Best dog food for a Basset Hound
A Basset Hound generally does best on a complete food formulated for a large or medium breed at a moderate calorie level, because this breed is prone to putting on weight easily and their long back means extra weight causes more strain than it would on a more upright dog.
Why weight management matters so much for this breed
Basset Hounds carry a naturally low, heavy body on short legs, and their long spine bears more strain from extra weight than a breed built more uprightly. Combined with a reputation for enjoying food and not always being the most active breed, this makes portion control genuinely important rather than a minor detail.
A food formulated at a moderate calorie density, sometimes labelled for weight management or less active dogs, can make it easier to keep a Basset at a healthy weight without cutting portions down to an unsatisfying size.
Eating speed and bowl choice
Many Bassets eat quickly, which can contribute to bloating and discomfort after a meal. A slow feeder bowl, which forces a dog to eat around raised sections rather than in one continuous scoop, is a simple way to slow this down without changing the food itself.
Their long, low ears can also drag into a standard bowl while eating, picking up food and getting messy. A narrower or raised bowl designed to keep ears clear is worth considering alongside whatever food you choose.
Getting portions right
Feed to the guide on the pack for your Basset's actual weight, and weigh food out rather than estimating by eye, since it is easy to over-serve a dog who always looks keen for more.
Check body condition regularly, feeling for ribs without heavy pressure, and speak to your vet if you are ever unsure whether your dog's weight is on track, particularly given how much this breed's joints and spine benefit from staying lean.
What we stock for this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Lamb
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% lamb, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Adult Dog Turkey Veg
Complete dry food for adult dogs with turkey, chicken and salmon oil, 21% protein
From£3.39
Common questions
- Are Basset Hounds prone to being overweight?
- Yes, this is a well-known tendency for the breed, linked to their enthusiasm for food and typically lower activity level. Careful portion control and a food at a moderate calorie density both help manage this over their lifetime.
- Why does my Basset Hound eat so fast?
- Many Bassets are simply enthusiastic, fast eaters, which can contribute to bloating or discomfort afterwards. A slow feeder bowl is a straightforward way to slow the pace of a meal without needing to change the food itself.
- What bowl shape suits a Basset Hound's ears?
- A narrower or raised bowl designed to keep long ears out of the food helps avoid mess and keeps ears cleaner during meals. It will not change what your dog eats, but it makes mealtimes tidier and more comfortable.
- Is a weight management food necessary for every Basset Hound?
- Not necessarily, but it is worth discussing with your vet, particularly if your dog is already carrying extra weight or is less active. Portion control on a standard food can achieve the same result for a dog who is otherwise a healthy weight.
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Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.