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Best Dog Foods for Basset Hounds: Reviews & Top Picks 2024

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best food for basset houndsAre you the proud parent of a Basset Hound? These beloved hounds, with their floppy ears and droopy eyes, need the right diet to stay happy and healthy.

We’ll cover what ingredients to look for in your pup’s meals as well as how much and how often they should be eating. Plus, we’ll provide tips on dealing with overeating or if your pup eats too quickly.

Ensure that your four-legged friend is getting all the nutrition they need by reading our guide below!

Key Takeaways

  • Select a diet tailored to age, activity level, and weight.
  • Quality proteins like chicken, turkey, and fish should be the main ingredients.
  • Carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and rice provide energy.
  • Omega fatty acids are essential for puppy brain development.

Top 10 Best Food for Basset Hounds

If you’re the proud owner of a Basset Hound, it’s important to choose dog food that will support their unique needs.

  • American Journey Puppy Food
  • Victor Senior Healthy Weight
  • Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dog Food Lamb Rice Healthy Weight
  • Wellness Complete Puppy Chicken Oatmeal Salmon
  • Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy
  • Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food
  • Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy
  • Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food Go Sensitivities Lamb Dry Dog Food
  • CANIDAE Senior Chicken food

All of these options provide quality nutrition tailored to your pup’s age and activity level while avoiding unhealthy fillers or artificial ingredients.

American Journey Puppy Food

American Journey Protein & GrainsView On Chewy
You’ll love that American Journey Puppy Food is packed with 25% protein from deboned chicken, plus antioxidants and veggies to support your pup’s growth, plus fatty acids for skin and coat health.

This 28 lb bag of dry food is suitable for puppies of all breeds and sizes. It contains DHA & ARA for brain development, as well as omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which promote healthy skin & coat.

Reviews indicate most dogs love the taste, while others have experienced soft stools due to large breed puppies producing very moist stools.

The small kibble size makes it perfect for smaller breeds too, while some owners don’t even need to transition slowly since their picky eaters took so quickly to this tasty meal – a great reward when training pups!

Pros
  • Packed with 25% protein from deboned chicken
  • Contains antioxidants and vegetables like sweet potatoes/carrots
  • Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids promote skin & coat health
Cons
  • Not recommended if using puppy pads at home
  • Large breed produces very moist stools
  • Some picky eaters may not like the taste

Victor Senior Healthy Weight

VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy WeightView On Chewy
Victor Senior Healthy Weight is a premium dog food made in the USA with nutrient-dense ingredients to meet the needs of senior dogs. It is formulated for all breeds and contains beef, chicken, and fish meals fortified with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Glucosamine and chondroitin provide joint health support, while a VPRO blend helps promote digestibility and immune function.

This high-quality recipe will ensure your senior pup has sustained energy throughout their golden years.

Pros
  • Real deboned beef as the first ingredient
  • 55% protein from animal sources
  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals
  • Omega fatty acids and glucosamine
  • Promotes digestion and immunity
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other brands
  • Some puppies may not like the taste or texture

Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dog Food Lamb Rice Healthy Weight

Nutro Natural Choice Healthy WeightView On Chewy
Feed your pup Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dog Food Lamb Rice Healthy Weight and give them the nutrition they need for a healthy lifestyle. This USA-made dog food is specially formulated to support weight loss in adult dogs of all breeds and sizes, with real lamb as its first ingredient.

It contains natural fiber to promote healthy digestion, plus omega fatty acids for skin and coat health—all without any artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.

Reviews have been mixed; some pups experience gastric issues while others love the taste so much that it helps them lose weight! Pet parents who appreciate this high-quality product made from carefully sourced ingredients have reported 16 years of happy use.

Pros
  • Quality ingredients
  • Sourced consciously (human grade, non-GMO)
  • Supports weight loss in adult dogs
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
  • Some mold reported in bags
  • Caused vomiting & gas issues
  • Heavy coughing & panting

Wellness Complete Puppy Chicken Oatmeal Salmon

Wellness Complete Health Puppy DebonedView On Chewy
Wellness Complete Puppy Chicken Oatmeal Salmon provides your pup with a nutrient-rich diet designed to meet their growing needs, including 25% protein from deboned chicken and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for skin health.

It is grain inclusive with no corn, wheat, or soy, plus added glucosamine for joint health.

This USA-made food also contains DHA & ARA to promote brain and eye development, as well as antioxidants in LifeSource Bits™ that support immune system function. The small kibble size makes it perfect for puppy mouths, while the 30 lb bag can be used both as a meal or training treat.

