How much to feed a Beagle at every age, from an 8 week old puppy to a senior dog. Beagles gain weight more easily than most breeds, so the calculator works from your dog's real weight and lets you plan weight loss too.
Last updated September 30, 2026
Beagle at a glance
Enter your dog's weight and age. Puppies also get an estimate of their adult weight. Open "Your food" to add the numbers from your bag, mix in wet food or work out a monthly cost. Then fine tune using body condition, since every dog and every food is a little different.
Life stage: adult
Activity, goal and neuter status apply from 12 months. Growing dogs are fed by age and weight.
Dry food label
If the bag lists kcal per kg as well, grams per cup = kcal per cup ÷ kcal per kg × 1,000.
Mixed feeding
Use the kcal per can, tray or pouch printed on the wet food label.
Cost
Exact amount: 1.5 cups
Based on a dry food with 456 kcal per cup. If you give treats, take their calories out of the daily total, and recheck body condition every two to four weeks.
Resting energy (RER) is 70 times body weight in kilograms raised to the power of 0.75, then multiplied by a factor for life stage and activity. The Merck Veterinary Manual uses 3 times RER for puppies under 4 months and 2 times RER after that. The Pet Nutrition Alliance lists 2 to 3 times RER for growth, 1.8 for an intact adult, 1.6 for a spayed or neutered adult, 1.2 to 1.4 for an overweight prone or inactive adult and 1.0 for weight loss, and stresses that individual dogs can vary by as much as 50 percent from these estimates.
How this page applies them: 3.0 under 4 months and 2.0 from 4 to 12 months, the Merck values, since Beagles reach about 95 percent of adult weight by 9 months. Adults use 1.8 for moderate activity, 1.4 for low activity (the top of the Pet Nutrition Alliance range for overweight prone or inactive dogs) and 2.2 for high activity, which is our own estimate. Seniors use 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6, also our own estimates. Spayed or neutered adults and seniors get about 11 percent less, the same gap as between 1.8 and 1.6.
Calories are divided by your food's energy density, 456 kcal per cup and 120 g per cup unless you enter your own. Treats are capped at 10 percent of the daily total and water is estimated at about one ounce per pound. The adult weight estimate divides your puppy's weight by the typical share of adult weight for its age from the growth table below, plus or minus 12 percent.
The fastest way to see how much a Beagle eats at each stage. Ranges run from a small 13 inch Beagle to a large 15 inch Beagle of the same age, using a dry food with 456 kcal per cup.
| Age | Typical weight | Meals per day | Cups per day | Grams per day | kcal per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 10 weeks | 4 to 8 lb | 4 | ¾ to 1¼ | 85 to 145 g | 330 to 550 |
| 3 to 4 months | 7 to 18 lb | 4 | 1⅛ to 2¼ | 130 to 265 g | 500 to 1,010 |
| 4 to 6 months | 9 to 25 lb | 3 | ⅞ to 1⅞ | 105 to 230 g | 400 to 870 |
| 6 to 9 months | 12 to 29 lb | 3 | 1⅛ to 2⅛ | 130 to 255 g | 500 to 970 |
| 9 to 12 months | 14 to 30 lb | 3 | 1¼ to 2⅛ | 145 to 260 g | 560 to 990 |
| Adult, moderate activity | 15 to 30 lb | 2 | 1⅛ to 2 | 140 to 235 g | 530 to 890 |
The adult row covers intact dogs. Spayed or neutered adults need about 11 percent less, shown in the adult chart below.
Four things decide the daily number: current weight, life stage, activity level and neuter status. The Beagle comes in two sizes, and the American Kennel Club lists them as under 20 pounds for dogs up to 13 inches tall and 20 to 30 pounds for dogs of 13 to 15 inches.
Real Beagles often weigh more than that. A 2025 study of 3,729 UK Beagles recorded a median adult weight of 18.2 kg, about 40 pounds, and obesity was the most common disorder in the same dogs. That is why this page leans on body condition as much as on the numbers: feed for the weight your Beagle should be, not the weight it has drifted to.
