This updated guide lists all of the best dog foods for bloodhounds.
Bloodhounds are known for their spectacular sense of smell. They often track large animals like wild boars, deer, and even men.
People often wonder how it’s for a dog famous for its tracking instincts and hunting abilities can make such a great family pet?
While hunting abilities and a streak of stubbornness are characteristic of the bloodhound breed, their personality traits also include even-temperament and gentleness. With the proper handling and training, bloodhounds can adapt to family life and serve as great pets.
Apart from training them and providing a loving home, it is also your responsibility as a pet parent to ensure you offer them a healthy diet that meets the nutritional needs of bloodhounds.
This article lists our picks for the best dog foods for bloodhounds. We’ve also included a Buyers Guide to help you in your search.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
The Best Dog Foods for Bloodhounds – My Top Picks
| Top Picks | Top Ingredients |
| 1. Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Adult Dog Food (Best For Adults) | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Pea Starch |
| 2. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Dog Food (Best For Puppies) | Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Egg Product, Pea Protein |
| 3. Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food (Best For Seniors) | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Oats, Whole Grain Brown Rice |
| 4. Nom Nom Turkey Fare (Best Fresh Food) | Ground turkey, brown rice, eggs, carrots, spinach, |
| 5. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food (Best Budget Option) | Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Menhaden Fish Meal |
| 6. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food (Best For Weight Loss) | Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Canola Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal |
| 7. Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Working Dry Dog Food (Best For Active Dogs) | Chicken Meal, Chicken Fat, Rice Flour, Oatmeal, Brown Rice |
Blue Buffalo Freedom Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Best Overall, Best For Adults
Ratings: 
Top Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Potatoes, 4. Peas, 5. Pea Starch
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Large, Giant
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,492 kcal
- Form: Dry
Blue Buffalo Freedom variety is one of the most reliable dog food brands. This grain and gluten-free diet contains the right ingredients to deliver the nutrition and energy your bloodhound requires.
It uses Blue’s exclusive LifeSource Bits to enrich the meal with selected antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that a large and active dog like the bloodhound needs.
It contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and is grain and filler free. The formula has excellent nutritional value and will surely be a big hit with your hound.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 22% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Dog Food
Best For Puppies
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Buffalo, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Egg Product, 5. Pea Protein
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,656 kcal
- Form: Dry
Specially designed for puppies, this recipe includes all the essential nutrition needed to support the critical period of growth and development for your bloodhound pup.
The grain-free formula includes buffalo, bison, beef, and roasted venison proteins for strong muscles. The highly digestible and nutrient-rich formula delivers a K9 strain probiotic for your puppy’s digestive health.
Analysis: Protein min. 28% | Fat min. 17%, | Fiber max. 5% | Moisture max. 10%
Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food
Best For Seniors
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Whole Grain Sorghum, 4. Whole Grain Oats, 5. Whole Grain Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Senior
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,385 kcal
- Form: Dry
Nurture your aging bloodhound with a real-food-based diet like Nutro Ultra Senior Dog Food. The recipe combines superfoods like chicken, brown rice, salmon, pumpkin, and blueberries to strengthen your dog’s immunity and deliver a mouth-watering taste.
It’s also rich in omega fatty acids, making your dog’s coat softer and improving the skin’s elasticity. Whole grains offer a steady energy supply to your senior dog. The formula is topped with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to keep your senior bloodhound as active and bright as a young puppy.
Analysis: Protein min. 26% | Fat min. 13%, | Fiber max. 4% | Moisture max. 10%
Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Chicken Dinner Canned Dog Food
Best Wet Food
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Chicken Broth, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Carrots, 5. Peas
- Life Stage: Puppy
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,190 kcal
- Form: Wet
If your hound pup prefers home-style canned food, grab this fantastic recipe by Blue Buffalo. The pate formula features the perfect balance of high-quality nutrients.
The cranberries and blueberries in the formula provide antioxidants to take care of the immune system and ensure urinary tract health. The recipe does not include corn or wheat and serves as an excellent diet for any pup that suffers from a food-related intolerance.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 7.5% | Fiber (max.) 1.3% | Moisture (max.) 78%
Nom Nom Turkey Fare
Best Fresh Option
Ratings:
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ground turkey, 2. brown rice, 3. eggs, 4. carrots, 5. spinach,
- Life Stage: All
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 1,479 kcal
- Form: Frozen
If budget isn’t a concern, Nom Nom is an obvious choice for top-quality dog food. This fresh-food company prepares some of the most nutritious and wholesome meal plans for canines, all customized according to your dog’s age, breed, and weight by board-certified nutritionists.
