Understanding Beagle Weight: What’s Healthy for Your Dog?

There’s nothing cuter than a chubby puppy, and we’re tempted to take it easy on our beloved pets when it comes to diet and exercise. However, studies show that 40 to 50% of dogs are overweight, and obesity is particularly prevalent in beagles.^1,2 Obesity puts your beagle at higher risk for heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.³ A proper diet and fitness regimen can fend off those beagle health issues. And don’t worry—you can still treat your pup to a snack or a well-deserved rest day from time to time. 

Read on for our comprehensive guide to beagle weight, from the ideal weight for your beagle to the best diet and exercise routine, and other useful beagle dog breed information.

The American Kennel Club classifies Beagles as small dogs.⁶  These iconic dogs come in two sizes.⁴ One stands under 13 inches tall and weighs under 20 pounds, while the larger-sized beagle is between 13 and 15 inches tall and weighs between 20 and 30 pounds.

A healthy beagle should not weigh over 30 pounds.² Your beagle puppy will have a growth spurt or two, and they will stop growing between 12 and 18 months.

Yes. Per the AKC dog breed information profile, Beagles tend to exhibit high energy levels and are up for a play session at virtually all hours. They’re eager to please their owners and are relatively easy to train. They are also big barkers, especially when they’re bored or lonely,⁷ and require consistent physical and mental stimulation to stay happy.

It’s recommended that beagles get at least 1.5 hours of exercise per day, including both running and walking.⁸ Try to make time to play with your Beagle every day, and make sure he has a secure space to run free. During public walks or runs, keep your Beagle on a leash, or their curious nature and particularly sensitive noses may cause them to wander.

Although their major growth spurts typically happen before your beagle’s first birthday, it’s possible that he’ll continue growing until he reaches 18 months. By 18 months, most beagles have reached their adult size and should no longer be gaining weight.  

Weight gain after your beagle turns 1.5 years old may be cause for concern. 

Ask your vet about your particular beagle’s optimal weight and the exact point at which he’ll likely stop growing.

While you should always consult a vet for a final verdict, an at-home method for ensuring your beagle’s weight is healthy is looking at their ribs:

1. If your beagle’s ribs show without touching them, your beagle is likely underweight.
2. If you can’t see your beagle’s ribs, but can feel each one under fur, your pup is likely at a healthy, ideal weight.
3. If you have difficulty feeling your pet’s ribs, he might need to lose a pound or two.

 It’s a Beagle’s job to sniff. They’re often hired as Agriculture Canines, working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Beagle Brigade to sniff out restricted cargo at airport customs.9 They’ve also found careers as bed bug detectors (in the case of New York City celebrity Roscoe)¹⁰ and even cancer diagnoses with near-perfect accuracy thanks to scented biomarkers found in blood samples.¹¹

This superpower can also be your beagle’s kryptonite if she’s struggling with obesity and related dog health issues. Maintaining a diet rich in healthy, natural ingredients and appropriate portion sizes is key to ensuring a long and happy life for your best friend.

Feed your beagle two meals per day, on a schedule, rather than allowing them to graze,which can lead to overeating.

You’ll want to choose a commercially available dog food that contains¹²:

• 35% real meat (lean, white breast chicken, lean hamburger, turkey, fish, lamb, or veal)
• 25% veggies (carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, or string beans)
• 25% starch
• 15% healthy fats and/or fruit for antioxidants

Avoid fillers, chemical additives, byproducts, and rendered meats. In general, growing puppies need about 55 calories per pound of body weight per day, which might allow for a third meal if you/your pup prefers. Adult beagles need around 45 calories per pound of body weight per day.

Always consult your vet before putting your beagle on a “diet,” even if you notice that he’s gained weight. However, if you’re looking for low-calorie swaps, start with wholesome treats and doggie snacks. You can also replace some of your beagle’s food with lower-calorie ingredients in order to promote weight loss while keeping portion size the same. This might include plain⁵:

• Baby carrots
• Green beans
• Peas
• Raspberries

With just a few adjustments to their dog nutrition, your beagle can achieve a healthy weight in no time.

A healthy weight loss regimen for dogs includes diet and exercise. Beagles are naturally active, but it’s up to you to ensure your beagle is getting ample exercise each day, especially if aging or obesity has slowed him down. Your beagle should get about 1.5 hours of exercise, including walking and running, each day.

In addition to these leash walks, ensure your beagle gets a solid play session each day, for both mental and physical stimulation. Not only does playtime burn extra calories and strengthen your pup’s muscles and joints, but it’s also crucial for social development and dog-owner bonding.¹³

Finally, if you have the fenced-in space, encourage your beagle to run around freely, whether it’s a post-potty victory romp or a dedicated solo track practice. The ability to “just run around” will keep your beagle active throughout the day, not just during his workout.

One way to keep your beagle physically and mentally active is through sports at your local AKC Club or obedience school.¹⁴ This might include the classic agility and obedience trials or could include:

• Scent work – Perfect for beagles with sharp noses, this sport involves hunting down essential oil-dipped cotton swabs.¹⁵
• Barn hunt – Another scent-based sport in which dogs track down mice (who are kept safely in aerated tubes).¹⁶
• Tracking – In this independent sport, harnessed dogs follow a scent trail and pick up items along the way.¹⁷
• Rally – Ideal for beginners, this sport involves you navigating a course alongside your dog, stopping to perform certain skills along the way (judged for accuracy, not speed).¹⁸
• Field events – Typically involving chasing game (but not harming the target animals), sports in this category allow beagles to use their instincts as bred hunting dogs.¹⁹

These sports, and dog training classes, are popular with beagles and are healthy ways to bond while also keeping your beagle physically and mentally active.

We all love to pamper our dogs. To grant your best friend the longest, happiest life possible, stay disciplined with their diet and exercise routine. Vetericyn is by your side on your beagle’s health journey, and our Vetericyn® ALL-IN Dog Supplement is crafted to support a balanced beagle diet. A healthy beagle is one that’s well cared for, inside and out, and Vetericyn is here to keep your pup on track. Visit our catalog to learn more about all our animal wellness offerings.