Beagle puppies vary a lot in size because of the two varieties and different lines. Feeding by current weight is more accurate than feeding by birthday. Find your puppy's weight in the left column, then read across to its age.
| Puppy weight | 2 to 4 months | 4 to 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| 4 lb (1.8 kg) | ¾ cup, 85 g | not typical |
| 6 lb (2.7 kg) | 1 cup, 115 g | not typical |
| 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 1¼ cups, 145 g | not typical |
| 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 1⅜ cups, 170 g | 1 cup, 115 g |
| 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 1⅝ cups, 195 g | 1⅛ cups, 130 g |
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | 1⅞ cups, 230 g | 1¼ cups, 155 g |
| 18 lb (8.2 kg) | 2¼ cups, 265 g | 1½ cups, 180 g |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | not typical | 1⅝ cups, 190 g |
| 22 lb (10 kg) | not typical | 1¾ cups, 210 g |
| 25 lb (11.3 kg) | not typical | 1⅞ cups, 230 g |
| 28 lb (12.7 kg) | not typical | 2 cups, 245 g |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | not typical | 2⅛ cups, 260 g |
Daily totals for a food with 456 kcal per cup. Split into four meals before 4 months, three meals until 12 months, then two.
In a study that weighed Beagles weekly, body mass rose steeply until about 15 weeks, and the puppies reached half their adult weight at about 14.5 weeks. Four small meals a day suit this stage best.
This is the window that shapes adult weight. In a study of 24 female Beagles allowed to eat freely, 15 became overweight as adults, and a body condition score above 6 out of 9 at 7 months predicted who would. Measured meals and a visible waist at this age pay off for life.
Beagles reach about 95 percent of adult weight by 9 months and close to 100 percent by their first birthday. Calories per pound fall as growth slows, so the amount in the bowl should level off or drop slightly, even though appetite rarely does. Switch to adult food at around 12 months.
Use this to check whether your puppy is on track. Because Beagles come in two sizes, the chart shows the 15 inch and 13 inch varieties instead of males and females. The calculator uses the same growth pattern to estimate your puppy's adult weight.
| Age | 15 inch variety weight | 13 inch variety weight | Share of adult weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 months | 6 to 8 lb | 4 to 6 lb | About 28% |
| 3 months | 9 to 13 lb | 7 to 9 lb | About 44% |
| 4 months | 12 to 18 lb | 9 to 12 lb | About 60% |
| 5 months | 14 to 22 lb | 11 to 14 lb | About 72% |
| 6 months | 16 to 25 lb | 12 to 16 lb | About 82% |
| 9 months | 19 to 29 lb | 14 to 19 lb | About 95% |
| 12 months | 20 to 30 lb | 15 to 20 lb | About 99%, adult |
Adult ranges follow the AKC breed profile, which lists the 13 inch variety as under 20 pounds; 15 pounds is used here as a typical lower end. The share of adult weight comes from a growth curve fitted to weekly weights of Beagles (Helmsmüller et al., 2013), reaching 50 percent at 14.5 weeks, 95 percent at 39 weeks and 98 percent at 48 weeks. Those dogs came from one larger laboratory line, so treat the monthly ranges as estimates.
Beagles are small to medium dogs, so a standard puppy food works. The bigger risk is quantity, not formula.
The AAFCO floor for puppy food. Adult maintenance food needs at least 18%. Most quality puppy formulas run a few points higher.
Adults need at least 5.5%. Fat is the most calorie dense nutrient, so a rich puppy food makes overfeeding easier.
AAFCO's growth range for all sizes, with a calcium to phosphorus ratio between 1:1 and 2:1. A complete puppy food already gets this right.
These figures come from the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles (published in the AAFCO Official Publication). They are floors and ceilings, not targets, and any food labelled "complete and balanced" for growth or for all life stages already meets them.
