Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds
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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 April 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Basset Hounds for April 2024.
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1. Acana
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."
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2. Wellness
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."
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3. Orijen
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 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!"
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4. Instinct
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."
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5. Raised Right
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!"
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6. PetPlate
Barkin’ Beef Entrée (Grain-Free) is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Petplate Fresh product line.
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%.
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
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
