best dog food for basset hound puppies
If your hound is anything like ours, the best times of day for a basset are meal times. Luckily ours is well behaved and knows to hang on until dinner is fully prepared. Once the bowl is down, its time to get those ears messy! So what is the best dog food for basset hounds?
There are a number of different solutions. Although your basset will be absolutely fine with dry kibble, there are certain nutritional requirements that need to be met. Well go into this in more detail in this article.
What to look for in basset hound foods
Basset Hounds although short have dense bones and lots of mass on their stocky frames. As such, they require a good, balanced diet to stay in full health. Their appearance can often be deceiving, bassets are energetic dogs and require a lot of fuel to keep up with their high activity levels.
The National Research Council of the National Academies recommends an average daily caloric intake of 1740 calories for an active adult Basset Hound weighing 70 pounds. (source)
This is a good starting point as a guideline for general intake, but consider that this is spread across a day. Theres also the factor of activity (or inactivity) level to that is involved too.
As with all dogs, your basset will need a good intake of protein to support this stocky stature. For this reason we recommend going for a dog food that contains a high quality of protein.
Protein is essential for building on muscle integrity a larger percentage of this may be preferential for a growing dog. Most commercial dog foods will go for a standardised amount that will be fine in most cases.
Consider also the quality of the protein too especially if your hound is particularly active. Protein can come in different forms, which can differ in its composition.
Nutritional intake
As a general rule of thumb, the main meat ingredient should be one of the first on the list of ingredients. Its not worth skimping on quality in favour of quantity. Opting for quality proteins ensures a long and healthy lifespan.
Keep an eye on the amount of fat that is included within the food as well. Good quality named fats help the foods taste better for your hound as well as assisting with any required weight gain.
What kind of food should I feed my basset hound?
Theres a few options here. Its generally agreed that the best dog food for basset hounds is dry food or kibble. Personally we like to take of quality dry kibble and mix it in with a little high quality wet food before serving. The combination adds texture and allows us to have some degree of control on the amount of fats and other nutrients that are consumed.
We tend to use wet food sparingly. It functions more as to make it easier to go down, which makes for a better dining experience for the basset and lets you experiment with flavors a little more to help establish what is enjoyed best. Mix it in well with a fork and youre ready to go.
Adding wet food adds variation and brings in nutrients from different sources of food. Bassets will be okay to eat just kibble, but be sure to check that it contains a lot of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients that dogs need.
As stated above, its more about the quality of the food that you introduce to your basset hound and making sure that all bases are covered in the nutritional requirements.
Natural or cooked diets for basset hounds
Some owners opt for a natural diet, which we dont really go into here. This one is a bit trickier and costly to get right. It consists mostly of an animal based diet. This is usually cooked by the owner.
We dont have much information on this but do a search around if this interests you. As with researching any alternative diet for your dog, make sure you consult with your vet. This is especially the case if you are moving to something drastically different such as a home-cooked diet.
Another excellent resource that we became aware of recently was this excellent piece from Your Dog Advisor. If youre considering a raw meat or natural diet for your basset, theres a wide array of information available from here.
Personally, we dont see the need to move on to such a regiment, as there are a wide variety of high quality dog foods available that will meet the needs of your basset hound sufficiently.
Theres a plethora of information available on the web about this subject, so use your best judgement as to whether this is the best solution for your basset.
How much should I feed my basset hound?
The amount you feed your basset hound very depends on the weight, activity level and age. For our basset, we go for the one cup of dried food mixed in with a little bit of wet food. This doesnt need to be more than quarter to half a can.
Go with however much is needed to maintain a healthy weight. If you see signs of weight gain after switching your bassets diet, monitor the ingredients contained in the food and make adjustments as appropriate.
Consistency is key, once youve come to a diet that works for both yourself and your basset, try and keep it regulated and dont change it up too often if you can avoid it.
How often should I feed my basset hound?
Bassets require feeding more than once a day. Spreading out over two meals helps to spread out the caloric intake and maintains a good level of energy throughout the day.
Never feed your basset only once per day. If your hound is getting a little on the heavy side, make adjustments according to the caloric content of the food.
Make sure to go for regular meal times and dont deviate too far from this. Your basset will be sure to let you know when its dinner time anyway. A consistent meal plan and schedule will keep your basset in excellent running order.
What should I feed my basset hound puppy?