Do not add calcium or other supplements to a complete puppy food, and avoid rich toppers that push calories up. With a breed this keen on food, a moderate calorie puppy food makes portion control easier. If you are comparing labels, our guide to puppy food brands is a good place to start.
Feed by current weight and activity, then adjust every few weeks based on body condition. Many pet Beagles fit the low or neutered column rather than the moderate one. Feed for your Beagle's ideal weight, not its current weight, if it is carrying extra.
| Weight | Low activity | Moderate activity | High activity | Neutered, moderate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | ⅞ cup | 1⅛ cups | 1⅜ cups | 1 cup |
| 18 lb (8.2 kg) | 1 cup | 1⅜ cups | 1⅝ cups | 1⅛ cups |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 1⅛ cups | 1½ cups | 1¾ cups | 1¼ cups |
| 22 lb (10 kg) | 1¼ cups | 1½ cups | 1⅞ cups | 1⅜ cups |
| 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 1⅜ cups | 1¾ cups | 2⅛ cups | 1½ cups |
| 28 lb (12.7 kg) | 1½ cups | 1⅞ cups | 2¼ cups | 1⅝ cups |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | 1½ cups | 2 cups | 2⅜ cups | 1¾ cups |
Daily totals for a food with 456 kcal per cup, split into two meals. Low, moderate and high use 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 times RER for an intact dog. Neutered moderate uses 1.6.
Cups change from brand to brand. Calories do not. If your food is denser or lighter than 456 kcal per cup, work from these numbers and divide by the kcal per cup printed on your bag, or enter that number in the calculator.
| Body weight | Resting energy (RER) | Intact adult (1.8) | Neutered adult (1.6) | Weight loss (1.0) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 kg (15 lb) | 301 kcal | 540 kcal | 480 kcal | 300 kcal |
| 8 kg (18 lb) | 333 kcal | 600 kcal | 530 kcal | 330 kcal |
| 9 kg (20 lb) | 364 kcal | 650 kcal | 580 kcal | 360 kcal |
| 10 kg (22 lb) | 394 kcal | 710 kcal | 630 kcal | 390 kcal |
| 11 kg (24 lb) | 423 kcal | 760 kcal | 680 kcal | 420 kcal |
| 12 kg (26 lb) | 451 kcal | 810 kcal | 720 kcal | 450 kcal |
| 14 kg (31 lb) | 507 kcal | 910 kcal | 810 kcal | 510 kcal |
Weight loss calories should be calculated from the target weight, not the current one. The calculator does this for you.
Low activity uses 1.4 times RER. That is the top of the Pet Nutrition Alliance range for overweight prone or inactive adults, a good fit for many pet Beagles. If your dog still gains weight on the low column, use the calculator's weight loss mode and talk to your vet.
The AKC puts Beagle life expectancy at 10 to 15 years. Most slow down somewhere after age 8 and need fewer calories, even if their appetite has not changed at all.
| Weight | Low activity | Moderate activity | Neutered, moderate | Meals per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 lb (6.8 kg) | ¾ cup | ⅞ cup | ¾ cup | 2 |
| 18 lb (8.2 kg) | ⅞ cup | 1 cup | ⅞ cup | 2 |
| 20 lb (9.1 kg) | 1 cup | 1⅛ cups | 1 cup | 2 |
| 22 lb (10 kg) | 1 cup | 1¼ cups | 1⅛ cups | 2 |
| 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 1⅛ cups | 1⅜ cups | 1⅛ cups | 2 |
| 28 lb (12.7 kg) | 1¼ cups | 1½ cups | 1¼ cups | 2 |
| 30 lb (13.6 kg) | 1⅜ cups | 1½ cups | 1⅜ cups | 2 |
Daily totals for a food with 456 kcal per cup. Low and moderate use 1.2 and 1.4 times RER for an intact senior. Neutered moderate uses about 1.24.
Four meals until about 4 months, three until about 12 months, then two for life. Here is what that looks like in a normal day.
