How Much Should You Feed a Beagle?

What you choose to feed your Beagle plays a big role in his overall health. It affects how he grows, maintains his weight, stays energetic, and keeps his digestion healthy.

Beagles are small but sturdy, usually reaching about 13 inches in height and weighing between 20 and 30 pounds as adults. Good nutrition is key for keeping him physically and mentally strong.

Whether it’s a playful puppy, an active adult, or a wise senior, you should select the right food for your Beagle. This article will guide you carefully to ensure you get the nutrition your dog needs every day at every stage of life.

How often you should feed your Beagle puppy?

Beagle puppies, particularly those aged 2 to 6 months, should be fed 3 to 4 times a day. This schedule ensures they get the necessary nutrients for their rapid growth without overwhelming their small stomachs. As they near one year old, you can gradually decrease feeding to twice a day. This helps maintain their health and well-being as they grow.

4 weeks to 8 weeks old Beagles

In the first few weeks of a Beagle puppy’s life, they mainly rely on their mother’s milk for nourishment. Around week 4, they start trying solid foods while still nursing. This transition is made smoother by gradually mixing canine milk replacer with the mother’s food, adjusting the ratio of liquid to solid over time. By week 6, most Beagle puppies are eating only solid foods.

Newborn Beagles need to nurse often, usually every few hours. As they switch to solid foods, they have 6 to 8 small meals throughout the day. This ensures they get enough nutrients during this crucial stage of growing up. So, during those early weeks, Beagle pups are carefully fed to help them grow healthy and strong.

8 weeks to 6 months old Beagle

When you first bring home an 8-week-old Beagle puppy, it’s best to continue feeding them the same brand of food they’re accustomed to. Transitioning to your preferred brand should be done gradually over 3 to 4 weeks to prevent any stomach issues.

During this transition period, mix the old and new food together thoroughly, gradually increasing the ratio of the newer food every few days.

During this stage of your Beagle puppy’s growth, they should have a healthy appetite and look forward to meal times. Experts suggest giving them three meals a day at specific times instead of letting them eat whenever they want. Having set meal times can help with housebreaking and encourage good behavior as your puppy grows up. So, sticking to a meal schedule can be beneficial for both you and your furry friend as they learn and grow.

6 months to 1+ year old Beagle

Around the age of 6 months, it’s time to transition your Beagle to two meals a day, one in the morning and one in the early evening.

If your Beagle spends time alone during the day, consider offering a light breakfast and leaving a portion of food in a treat release Kong for them to enjoy while you’re away.

As your Beagle continues to grow, snacks and treats will become essential for various training techniques. By reducing their meals to two a day, there will be more room in their diet for these extra treats, which will serve as rewards during training sessions.

1 year and older Beagle

As your Beagle transitions into adulthood, you’ll notice that their weight gain slows down significantly. It’s important to be mindful of the number of snacks you give them, as these extra calories can accumulate over time.

Be sure to maintain a balanced diet and monitor their weight to keep them healthy as they mature.

What you should know about feeding your Beagle

Get the right food for your Beagle

When it comes to feeding your Beagle, it’s best to choose high-quality dog food. Look for options that have a good protein source listed first on the ingredients list. Avoid foods that have fillers, artificial additives, or by-products.

If you want to make homemade meals or give your Beagle a raw diet, it’s important to talk to a vet or a pet nutritionist first. They can help make sure the homemade or raw diet has all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy. So, before making any changes to your Beagle’s diet, it’s always smart to get expert advice.

Understand your Beagle’s nutritional requirements

A Beagle’s nutritional needs can vary based on different factors like their age, weight, how active they are, and their overall health. Puppies, for example, have different dietary needs compared to adult Beagles because they’re still growing.

In general, Beagles are known for being active and having a strong metabolism. This means they require a balanced diet that’s high in protein, fats, and essential nutrients to keep their energy levels up and support their overall health.

However, your Beagle’s dietary needs can change depending on factors like their health conditions, age, or how active they are. To make sure they’re getting the right food, it’s a good idea to have regular vet consultations. Your vet can help adjust your Beagle’s diet as needed and address any concerns you might have about their nutrition. This ensures that your Beagle stays healthy and happy throughout their life.

Estimate the feeding cost

Feeding a Beagle can have different costs depending on where you live and what food you pick. Usually, feeding them good quality dog food might range from $30 to $50 each month. But if you choose fancier brands, the cost could be higher.