Basset hound puppies can eat mostly the same as adult hounds. The key here is to scale it down as appropriate depending on the size.
Figure out the basset puppys weight and compare this to the portion size suggested above for an idea on how much a pup should be eating.
Regularity should be similar in most cases but your breeder should give you some idea of meal frequency. In the puppys younger days, three to four meals in smaller portions are sometimes given.
My basset is eating too fast
When a hound is hungry, theyll chow down on their food at a fast pace. This often isnt a sign of anything particularly wrong theyre enthusiastic dogs and meal times is one of their favorite things.
What you should be aware of is the tendency for bassets to develop bloat. Bloat is a condition that results in a twist in the stomach. Theres not a lot of conclusive research on the causes, but it can occur in dogs with wide chests.
One of the causes supposedly is from eating too fast. If you find your basset is eating at a frantic pace on a regular basis, you may wish to look into a slow feed bowl to solve this.
Other tips and care information
- Be sure that your basset hound has access to clean water all the time.
- Keep food bowls clean, wash after every meal
- Do not feed your basset table scraps or human food
- Allow your basset to feed away from pets/children
The best dog food for basset hounds
Weve experimented with quite a few different foods for our basset over time and found that there are a few types that stand out to us. Heres a selection and comments on a few basset hound foods that weve tried.
Of course, the flavor will depend on what your basset has a tendency to enjoy, so experiment with a few and see how it gets on. We dont hear much about fussy bassets, but they definitely appreciate getting their favorites at mealtimes.
Heres some ideas to get you started we like these brands in particular. They all offer plenty of options that you can tailor to your basset in the best possible way.
Wellness Core Natural Grain Food
Wellness Core Natural Grain is a solid selection for your hound if youre looking for something that is wheat free.
The advantage of wheat free is that it can help improve some dietary conditions with your basset, so if you find that your dog has been having some problems, it s well worth looking into a food such as this.
In addition, the high protein content promotes growth. We like this as its packed with nutrients and theres a lot of options available when buying online.
Purina One Smartblend
We go for the chicken based one, our basset reports that it is delicious. Well, she doesnt report, but she gets through enough of it to suggest it.
We like the quality that is on offer from the Purina SmartBlend from the consistency to the nutrients that are on offer here.
It goes nicely with a wet food and has a good balance of the required proteins for a growing hound.
Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dog Food
This is a good blend of food that features bits that contain a prescribed blend of vitamins that an adult dog will need to stay in full working order.
Blue Wilderness is another grain free brand with high quality ingredients and no by-products, meaning theres some high quality proteins involved.
Take into consideration the weight of your basset when measuring out this dry food.
Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slow Feed Interactive Bloat Stop Dog Bowl
If you find that your basset is wolfing down his or her food all the time, a bowl such as this one is highly recommended.
Eating food too fast can lead to some health issues along the line such as bloat.
These bowls make your hound take their time while eating and ensure that meals are both fulfilling and fun at the same time.
Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds
DogFoodAdvisor is reader supported See how
All reviews are 100% impartial but if you buy using links on this page, we may earn a referral fee.
Whats the best dog food for Basset Hounds?
Basset Hounds are prone to obesity due to their low activity levels and tendency to overeat, so its important to select a dog food that is formulated to meet their specific energy requirements without overloading them with excessive calories.
Consider a formula labeled for less active or weight management if your Basset Hound is overweight or prone to weight gain.
Basset Hounds are susceptible to joint problems, including hip dysplasia and arthritis, so the food you choose should contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin which can help support joint health and mobility.
This dog breed may also be prone to digestive issues, including bloating and gas. Choose a dog food that contains easily digestible ingredients, such as high-quality proteins and fibers. Avoid foods with excessive fillers or artificial additives that can contribute to digestive upset.
As always, ensure that the dog food you choose provides a balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
Opt for a dog food that lists high-quality animal-based proteins as the main ingredients, such as chicken, turkey, or fish. These proteins provide essential amino acids for muscle development and maintenance.
Basset Hounds may have food sensitivities or allergies, so be mindful of potential allergens in their food. If your Basset Hound exhibits signs of allergies or digestive issues, consult with your veterinarian to identify potential triggers and consider a limited ingredient diet or specialized formulas.
Below, you can see our recommendations of the best foods for Basset Hounds, which we hope will help you choose the right food for your pet.
Youll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Basset Hounds.
