Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds: Puppies, Adults & Seniors (2024)

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Do you have a Basset Hound in your family? If so, you want to make sure they get the best nutrition possible.

In this article, we’ll look at what nutrients and ingredients are essential for bassets of all ages and stages of life, as well as provide some recommendations on great quality foods that will keep your hound happy and healthy.

We’ll also discuss meal sizes, frequency of meals and other tips that will help ensure your pup is getting everything he needs from his diet.

With our guide on the best dog food for Basset Hounds puppies, adults & seniors alike – you’re one step closer to keeping those long ears bouncing with joy!

What to Look for in Basset Hound Foods

When choosing the right food for your Basset Hound, look for formulas with high-quality animal proteins, easily digestible ingredients to avoid digestive issues, and a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to provide long-term health benefits – all without excessive calories or fillers.

Opt for dog foods with protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish as these are essential for muscle development and maintenance. Consider opting into weight management formulas if your Basset is overweight, while including Glucosamine & Chondroitin in their diet to support joint health.

If they have any food sensitivities or allergies, be mindful of potential allergens in the dog food you choose so that it does not cause further digestive issues down the line.

Ensure that whatever formula you decide upon provides them with enough nutrition based on their size. Provide an adequate amount of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates along with vitamins & minerals needed by Bassets throughout every stage of life from puppyhood until adulthood.

This includes nutrients like DHA & ARA, which support brain growth during puppies’ early stages.

With this knowledge at hand, pick out only quality brands such as Acana Light & Fit Formula, Wellness Core Reduced Fat Formula, Orijen Fit&Trim, etc.

Nutritional Intake

When it comes to feeding your Basset Hound, there are a few important things to consider. First, make sure they’re getting an appropriate amount of calories for their age and activity level. A good rule of thumb is 1740 calories per day for an active adult Basset Hound weighing 70 pounds.

Protein sources should be high quality and provide energy without excessive fat content. Look for real chicken or turkey as the main ingredient in dog food formulas. Dry food or kibble is usually recommended, but you can mix in some wet food if desired.

Natural diets may be an option too, however, check with your vet before making any drastic changes here.

What Kind of Food Should I Feed My Basset Hound?

Choosing the right food for your Basset Hound is essential to keep them happy, healthy, and full of energy. Consider the quality of protein in their diet, as well as feeding amounts based on age, weight, and activity level.

Look for dog foods with high-quality animal proteins like chicken or fish at the top of its ingredients list. Avoid excessive fillers or artificial additives that can contribute to digestive upset. Glucosamine and chondroitin are great additions to support joint health, while a formula labeled less active or weight management might be best suited for overweight Basset Hounds.

Quality brands such as Acana Light & Fit Formula (deboned chicken/turkey), Wellness CORE Reduced Fat Formula (deboned turkey), Orijen Fit & Trim Chicken Recipe, Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe (puppies/dogs), Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey Recipe (puppies/lactating females), and PetPlate Barkin’ Beef Entree Grain Free (beef) all offer superior nutrition without artificial preservatives or colors.

Mixing wet food into their diet can add texture while controlling nutrient intake, but table scraps should be avoided altogether when it comes to Bassets.

Natural or Cooked Diets for Basset Hounds

You can opt for a natural or cooked diet for your Basset Hound, but be sure to consult with the vet first. Natural diets offer a variety of options and help avoid potential allergens from commercial dog foods.

Cooking tips, such as avoiding added salt, sugar, seasonings, oils, and fats, should be followed to ensure optimal nutrition is provided while also meeting the nutritional requirements of Basset Hounds.

High-quality proteins are essential in any diet, and wet food can add texture that may make it easier for Bassets to eat, plus it allows for flavor variation. Wet food mixed with kibble can also help control nutrient intake better than dry kibble alone would allow.

When selecting a dog food brand, consider Wellness Core Natural Grain Food, which includes deboned chicken as its main ingredient, or Purina One Smartblend that contains real turkey as the primary protein source.

Both provide balanced nutrition without excessive calories, which is important when considering the obesity tendencies often present in this breed type.

Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain-Free Adult Dog Food provides plenty of quality animal-based proteins like chicken, turkey, or fish, which are beneficial for muscle development and maintenance within Basset Hounds.

How Much Should I Feed My Basset Hound?

To keep your Basset Hound healthy, feed them the right amount of high-quality protein and fat in a balanced diet. Feeding amounts depend on weight, activity level, and age, so it’s best to consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations.

Puppies can eat mostly the same as adults but in smaller portions, while older dogs may need more or less depending on their nutritional needs. Consider experimenting with different foods to find what your basset enjoys and be mindful of potential allergens if they have food sensitivities or allergies.

When making dietary changes, always seek advice from a vet first before introducing something new into their diet, such as puppy formula foods like Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dog Food, which has beef as its main ingredient specifically designed to meet puppies’ requirements during growth phases.

Ultimately, consistent feeding is key when creating healthy habits that will ensure long-term health benefits throughout life stages – remember less is more!

How Often Should I Feed My Basset Hound?