Reviews have been mixed, however; some puppies have experienced diarrhea, soft stools, vomiting, or gas issues after eating this food, while others love the taste of it and transition easily onto this brand of dog food without any adverse effects on their digestive system.

Pros
  • High protein content (25%) from real deboned chicken
  • Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids help maintain healthy skin coat
  • Antioxidants boost immunity
  • Brain/Eye Development supported by DHA/ARA
  • Small Kibble Size ideal for puppies who are learning how to chew
  • Glucosamine helps keep joints healthy
Cons
  • Some dogs experience stomach upset after consuming
  • Picky eaters may not like the taste
  • Can cause itching in certain breeds

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy ChickenView On Chewy
For active puppies, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy provides a high-protein, natural food inspired by wolves and fortified with fatty acids for optimal growth and development. Real chicken is the first ingredient in this grain-free recipe, while DHA and ARA help support brain function.

This 24 lb bag of puppy food is suitable for small, medium, and large breed pups alike, so no matter their size or activity level, they can get all the nutrition they need from one source.

Pros
  • High protein formula with real chicken as the first ingredient
  • Contains fatty acids DHA & ARA for brain & eye development
  • Antioxidant blend called LifeSource Bits promotes overall health
Cons
  • Some complaints of stomach/digestive issues
  • Possible link between grain-free foods & heart disease
  • Transitions not ideal for some dogs

Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food

Merrick Grain-Free Real Texas BeefView On Chewy
Merrick’s Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food is an ideal option for pet parents looking to give their puppies the nourishment they need. This grain-free recipe contains deboned beef as the first ingredient, providing 55% protein and healthy fats from 70% animal sources.

It also includes DHA, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joint health.

Crafted in Hereford, TX, with no artificial colors or preservatives added, it can help promote healthy skin and coat in puppies. However, some batches were reported to have a burnt smell, similar to cardboard.

Reviews have been mixed, with some dogs having difficulty digesting it, resulting in gas or loose stools.

Pros
  • Contains real deboned beef as the first ingredient
  • Provides 55% protein & healthy fats from 70% animal sources
  • Includes DHA & omega fatty acids plus glucosamine & chondroitin
Cons
  • Reportedly difficult to digest, causing gas/loose stools
  • Some batches burnt/smelled like cardboard
  • Relatively expensive dog food

Taste Wild High Prairie Puppy

Taste of the Wild HighView On Chewy
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Formula is a top-notch option for your pup’s nutrition that will have them barking for more! This grain-free, high-protein dry puppy food is made with roasted bison and venison as the #1 ingredient.

It includes vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids to promote skin and coat health in puppies while providing energy to develop bones, joints, and muscles. Additionally, it contains prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants, which help support digestion and immune system health.

Moreover, this 28 lb bag of USA-made quality is veterinarian recommended due to its global and domestic ingredients crafted with no artificial colors or flavors.

Pros
  • Real meat as the first ingredient
  • High protein (28%)
  • Omega fatty acids
  • Prebiotics & Probiotics
Cons
  • Some report diarrhea
  • More expensive than some alternatives
  • Some puppies don’t like the taste

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food

View On Chewy
Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Food is packed with real pasture-raised beef, omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus vitamins and minerals to support adult dogs of all breeds. This grain-free food comes in a 40 lb bag that’s made in the USA by a family-owned company known for its quality domestic and global ingredients.

Plus, there are no artificial flavors or colors included – just natural goodness! The tasty recipe also supports digestive health with probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics added into the mix. And it provides energy to active adult dogs thanks to its high protein content from real meat sources like beef meal.

Pros
  • Real pasture-raised beef as the #1 ingredient for bones, joints, and lean muscle
  • Omega fatty acids promote healthy skin & coat
  • No corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors
Cons
  • Quality control issues reported occasionally
  • Mixed reviews on stool quality – some report loose stools/diarrhea

Go Sensitivities Lamb Dry Dog Food

Go! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient LambView On Chewy
Go Sensitivities Lamb Dry Dog Food is designed to support sensitive stomachs and digestion, thanks to its grain-free recipe free from added gluten, chicken, potato, wheat, corn, or soy. Lamb is the #1 ingredient, and it’s also fortified with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.

This complete and balanced diet provides adult dogs of all breeds with essential vitamins and minerals, as well as prebiotics for improved digestion, plus probiotics for better immunity. It’s made without by-product meals or artificial preservatives, making this a good choice if you’re looking to provide your pup with quality nutrition tailored specifically towards their needs.

