What’s the best dog food for Basset Hounds?
Basset Hounds are prone to obesity due to their low activity levels and tendency to overeat, so it’s 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.
You’ll also learn the answer to each of the most frequently asked questions we get about Basset Hounds.
Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds
September 2023
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for Basset Hounds for September 2023.
Acana
Light and Fit Formula is one of 5 dry recipes included in our review of the Acana Dry product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, whole red lentils
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
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%.
Sample buyer review… “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.”
Read more buyer reviews at Acana.com
Wellness
Reduced Fat Formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, turkey meal (source of glucosamine), chicken meal (source of chondroitin sulfate), lentils, peas
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
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%.
Sample buyer review… “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.”
Read more buyer reviews at WellnessPetFood.com
Orijen
Orijen Fit & Trim is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken liver, turkey giblets (liver, heart, gizzard), turkey, cod
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Adult Maintenance
- Best for: Dogs
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%.
Sample buyer review… “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 they’ve 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!”
Read more buyer reviews at OrijenPetFoods.com
Instinct
Original Real Rabbit Recipe is one of 6 wet recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Rabbit, pork, pork liver, pork broth, ground flaxseed
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stage (except for growth of larger size dogs)
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
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%.
Sample buyer review… “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”
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com
Raised Right
Puppy Growth Turkey Recipe is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Rasied Right Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: Growth and Reproduction
- Best for: Puppies and or lactating females
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%.
Sample buyer review… “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!”
Read more buyer reviews at RaisedRightPets.com
PetPlate
Barkin’ Beef Entrée (Grain-Free) is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Petplate Fresh product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, oats, chickpeas, pea protein, carrots
- Type: Grain-Free
- Profile: All Life Stages (except for growth of larger size dogs)
- Best for: Puppies and Dogs
PetPlate Barkin’ Beef Entrée (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%.
Sample buyer review… “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.”
Read more buyer reviews at PetPlate.com
More Top Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding basset hounds:
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.
How big are Basset Hounds?
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
How much exercise do Basset Hounds need?
Basset Hounds are not as energetic as other breeds but they still need a daily walk at a moderate pace. After exercise they will enjoy a long sleep.
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
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