You can select from four recipes, turkey being our favorite for bloodhounds as it contains the most protein and calories. Each meal is cooked from real foods (such as ground turkey, brown rice, and carrots) in the company’s USA kitchens and then delivered to your doorstep in vacuum-sealed bags.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 10%, Fat (min.) 5%, Fiber (max.) 1%, Moisture (max.) 72%
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Salmon Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Premium Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Pea Protein, 5. Menhaden Fish Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,592 kcal
- Form: Dry
This interesting Blue Buffalo Wilderness recipe provides your dog with high-quality proteins and healthy complex carbs. This recipe consists of deboned Salmon, fish meal, and chicken meal for protein, while peas, potatoes, and sweet potatoes contribute to the carb content.
This diet is also rich in flavors and nutrients from cranberries, blueberries, and carrots, offering an excellent nutrition profile that keeps your dog in great shape inside and out.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe Grain-Free Dog Food
Best Budget Option
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Peas, 3. Pea Starch, 4. Canola Meal, 5. Poultry By-Product Meal
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,643 kcal
- Form: Dry
Serve your beloved bloodhound this unique grain-free recipe with high-quality chicken and farm-grown vegetables, including carrots and peas.
Rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids and a variety of rich antioxidants, the diet helps strengthen your dog’s immune system and helps maintain great skin and a smooth coat. Your hound will howl for this tasty meal.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 12%
Go! Solutions Carnivore Grain-Free Chicken, Turkey + Duck Dog Food
Best For Weight Gain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. De-Boned Chicken, 5. De-Boned Turkey
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,951 kcal
- Form: Dry
Go Solutions Carnivore is a superb weight-gain option for bloodhounds. It’s full of meat and organ proteins from chicken, turkey, and duck for building lean muscle. Since the recipe is grain-free, it has minimal chances of causing ear infections or bloating in bloodhounds and can significantly improve your dog’s quality of life.
This recipe uses prebiotics and probiotics for improved digestion and contains antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies to strengthen immunity and resist disease.
Because it is a limited ingredient diet free from common irritants like wheat, corn, soy, and gluten, it is a perfect choice for bloodhounds with allergies or stomach sensitivities.
Analysis: Protein min. 32% | Fat min. 16%, | Fiber max. 3% | Moisture max. 10%
American Journey Active Life Formula Healthy Weight Dog Food
Best For Weight Gain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Brown Rice, 5. Rice Bran
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,050 kcal
- Form: Dry
Obesity is bad for your dog’s overall health. American Journey Active Life addresses obesity-related issues with this premium-quality weight loss formula. The reduced-calorie recipe uses high-quality chicken protein to make your dog leaner and more muscular.
L-carnitine is also added to the formula as it metabolizes fat and converts it into energy, meaning more strength and endurance for your bloodhound. For joint health, the recipe contains glucosamine and chondroitin to support overburdened joints.
It also features whole-grain fibers like brown rice and barley to promote digestive health, keep your dog active, and burn calories.
Analysis: Protein min. 25% | Fat min. 9%, | Fiber max. 9% | Moisture max. 10%
FirstMate Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Grain-Free Dog Food
Best For Sensitive Stomach
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Ocean Fish Meal, 2. Burbank Potato, 3. Norkotah Potato, 4. Tomato Pomace, 5. Chicken Fat
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 3,125 kcal
- Form: Dry
The hypoallergenic formula is suitable for hounds with sensitive digestion and includes all the essential nutrients they require for optimal health. This easily digestible formula works well as an elimination diet or a rotation diet because of the limited ingredients used in the recipe.
Also, the grain-free and gluten-free formula further reduces the risk of allergies. Rich in essential omega fatty acids, this meal is also great for your dog’s exterior health.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 23% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 8% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Zignature Lamb Limited Ingredient Formula Grain-Free Dog Food
Best For Allergies
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Chickpeas, 5. Pea Flour
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,040 kcal
- Form: Dry
The unique lamb formula by Zignature has a fantastic flavor that even the pickiest of eaters will enjoy.
This limited ingredient diet is grain-free and made with a single protein source and other carefully picked ingredients to make a clean recipe with nutrients you can trust.
