The 10 Best Weight Loss Dog Foods for Beagles [Our Experience]

If you own a beagle or are looking to own a beagle, you’ll know that they are always hungry and never know when they are full!

The issue is that if you don’t control your beagle’s weight and watch what they eat, they will get fat. 

According to the NLM, beagles are well known to be obese, this is why it’s so important to make sure you manage their weight effectively, and if they are fat, help them lose that weight.

If you’re beagle does get fat, it can lead to several health problems such as joint pain, heart disease, breathing difficulties, and reduced mobility. Being overweight can also reduce the dog’s lifespan, so keeping them at a healthy weight is critical.

In this article, we’ll suggest 10 of the best foods for helping your beagle lose weight. 

How we selected these foods

The majority of foods on this list, we have tested ourselves with Bella (our beagle, see the photo of when she was fat!), I’ve marked these with “Author tested”. 

On the occasion we haven’t tested the foods with Bella ourselves, we’ve used a combination of product descriptions and reviews to help inform our and your decision.

What to Look For in the Best Weight Loss Dog Food for Beagles

So you know your beagle is overweight, and you’re looking for the right dog food to help them lose weight, let’s understand the elements to look for when choosing weight loss food for your beagle:

1. High protein content: Beagles need a high-protein diet to maintain muscle mass while losing weight.
2. Low fat and calorie content: The food should have reduced levels of fat and calories to help the beagle lose weight.
3. Whole ingredients: Look for foods that have whole ingredients, such as lean meats and vegetables, instead of processed ingredients.
4. Limited carbohydrates: Beagles do not require high levels of carbohydrates, so choose a food that has a limited amount of complex carbohydrates.
5. No added sugars: Just like humans, extra sugar added to food is not necessary in a beagle’s diet and won’t help them lose weight.
6. No fillers/Grain-free: Generally this will mean the food is more lean and protein rich.
7. Nutrient rich: Ideally all beagle food will be rich in nutrients, but weight loss food especially so, as it’ll replace the traditional fillers used to bulk out cheaper food.
8. High Fibre: High in dietary fibre will support the gut of your beagle and help the often sensitive stomach that they’re prone to suffer from.

It’s also important to remember that even with weight loss food, it’s still necessary to control their portion sizes! Measured portions will help your pup lose weight gradually, without feeling deprived.

As always, you may want to consult with your vet and see if they agree that your beagle should go on a weight loss food diet before starting.

With that said, let’s take a look our top 10 favourite weight loss foods for dogs: 

Top 10 Weight Loss Dog Foods for Beagles

1. Royal Canin Weight Care [Author Tested]

Pros:

1. Made with high-quality, protein-rich ingredients to help maintain lean muscle mass.
2. Contains a controlled amount of calories to support weight loss.
3. Helps to reduce digestive issues with a balanced blend of fiber.
4. Supplies essential nutrients and vitamins to help maintain overall health.
5. Made with a palatable formula that many dogs find appealing.

Cons:

1. Some dogs may not like the taste.
2. Some pet owners may find the price point to be higher compared to other brands.
3. May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or food sensitivities.
4. Some pet owners may prefer to feed their dogs a more natural or organic diet.
5. Some dogs may have trouble digesting the ingredients, leading to digestive issues.

Our review: Overall, we thought this food was excellent for its price point, it is pricier than the usual Royal Canin Beagle Food. Bella didn’t seem to like the taste quite as much as the usual food and definitely preferred her Lily’s Kitchen Wet Food. However, we do think it helped contribute to her losing weight, we kept all aspects of her life the same, and she did drop a few pounds switching to this food.

2. Hill’s Science Plan Light [Author Tested]

Pros:

1. Made with high-quality protein to help maintain lean muscle mass.
2. Contains a controlled amount of calories to support weight loss.
3. Fortified with essential nutrients to support overall health.
4. Made with a palatable formula that many dogs find appealing.
5. Has a reputation for being a well-respected and trusted brand in the pet food industry.

Cons:

1. Some dogs may not like the taste.
2. May be more expensive compared to other weight loss dog food brands.
3. May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or food sensitivities.
4. Some pet owners may prefer to feed their dogs a more natural or organic diet.
5. Some dogs may have trouble digesting the ingredients, leading to digestive issues.

Our review: We gave this one to Bella until the supply ran out. We did find it to be a good food, we don’t think Bella lost weight as quickly as she did on the Royal Canin, but she did seem to prefer the flavour, seeming more excited around dinner time. Overall, we liked this food and recommended it, perhaps more so if your beagle has only a little bit of weight to lose rather than loads.

3. James Wellbeloved Light [Author Tested]

Pros:

1. Made with high-quality, natural ingredients.
2. Contains a controlled amount of calories to support weight loss.
3. Free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives.
4. Fortified with essential nutrients to support overall health.
5. Suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, as it’s made with a limited number of protein sources.

