medium breedUpdated March 2026

Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds

Our top food picks for Basset Hounds. Fresh food delivery, subscription boxes, and kibble brands that actually work for this breed.

At 40 to 65 pounds, the Basset Hound is a lower energy medium breed. Basset Hounds are part of the Hound group. Whether they're scent-driven or sight-driven, they tend to be food-motivated. What you put in the bowl has a direct effect on how they feel and perform day to day.

Basset Hounds are prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease, Obesity, Allergies. If allergies are a problem, a limited-ingredient diet is worth trying. A food that addresses these breed-specific risks goes a long way.

We put together our top picks below: subscription food services, monthly boxes, and kibble options that work well for this breed.

Basset Hound Nutrition Profile

22–28%

Protein

12–18%

Fat

3–5%

Fiber

30 cal/lb

Calories

Best Fresh Food Delivery for Basset Hounds

These services build a meal plan around your Basset Hound's weight and age. Real food, vet-approved recipes, shipped to your door.

Ollie

JustFoodForDogs

Fresh whole-food meals for dogs

6.4/10

$70–$200/mo

The Farmer's Dog

Real food made fresh

8.1/10

$50–$100/mo

Spot & Tango

Fresh & UnKibble options

7.7/10

$40–$90/mo

Open Farm

Ethically sourced, transparent ingredients

7.4/10

$55–$100/mo

Sundays

Air-dried dog food made simple

7.4/10

$45–$85/mo

Best Subscription Boxes for Basset Hounds

Monthly boxes with toys, treats, and chews picked for your Basset Hound's size. Good nutrition is half the battle. Enrichment is the other half.

BarkBox

Monthly surprises for your pup

8.5/10

$23–$35

Super Chewer

Tough toys for power chewers

7.6/10

$29–$45

Pawstruck

Natural chews & treats at honest prices

7.1/10

$20–$35

Goody Box

One-time curated boxes from Chewy

6.7/10

$19.99–$35

Bark Bright

Dental care made delicious

6.5/10

$25–$35

Farm Hounds

Ethically sourced, single-ingredient treats from sustainable farms

6.4/10

$25–$45

Feeding by Life Stage

🐶Basset Hound Puppies

Get a medium-breed puppy food for your Basset Hound. The kibble size and calorie density are designed for their 65-pound adult frame. Most can move to adult food around 10 to 12 months.

🧓Senior Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds live about 12 to 13 years, so around age 8 you should start thinking about a senior formula. Fewer calories, easier on the stomach.

🤧Basset Hounds with Allergies

Basset Hounds are known to develop food sensitivities. Watch for chronic ear infections. Common triggers are chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy. If you suspect a food allergy, switch to a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein like duck, venison, or salmon. An elimination diet supervised by your vet is the most reliable way to identify the trigger.

Recommended Kibble Brands

Widely available dry food brands suitable for Basset Hounds. Listed for informational purposes.

Vet Favorite

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Salmon-first recipe with oat meal, gentle on stomachs and great for coat health

Allergy-Friendly

Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon

Real deboned salmon as the single animal protein, grain-free for food sensitivities

Weight Control

Wellness Core Reduced Fat

Lower calorie density with high protein to maintain muscle while trimming weight

Best Value

Taste of the Wild High Prairie

Novel proteins like bison and venison with probiotics, excellent value

Best Overall

Orijen Original

85% animal ingredients, biologically appropriate with free-run chicken and wild-caught fish

Premium

Acana Heritage Free-Run Poultry

Premium whole-prey ratios with 60% meat content from cage-free chicken and turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Basset Hound

How much food does a Basset Hound need per day?

A Basset Hound weighing 40 to 65 lbs needs roughly 1200 to 1950 calories per day, depending on age and how active they are. Split that into two meals. Weigh portions instead of eyeballing. It's easy to overfeed without realizing.

What health issues should Basset Hound food help with?

Basset Hounds are known to develop Intervertebral Disc Disease, Obesity, Allergies. Look for foods that address these: limited ingredients for allergy management, and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.

What protein percentage is right for a Basset Hound?

Basset Hounds do well on 22–28% protein. The first ingredient should be a named meat like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Skip foods where corn, wheat, or soy is listed first.

When should a Basset Hound puppy switch to adult food?

Most Basset Hound puppies can move to adult food around 10 to 12 months. Your vet can check growth progress and give you a more exact timeline.

What foods are toxic to Basset Hounds?

Same as all dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (check sugar-free gum labels), onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Basset Hounds can get into things fast, so keep these stored where they can't reach.

When is a Basset Hound considered senior?

Basset Hounds live about 12 to 13 years, so they start hitting senior territory around age 8. That's when you might want to look at lower-calorie formulas with joint support and easier-to-digest protein.

Learn More About Basset Hounds

📖 Basset Hound Breed Guide 🍖 Dog Food Services ⚖️ Compare Breeds