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View 2 More +If you’ve just adopted your first Beagle, you’re in for a good time. Beagles are incredibly loyal and a bit goofy, so there should be no end to the fun and shenanigans. However, if it’s your first time owning a Beagle, you likely have questions about caring for one.
One vital aspect to know about your new pet is how much to feed them. Monitoring your Beagle’s diet is vital since they are prone to gaining weight and becoming obese. So, how much should a Beagle eat? The answer depends on your pet’s age, sex, neuter status, and how active they are. A good rule of thumb is that puppies under 4 months of age with moderate activity levels require approximately 116 kilocalories for each pound of body weight per day; while a neutered adult dog in ideal body condition should consume approximately 54–62 kilocalories per pound of body weight a day to maintain their weight stable.
How to Calculate How Much Your Beagle Should Eat
- Important Note: Please note that while these tables list the average nutritional requirement of most dog breeds, some Beagles may have higher or lower-than-average caloric requirements. Therefore, we would recommend consulting a veterinarian to ensure that your puppy’s meal plan doesn’t compromise their nutritional welfare.
The best way to determine how much a Beagle should eat is to follow the feeding guidelines provided by the dog food manufacturer. If you’re feeding your pet manufactured dog food, you’ll find that most include a table on the back of the bag that lets you know how much you should give your pet each day depending on their weight, age, and activity level.
These guidelines usually offer a range. If your Beagle is particularly active, consider feeding them closer to the higher end of the range. Conversely, if they are less active, the lower end of the range may be more appropriate. Adjustments within the range ensure your dog receives the right amount of nutrition to match their individual needs.
You could also use a calorie calculator to figure out how much to feed your pet. Though the calculators are pretty accurate, they may be up to 25% off (and your pup may need 25% more or fewer calories). Again, take into account your dog’s age and lifestyle.
The exact amount of calories an individual animal needs to maintain a healthy weight is variable and influenced by many factors including genetics, age, breed, and activity level. This tool is meant to be used only as a guideline for healthy individuals and does not substitute veterinary advice
Finally, talk to a vet! The vet will know your Beagle’s current weight and activity levels, so they can help you determine how much your pet needs to eat each day.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
What to Feed Your Beagle
Beagles are fond of food and are not usually picky eaters. Feeding your pet dry food can be very convenient, but wet food provides more water content. Any food you choose should be high-quality and high in protein, and it’s best to use formulas with meat or a meat meal listed as the first ingredient.
Other ingredients to look for include essential fatty acids (fish or sunflower oil) and healthy fibers (brown rice). If a brand has been approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, it will meet all of your dog’s nutritional requirements.
It also doesn’t hurt to find a formula that’s been developed based on your pet’s life stage. Several pet food companies produce puppy food and regular dog food for adults.
What Not to Feed Your Beagle
Dog foods that contain lots of fillers should be off-limits to your Beagle since they will only aid in them gaining weight. You should also look at the ingredients on dog treats to see if they have healthy ingredients. Treats should only account for 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and it’s best to serve them sparingly since Beagles are food-motivated and can easily gain weight.
However, if you’re tempted to give your pet treats in the form of human food (and who isn’t occasionally?), there are some foods you’ll need to avoid as they could harm your dog. These include:
Final Thoughts
Figuring out how much your Beagle should eat each day can be challenging since you need to consider your dog’s age and level of activity. But you can find out just how many calories a Beagle should eat in several ways. One way is by following the general rule that puppies require approximately 116 kilocalories for each pound they weigh per day, while neutered adult dogs with an ideal body condition score require 54–62 calories per pound of body weight per day. Other methods include following the guidelines on the dog food you’ve purchased, using a caloric calculator, or talking to a vet.
When it comes to the food you should feed your Beagle, ensure you’re choosing a high-quality formula with a high protein content (with real meat or meat meal being the first ingredient) and one that contains other quality ingredients such as essential fatty acids and healthy fibers. Avoid giving your Beagle people food, and if you ever give them a one-off treat from the table, double-check that they aren’t toxic to your pet.
See Also:
- How Long Do Beagles Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
- How Fast Can a Beagle Run? Breed Requirements & Facts
Featured Image Credit: Przemek Iciak, Shutterstock