Also, don’t forget about treats, supplements, and vet visits for dietary advice, which can add to the monthly expenses. So, when planning your Beagle’s meals, it’s essential to consider both the food and extra costs involved.

Choose treats carefully

While Beagles love treats, it’s crucial to be mindful of how much they get. Treats should only make up a small part of their daily food intake, around 10%. Opt for healthy treats and steer clear of ones high in sugar or with artificial stuff.

This way, you can maintain a balanced diet for your Beagle and ensure they stay healthy. So, when it comes to treats, moderation and quality are key for your furry friend’s well-being.

Know which foods to avoid for Beagles

Certain human foods can be dangerous for Beagles. It’s wise to steer clear of giving them chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and anything containing xylitol sweetener. Be cautious about sharing your food scraps or giving them treats that haven’t been confirmed safe.

This precaution is essential for your Beagle’s well-being, ensuring they stay healthy and free from harm caused by toxic foods. So, when it comes to feeding your furry friend, always prioritize safety first.

Calculate the proper amount of food for your Beagles

The amount of food your Beagle needs depends on how many calories are in their food. It’s important to always check the feeding recommendations on the dog food packaging. But as a general guide:

• For Beagle puppies aged 2 to 6 months, they might need between 400 to 500 calories a day, spread out over 3 to 4 meals, depending on their weight.
• Adult Beagles aged 1 to 7 years, weighing around 20 to 25 pounds, might need 700 to 900 calories a day, split into two meals.
• As Beagles get older, their metabolism slows down. Senior Beagles aged 8 years and above may need slightly fewer calories, around 600 to 800 a day, also divided into two meals.

You should keep an eye on your Beagle’s weight regularly. If they start gaining too much weight, you may need to adjust their calorie intake and make sure they’re getting enough exercise. This helps keep your Beagle healthy and at a good weight.

How to choose safe commercial dog food for your Beagles?

When it comes to dog food options, there are both excellent choices and some not-so-great ones out there. Unfortunately, the ratio of high-quality brands to lower-quality ones is quite skewed, with only about one good brand for every twenty inferior ones. This is because low-quality dog food is relatively easy and cheap to produce. The ingredients used are inexpensive, allowing for mass production.

Many owners are unaware of the poor quality of these foods, leading to their widespread sale and perpetuating the cycle of cheap dog food production. It’s essential for pet owners to research and choose their dog’s food carefully to ensure they’re providing the best nutrition for their furry friend.

What to look for in a commercial Beagle food?

When choosing the right food for your Beagle, there are a few key things to keep in mind.

• Food Without Fillers: Avoid dog foods with fillers or artificial additives to ensure your Beagle is eating real, healthy ingredients and not harmful chemicals. Don’t be swayed by brand names or flashy commercials; always check the ingredients.
• Real Meat: When choosing dog food for your Beagle, prioritize real meat as the main ingredient. Beagles do well with different meats such as lamb, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, and bison. It’s best to see meat listed plainly, or as ‘meal,’ which indicates concentrated protein. This way, you can ensure your Beagle gets the nutrition they need from their food. So, when picking out dog food, focus on real meat for a healthy diet for your furry friend.
• Fat Levels: Fat levels are important for Beagles too. Dogs require healthy fats for energy and to develop their body cells, nerves, muscles, and tissues properly. Unlike humans, dogs need a good amount of these fats. Choosing inexpensive foods with low animal fats may result in poor skin and coat health, as well as low energy levels for your dog. So, when selecting food for your Beagle, pay attention to the fat content to keep them healthy and active.
• Nutritional Balance: Make sure the food has a proper nutritional balance with a protein to carb to healthy fat ratio of 25-35% each. It should contain a significant amount of meat-based protein and enough fiber from wholesome vegetables.

What to avoid in a commercial dog food?

It’s quite concerning to learn about what can legally go into dog food.