Cons:

1. Some dogs may not like the taste.
2. May be more expensive compared to other weight loss dog food brands.
3. May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or who need a higher calorie intake.
4. Some dogs may have trouble digesting the ingredients, leading to digestive issues.
5. Availability may be limited, as it’s a specialty brand.

Our review: We loved this food, as did Bella, she seemed to enjoy this food almost as much as her normal food. She did drop a couple of pounds on this food too, we used it until the pouch (12.5kg) ran out. Overall, we would highly recommend this food.

4. Purina Pro Plan Light [Author Tested]

Pros:

1. Made with high-quality, protein-rich ingredients to help maintain lean muscle mass.
2. Also hypoallergenic, which should help Beagle’s that are prone to sensitive stomachs.
3. Contains a controlled amount of calories to support weight loss.
4. Fortified with essential nutrients to support overall health.
5. Made with a palatable formula that many dogs find appealing.
6. Widely available and widely trusted brand in the pet food industry.

Cons:

1. Some dogs may not like the taste.
2. May be more expensive compared to other weight loss dog food brands.
3. May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or food sensitivities.
4. Some pet owners may prefer to feed their dogs a more natural or organic diet.
5. Some dogs may have trouble digesting the ingredients, leading to digestive issues.

Our review: Again, we do like this one, Bella seemed to enjoy it and we do think she lost weight, however, this one is pricey, but it does come highly recommended by our vet. It is also hypoallergenic and we noticed that Bella didn’t have such a sensitive stomach whilst she was on this food, which is a big plus.

5. Eukanuba Adult Light [Author Tested]

Pros:

1. Made with high-quality, protein-rich ingredients to help maintain lean muscle mass.
2. Contains a controlled amount of calories to support weight loss.
3. Fortified with essential nutrients to support overall health.
4. Made with a palatable formula that many dogs find appealing.
5. Widely available and well-respected brand in the pet food industry.

Cons:

1. Some dogs may not like the taste.
2. May be more expensive compared to other weight loss dog food brands.
3. May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or food sensitivities.
4. Some pet owners may prefer to feed their dogs a more natural or organic diet.
5. Some dogs may have trouble digesting the ingredients, leading to digestive issues.

Our review: This food comes highly recommended amongst Facebook groups as a great quality weight loss food, and we agree. Bella didn’t seem to enjoy it as much, but we do think she perhaps lost the most weight on this food. The downside is it is expensive, but you do get what you pay for.

6. Iams ProActive Health Light [Author Tested]

Pros:

1. Made with high-quality, protein-rich ingredients to help maintain lean muscle mass.
2. Contains a controlled amount of calories to support weight loss.
3. Fortified with essential nutrients to support overall health.
4. Made with a palatable formula that many dogs find appealing.
5. Widely available and well-respected brand in the pet food industry.

Cons:

1. Some dogs may not like the taste.
2. May be more expensive compared to other weight loss dog food brands.
3. May not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary requirements or food sensitivities.
4. Some pet owners may prefer to feed their dogs a more natural or organic diet.
5. Some dogs may have trouble digesting the ingredients, leading to digestive issues.

Our review: This food sits in the middle of the pack, it’s not too expensive, feels premium, Bella likes it and appears to be made with high quality ingredients.

7. Orijen Fit & Trim

Pros of Orijen Fit & Trim Dog Food:

• High Protein Content: This dog food is made with a high proportion of animal protein, including free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, which helps to support your dog’s muscle mass and overall health.
• Grain-Free: Orijen Fit & Trim dog food is free from grains, making it a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
• Natural Ingredients: The food is made with only the best natural ingredients, including locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, which helps to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet.
• No Artificial Preservatives: Orijen Fit & Trim dog food is made without the use of artificial preservatives, ensuring that your dog is getting only the best and healthiest ingredients.

Cons of Orijen Fit & Trim Dog Food:

• Price: This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
• Availability: Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find Orijen Fit & Trim dog food, as it may not be readily available in all pet stores.
• Caloric Content: Some dogs may find the high protein and fat content of this food too rich, which could lead to weight gain if not portioned properly.
• Taste: Some dogs may not find the taste of Orijen Fit & Trim dog food to their liking, which could result in them being picky eaters or refusing to eat the food altogether

Our review: Whilst we have not personally tested this food with Bella, it does come as part of a list recommended by our vet. Reviewers highlight the fact that their dogs seem to love the taste, although one reviewer mentioned that their dog stopped eating it after the fifth day, so this is something to watch out for.

8. Acana Light & Fit

Pros of Acana Light & Fit Dog Food:

1. Reduced Caloric Content: This dog food is specially formulated for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight, and has a lower caloric content compared to other dog foods.
2. High Protein Content: Acana Light & Fit dog food contains a high proportion of animal protein, including free-run poultry, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs, which helps to support your dog’s muscle mass and overall health.
3. Grain-Free: This dog food is free from grains, making it a good choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
4. Natural Ingredients: The food is made with only the best natural ingredients, including locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and botanicals, which helps to provide your dog with a balanced and nutritious diet.

