient Content: 28% Protein, 17% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: Grain-Free
• Life Stage: Puppy
• Best for: Beagle Puppies

When they are under a year old, all Beagle puppies should consume only the best puppy food. 

Your Beagle puppy deserves rich protein puppy food that is free from low-quality additives — and that’s exactly what this formula is. 

The first ingredient is water buffalo, which is rare as far as puppy food goes. Lamb meal is also included and ups the protein content considerably. 

This formula includes a blend of probiotics to support your growing Beagle puppy and their digestion.

When puppies are born, they are basically starting from ground zero when it comes to their microbiome, so they must receive healthy probiotics throughout their puppyhood. 

This food includes absolutely no corn, wheat, or soy. Artificial ingredients and flavors are also absent. 

Plus, plenty of vitamins and minerals are added to support your Beagle puppy’s growth and development.

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VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Millet, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat
• Key Feature: Senior dog food fortified with joint-supporting ingredients
• Nutrient Content: 27% Protein, 11.5% Fat, 4.5% Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Type of Product: Weight Control, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Gluten-Free
• Life Stage: Senior
• Best for: Senior Beagles

Not all older Beagles need to switch to senior dog food. However, this formula by VICTOR includes a variety of different nutrients that seniors may benefit from. 

For example, glucosamine is added to support long-term joint health. If your Beagle has any joint issues, I highly recommend switching to this food. 

It is also designed with very little fat. Beagles often have a hard time maintaining a healthy weight — especially as they get older. L-carnitine is included as well, to improve fat conversion and support healthy muscle mass. 

Without this crucial ingredient, your older Beagle may lose the muscle they need to stay healthy. 

With a unique VPRO blend, this formula is perfect for sensitive digestion. It truly is the best option for older Beagles that are having trouble with their tummies.

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Solid Gold Leaping Waters Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Lentils, Peas
• Key Feature: Simple, digestible ingredients for sensitive stomachs
• Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 15% Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Sensitive Digestion
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Sensitive Digestion

Sensitive tummies aren’t particularly common in Beagles, but they can happen to anyone! 

If your Beagle’s stomach is a bit on the sensitive side, I highly recommend this diet by Solid Gold. It may be a bit more expensive, but the top-notch ingredients make it more than worth it for many Beagles.

Plus, more expensive food typically means higher-quality ingredients, as is the case in this formula. 

Your Beagle pup will enjoy the whole salmon and ocean fish meal included as the first ingredients here. Because these are fish, they add many omega fatty acids to the recipe — supporting your dog’s skin and coat. 

Probiotics are included for extra digestive support. This formula is also free from grains and gluten, which is an important consideration if your dog is sensitive to either of these ingredients. 

I love how this formula is packed full of high-quality ingredients, like chickpeas and eggs. These beneficial supplements add a variety of quality vitamins — something every pet Beagle needs to thrive.

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Natural Balance Salmon & Sweet Potato Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes
• Key Feature: Short ingredient list for dogs with food allergies
• Nutrient Content: 24% Protein, 10% Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Allergies

Any dog can get allergies. It isn’t tied to a specific breed — though some canines are more predispositioned to them than others! 

This formula by Natural Balance is one of the best dog foods out there for Beagles with allergies. It’s what I feed my own canine. (He’s sensitive to chicken!)

The ingredient list is minimal, with only one high-quality protein. With it being so short, it’s easier to avoid your dog’s allergens. 

The same company also makes other recipes featuring different  great protein options. So, even if your dog is allergic to a few different kinds, you should still be able to find a suitable food through this brand.

I absolutely love that this food doesn’t include any added peas. Recently, they were linked to certain heart conditions by the FDA. However, they’re still a widespread ingredient used in these sorts of foods.

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ORIJEN Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Wild Boar, Goat, Lamb, Lamb Liver
• Key Feature: 85% animal proteins and organ meats
• Nutrient Content: 38% Protein, 18% Fat, 4% Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, Chicken-Free, High-Protein, Gluten Free, Natural, Raw, No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Premium

This recipe by Orijen is easily one of the bests on the market. However, it is exceedingly expensive. Most people can’t afford it, which is why I’ve included many cheaper options on this list as well. 