The recipe uses lamb from the farms of New Zealand to ensure quality and is prepared under expert supervision so that your dog gets only the best. In addition to the protein, the chickpeas and wholesome peas in the diet provide potent antioxidants and fiber-rich carbs.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 28% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
Stella & Chewy’s Chicken Dinner Patties Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food
Best For Picky Eaters
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken With Ground Bone, 2. Chicken Liver, 3. Chicken Gizzard, 4. Pumpkin Seed, 5. Organic
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,420 kcal
- Form: Freeze-dried
The freeze-dried formula by Stella & Chewy is popular with dog parents and uses a single protein source made from high-quality ingredients. It is a flavorful and rich diet for your bloodhound.
The recipe uses 95% cage-free chicken and other ingredients like organs, bones, organic vegetables, and organic fruits.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 48% | Fat (min.) 28% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 5%
Dr. Gary’s Best Breed Holistic Working Dry Dog Food
Best For Active Dogs
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Chicken Fat, 3. Rice Flour, 4. Oatmeal, 5. Brown Rice
- Life Stage: Adult
- Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
- Caloric content (per kg): 4,357 kcal
- Form: Dry
Traditionally used to hunt deer and wild boars, the highly-energetic bloodhound needs a diet that can fuel their daily adventures. And for that purpose, we recommend Dr. Gary’s Working Dog Food. It has every nutrient an active dog could need, including protein, whole grains, and animal fat.
This balanced diet provided enough calories to fuel the most active bloodhound. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin to keep their joints healthy and pain-free. It also provides omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin and has plenty of wholesome fiber for healthy digestion.
Analysis: Protein min. 24% | Fat min. 22%, | Fiber max. 3.5% | Moisture max. 10%
Merrick Classic Real Chicken + Green Peas Recipe with Ancient Grains Adult Dry Dog Food
Top Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Peas, 4. Turkey Meal, 5. Brown Rice
This recipe from Merrick proves that it’s possible to combine great nutrition with great taste. This diet boasts a healthy balance of essential nutrients from a combination of real meat, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
Deboned chicken is the primary ingredient, followed by peas, carrots, apples, and more. It includes chondroitin and glucosamine for mobility and joint health and is rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 16% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
Related Posts:
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- Senior Dog Foods – Reviews & Guide
- Low Fat Dog Foods to help fat dog loose weight
Buyer’s Guide
Once you have decided to go ahead and buy yourself a bloodhound, you will need guidance on how to take care of it, mainly about its diet. You provide food according to the animal’s age and activities. We’ve reviewed several options for food here to help you make a sound and informed decision. This comprehensive food guide will save you time spent hunting for the right kind of dog food in the supermarket.
Understanding Bloodhounds’ Dietary Requirement
Dogs, including bloodhounds, are not obligate carnivores in nature. However, the anatomy of their body is known to take in essential nutrients and gain nourishment more easily from an animal-based meal. Thus, it is suggested that you should provide your bloodhound meals prepared for carnivores.
The primary component that makes up for most of the canine’s diet is protein. Proteins are required to gain muscle mass and aid healthy growth. Proteins from an animal-based meal include all the amino acids needed for your dog’s healthy growth. Essential sources of animal proteins include fish, chicken, and meat.
Apart from proteins, fats also are an essential nutritional requirement for your dog’s healthy growth. Fats provide your Bloodhound with the energy required to carry out most physical activities. Fats also provide the canine nourishment needed to nourish its skin and maintain the shine of its fur.
In addition to proteins and fats, carbohydrates are an essential part of the nutrients needed to complete your Bloodhound’s healthy diet. Carbohydrates also, like fats, provide your dog with the necessary energy boost to carry out daily physical activities. Carbohydrates also supply your dog with the essential fiber needed to help with digestion. Your dog’s meals should contain 5% of natural fiber at the most. Prepare food for your canine friend based on animal-based proteins, good fats, ample carbohydrates, and raw fiber.
Puppy Life Stage
A bloodhound puppy will require the right amount of protein to aid healthy muscle growth and body development. Your puppy will also need lots of good fats to maintain energy levels and maintain growth and development rates. Your puppy’s diet should be at least 22% protein and a minimum of 8% fats. Keep in mind that those percentages are just the minimum baseline.
Still, you need to ensure that your pup’s body does not grow too rapidly because that would make it prone to diseases related to bones at a later stage. Therefore, you need to regulate your puppy’s consumption of phosphorous and calcium intake to avoid such risks. It is suggested by experts to utilize a meal plan intended for puppies of large breeds and feed your pup according to the recommendations.
