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.
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
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
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Burgess Supadog Adult Complete Dog Active
Complete dry food for active adult dogs, built around poultry meal and calcium for bone health
£29.15
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
James Wellbeloved Adult Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice
A hypoallergenic dry food for adult dogs, in small and large breed versions, built around single-source turkey protein
From£45.75
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.