Crafted in Canada by pet nutritionists, it has been known to help improve skin conditions in some dogs, but it may be too expensive compared to other foods that contain more filler ingredients, such as peas.

Pros
  • Formulated specially for dogs with food sensitivities
  • Includes omega-3 fatty acids from marine microalgae oil
  • Complete & balanced nutrition suitable for all breeds & sizes
Cons
  • Price increase over the past year can make it unaffordable
  • Flavor not always appealing, resulting in boredom quickly
  • Can trigger grass allergy if lamb is used

CANIDAE Senior Chicken Food

View On Chewy
CANIDAE Senior Chicken Food

CANIDAE Senior Chicken Food provides senior dogs with the nutrition they need to live a long, happy life. This grain-free diet is made in Canidae’s Texas facility and contains nine real food ingredients, including pasture-raised beef.

It also includes omega fatty acids from marine microalgae oil for healthy skin and coat, as well as probiotics for digestive health. The food has no artificial flavors or colors and fortifies seniors’ diets with antioxidants, prebiotics, and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids.

CANIDAE Senior Dog Food promotes improved digestion and provides relief for sensitive stomachs or allergies. It also provides energy to aging canines of all sizes. Reviews indicate that most dogs love its taste and appreciate the quality ingredients used.

However, some customers have noted issues related to shipping damage, resulting in kibble dust within bags being sold online.

Pros
  • Made with 9 real food ingredients for senior dogs
  • No corn, wheat, soy, or byproduct meals
  • Fortified with probiotics, antioxidants, and omegas 3 & 6 Fatty Acids
Cons
  • Lacks joint supplements like glucosamine
  • Some bags contain excessive amounts of kibble dust
  • More expensive than other brands

What to Look for in Basset Hound Foods

What to Look for in Basset Hound Foods
When choosing the right food for your basset hound, make sure it’s tailored to their life stage and packed with healthy nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids – all of which will help them lead a long and happy pup-life!

Look out for foods that are suitable for weight management or less active dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin are important ingredients in joint health, while DHA levels should be sufficient to support brain development.

Grain-free options may also be beneficial if your dog has any sensitivities or allergies.

High-quality proteins such as chicken, turkey, or fish should always come first on the list of ingredients, followed by omega fatty acids from animal sources that can promote skin & coat health while aiding muscle growth.

Raised Right Puppy Turkey Food is a great option as it contains real poultry meat plus additional nutrition from fruits & vegetables without fillers – a perfect energy boost puppies need during their growing years!

For older bassets, Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food is recommended due to its higher content of glucosamine & chondroitin, helping maintain mobility along with L-Carnitine assisting the fat-burning process necessary in cases where overweight issues appear.

Weighing every aspect carefully can provide you with assurance that you’re giving nothing but the best possible nourishment available so they live full lives filled with joyous moments shared together!

What Kind of Food Should I Feed My Basset Hound?

What Kind of Food Should I Feed My Basset Hound
Before choosing the right food for your basset hound, consider their life stage and specific needs. Puppies need puppy formula food with nutrients for growth and development, while adult dogs require balanced nutrition to maintain health.

Senior bassets have special requirements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, protein, and L-Carnitine, while overweight dogs may benefit from fewer calories and more exercise.

High-quality proteins like chicken, lamb, or beef should be listed as one of the main ingredients in the dog food, along with carbohydrates like rice or sweet potatoes to provide energy. Additionally, look out for DHA omega fatty acids, which are essential for brain development in puppies, as well as antioxidant vitamins and minerals that support a strong immune system.

All of these can be found in American Journey Puppy Chicken Brown Rice Vegetable Recipe Dry Dog Food, Chewy Victor Senior Healthy Weight, Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dog Food Lamb Rice Healthy Weight, Wellness Complete Puppy Chicken Oatmeal Salmon, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Puppy, Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato Puppy Food, Taste Wild High Prairie Puppy, Diamond Naturals Adult, Canidae Senior Chicken Meal, Go Sensitivities Lamb Dry, etc.

The key is to avoid artificial fillers, by-products, and GMOs, so you can maximize your pet’s nutrition tailored specifically to them. To ensure good health, monitor portions closely and consult with a vet about the ideal weight, adjusting accordingly.

How Much Should I Feed My Basset Hound?

How Much Should I Feed My Basset Hound
It is important to monitor your basset’s weight and adjust their food portions accordingly, as obesity can lead to various health problems.

