Beagles love to eat, and they have a tendency to gain weight quickly and easily. An overweight puppy may not develop properly, and obese adults typically suffer additional health problems. The following chart may be used as a general guideline in determining the amount of food your beagle should receive daily- – but be prepared to modify the amounts upwards or downwards slightly, based on the physical appearance and condition of your hound. Most older puppies and adult beagles typically need less food than the chart suggests in order to maintain proper condition. Indoor “couch potato” beagles will typically burn less calories then the hound who is out hunting rabbits or competing in the show ring, so feed accordingly. A roll of fat over the ribs, or near the base of the tail, are good indications of a too heavy beagle. Please note that growing puppies need to consume approximately twice as much food per pound of body weight as do mature adult dogs.

Most adult Beagles range in weight between 18 to 24 lbs., and can be fed between 1 and 2 cups of kibble per day with good results. A single cup per day is typically sufficient to maintain most adult hounds in proper condition, with the amount increased for specific hounds during periods of stress, such as the pack dogs during hunting season or show dogs on the circuit.