This quality food contains plenty of protein. In fact, it contains 85% animal ingredients — many of which are quality organ meats. 

This dry dog food is freeze-dried and coated for extra flavor, which may help dogs with more sensitive pallets. There isn’t a single primary animal protein. Instead, it includes a large variety of different ones. 

Of course, this food won’t be suitable for dogs with allergies due to the higher animal ingredient content. 

This dog food is crafted in the United States with a range of animals. Wild boar is utilized, as well as farm-raised beef. However, some of the ingredients are internationally sourced. 

Like most dog foods, this diet provides complete and balanced nutrition for your Beagle.

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Purina Pro Plan Chicken & Rice Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal
• Key Feature: Inexpensive diet for pet owners on a budget
• Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 16% Fat, 3% Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Type of Product: High Fiber, High Protein
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Dog owners on a budget

Purina is one of the biggest dog food manufacturers out there. However, they also have relatively few recalls, despite their wide range of brands. Therefore, they are easily one of the safest brands on the market. 

Many of their formulas are very budget-friendly, including this one. If you’re on a budget, you can still feel good about feeding your dog this food. 

The first ingredient is deboned chicken, and that is the only significant animal protein included. As long as your dog isn’t allergic to chicken, this food is a quality option for your Beagle. 

The other ingredients aren’t stellar — and it’s this that keeps the price so low — but the recipe still includes all the nutrients your Beagle needs. 

The high fiber content of this food can help Beagles struggling with their body weight. However, it isn’t exactly a diet dog food. 

Overall, this is easily the best dog food for Beagles if you’re trying to save a bit of money.

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Purina Beyond Ground Entrée Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Chicken, Liver, Potatoes
• Key Feature: Quality wet food high in animal products
• Nutrient Content: 8% Protein, 6% Fat, 1.5% Fiber, 78% Moisture
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Sensitive Digestion
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Wet Food

Wet dog food simply works better for some Beagles. If your dog prefers wet food, this is the best option you can purchase. 

It utilizes a variety of different protein sources, including beef and deboned chicken. These provide a high amount of protein, which may be particularly useful for active Beagles. 

Sadly, both of these ingredients are major allergens. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t feed them to your dog if they aren’t allergic, but do stay on the lookout for reactions. 

Your furry friend will love the yummy beef broth — an ingredient that increases the nutritional content and makes the food much tastier.

For canines with sensitive pallets, this dog food is a no-brainer — it’s good for picky eaters and includes all the added nutrients your dog needs for a balanced diet. 

Plus, natural prebiotics are added to support healthy digestion and help your dog stay regular. This extra fiber and moisture may also help dogs who are a few pounds overweight.

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Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low-Calorie Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Dried Peas, Oat Groats
• Key Feature: Weight loss formula for overweight Beagles
• Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 7.5% Fat, 10.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Type of Product: Weight Control
• Life Stage: Adult
• Best for: Overweight Beagles

When left to their own devices, most Beagles don’t move very much. They are also extremely food-driven. When combined, these two behaviors can quickly lead to obesity. 

Out of all the recipes on the market, this is the best dog food for overweight Beagles. It includes very little fat to prevent overconsumption of calories, and plenty of fiber to keep your dog fuller for longer. 

Omega fatty acids are also included to support their healthy skin and coat. 

Despite not having very much fat, this recipe is delicious. Many low-calorie recipes aren’t the tastiest, and some Beagles may decide not to eat them at all. Our goal is to help our Beagles lose weight — not starve them.

This food is only for adult dogs. Your Beagle puppy should not be put on this diet — even if they are a bit overweight. It does not have enough fat to ensure proper growth.

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Guide to Buying the Best Dog Food for Beagles

When choosing what Beagle dog food to purchase, there are several factors to keep in mind. We’ll take a look at several of these considerations below. 

Beagles and Nutrition

For the most part, Beagles have the same nutritional needs as other dogs. These needs are outlined by the AAFCO, which regulates the contents of all dog food. 

However, some Beagles do have their own specific needs. 

High-Quality Protein

Protein is extremely vital in a Beagle’s diet. It’s what provides them with the lean muscle mass they need to stay healthy. Generally, protein should be around 30% to 35%. If your dog is active, they may need more. 

