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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 ar 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.
To find out more information about Basset Hounds, see our breeds page.
Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds March 2025
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Basset Hounds for March 2025.
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Best Dry Food For Basset Hounds
Acana Light & Fit Formula
Light and Fit Formula is one of six dry recipes included in our review of the Acana Dry product line.
This recipe 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%.
We like the fact this food contains free-run chicken and turkey for the healthy protein, and features a freeze-dried chicken and liver coating for a meaty crunch. It also contains low fat levels if your Basset Hound is prone to weight issues.
Read our review of the full Acana Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Low fat
- Free-run chicken and turkey
- Probiotics
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 Adult Basset Hounds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.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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Best Wet Dog Food For Basset Hounds
Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe
Instinct Original Real Rabbit Recipe contains natural sources of omega fatty acids for a shiny coat, and healthy skin and joints. It is one of six wet recipes included in our review of the Instinct Original product line.
This recipe derives most of its meat protein from rabbit, a novel protein that is less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities, which can be a concern for some Basset Hounds prone to skin or digestive issues.
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
Things we like
- High protein
- Low fat
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Rabbit, pork, pork liver, pork broth, ground flaxseed Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 45.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Basset Hounds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My picky eaters absolutely love this stuff - finally found a wet food that all my dogs enjoy. "
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Best Fresh Dog Food For Basset Hounds
Pet Plate Barkin’ Beef Entrée
Barkin’ Beef Entrée (Grain-Free) is one of six fresh recipes included in our review of the Petplate Fresh product line.
This entrée recipe is gently cooked in small batches to preserve nutrients, and derives the bulk of its meat protein from beef, an easily digestible protein source that supports muscle maintenance and overall vitality to boost your Basset Hound’s health.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28.9% protein, 21.1% fat and 33.8% estimated carbs, producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 39%.
Read our review of the full PetPlate Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Beef protein
- Human-grade ingredients
- Grain-free
Main Ingredients Beef, oats, chickpeas, pea protein, carrots Texture Wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 28.9% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For All Basset Hounds 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."
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Best Dog Food For Basset Hound Puppies
Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey Recipe
Designed specifically for puppies, Raised Right Puppy Growth Turkey formula has an extremely high protein content, making it ideal for fast-growing Basset Hound pups.
It is one of 11 fresh recipes included in our review of the Raised Right Fresh product line and derives the bulk of its 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%.
Our nutritionist, Laura Ward, also likes the fact it’s packed with amino acids and fish oil to provide all the nutrients and minerals puppies require.
Read our review of the full Raised Right Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Very high turkey protein
- Traceable ingredients
- Human-grade ingredients
Main Ingredients Turkey thigh, turkey heart, turkey liver, carrots, blueberries Texture Fresh Type Grain-free 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 sweet pup LOVES his Raised Right food and I love feeding some wholesome morsels. Our son also feeds his dog RR so we can share food between households which is great. Their products are awesome and their service is amazing!"
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Best Affordable Dog Food For Basset Hounds
Orijen Fit & Trim
Orijen Fit & Trim Dog Food is an excellent choice for Basset Hounds, especially those prone to weight gain, thanks to its nutrient-dense, protein-rich, and biologically appropriate formulation.
This recipe is one of nine dry foods included in our review of the Orijen product line.
It derives the majority 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%.
As it’s grain-free, it helps support lean muscle mass and the low fat content helps you manage your Basset Hound’s weight. High in protein, it also comes packed with nutrition that mimics dogs’ ancestral diets.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- High protein, low fat
- No added soy, corn, tapioca or wheat ingredients
- Grain-free
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 Adult Basset Hounds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.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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Best Dog Food For Basset Hounds With Allergies
Wellness Core Reduced Fat
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food is a great option for dogs with allergies because of its carefully selected, high-quality ingredients and allergy-conscious formulation.
This formula is one of 12 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Core product line and derives the bulk of its meat protein from turkey, a lean protein source.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36.7% protein, 11.1% fat and 44.2% estimated carbs, combining to produce a fat-to-protein ratio of about 30%.
We like the fact that it contains no by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors, making it ideal for dogs with allergies.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Low fat
- With omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics
- No by-products, fillers, corn, soy, wheat-gluten or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
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 Adult Basset Hounds Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"This product is wonderful! No corn, no wheat, no grains. I saw results in my dog’s allergies right away. No scratching, replaced by calmness and peaceful comfort."
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
Final word
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