• Artificial Flavors: Another concerning aspect is the inclusion of artificial colors, flavors, and chemical additives and preservatives in some dog foods. These additives can lead to various health problems for dogs, such as skin reactions and gastrointestinal distress.
• Fillers: Some of the main offenders include fillers, which are essentially empty ingredients with no nutritional value. These fillers are added to bulk up the food, but they pass right through a dog’s system without providing any nutrients, potentially causing digestive issues.
• Unbalanced Food Elements: Dog foods must have balanced ratios of healthy fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Low-fat content can lead to poor skin and coat health, while inadequate protein can result in muscle mass issues. High-carb content, often from grains like corn, can cause weight gain and stomach upset in dogs.
• Derivative Products: By-products and rendered meats are also common ingredients in some dog foods. By-products are parts of animals that are not fit for human consumption, and they are low in protein. These can include things like chicken beaks and intestines. Rendered meats, on the other hand, consist of animals that have died during transportation or expired supermarket meats. These meats are often cleansed to remove bacteria but may still pose health risks to dogs.

It’s crucial for pet owners to carefully read the labels on dog food products and choose ones that contain wholesome ingredients and provide balanced nutrition for their furry companions.

How much should you feed a Beagle?

Determining the exact amount of food to feed your Beagle can be a bit tricky. It’s not as simple as just saying ‘one cup’ because different types of food have different calorie densities. For instance, wet food may have different calorie levels compared to dry food, and chicken-based food may differ from bison-based food.

For top-quality brands, it’s helpful to follow the suggested serving sizes based on your dog’s weight. These serving sizes are usually quite accurate.

In terms of calorie needs, puppies who are still growing typically require around 55 calories for each pound they weigh, every day. However, this can vary by about 20% depending on factors like how active they are, their age, overall health, and metabolism.

Once Beagles reach adulthood, they generally need about 45 calories per pound of body weight. As they get older and their metabolism slows down, seniors may require slightly fewer calories, around 42 calories per pound. However, these numbers can also vary by about 20%.

Feeding chart for Beagles: Maximum calories a Beagle might need

Weight	Calories Needed	Dry Food (Daily Recommendation)	Wet Food (Daily Recommendation)	Fresh Food (Daily Recommendation)
25	866	195	799	700
27.5	933	210	858	752
30	992	224	915	802
32.5	1054	238	972	852
35	1114	251	1027	900
40	1230	278	1134	994
45	1344	303	1240	1086
50	1454	328	1341	1175
55	1562	352	1441	1262
60	1668	377	1538	1348

Note:- It’s good to know that dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their breed. Most dogs need a certain amount of food each day to stay healthy, but Beagles might need a bit more than other breeds. This means it’s essential to talk to a vet about the right food for your Beagle puppy. Vets can help make sure your puppy gets all the nutrients they need to grow up strong and healthy. So, if you have a Beagle puppy, make sure to consult your vet about their meal plan.

Feeding chart for Beagle puppies: Maximum calories a Beagle puppy might need

Weight	Calories Needed	Dry Food (Daily Recommendation)	Wet Food (Daily Recommendation)	Fresh Food (Daily Recommendation)
5	387	87	357	312
7.5	525	118	484	424
10	654	148	603	528
12.5	770	174	711	624
15	885	200	816	715
17.5	993	224	916	802
20	1098	248	1012	888
22.5	1200	271	1107	970
25	1300	294	1198	1050
27.5	1395	315	1286	1128
30	1490	336	1372	1203

What to feed a Beagle puppy?

Feeding your Beagle puppy the right food is super important! There are lots of choices, but it depends on how old your puppy is and what they were eating before. If you get a Beagle puppy from a breeder, they usually start finding new homes for them when they’re 8 weeks old, or 2 months.

When you first bring home your 8-week-old pup, find out what food they were eating before. Stick with that food for a bit to keep their tummy happy. Then, you can slowly switch them to a new food by mixing a little bit of the new food with the old food at each meal. This helps them adjust without getting a stomachache.

It’s best to give your Beagle puppy food made especially for puppies. If you can find one that’s for medium-sized breeds like Beagles, that’s even better!

While cooking food at home for your dog can be nice, it’s usually best to stick with commercial puppy food until your Beagle is about 1 year old. That way, you can be sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy and strong.

Why is avoiding underfeeding and overfeeding important?

You should keep a keen eye on your Beagle puppy’s eating habits and weight. Beagles is an active breed and they love food, however, it’s not good for them to overeat. You can make sure your puppy stays healthy by monitoring their weight as they grow.

There are a few ways to check if your Beagle is the right weight for their age. One way is to use weight charts that match their age with the weight they should be.

You can also look at your Beagle from above while they stand straight in front of you. If you can’t see their ribs but can feel them easily without lots of fat in the way, they’re probably at a healthy weight.