Hunting dogs in particular will need more calories, since they generally expend more energy. 

Preferably, the animal protein utilized should come from a quality source. It should be real meat, of course. Whole meat is preferable, but named meat meals are also good. 

In fact, meat meals are actually more nutritious per ounce than whole meat, as they have had much of their moisture content removed and so are more concentrated. 

The exact source of the meat doesn’t really matter. As long as your dog isn’t allergic to specific animal protein, there isn’t much difference between them eating chicken or beef. 

All meats provide complete nutrition for your canine — especially after the dog food company adds in all the essential amino acids. 

Not Too Little, but Not Too Much Fat

Fat is a complicated subject. Studies have shown that dogs need a lot of it, and that it should be the main source of their calories in most cases. 

Fat should be at least 10% on the food’s label. However, many Beagles do benefit from more.

However, Beagles are prone to obesity. Too much fat can cause weight gain, especially if they aren’t very active. 

Your Beagle’s food should contain the right amount of fat for them. Mostly, this depends on their activity level. If your dog is active, they will need more fat to fuel their caloric needs, but if they are prone to weight gain, you should choose a food with less. 

Keep an eye on your Beagle’s body condition, and feel free to change their food if something seems off. If the dog is thin, up their calorie intake. If the dog is obese, lower it (using a high-quality weight loss food). 

Of course, you should prioritize healthy sources like salmon oil and other animal-based fats.

Digestible Carbs

Dogs don’t need many carbohydrates, though they do need some. Previous studies have found that the amount of carbohydrates dogs need is fairly small. 

Beagles should get most of their carbohydrates from fruits, veggies, and whole grains. For instance, whole brown rice and similar nutritious ingredients are suitable options. 

You don’t want them to mostly consume refined grains like white rice. These contain very little nutrition, and most work as fillers. 

Fiber is a much better filler if the dog needs one — it is commonly used in food for obese dogs. 

Vitamins and Minerals

All dogs need a set amount of vitamins and minerals to thrive, including Beagles. 

The exact vitamins and minerals required differ depending on the dog’s age. The AAFCO lays out the exact nutritional requirements per life stage. 

In general, your Beagle puppy needs more protein and fat because they’re growing. Calcium and similar vitamins also need to be higher, and puppies often benefit from additions like DHA as well. 

Seniors do not have any different nutritional needs compared to adults. However, they may benefit from some added supplements, like omega fatty acids and glucosamine. 

As medium-sized dogs, Beagles don’t require any special nutrition when they are puppies or seniors. They can eat most average dog foods. 

There is a common misunderstanding that Beagles are a small breed. However, this is not true. They are short, but their body weight puts them squarely into the medium range. Therefore, do not purchase foods designed for small breed dogs — it won’t be suitable. 

Some are “miniature” and smaller than your average-sized Beagle. However, these dogs often don’t need a small-breed formula either. 

Other Things to Consider

When choosing dog food for Beagles, it is important to get the overall nutrition correct. However, there are also a few other things you should keep in mind.

Beware of Artificial Flavors, Colors, and Preservatives

Not all artificial ingredients are bad. However, most of them are completely unnecessary. 

For instance, artificial flavors are usually a sign that the food’s fat content isn’t high enough to make dry dog food tasty. 

Most of the taste comes from fat. Therefore, if the fat is low, companies may add extra flavors to make the dog want to eat it. 

Artificial colors are also completely unnecessary. Our dogs don’t care what their food looks like — they can’t even see color as well as we can. 

Some preservatives are okay. However, others are potentially linked with problems. In small amounts these preservatives are fine, but your dog isn’t going to be eating them in small amounts. 

If a preservative is in their food, your dog will be consuming quite a bit of it for a while. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that it is completely safe. 

BHT and BPA have both been linked to tumors. Ethoxyquin is not allowed in food for human consumption, but it’s readily used in canned pet food. 

These artificial ingredients are typically a problem with low-quality dog food. 

No Unidentified Meat Meals or By-Products

Avoid any sort of meat that doesn’t have the source listed. 