Exact times do not matter. Consistency does. For a Beagle, fixed meal times also cut down on begging, because the dog learns when food comes. A puzzle feeder or snuffle mat turns a two minute meal into a twenty minute job, which suits a scent hound's nose and slows down fast eaters.
Beagles are one of the breeds most likely to become overweight, and the reasons are mostly about food access, not metabolism.
In a study of more than 22,000 UK dogs, Beagles had 2.67 times the odds of being overweight compared with crossbreeds, second only to Pugs.
Among UK Beagles under veterinary care, obesity was the most common disorder, recorded in about 24 percent of dogs. The authors advise special emphasis on weight control.
Secure the food, not just the bowl. Keep food bags in sealed bins, bins behind closed doors and bags zipped. A Beagle that finds an extra 100 kcal a day can gain several pounds in a year without anyone changing its meals.
Weight is not just cosmetic. In a 14 year feeding study, dogs fed 25 percent less than their littermates lived a median of 1.8 years longer and developed arthritis later.
Two common Beagle conditions interact with weight in opposite directions: one causes weight gain, the other is made worse by it.
In a UK primary care study, Beagles had about three times the odds of hypothyroidism compared with crossbreeds. Weight gain without eating more, low energy and coat changes are typical signs, and treatment usually brings weight back under control.
Beagles are counted among the chondrodystrophic breeds with a higher risk of disc disease. A study across breeds found that a higher body condition score raised the risk of thoracolumbar disc extrusion, so keeping a Beagle lean protects its back.
If your Beagle gains weight on the same amount of food, see your vet before cutting portions hard. And if your dog has had a disc problem, the vet's weight target is part of the treatment, not an extra.
The charts give a starting point. Your dog's body tells you whether it is right. The WSAVA 9 point body condition scale puts the ideal at 4 to 5 out of 9.
View from above
Ribs, spine and hip bones are easy to see. Muscle loss may be visible. Feed about 10 percent more and recheck in two weeks.
View from above
Ribs are easy to feel under a thin layer of fat. From above you see a waist behind the ribs, and from the side the belly tucks up.
View from above
Ribs are hard to feel, there is no clear waist, and fat builds up over the back and base of the tail. Cut food by about 10 percent and trim treats.
A Beagle's short coat makes checking easy. From above, you should see a waist behind the ribs. From the side, the belly should tuck up. Press lightly along the chest: ribs should be easy to feel without pushing.
Weight loss is the most common feeding goal for adult Beagles, and it works best with a plan rather than guesswork.
Start with an honest count of everything your Beagle eats: meals, treats, chews, table scraps and anything it finds for itself. With this breed the last item is often the biggest.
Swap part of the kibble for low calorie extras like plain green beans if your dog struggles with smaller portions, and turn meals into scent games so the food takes longer. Very large cuts should only be made with a vet, since dogs fed too little can lose muscle along with fat.
A healthy Beagle on a complete and balanced food does not need anything added. Joint support can help older dogs, and every supplement counts toward the daily calories.
EPA and DHA from fish oil have the strongest research behind them for stiff joints. In a controlled study of dogs with osteoarthritis, those fed a food high in fish oil omega-3s bore more weight on their sore legs than dogs on a control food.
Widely used and generally well tolerated, but studies disagree on how much they help. Worth a trial for an older dog with a vet's input, not something a young healthy dog needs.
Many chewable supplements are flavored treats with calories of their own. For a small dog on a tight budget, two chews a day can take up a large part of the treat allowance.
Everything your Beagle eats or drinks counts, not just the main meals.
Plan on about one ounce per pound of body weight a day, roughly 15 to 30 ounces (0.5 to 0.9 liters) for an adult. Needs rise in warm weather, after exercise and on a dry kibble diet. Keep water available all day, and carry it on long walks and hunts.
Keep treats under 10 percent of daily calories. For a Beagle eating 700 kcal a day, that is only about 70 kcal, which disappears fast. Choose healthy dog treats, break them into tiny pieces for training, or use part of the daily kibble as rewards.