Another way is to look at your Beagle from the side. Their waistline should be right behind their ribs, which is the thinnest part of their body. Beagles often gain extra weight around their ribs, so that’s a good area to check. Keeping an eye on your Beagle’s weight will help them stay healthy and happy as they grow up.

What are the differences between homemade and commercial dog food?

Homemade food for your Beagle offers the advantage of having full control over the ingredients, ensuring they consume only wholesome foods. While it may require some effort to cook meals, you can prepare them in large batches for convenience.

On the other hand, manufactured food can provide peace of mind if you choose a reputable brand, as it ensures your Beagle receives a balanced diet free from harmful ingredients found in lower-quality brands. However, quality food often comes with a higher price tag compared to cheaper options filled with fillers and chemicals. Remember, investing in a better quality food means investing in your Beagle’s health and well-being.

When is the right time from puppy to adult food?

When your Beagle puppy is about 10 months old and approaching their first year, it’s time to think about switching them to adult dog food. At this stage, their eating habits and weight gain should start to slow down as they grow into adulthood. Keep an eye on how many treats you give them to make sure they’re not overindulging.

This is also the time when you can start introducing homemade or raw food into their diet. But don’t make the switch too suddenly, as it can confuse their digestive system. Instead, mix a little homemade or raw food with their puppy kibble and gradually decrease the amount of kibble each day. This gradual transition will help your Beagle adjust to their new diet without any tummy troubles.

How much food you should feed an adult Beagle?

For an adult Beagle, the usual daily food intake is around 1 cup. This is less than what they ate when they were puppies, where they could consume up to 2 cups of puppy food.

If your Beagle is quite active, they might need a bit more food to stay healthy and keep their muscles in good shape. However, ideally, you shouldn’t have to increase their food amount. Instead, consider switching to a higher-quality formula designed for active dogs, which typically contains more protein to support their energy needs.

Why isn’t your Beagle puppy eating?

If your Beagle puppy suddenly stops eating or seems hesitant to eat, it’s something to pay attention to. Beagles usually have big appetites, so any change in their eating habits could be a sign of a problem. Sometimes, they might not want to eat because they’re teething, which happens when they’re around 2 to 6 months old.

Another reason your Beagle might not be eating is if you’ve just brought them home. Moving to a new place can be tough for dogs, and they might need some time to get used to it. But if they’re still not eating after a couple of days, it’s a good idea to talk to the breeder or even see a vet to make sure everything’s okay.

Sometimes, not eating could be a sign that your puppy is feeling sad or stressed. If they go more than a week without eating, it’s essential to check with your vet. Not eating could be a sign of a more serious health issue, so it’s better to be safe and get it checked out.

Why does your Beagle always feel hungry?

Beagles are well-known for their huge appetites. They’re like medium-sized eating machines that never seem to get full. Unlike humans, who start feeling full about 20 minutes after eating, Beagles’ digestion is much slower. It can take them up to 3 days to feel full!

Because of this, Beagles always seem hungry and might want to eat more than they should. But whether you have a Beagle puppy, adult, or senior, it’s essential not to let their appetite control their food intake. Instead, keep a close eye on their weight and use the methods mentioned earlier to check if they’re getting the right amount of food. This way, you can make sure your Beagle stays healthy and happy without overfeeding them.

What foods are bad for your Beagles?

It’s important to be careful about what you feed your Beagle. They shouldn’t eat foods with lots of fillers or extra ingredients because they can easily gain weight, even if they’re getting the right amount of food.

There are also some foods that Beagles, like all dogs, should avoid:

• Chocolate
• Almonds
• Gum
• Coffee
• Grapes and raisins
• Tomato and potato leaves and stems
• Fruit seeds and pits
• Onions
• Cinnamon
• Cat food
• Avocados

Beagles aren’t picky eaters, so if any of these foods are within reach, they might gobble them up. But some of these foods can be harmful to dogs, so it’s essential to keep an eye on what they eat. If your Beagle starts showing signs of distress after eating something they shouldn’t, take them to the vet right away.

How to feed seniors Beagles?

When a Beagle reaches 9 years old, they’re considered seniors. Just like humans, as Beagles get older, they start to slow down, and their metabolism slows down with them. This means they need a different diet to stay healthy and avoid gaining weight too quickly.