Meat meals are not necessarily a bad option, as long as they are named. For instance, “chicken meal” is basically just chicken cooked down to remove most of its moisture. 

However, you don’t want to feed your dog anything that simply states “meat meal.” The source of this ingredient is unknown, so it’s basically mystery meat. 

The problem is similar to unnamed by-products — the term “by-products” basically being a big question mark as well. Don’t feed your dog unknown parts of an unknown animal, which could include things like feathers. 

Fortified with Probiotics and Other Beneficial Ingredients

Many ingredients aren’t necessarily required in dog food, but they can be potentially beneficial for your canine. 

Probiotics are a good example of this. When your dog is only consuming dry dog food, the recipe must support their microbiome. However, no dog food is required to contain probiotics — so you always need to double-check the label. 

Some dogs may benefit from particular additives. Beagles typically don’t have joint problems, but that doesn’t make all Beagles immune to them. 

If your Beagle develops arthritis or a similar joint issue, they may benefit from glucosamine — a common joint-supporting ingredient. 

Common Beagle Health Problems and Diet

Beagles are prone to a few different health problems. Some of these can be prevented or managed to a degree through diet. 

Hip Dysplasia

Beagles are not nearly as prone to hip dysplasia as other breeds. However, if they are fed incorrectly as puppies, they can develop it as they get older. 

Hip dysplasia isn’t a disease that hits when a dog is young. Instead, it comes about while the dog is growing. For one reason or another, the dog’s joint and socket don’t grow uniformly. They stop fitting together correctly, causing wear-and-tear. 

Usually, most dogs are diagnosed by the time they are three. This is a progressive condition. The wear never stops. Therefore, it tends to get worse as they age. 

This condition is also genetic to some extent. However, diet can play a role as well. 

If your canine overeats when they are growing, the extra calories can prompt improper growth. Therefore, feed your Beagle puppy only the recommended amount. 

The added nutrients are essential in avoiding hip dysplasia, and things like omega fatty acids and glucosamine can help your dog avoid hip problems later in life. 

Regular, hip-supportive ingredients may also help. However, there are fewer studies done on the effectiveness of ingredients like glucosamine on hip dysplasia specifically. Most studies are on osteoarthritis. 

Eye Issues

Beagles are prone to a variety of eye issues. Inherited glaucoma is common, for instance. 

As the name suggests, this condition has a strong genetic component. Diet can only do so much against diseases that are in our Beagle’s DNA. 

However, that doesn’t mean that diet can’t do anything. For example, deficiencies in vitamin E may lead to glaucoma. If your dog is already prone to this condition, the last thing you want is to increase their chances even more. 

Obesity

Beagles are very prone to obesity. After they reach puberty, they tend to calm down quite a bit. If left to their own devices, they don’t exercise nearly as much as they should. Therefore, they tend to become overweight. 

Sometimes, obesity is caused by an endocrine problem, which needs treatment to clear up the obesity. 

Obesity can cause serious problems in dogs — just like in people. Even a few pounds can be quite a lot for a Beagle. 

Diet and exercise are the two main preventative measures you can take against obesity. I also do not recommend free feeding, as Beagles are extremely prone to overeating. They aren’t very good at controlling their own intake in the least. 

How much food you provide matters, but you should also carefully consider what food you feed. 

For dogs that are already struggling with their weight, I recommend a food that is high in fiber. Fiber helps keep a dog fuller for longer, which may prompt them to eat less later. However, this doesn’t necessarily work for all dogs. 

Some Beagles are simply too food-driven to care!

Too much dietary fat can also lead to obesity. Therefore, we recommend choosing foods that are lower in fat for Beagles that are already a bit overweight.

I don’t recommend that all Beagles be placed on a fat-restricted diet the second they become adults. However, you should keep a close eye on your dog’s body weight to ensure that they aren’t gaining more weight than they should.

Our Verdict

For most Beagles, I highly recommend Diamond Naturals Chicken & Rice Formula All Life Stages Dry Dog Food.

It includes real meat as the first ingredient, followed by a variety of other nutrient-rich components. 

However, there are nine other good dog foods I mentioned as well. If your dog has specific dietary needs, one of these options will likely fit them well!

FAQ