Small habits that make any feeding chart work better.
Worth doing
Worth avoiding
The daily calorie target stays the same whatever the format. What changes is volume, cost, prep and how easy it is to keep the nutrients balanced.
| Format | Typical energy | Prep | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry kibble | 350 to 500 kcal per cup | None | Easy portion control, lowest cost | Large calorie differences between brands |
| Wet or canned | Much lower per gram | None | Picky eaters, extra moisture | Easy to overfeed if mixed without counting |
| Raw | Varies with fat content | Thawing, strict hygiene | Owners willing to follow a complete recipe | Bacteria, nutrient balance |
| Fresh or home cooked | Varies by recipe | High | Food sensitivities, full ingredient control | Unbalanced homemade recipes |
For raw diets, the FDA's testing of commercial raw pet foods found Salmonella and Listeria in a meaningful share of samples, a risk for the people in the house as well as the dog. Home cooked diets are safe from that angle but easily drift out of balance on calcium and other minerals. Whichever format you use, pick a recipe that is complete and balanced for your dog's life stage, or one written by a board certified veterinary nutritionist.
For a weight prone breed, wet food has one advantage: more volume and water for the same calories, which can help a Beagle feel fuller. Use the calculator's mixed feeding option so the kibble portion shrinks to match.
Itchy skin and upset stomachs are common reasons owners change a Beagle's food. With a breed that eats everything it finds, dietary indiscretion is often the first thing to rule out.
Itching all year round, especially the paws, face, ears and rear end, repeated ear infections, and sometimes soft stool or more frequent bowel movements. Seasonal itching points more toward environmental allergies.
A review of published cases found beef, dairy, chicken and wheat were the most commonly reported food allergens in dogs. The trigger is almost always a protein, so "grain free" alone rarely solves it.
Blood, hair and saliva tests sold for food allergies are not reliable, and vets generally do not use them to diagnose one. During the trial, enter the new food's kcal per cup in the calculator, since therapeutic diets often differ a lot from regular kibble.
For a sensitive stomach without allergy signs, the fix is usually simpler: a gradual food change, consistent meal times, no scavenging and gentle treats. Vomiting, blood in the stool or diarrhea lasting more than a day or two needs a vet, and so does any chance your Beagle has eaten something toxic.
Whether you are moving from puppy to adult food or changing brands, go slowly over 7 to 10 days.
Recalculate portions when the switch is done. A new food almost never has the same kcal per cup as the old one, and feeding the same number of cups can quietly add or remove a lot of calories. If stools go soft at any step, stay at that ratio for a few extra days before moving on.
The charts on this page assume a healthy dog. These situations need a different plan.
Energy needs stay fairly stable until the last third of pregnancy, then rise to about 1.6 to 2 times resting energy. At peak lactation, three to four weeks after whelping, the Pet Nutrition Alliance puts needs at 2 to 6 times resting energy, so a mother with a large litter can need more than twice her normal amount. Many breeders switch to a puppy or all life stages food in late pregnancy.
A Beagle on a vet supervised weight loss plan or a prescription weight management food should follow the vet's numbers. Those foods have different calories per cup, so the chart amounts do not apply.
Hypothyroidism, disc disease, pancreatitis, kidney disease and food allergies all change what and how much a dog should eat. The diet should come from your vet, and the chart becomes background information.
A severely underweight dog needs a gradual refeeding plan from a vet. Jumping straight to a full portion can cause serious problems.
Feeding a different breed as well? Compare with our French Bulldog feeding chart, Havanese feeding chart, Dachshund feeding chart and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel feeding chart, or use the general dog calorie calculator for mixed breeds.
The amounts on this page are general estimates meant as a starting point, not a substitute for veterinary advice. Every dog's metabolism, health and food are different, so confirm portions with your vet, especially for puppies, seniors, pregnant females and dogs with health conditions.
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