Best Dog Food for Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds do best with a high-quality, highly digestible food with appropriate calorie density, named animal protein first, and omega-3s for joints, skin, and coat. Because this breed gains weight easily and that weight directly threatens the spine, calorie control matters more here than for most breeds, and clean ingredients help manage the ear and skin issues Bassets are prone to. Look for a recognisable ingredient list without heavy fillers.

Most adult Basset Hounds eat two measured meals per day, with portions based on body condition rather than the bag guideline, which tends to overfeed a low-activity breed. A healthy Basset should have a palpable ribcage and a visible waist, though the loose skin and low build can hide extra weight, so check by hand. Because Bassets are so food-motivated and prone to weight gain, free feeding is not recommended, and treats should be counted toward daily calories.

For an overweight Basset, choose a food with appropriate calorie density and high-quality protein that preserves lean muscle while reducing fat, not simply a smaller portion of a calorie-dense kibble. Reduce daily calories gradually, feed measured meals twice daily, and swap high-calorie treats for low-calorie options like green beans or carrot pieces. Monitor body condition every couple of weeks. Weight loss is especially important for this breed because excess pounds directly increase the risk of painful disc disease in their long backs.

Often, yes. While a Basset’s long, low-hanging ears create a physical environment prone to infection, recurring ear infections are one of the most reliable signs of an underlying food allergy or sensitivity in the breed. Switching to a clean, highly digestible formula free of common allergens, paired with regular ear cleaning and veterinary care, frequently reduces the frequency and severity of infections. Many owners notice improvement within several weeks. Persistent infections should always be evaluated by a vet.

Basset Hounds are prone to allergies and skin sensitivities, and their gut and immune systems can react readily to food proteins and environmental triggers. Common dietary culprits include low-quality protein meals, grains used as fillers, artificial preservatives, and dyes. Allergies frequently show up as ear infections, itching, skin-fold irritation, or loose stools. Choosing a cleaner, simpler ingredient profile, ideally with a novel protein, is often the most effective first intervention, alongside a vet’s guidance.

Grain-free is not automatically better or worse for a Basset Hound. What matters far more is that named animal protein leads the formula and that the calorie density suits a breed that gains weight easily. You may have seen headlines linking grain-free diets to heart disease: the FDA’s 2019 investigation identified a potential association, not an established cause, and the investigation remains open. The clearer signal was formulation quality, specifically diets where plant ingredients displaced animal protein. Our full breakdown of the research is in Grain-Free Dog Food and Heart Disease. Brothers recipes are grain-free and made without potatoes, led by named animal protein, with taurine guaranteed on every panel.