A menu for every age
Needs change over time
Puppy : A growth diet for a medium-sized puppy, split into 3 meals then 2 depending on age, helps support development without excess.
Adult : A precise ration in 2 meals per day works well to stabilize energy and limit weight gain.
Senior : A formula more moderate in calories and easy to digest, adjusted to activity, helps preserve muscle mass and overall comfort.
Which food?
Kibble, wet food, or home-cooked diet?
Premium kibble for medium-sized dogs generally suits very well, provided it is adapted to the dog’s life stage and activity. A wet or mixed diet can also be considered if it remains well balanced and rigorously portioned. In neutered or low-activity dogs, a formula helping with weight control is often useful.
Amounts
How much should you give?
The daily amount depends mainly on weight, activity, sterilization and the energy density of the food. As the Beagle easily tends to eat too much, you must avoid approximate filling of the bowl and follow precise guidelines, to be reassessed according to changes in body condition.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals/day |
|---|---|---|
| 9 - 10 kg | 120 - 150 g | 2 |
| 10 - 12 kg | 150 - 190 g | 2 |
| 12 - 14 kg | 180 - 220 g | 2 |
Change
Managing the food transition
Any change in diet must be gradual over 7 to 10 days in order to limit digestive upsets. Little by little, the proportion of the new food is increased while the old one is reduced, while monitoring stools, appetite and overall tolerance. This caution is all the more useful in a greedy dog that eats quickly.
Hydration
Water: do not overlook it
Clean, fresh water must remain available at all times. After exertion, in hot weather or in the case of dry feeding, vigilance regarding hydration must increase even more. A dog that drinks well, eats calmly and maintains good tone generally shows better digestive and overall stability.
Little extras
Treats, in moderation
Treats should remain occasional and included in the daily ration, because the Beagle gains weight easily. It is better to favor small, simple rewards, useful for training work, rather than frequent or very rich extras. Food-based occupation games must also be taken into account.
Good habits
For a top-notch bowl
- Weigh the portions rather than serving by eye.
- Divide the portion into 2 daily meals.
- Deduct treats from the daily total.
- Use scent games to enrich meals without overfeeding.
Never give
Chocolate, grapes, onion, garlic, avocado, alcohol, xylitol, cooked bones and very fatty or very salty foods should be avoided, as they can cause digestive, neurological, kidney or metabolic disorders that can sometimes be serious. As the Beagle is greedy, you should also secure trash cans and food left within reach.