  1. Check the portion sizes on food labels and divide into two meals per day if necessary.
  2. Ensure balanced nutrition with proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish, plus carbohydrates like sweet potatoes or oats for energy needs of different size dogs in mind.
  3. Incorporate an exercise regimen that suits both you and your pup’s lifestyle while avoiding over-exerting them too much after activity.
  4. Establish consistent meal times so they know when it’s time to eat but also keep track of how quickly they gobble up their dinner!

When selecting dog food, look out for artificial ingredients, fillers, GMOs, or by-products, which could be detrimental to health over time due to digestive issues caused by poor nutrition balance or frequent weight loss/gain cycles.

How Often Should I Feed My Basset Hound?

How Often Should I Feed My Basset Hound
Feed your basset hound twice daily to ensure they’re getting all the nutrition they need for a happy and healthy life. A tailored feeding schedule is important, as portion control can help prevent obesity in these stout-bodied animals.

High protein dog food with quality sources of meat should be one of the first ingredients listed on the label. Good options that offer balanced nutrition without fillers or artificial additives are Instinct Original Rabbit Formula Dry Dog Food or Wellness Core Natural Grain-free.

To make mealtime easier, consider using a slow feed bowl so your basset doesn’t eat too quickly and get bloated from gulping down their food in seconds!

Make sure you provide clean water at all times, avoid giving them table scraps or people food, and let them eat away from other pets and children if possible.

Keeping an eye on their weight is key – consult with a vet to determine what’s best for your pup based on age/activity level/health conditions – then adjust portions accordingly while monitoring closely how often you feed them each day!

What Should I Feed My Basset Hound Puppy?

What Should I Feed My Basset Hound Puppy
Choosing the right food for your basset hound puppy is key to giving them a happy and healthy start in life. Puppies need specialized nutrition tailored to their growth and development, so it’s important to look at diet options that provide high-quality proteins, fatty acids, vitamins/minerals, carbohydrates, antioxidants, as well as additional nutrients like DHA and glucosamine.

Here’s a table comparing some of the best food options available:

Food Protein (%) Fat (%) Vitamin & Minerals Carbohydrates
American Journey Active Life Formula Puppy – Chicken Rice Vegetable Recipe Dry Dog Food 25 17 Yes Sweet potatoes & Carrots
Wellness Complete Health Puppy 28 16 Yes Oatmeal
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dog Lamb Rice Healthy Weight 30 13 Yes Brown rice
Merrick Texas Beef Sweet Potato 22 27 10 Yes White rice
Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free 24lb Bag Pup 34 15 YES Peas
Taste Wild High Prairie Canine Formula Grain-Free Dry 12 lb bag pup 32 18 yes Potatoes
Diamond Naturals All Natural Adult Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry 21lb bag dog 28 23 yes Barley
Go! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Diet Lamb Meal formula dry 6 lb bag dog 35 16 YES Chickpeas
CANIDAE Senior Chicken Meal 33% Whole grain 20lbs Bag Seniors 26 14 YEs Brown rice

As you can see from this comparison table above, each of these foods offers different levels of protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, carbs, etc., suitable for puppies. For example, American Journey Active Life Formula offers 25% protein, while CANIDAE Senior Chicken meal contains 26% protein, which might be more suitable for an older pooch.

The other foods listed also contain various percentages, making sure they are adequately suited towards meeting your pup’s dietary needs.

It is also important when choosing what type of food you want to feed your basset hound puppy that you consider any sensitivities, allergies, or special diets such as hypoallergenic, gluten-free, or weight control.

As long as they meet those criteria, then these are all excellent choices. With quality ingredients, balanced nutrition, and proper portions, feeding your furry friend has never been easier.

My Basset is Eating Too Fast

My Basset is Eating Too Fast
If you find that your Basset is eating too quickly, consider using a slow feed bowl to help prevent bloat.

To ensure dogs get the right nutrition for their weight management and joint health, it’s important to provide high-quality proteins such as chicken, lamb, beef, or fish. Carbohydrates like rice and oats are great sources of energy, while omega fatty acids can support skin and coat health.

Consider adding wet food into their diet in moderation for added texture and nutrients. Try Orijen Fit & Trim or Instinct Original Rabbit Formula. It also helps to avoid table scraps or people food altogether.

Instead, opt for natural diets cooked at home with guidance from your vet if necessary.

Gradually reduce portions if needed when monitoring weight loss progress. Lastly, regular exercise will go hand in hand with good nutrition on this journey towards a healthier life!