Adult Life Stage
**Your adult bloodhound requires a distinct diet plan according to its growth and activities. Bloodhounds require a bare minimum of 18% protein and at least 5% of good fats in its meals. At this stage, your Bloodhound will need to maintain its muscles. High-quality dog food made for large-breed dogs should do well. The food should have around 20% -30% protein and 12% -18% good fats. These percentages largely depend on your dog’s daily activities. So, it is a good idea to consult your veterinarian and follow their recommendations.
*Minimus are usually exceed by a good amount
Senior Life Stage
Senior bloodhounds have specific nutritional requirements. They have slower metabolic rates as compared to adult bloodhounds. With reduced physical activity and energy requirements, fewer calories are needed, meaning that they need less food to avoid becoming obese. Another option is to go for a dog food that is prepared explicitly for senior dogs. Various formulas are also available in the market intended for weight control of dogs, which make an excellent option. Also, it is essential to provide meals prepared with animal-based protein to enable the canine to maintain its muscle mass.
Providing your dog with large-breed meals is not enough. Because Bloodhound is synonymous with Chowhound, you constantly need to monitor your Bloodhound’s weight and watch out for obesity issues. Most experts are of the view that the ribs should be easy to feel through the dog’s skin. Also, the waist must have a well-defined tuck. If you have any issues, it is always advisable to consult a vet for further guidance.
What to Look For in the Best Dog Food for Bloodhound
Your Bloodhound needs a healthy and nutritious diet to maintain healthy growth. You need to look for a balanced diet that consists of the right amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, and good fats.
Proteins are the building blocks in the growth of tissue and muscle mass. The protein for the dog’s meal should be animal-based. So, it could be meat or fish.
You must ensure that the dog food you buy has no by-products in it. Also, the meat used to prepare dog food should be of Chicken or Salmon.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Diet for Your Bloodhound
There are many things to be considered when selecting the best diet for your Bloodhound. The dog food available in markets is processed and cooked to prepare food that is tasty and nutritious for your Bloodhound. It is also safe for the canines.
The dog food is of two types; wet or dry. Wet food is cooked and has a chunky texture and is in a gravy form, based on meat or vegetables. Dry dog food includes biscuits and other treats.
You should know that every breed of dogs will need a distinct diet plan. For instance, bloodhounds will need a good amount of proteins to keep their bones and tissues healthy. They also need a proper diet to build lean muscle mass.
If you have a Bloodhound puppy, it needs food to help it thrive. Whatever the age of your Bloodhound might be, the following points need to be kept in mind while purchasing the right dog food for your canine friend.
- Seek Assistance from a Vet: If you have purchased a bloodhound for the first time or are new at parenting dogs. In case your Bloodhound has any health issues, a trip to your vet will undoubtedly pay off. Your vet can tell you a lot about their meal plans, nutritional requirements, allergies, and any intestinal disorders, which helps you to choose the right dog food for them.
- Read the Label: Reliable dog foods |are always clearly labeled. The label provides vital information such as the nutritional profile of the dog food and a list of its ingredients. It also indicates if it is approved by the AAFCO (Association of Americans Feed Control Officials). It also shows whether dog food is for puppies, adults, or seniors.
- Check the Ingredients: It is crucial to check the ingredients of the dog food thoroughly. You need a dog food that is free of strong chemicals and by-products. Certain chemicals are considered unsafe for your Bloodhound. Avoid ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA).
- Consider the Right Form of Food: Some dogs require only dry foods while others need wet dog food. Some dogs might need wet food only because of sensitive teeth or other dental issues, while others may need dry food to help clean the teeth of tartar.
- Consider Your Dog’s Overall Health: When purchasing dog food, do consider your canine’s overall health. If your Bloodhound is a female who has recently given birth, she will need dog food with loads of calories to help her breastfeed her puppies. Senior dogs do not need as many calories. They may even require lesser meals. Still, they may require some other essential requirements according to their medical condition and health level. Certain brands produce dog foods according to the needs of dogs of a certain age and breed. You could explore such brands as well.