Light and Fit Formula is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Acana Dry product line.
Acana Light and Fit Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 37.5% protein, 11.4% fat and 43.1% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 30%.
Read our review of the full Acana Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, whole red lentils Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37.5 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Acana.com"My dogs loved this food! They enjoyed the flavor very much. This food is perfect if your dog is looking to shed a few pounds. This is easy on the stomach. They are perfect sized bites too."
Reduced Fat Formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Formula derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36.7% protein, 11.1% fat and 44.2% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 30%.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal (source of glucosamine), chicken meal (source of chondroitin sulfate), lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36.7 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at WellnessPetFood.com"We have always been Wellness Core fans, but when our vet told us that our Basset hound needed to go on a diet, the switch within the brand was easy. High in protein and low in filler, this was the perfect product for our older pup who is starting to become less active."
Orijen Fit & Trim is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
Orijen Fit & Trim derives the bulk of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 47.7% protein, 14.8% fat and 29.5% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 31%.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken liver, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), turkey, cod Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 47.7 AAFCO Standards Adult Maintenance Best For Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at OrijenPetFoods.com"This dog food is incredible! First and foremost, the ingredients list is amazing. On the bag it tells you exactly how much of each protein has been included in the bag and I appreciate that. I have 2 dogs, a lab mix and a puggle, and they both need help staying fit since theyve gotten older. The lab can eat this no problem but my puggle does have a tough time chewing it with her small mouth. I also want to mention how easy it was to switch from their old food to this! It was incredibly gentle on their stomachs and they love the way it tastes. I highly recommend this food!"
Original Real Rabbit Recipe is one of 6 wet recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe derives the bulk of its meat protein from rabbit. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 45.5% protein, 13.6% fat and 32.9% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 30%.
Read our review of the full Instinct Original Dog Food (Canned) range here
Main Ingredients Rabbit, pork, pork liver, pork broth, ground flaxseed Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 45.5 AAFCO Standards All Life Stage (except for growth of larger size dogs) Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"It can be hard to find food our dog likes. He has a lot of food allergies & think most dog foods upset his stomach. He cannot eat any poultry or white rice. He scarfed down this food. So glad he loves it."
Puppy Growth Turkey Recipe is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right Fresh product line.
Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 59.4% protein, 21.9% fat and 10.8% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 37%.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 59.4 AAFCO Standards Growth and Reproduction Best For Puppies and or lactating females Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com"Our Princess had been on Raised Right and loved it! Due to some health issues that arose, she needed to be on a custom diet. As luck would have it, she would not eat the custom food, little stinker. Our pet nutritionist approved us adding in the Raised Right food along with her custom meal. And of course, she's a happy little camper doing well. Thank you Raised Right for developing wonderful food for our pets!"
Barkin Beef Entre (Grain-Free) is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Petplate Fresh product line.
PetPlate Barkin Beef Entre (Grain-Free) derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 21.1% fat and 33.8% estimated carbs resulting a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Beef, oats, chickpeas, pea protein, carrots Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 28.9 AAFCO Standards All Life Stages (except for growth of larger size dogs) Best For Puppies and Dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate.com"Frank loves the Pet Plate toppers. He gets so excited at meal time when we take the container out of the fridge and is always licking the bowl for more! His coat is also shinier and his poops are much healthier after starting Pet Plate."
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Basset Hounds are a medium sized breed of dog known for their scenting abilities and characteristic howl. The American Kennel Club (AKC) consistently ranks Basset Hounds within the top 40 most popular breeds in the United States.
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about Basset Hounds:
Frequently Asked Questions
How big are Basset Hounds?
Basset Hounds are up to 15 inches tall and weigh between 40-65 pounds. Although they are easily recognised by their low-slung bodies, they have large heads, big paws, and strong legs.
What kind of fur does a Basset Hound have?
Basset Hounds have short, smooth hair which can shed excessively and needs regular grooming. The most common fur on a Basset Hound is white with brown and black markings, however there are many variations of this listed under the AKC.
What temperament do Basset Hounds have?
Basset Hounds have a charming personality and the following traits:
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Protective
- Happy with other dogs and pets
- Good with children
- Low energy
- Highly vocal
- Independent
Which health concerns do Basset Hounds have?
Basset Hounds are susceptible to a number of health conditions such as:
- Ear infections
- Dental disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Bleeding disorders
- Luxating patella