Here are five key points to remember:

  1. Use a slow feed bowl
  2. Provide quality protein sources
  3. Add wet food occasionally
  4. Avoid table scraps
  5. Monitor portion size

Other Tips and Care Information

Other Tips and Care Information
To ensure your basset hound stays healthy and happy, regular exercise is just as important as providing good nutrition. Picky eaters may need to be enticed with food variety or different flavors. Dental care is also essential for bassets since their long muzzles make it difficult to clean their teeth properly.

Allergy prevention should include identifying any allergies early on and avoiding ingredients that cause sensitivities in the breed, such as wheat, corn, soy, etc.

Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent option if you have a less active senior dog. Its low-calorie content can help manage weight while still providing balanced nutrition specifically tailored for aging dogs’ nutritional requirements.

If your basset has allergies, try CANIDAE Pure Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe grain-free dry dog food. It includes omega fatty acids from salmon oil along with probiotics to support digestive health without triggering reactions from common allergens like beef or chicken proteins found in other foods.

Natural or cooked diets are possible, but consulting with a vet before making major diet changes will ensure all nutritional requirements are met appropriately based on individual needs like size, weight, age, activity level, etc.

With proper attention given towards dietary choices, dental hygiene, allergy prevention strategies, consistent exercise regimen, and appropriate portion sizes, Basset Hounds can enjoy life at its fullest!

A Healthy Basset Hound is a Happy One

A Healthy Basset Hound is a Happy One
Providing your basset hound with quality nutrition tailored to their life stage can help ensure a happy and healthy future. Good food choices for bassets include Acana Light and Fit, Purina One SmartBlend, Blue Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dog Food, GO! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, or Merrick Grain-Free Puppy Formula.

Tailoring the type of food to each individual’s needs is essential in maintaining good health. For puppies undergoing active growth spurts, it is best to opt for puppy formula foods that are rich in protein and nutrients like American Journey Puppy Chicken Brown Rice & Vegetable Recipe Dry Dog Food or Victor Senior Healthy Weight formula, which has added glucosamine/chondroitin specifically aimed at supporting joint health as dogs age.

Nutro Natural Choice Lamb Rice Healthy Weight also offers a weight control-friendly option while still providing all the vital nutrients required by adult dogs with 30% protein from animal sources. Overweight canine companions may benefit from reduced-calorie options such as Wellness Complete Health Reduced Fat Formula Canned Dogs.

This grain-inclusive stew provides balanced nutrition plus omega fatty acids without straining their digestive system too much due to its easy digestibility properties.

Finally, when making diet changes, be sure you consult your vet first before drastically altering feeding habits so they can advise on appropriate amounts based upon activity levels, taking into account any existing conditions that need managing through dietary means if present.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of feeding my basset hound grain-free food?

Feeding your basset hound grain-free food provides numerous benefits! It helps maintain a healthy weight, supports joint health with glucosamine and chondroitin, improves digestion and the immune system, plus it’s free of artificial ingredients.

How can I tell if my basset hound is at its ideal weight?

To determine if your basset hound is at its ideal weight, monitor their body condition score. A perfect score of 5/9 indicates a healthy weight; anything below 4 means they are overweight and require adjustments in portions or increased exercise frequency.

What kind of exercise is best for overweight basset hounds?

Moderate activity, like daily walks and playtime, is best for overweight basset hounds. With 81% of the breed being considered obese*, exercise is key to maintaining their ideal weight and health.

What are the most common health issues for basset hounds?

Common health issues for basset hounds include ear infections, dental disease, hip/elbow dysplasia, glaucoma, and hypothyroidism. To keep them healthy and happy, it is important to provide high-quality nutrition tailored to their life stage.

Exercise is also key – daily walks of moderate intensity are best for overweight dogs.

How can I tell if my basset hound has a food sensitivity or allergy?

If your basset hound is showing signs of a food sensitivity or allergy, such as vomiting, diarrhea, itching, or rashes, consult with your vet. They can help identify the cause and determine which foods to avoid in order to keep your basset hound healthy and happy.

Conclusion

With an estimated lifespan of 10-12 years, basset hounds are a loyal and loving breed that needs proper nutrition to stay healthy and happy. To ensure their optimum well-being, it’s important to select a diet that’s tailored to their age, activity level, and weight.

With so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the best food for basset hounds. Fortunately, our top picks for 2021 include American Journey Puppy Food, Victor Senior Healthy Weight, Nutro Natural Choice Adult Dog Food Lamb Rice Healthy Weight, and more.

All of these options provide quality ingredients, essential nutrients, and balanced nutrition for basset hounds of all ages.

Plus, with reviews from pet parents, you can be sure you’re making the best decision for your four-legged friend.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.