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The American Kennel Club describes the Basset Hound as a dog that stands up to 15 inches (about 38 cm) tall, weighs 40-65 pounds (about 18-29 kg) and lives 12-13 years. It also calls the breed “low-slung and low-key”.
That low, heavy build means weight management matters for a Basset. We found no primary source making Basset-specific claims about joints or exact calorie needs, so we do not make any here. Ask your vet what weight and daily amount suit your dog.
Below are ten dry foods we have listed for Basset Hounds. They are a shortlist, not a ranking by testing, and we have not tested them ourselves. We describe each one using only what its product listing says.
Prices change and differ by country, so we do not quote any. Check the current price and bag size where you shop. This page contains Amazon affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Ten dry foods to consider
#1 Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A salmon and rice formula sold for sensitive skin and stomachs, in a 30 lb (about 13.6 kg) bag.
#2 Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A medium-size adult formula in a 30 lb (about 13.6 kg) bag. Royal Canin sizes its foods by dog weight, so check the weight range on the pack against your dog.
#3 Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A chicken and rice formula with probiotics and a mix of kibble and shredded pieces, in a 35 lb (about 15.9 kg) bag.
#4 Purina ONE Chicken and Rice Formula
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A chicken and rice formula in a 40 lb (about 18 kg) bag, the largest bag on this list.
#5 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A Hill’s Science Diet dry food. Pick the formula for your dog’s age and size from the options on the listing.
#6 IAMS Adult Minichunks
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.An adult chicken formula with small kibble pieces, in a 30 lb (about 13.6 kg) bag.
#7 Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Chicken & Veggies
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A chicken and vegetable recipe from Rachael Ray Nutrish. Check bag size and recipe on the listing.
#8 Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Chicken and Rice Formula
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A large-breed chicken and rice formula in a 34 lb (about 15.4 kg) bag. Large-breed foods are made for bigger dogs, so ask your vet whether it suits yours.
#9 Merrick Real Chicken and Sweet Potato Grain Free
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A grain-free chicken and sweet potato recipe in a 22 lb (about 10 kg) bag. See the grain-free note below before choosing it.
#10 Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link — Dog Fluffy may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.A limited-ingredient salmon recipe for skin and stomach care, in a 24 lb (about 10.9 kg) bag.
A note on grain-free food
The US Food and Drug Administration has been investigating reports of canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart disease, in dogs eating certain pet foods, many labelled “grain-free”, with peas, lentils, other legume seeds or potatoes as main ingredients. It says: “FDA urges pet owners to work with their veterinarians, who may consult a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, to obtain the most appropriate dietary advice for their pet’s specific needs prior to making diet changes.”
Pick #9 only after talking to your vet. The other nine are not grain-free.
Buyer’s guide
Age and health
Puppies, adults and seniors need different foods. Choose a food labelled for your dog’s life stage and check the feeding guide on the pack. If your dog has a health problem, ask your vet before switching.
Read the ingredients list
Look for a complete-and-balanced statement on the pack for your dog’s life stage. We found no primary source that sets out a Basset-specific ingredient list, so we do not give one.
Dry, wet or raw
Dry food is convenient to store and measure. Wet food is softer and often more appealing to fussy eaters. Feeding any food in measured amounts is what keeps a Basset in shape. Our dog food calculator gives a starting amount; confirm it with your vet.
Ask your vet
Your vet knows your dog’s weight, age and health, and can say which food and amount suit them.
Summary
- The American Kennel Club gives the Basset’s adult size as up to about 38 cm and 18-29 kg.
- Measure meals and watch your dog’s weight.
- Check the pack for a complete-and-balanced statement for your dog’s life stage.
- Talk to your vet before choosing a grain-free food.
- For other options see our best dry food for dogs and best dog food for sensitive skin guides.
This is general information, not veterinary advice. If you are unsure, talk to your vet.