Bloodhounds Special Dietary Considerations and Common Health Problems
Bloodhounds are known to have particular health concerns and need a diet plan accordingly. As a pet owner, you need to be alert and attentive and watch out for certain medical conditions in your furry friend. Some indicators you need to be careful about regarding medical issues specific to this breed are as follows:
Bloat
According to experts, bloat is a serious condition found in large-breed Bloodhounds. Bloat causes the stomach twist, making it extremely painful for the dog. If not diagnosed and treated at the right time, it can lead to the death of the animal. Providing your dog with good quality dog food and a healthy diet plan helps avoid bloat. To reduce the chances of bloat, you should feed your dog smaller portions of food at regular intervals, which helps in the process of digestion.
Hip Dysplasia
This condition is an inherited defect in large- breed Bloodhounds. In Hip Dysplasia, the joints of the dog are weak, allowing the bones to displace easily. This medical issue is more likely to occur with an increase in weight and excess physical activity. Keeping your dog at an ideal weight is key. Provide it good quality food rich in protein to improve muscle condition to strengthen joints. Diets that include chondroitin and glucosamine can also help support the joints.
Ear and Skin Infections
Bloodhounds have short fur, which makes them prone to skin infections. With a short coat, many insects and harsh elements such as heat, germs, and bacteria can easily make their way to the canine’s skin giving rise to skin diseases. These dogs also have long, droopy ears, which tend to drag on the floor or dip into the dog’s meal bowl, collecting lots of dust, dirt, and germs, and bacteria. Providing your Bloodhound with good fats and complete nourishment help keep the skin moist and healthy and also reduces the effects of inflammation and allergies.
Mostly Bloodhounds are considered fit and healthy. However, this breed is prone to some diseases.
Other health issues include:
- Aortic Stenosis
- Dermatitis (Fold Dermatitis)
- Ear Infections
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion/Ectropion
- Epilepsy
- Gastric Dilation
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
The most common eye problems are ectropion and entropion. In ectropion, the eyelids tend to roll outwards, making the eye vulnerable to irritation. In entropion, the eyelids get rolled inward side, causing harm to the eyeball. These issues could arise in one or both eyes and can be surgically corrected.
In the category of skin problems, one dominant disease is Fold Dermatitis. Because this breed has very loose and saggy skin forming many folds, it traps moisture inside. Add moisture to friction, and you can get serious skin infections. To avoid this, regular maintenance of skin and fur is a must. Incorporating the right amount of essential in your dog’s diet also helps improve skin health and avoid allergies.
The most common gastrointestinal disease that bothers most Bloodhounds is gastric dilation, commonly called bloat. This disease can be life-threatening. Bloat is faced by dogs when they overeat or eat and drink too speedily. It also occurs if this breed exercises immediately after eating. In bloat, the stomach gets filled with air and can then twist on itself, stopping the blood supply to its heart.
Bloodhound Feeding Chart
If your dog is a puppy, it needs meals rich in calories to maintain its energy levels and assist in healthy growth. It can eat three meals a day. Adult dogs need more proteins to maintain lean muscle mass and are usually fed twice a day up to 8 cups of food. Senior dogs need lesser amounts of food, and there are specially prepared weight maintenance meals available in markets for them.
Pick several brands and read the labels for instructions and recommendations to make the right decision about feeding your dog. Recommendations are based on the size, age, and medical conditions of your dog.
FAQs
Should a Bloodhound eat dry or canned food?
Both dry and canned food options are equally good. Even though your Bloodhound will stay healthy if you serve them up to four meals of dry food a day, you can also try mixing dry and wet food as many people believe that it helps to prevent bloating. Wet food has more flavor and a better aroma, which makes it particularly useful if your pet is not eating up all the dry food.
Is a grain-free diet healthy for my bloodhound?
It depends on the preferences of your Bloodhound. Wild dogs have traditionally eaten grain-free food, so it makes sense for your Bloodhound to eat them as well. However, it can be hard to digest for some dogs, so make sure that you understand your dog’s tolerance for it before you put them on a grain-free diet. Many varieties of dog food contain grain, so any signs of distress should alert you to avoid grain in their diet. Consult with your veterinarian before you incorporate grain-free food into your Bloodhound’s diet.
Do Bloodhounds have sensitive stomachs?
To some extent, they do, but so do other breeds. A lot of factors go into whether your Bloodhound has a sensitive stomach. Observe your pet for reactions to the food it eats, whether it has any recurring health problems or if it is experiencing any kind of stress. Digestion is the key to understanding your Bloodhound’s stomach and general constitution.
