Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Basset Hound
Enter your Basset Hound's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The Basset Hound is a low-slung, long-eared scent hound with one of the most powerful noses in the dog world — second only to the Bloodhound. Originally bred in France for hunting rabbits and hare, they have a calm, patient temperament that makes them great family dogs. Basset Hounds are notoriously food-motivated and highly prone to obesity. Their low-to-ground build puts extra strain on their joints when overweight, making weight management a top health priority for this breed.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Basset Hound (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Basset Hound (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Basset Hound weighing 57 lbs needs approximately 1124 calories daily, which works out to roughly 3.2 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 1.6 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Basset Hounds
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Basset Hound immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Basset Hound
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Basset Hounds benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Basset Hounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Basset Hound once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Basset Hounds. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Basset Hound?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Basset Hounds, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.