Quick answer
Our top pick is Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula. It delivers 30% protein from real chicken as the first ingredient, plus glucosamine for joint support. For owners on a budget, Diamond Naturals High Protein Beef Meal & Rice Formula offers excellent value with 32% protein. If your Basset has a sensitive stomach, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe provides easily digestible protein.
What to consider for High Protein Dog Food For Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are a large-breed dog with a heavy bone structure and a predisposition to obesity. They require a high-protein diet to support muscle maintenance, but the protein should come from named animal sources (chicken, beef, fish) rather than unnamed meals. Fat content should be moderate (12 to 16%) to prevent excessive calorie intake, and fiber should be adequate (3 to 5%) to promote satiety. Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are beneficial because Bassets are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help maintain skin and coat health, which is important for this breed with its many skin folds.
What to look for in a dog food
Look for a statement from AAFCO that the food is complete and balanced for the appropriate life stage (adult maintenance or all life stages). The first ingredient should be a named meat (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon). Protein content should be around 25 to 32% on a dry matter basis, fat between 12 and 16%, and calories around 300 to 400 kcal per cup. For Basset Hounds, a large-breed formula is not strictly necessary, but ensure the kibble size is appropriate (medium to large) to encourage chewing. Joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are a plus, as are omega-3 fatty acids for skin health. Avoid foods with excessive fillers like corn, wheat, or soy.
How we chose these picks
- Evaluated protein content and source: first ingredient must be a named meat.
- Checked for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement.
- Assessed fat and calorie levels suitable for a breed prone to obesity.
- Prioritized formulas with joint-supporting ingredients (glucosamine, chondroitin).
- Considered inclusion of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Reviewed ingredient lists for unnecessary fillers and artificial additives.
- Selected products from reputable brands with established quality control.
- Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.
What to avoid
- Avoid foods where the only protein source is an unnamed “meat meal” or “poultry meal”.
- Do not default to grain-free or legume-heavy recipes; the FDA is still investigating a potential link between these diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Grain-inclusive is the safer default unless your vet advises otherwise.
- Avoid all-life-stages food for a Basset Hound puppy; large-breed puppy formulas have controlled calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development.
- Never switch your dog’s food abruptly; transition over 7 to 10 days by mixing increasing amounts of new food with old.
For more guidance, explore our dog guides, dog food, and dog nutrition articles.