A bloodhound who vomits a lot or has persistent diarrhea means that it is time to make a trip to the vet. Bloating is a common issue with bloodhounds, so take particular care to avoid this issue. Even though it may seem that your hound can pack away a lot of food in one go, opt for feeding it smaller meals at shorter intervals during the day.
Why does my Bloodhound fart so much?
Farting is a natural process of the Bloodhound’s body and should not be a cause for alarm. However, frequent passing of air may suggest a medical condition. If your hound passes extremely foul air and feels distressed, you must take it to the vet. It might be a sign of an infection or some kind of inflammatory disease.
Is a Bloodhound considered a large breed?
Bloodhounds are among the larger dog breeds and can weigh as much as 110 lbs. However, they are pretty gentle and enjoy being around human beings.
How much food should I feed my Bloodhound?
You should feed your Bloodhound proportionately to its weight and age. Young puppies are at a stage of rapid growth, so they need a regular stream of energy-rich foods but also food that is high in nutrients. You can start with a premium dog food brand and feed your puppy according to the instructions.
Within a year, you can change your brand since your dog is an adult now and has different nutrition needs. Remember to feed them according to the instructions given on the package. Keep a watch on your dog’s weight, as any noticeable gain or loss in weight might suggest the need for a different type of food.
How many times a day should I feed my Bloodhound?
Twice a day is good enough for an average bloodhound, but with puppies, you might need to feed them at least three times a day. Smaller meals spaced evenly throughout the day are a good way to prevent bloat. For larger dogs, you can feed them up to 8 cups daily, divided into three servings. Or, you may feed them light snacks throughout the day or between meals. Older dogs do fine by having just two regular meals in a day.
What kind of food do Bloodhounds eat?
Bloodhounds are versatile, and depending on their particular temperament can be fed many types of food. Wet food is richer in proteins, so it is better for young dogs. Plus, the water content helps the dog with their digestion and keeps them healthier. It helps to prevent bloating, which is a common problem with bloodhounds.
However, wet food can be expensive because bloodhounds tend to have a large appetite. So dry food might be an affordable alternative. Regardless of dry or wet food, make sure that you feed your Bloodhound a diet rich in nutrients.
What vegetables are good in Bloodhound food?
There’s a lot that you need to learn about food allergies in dogs. When you give your dog treats, do it in moderation. Bloodhounds gain weight easily, which puts them at risk for many diseases, including obesity. Vegetables are a healthy alternative, and surprisingly, many bloodhounds eat them quite happily. Here are some vegetables you can feed your Bloodhound:
- Peas
- Carrots
- Green beans
- Sweet potato
- Cucumber
- Brussel sprouts
- Pumpkin
Apart from this, you should search for a branded dog food that contains vegetables. If you can’t find any, then the only alternative to fresh vegetables is supplementing, but as a last resort.
Should I exclusively feed a grain-free diet to my bloodhound?
Dogs can have food-related allergies and can be sensitive to a variety of foods. In bloodhounds, skin allergies are common because of certain foods. A typical sign of your dog having a food-related allergy is if they have frequent infections in the ear or on the skin. You may have to investigate a bit to zone in on which particular food or ingredient your dog is allergic to. Opting for a grain-free diet might help to solve the problem if your dog is allergic to grain. Other health issues might be at play, so if nothing you try seems to work, schedule an appointment with the vet immediately.
Can I feed rice to my Bloodhound?
You can feed any type of cooked rice to your Bloodhound but in moderation. Rice is great for dogs suffering from diarrhea, but feeding too much rice on a regular basis can lead to health consequences in the long run.
Can my bloodhound be allergic to chicken?
Indeed, chicken and beef are two common allergens present in many food options available in different brands. If your dog shows signs of intolerance towards a blend that includes chicken, try changing the diet and see if it improves the symptoms. Once diagnosed, avoid feeding a chicken-based food to your Bloodhound.
Final Thoughts
All dogs have individual nutritional requirements according to their age, gender, breed, and medical conditions. You need to be sensitive about your pet’s preferences and taste before opting for any dog food. If your dog is fussy, try several brands and go for what your dog likes best. Their taste may change now and then, so you need to be on your toes and shop for dog food until your little one is satisfied. In case your dog does not eat well, it is always good to visit your vet for professional help.
Don’t forget to check out our list of the best dog foods for bloodhounds and decide where you need to begin. Good luck!
