A cheerful and inquisitive beagle dog – a wonderful companion for active people. These animals are tireless in their readiness to explore the surroundings, wade through the thickets, jump, play, run after a bicycle, etc. Often these dogs are born in families with children. Despite their independent nature, animals are distinguished by patience and boundless friendliness. In addition, such pets are extremely hardy and do not have inherited health problems.
Beagle is a hound breed that has long been used for hunting hares. The dogs drove the animals and loudly informed the owners of this. According to one of the versions, the name of the breed comes from the French “begueule” – “tinned throat”. Beagles have a unique scent, strong tracking instinct, and sonorous barking barks. Now they are often used in the search for explosives and prohibited products for import.
Dogs are always ready to feast on something tasty. The owners of these pets need to strictly control their diet. Only a balanced diet and regular physical activity guarantee the correct development of the beagle and its good health. Caring for a dog of this breed consists of periodic cleaning of the ears, rubbing the eyes, and using a brush during molting.
Feeding Beagles with Dry Food
These pets are unpretentious in food. The choice between natural food and dry food depends on the owner. The main thing is not to mix different types of food. If the breeder gave the dog dry food, then gradually switch to natural food. This makes it easier to identify food allergens in the event of an allergic reaction.
In favor of dry food, it is worth noting:
- balance (good feed contains the optimal amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals for the animal’s body);
- a high percentage of meat products in the composition, often of several types at once;
- ease of use and storage;
- a wide range of.
It is very important to comply with the recommended feeding rates (manufacturers indicate them on the packaging). The fact is that beagles are prone to gluttony and, as a result, to obesity, which is fraught with health problems. You should not indulge your pet in this.
When choosing dry food, you need to pay attention to its composition. Premium and super-premium food are made from quality natural products. In their composition, as a rule, there are no starch, preservatives, odor, and taste enhancers. Good options: Royal Canin, Hills, Acana, Belcando, Orijen, Pro Plan.
Feeding Beagles with Natural Food
Natural food should consist of:
- lean meat and offal;
- fermented milk products;
- cereals (oat, buckwheat, wheat, rice);
- sea fish;
- vegetable food (vegetables, fruits);
- dietary supplements (vitamins and minerals).
At the same time, it is important to observe the proportions: 70% – meat food, 30% – dairy and vegetables. The offal must be boiled. You can pamper your pet with cartilage, veal tail, special cookies, cheese. You can not give fresh bread and pastries, sweets, smoked meats, spicy and highly salty foods.
The meat should be cut into small pieces. You can pre-boil it or just pour over it with boiling water. Porridge should be boiled in water, meat, vegetable, or fish broth. You can add a little vegetable oil to the porridge. Once a week, it is permissible to give a raw or boiled egg, boiled fish without bones. Dairy products are best fed in the morning.
Feeding Beagle Puppies
First of all, it is necessary to take into account what the breeder fed the puppy, and it is on this to be guided at first. Then you can either continue to give the same food, changing the species depending on the height and age of the dog or gradually switch to another food. It is important to remember that sudden changes in diet can lead to digestive problems.
Up to three months, it is better to feed the puppy with ready-made food. If you decide to transfer your baby to natural food, then you should make sure that it is balanced. In addition, a vitamin and mineral complex is required.
It is better to choose lean fillet of veal, rabbit, poultry as meat products. They should be served cooked in small pieces or minced meat. During the period of active growth, the beagle needs a source of calcium – cottage cheese. In addition, the menu may include buckwheat, oatmeal, boiled eggs, and vegetables. Sour-milk products are recommended to be given in the morning, and vegetable and meat foods – during the day. There should be four to five feedings per day in total.
After 3 months, the puppy can be switched to three to four meals a day. It is allowed to add cheese, crackers, fruits, fish fillets, offal, wheat grits to the diet. In the case of switching to dry food, the granules must be soaked with water. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for portions.