To adjust to their changing metabolism, it’s a good idea to split their meals into two, just like you did when they became adults. You’ll also want to slightly reduce the amount of food they eat so they’re getting about 42 calories per pound of body weight.

Transitioning to dog food made specifically for senior dogs is also a good move. These formulas often have less fat and filler food, which can be harder for older Beagles to digest. By adjusting their diet as they age, you can help keep your senior Beagle healthy and happy for years to come.

How are wet foods better than dry food for Beagles?

When it comes to choosing between wet and dry food for Beagles, both options have their advantages. Wet food can be more appealing to your Beagle and helps keep them hydrated. On the other hand, dry kibble can help with dental health by removing plaque and is usually more affordable.

A balanced combination of both wet and dry food could be the best approach for your Beagle’s diet. However, it’s essential to select high-quality products regardless of the type of food you choose. Consulting with your vet for recommendations is also a wise step to ensure you’re providing the best nutrition for your Beagle.

Why you should not feed table scraps to your Beagle?

It might be tempting when your Beagle is eagerly watching. However, though, feeding your dog from your own dinner plate might seem harmless, some human foods can be harmful to dogs and it can lead to several problems. 

If you do decide to share, make sure the food is safe for dogs, without any seasonings, and give it in moderation to keep your Beagle safe and healthy.

• If you give in once, your dog might start begging for your food all the time, making it challenging to get them to eat their own meals.
• Many human foods that seem harmless are actually dangerous for dogs. For example, chocolate is well-known to be toxic, but so are onions, raisins, grapes, fruit seeds, and even caffeine. These foods can harm a dog’s digestive system and cause serious health issues.
• The coloring, spices, and additives in human meals can also be harmful to dogs. Consuming these ingredients regularly can lead to weight gain and other health problems for your furry friend. So, it’s best to stick to feeding your dog their own food to ensure they get the nutrition they need and stay healthy.

Why leaving food out is not safe for your Beagle?

Leaving food out all day for your Beagle to nibble on might seem convenient, but it’s not a good idea. Beagles love to eat and can easily overeat if given the chance to graze all day.

It’s better to establish a daily schedule for your Beagle, including set times for eating, grooming, walks, and playtime. This helps them become more disciplined and well-behaved. A good rule is to let your Beagle eat for about 15 to 20 minutes during meal times. Whatever they don’t finish within that time can be saved for later.

If your Beagle tends to gobble up their food too quickly, you might want to consider using a stainless steel slow-feeder bowl or a portion pacer ball to help them eat at a healthier pace. This can prevent digestive issues and encourage better eating habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which human foods you should avoid giving your Beagle?

Some human foods can be toxic to Beagles and other dogs. It’s best to steer clear of chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocado, and foods containing xylitol, among others. To be safe, always research before introducing any new foods to your Beagle’s diet.

What to do if your Beagle has food allergies?

If you suspect that your Beagle has food allergies, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian. They can provide guidance on alternative diets that might be suitable. One option could be a hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diet, which helps identify and eliminate specific allergens. Additionally, grain-free, fish-based, or foods containing novel proteins can be good alternatives for dogs with food sensitivities. Your vet can help you choose the best option for your Beagle’s health and well-being.

Can you feed Beagles a vegan diet?

Is it okay to feed my Beagle a vegetarian or vegan diet? While it’s possible for dogs to survive on a carefully planned vegetarian or vegan diet, it can be difficult to meet all their nutritional requirements. If you’re considering this diet for your Beagle, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. They can help ensure that your Beagle receives all the essential nutrients they need to stay healthy on a vegetarian or vegan diet.

Are Beagles’ dietary needs affected by their size?

Beagles are considered small to medium-sized dogs and need a balanced diet that’s high in protein, fats, and essential nutrients. While they don’t have specific dietary requirements based on their breed, their active nature and strong metabolism mean they do well with high-quality, energy-rich foods. This helps support their overall health and energy levels.

Final Verdicts

Beagles need just the right amount of food to stay healthy. Puppies when are around 10 months to a year old, they should start eating adult dog food instead of puppy food. When they become senior dogs, they may need to switch again because their metabolism slows down.

If your Beagle is less than 2 months old, they might need to eat whenever they’re hungry. But after that, it’s best to stick to scheduled meals to keep them at a healthy weight. This will help them stay fit and happy as they grow older.