Now that you know how much to feed your Basset Hound, it’s time to consider how often. The National Research Council recommends feeding an active adult Basset hound weighing 70 pounds 1740 calories a day.

To ensure they get the most out of their diet and avoid weight gain, it is important to spread this caloric intake throughout the day rather than one large meal.

Here are some tips for proper feeding times:

1. Feed more than once a day – two or three smaller meals can help control calorie intake while giving them energy boosts at regular intervals.
2. Monitor allergies and food sensitivities – if your pup has trouble digesting certain foods or ingredients, opt for high-quality grain-free formulas that lack fillers.
3. Use slow feeder bowls or interactive bloat stop dog bowls – these can help reduce digestive issues by slowing down fast eaters.
4. Consider weight management formulas – look for brands specifically created with lower calorie counts in mind, such as Wellness Core Natural Grain Food Reduced Fat Formula, which offers 25% less fat compared to other recipes but keeps protein content high.

When selecting a dog food for your Basset Hound, make sure its formula meets their individual needs like joint health support from glucosamine and chondroitin supplements found in Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food, easily digestible proteins such as Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe, animal-based proteins like chicken from Acana Light & Fit Formula, and low fat levels suitable for overweight dogs like Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dry Dog Food.

Finally, remember consistency is key, so stick with what works best!

What Should I Feed My Basset Hound Puppy?

Choosing a quality puppy food that meets their energy requirements without excessive calories is essential for your Basset Hound’s health and development. American Journey Active Life Formula Puppy, Wellness Complete Health Puppy, and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free are all great options when it comes to finding the best dog food for Basset Hounds.

When feeding your puppy, pay close attention to portion sizes and feed them more than once per day if possible. This will help spread out their caloric intake throughout the day rather than allowing them to eat an entire meal at one time, which can lead to bloat or other digestive issues such as gas or vomiting.

Additionally, consider investing in slow feeders since bassets tend to be fast eaters who easily overeat! Lastly, look for formulas labeled less active or weight management if your pup needs help with maintaining healthy body weight levels as they grow older.

To avoid any potential allergies or dietary sensitivities, you should always consult with a vet before making drastic changes in diet. However, some key ingredients that are beneficial include high-quality animal proteins like chicken/turkey/fish meals, plus omega fatty acids (DHA & ARA), along with glucosamine & chondroitin supplements, which promote joint health and mobility over time.

Ultimately, consistency is key, so experiment until you find what works best, then stick by it.

My Basset is Eating Too Fast

If your Basset Hound is eating too quickly, try getting them a slow feeder bowl to help prevent bloat. This can be especially helpful for dogs that tend to eat fast or overeat as it will slow down the process and give their stomachs time to digest the food properly.

Additionally, choose a specialized formula for weight control or allergen avoidance if necessary. To further ensure digestive health and joint health of your pup, provide clean water at all times and look for dog foods with high-quality proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish as primary ingredients.

Make sure to include a balanced mix of vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates.

If there are any food sensitivities or allergies present, consult with your veterinarian first before changing diets drastically.

Finally, make sure you avoid feeding table scraps as this could lead to obesity, which should be avoided due to its tendency in Basset Hounds causing overall poor health conditions later in life.

Other Tips and Care Information

To ensure your Basset Hound stays healthy, be mindful of their diet and provide the necessary care. It’s important to establish a feeding schedule that works for them and consider using a slow feeder bowl to prevent potential bloat.

Look for weight management formulas if your Bassets are overweight or less active, as well as those with easily digestible ingredients if they have any allergy sensitivities or digestive issues.

To keep joints in good health and minimize problems such as hip dysplasia, choose high-quality nourishment with glucosamine and chondroitin added in:

• Acana Light & Fit Formula
• Wellness Core Reduced Fat Formula
• Orijen Fit & Trim
• Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe

Be sure to avoid foods containing excessive fillers or artificial additives, which can contribute to digestive upset.

With consistent adherence to these guidelines, you can rest assured knowing that your Bassets will enjoy many happy years filled with love ahead of them!

Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds:

Finding the right dog food for your Basset Hound can be a daunting task. To make it easier, consider American Journey Puppy Food, Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dog Food, Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight, Wellness Complete Health Puppy, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy, Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy, Diamond Naturals Adult Dog, Go Sensitivities Lamb Dog Food, and CANIDAE Senior Chicken Dry Dog Foods which are all excellent options for Basset Hounds of any age.

American Journey Puppy Food

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American Journey Puppy Food offers a variety of health benefits for Basset Hounds, including 25% real deboned chicken as the first ingredient and essential vitamins and minerals. It also features other wholesome ingredients like easily digestible grains, omega-3 & 6 fatty acids, DHA & ARA to promote brain development, antioxidants to support immune system function, and natural fiber for healthy digestion.

The food is free from corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, making it an excellent choice if your pup has sensitive stomachs or allergies. Customers have reported that their puppies enjoy this formula’s taste while noticing improvements in their coat quality with continued use.

Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dog Food

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Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dog Food provides a nutrient-dense recipe with premium proteins and wholesome grains to help keep your basset hound trim. This gluten-free formula is ideal for less active dogs and those needing to reduce weight.

It includes glucosamine and chondroitin for long-term joint health, as well as essential vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, protein, and amino acids.

The unique VPRO Blend promotes superior digestibility, while L-carnitine helps convert fat into energy needed for lean muscle development.

Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight

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Nutro Natural Choice Healthy Weight is a premium dry dog food crafted with real lamb as the first ingredient and tailored to provide healthy weight loss for all breeds and sizes of dogs. Sourced from trusted domestic and global sources, this grain-free formula contains omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support healthy immunity.

Available in 30-pound bags, this dog food does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives.

Wellness Complete Health Puppy

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Wellness Complete Health Puppy is like a delicious meal for your Basset Hound, crafted with premium proteins and wholesome grains to provide whole-body nutritional support. This high-quality food contains carefully chosen ingredients such as omega fatty acids, essential vitamins and minerals, glucosamine, antioxidants, and probiotics that are vital for the growth of puppies.

It is made in the USA without GMOs, meat by-products, or artificial preservatives – making it safe for sensitive stomachs! Plus, its small kibble size makes it easier to eat than other dry dog foods.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy

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Treat your pup to Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy, a grain-free food made with real chicken and LifeSource Bits for superior nutrition. This high-quality protein satisfies pups’ cravings for meat while encouraging strong and healthy muscles.

It is packed with essential fatty acids DHA and ARA, which promote healthy growth and development, as well as taurine to support brain health.

The formula also includes LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, to help create an optimal immune system response in puppies.

Grain-free diets may be beneficial but can cause myocardial problems if not monitored properly by veterinarians; always consult a vet before transitioning any pet onto this type of diet or making changes in their nutrition intake.

Some customers have experienced issues such as soft stool or sensitivity when feeding their puppy this brand; however, others have reported that it has been successful after the transition period was finished due to its easy digestibility levels for growing puppies’ tummies!

All things considered, many puppies enjoy the taste of Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy food so far!

Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food

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Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food is packed with deboned beef and features smaller-sized kibble for small puppy mouths, making it ideal for your growing pup. It contains an array of nutrients such as DHA, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support healthy growth in puppies.

This grain-free formula also has no artificial colors or flavors added, so you can feel good about feeding this food to your young pet. However, some users have reported issues with the quality of recent bags they purchased.

Others had their puppies experience bad smells after eating it or digestive problems like loose stools.

While some dogs are not excited by the taste alone without gravy or meat added on top, many customers noted that their pups enjoyed the flavor while enjoying a healthy coat at the same time!

Taste Wild High Prairie Puppy

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Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy is a grain-free, high-protein food made with real meat as the #1 ingredient for your pup’s nutritional needs. This premium kibble includes taurine to support brain and eye health, DHA and ARA to promote healthy growth and development, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.

It also contains K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics plus species-specific prebiotics to support healthy digestion.

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog

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Diamond Naturals Adult Dog is packed with real pasture-raised beef protein and enhanced with superfoods, probiotics, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants to support strong muscles and healthy skin for your pup.

This complete holistic diet contains no corn or wheat fillers, so you know that every ingredient has a purpose.

The K9 strain proprietary probiotics promote optimal digestive health, while the nutrient-rich fruits provide vitamins and minerals essential for energy production. Omega fatty acids help maintain a lustrous coat, while the antioxidants protect against free radicals, which can cause cell damage over time.

CANIDAE Senior Chicken Dry Dog Food also provides glucosamine to keep joints lubricated, as well as chondroitin sulfate to prevent stiffness associated with aging dogs.

Go Sensitivities Lamb Dog Food

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Go Sensitivities Lamb Dog Food is packed with real deboned lamb as the #1 ingredient, plus omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health and K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics to support digestive health.

Formulated without grains, this gluten-free food has earned positive reviews from customers who have experienced relief of their dog’s food sensitivities or allergies.

This all-natural formula also contains dried chicory root for fiber and ASC + MSC certified marine microalgae oil for essential omega-3 fatty acids. It is especially crafted to help dogs with allergies or sensitivities by providing complete nutrition that supports healthy skin, a shiny coat, and brain development – all while being easy on your pup’s sensitive stomach.

CANIDAE Senior Chicken Dry Dog Food

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CANIDAE Senior Chicken Dry Dog Food is a grain-free, real chicken formula fortified with probiotics and antioxidants to support healthy muscle tone and overall well-being in senior dogs. It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and is free from corn, wheat, or soy.

Protein-rich chicken acts as the first ingredient, while wholesome veggies provide energy and nutrition for your Basset Hound’s needs. CANIDAE Senior Chicken also includes Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, which helps promote digestive health, along with omega fatty acids to help protect skin health.

This food has been praised by customers for its high-quality ingredients that have led to improvements in their dog’s digestion, as well as long-term health benefits such as increased longevity among seniors! Some cats have even been known to sneak bites of this delicious kibble from time to time!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)