Cons of Acana Light & Fit Dog Food:

1. Price: This dog food is more expensive than some other options on the market, which may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
2. Availability: Depending on where you live, it may be difficult to find Acana Light & Fit dog food, as it may not be readily available in all pet stores.
3. Taste: Some dogs may not find the taste of Acana Light & Fit dog food to their liking, which could result in them being picky eaters or refusing to eat the food altogether.
4. Potentially Not Enough Fat: While the reduced calorie content of this food is suitable for dogs that need to maintain a healthy weight, it may not provide enough fat for dogs with high energy needs or those that are very active.

Our review: Whilst again, we have not personally used this food with Bella, it does come highly recommended by our Vet. Reviewers on Amazon seem to share the same sentiment, praising its highly nutritional content and lack of smell when opening the packet.

9. Burns Low Fat

Pros of Burns Low Fat Dog Food:

1. Low Fat Content: The low-fat content in Burns Low Fat dog food makes it an excellent option for dogs who are overweight or prone to weight gain.
2. Promotes Healthy Weight: By controlling the amount of fat in your dog’s diet, Burns Low Fat dog food helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related health problems.
3. Supports Joint Health: Burns Low Fat dog food contains added joint support ingredients like glucosamine, which can help keep your dog’s joints healthy and reduce the risk of arthritis.
4. High-Quality Ingredients: Burns Low Fat dog food uses high-quality, natural ingredients like fresh meat, vegetables, and fruits to provide your dog with the nutrition they need.

Cons of Burns Low Fat Dog Food:

1. Limited Availability: Burns Low Fat dog food may not be widely available in all regions, making it difficult to find in some areas.
2. Higher Cost: Compared to other dog food brands, Burns Low Fat dog food can be more expensive, making it less accessible to some dog owners on a budget.
3. Individual Dog Tolerance: Not all dogs will tolerate the ingredients in Burns Low Fat dog food, and some may experience digestive upset or other health issues.
4. Flavour Preferences: Some dogs may not find the flavour of Burns Low Fat dog food appealing, and may refuse to eat it, even if it is nutritionally balanced.

Our Review: Overall, Burns Low Fat dog food is well received by reviewers, who choose it for its low-fat content and high-quality ingredients. Many dogs seem to enjoy the taste of the food and have good digestive tolerance.

One common aspect of Burns Low Fat dog food is that it can be more expensive than other brands, which may be a drawback for some dog owners on a budget. However, the high-quality ingredients and added joint support make it a worthwhile investment for many.

Some dog owners have reported that their dogs have experienced digestive upset or other health issues after switching to Burns Low Fat dog food, but this is not a common occurrence, if this happens, naturally, you should consult your vet and they’ll work with you to find the right food.

10. Lily’s Kitchen Natural Complete [Author Tested]

Pros of Lily’s Kitchen Natural Complete

1. Nutritionally complete, grain free, dry food for dogs 4 months +
2. Made with 35% freshly prepared meat: 20% duck, 10% salmon, 5% venison
3. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin are wonderful for your dog’s joints, helping them stay strong and supple
4. Prebiotics encourage the growth of good bacteria in your dog’s digestive system, which helps keep it (and your dog) healthy
5. Natural ingredients with no added sugar

Cons of Lily’s Kitchen Natural Complete

1. Cost: This food can be expensive up-front, although the value is excellent long term
2. Potential Allergies: While this dog food is grain-free, some dogs may still have allergies to other ingredients in the formula, so it’s important to monitor your dog’s tolerance.

Our review: Whilst this isn’t strictly a weight-loss food, it is natural and grain-free, two of the main qualities you’d expect to find in a weight loss food. I’ve included this food in this list because Bella absolutely loves it and we find that combining this food with Lily’s Kitchen Wet Food is the best diet for Bella. It is expensive up front, but 12kgs does last for a long time, and your dog will likely go nuts for it! I know we mention Lily’s Kitchen a lot on this blog but we are not sponsored, we (and Bella) just love their products.

Final thoughts

Beagles are known to be prone to obesity, due to their seemingly untamable appetite, and it is important to manage their weight to avoid health problems like joint pain, heart disease, breathing difficulties and reduced mobility. Ideally, foods that will help your beagle lose weight should be high in protein, low in fat and calories, have whole ingredients, limited carbohydrates, no added sugars, no fillers, grain-free, and be nutrient-rich, which can be a bit overwhelming, which is why we’ve picked out 10 foods (7 of which we’ve tested with Bella, that can help beagles lose weight, and provided tips on what to look for in a weight loss food.

Our favourite weight loss foods are Hills Science Plan Light and Royal Canin Weight Care, due to the fact that when we tested them with Bella, we noticed results over a couple of month periods, so it’s safe to say they work, provided of course you control the portion and don’t feed your beagle outside their regular feeding times.

Ultimately though, you may find you don’t necessarily need a special weight loss food (although they certainly do help) unless your beagle is very overweight, portion control and reduced amounts of treats will work in many cases.

Frequently Asked Questions