How Much to Feed a Bloodhound (Feeding Chart & Guide)

Bloodhound puppy with a bowl of dog food kibble

Determining the proper amount to feed your Bloodhound is important to support their health and well-being. 

Bloodhounds have specific nutritional requirements that change as they grow from playful puppies into mature adults, and getting their diet right is key to keeping them happy and healthy.

In this guide, we’ll cover how much food a Bloodhound needs at every stage of life. Continue reading for recommendations and tips for feeding your Bloodhound.

What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Bloodhound?

Two Bloodhound puppies eating outdoors

Ensuring your Bloodhound gets the right amount of food is crucial for its health and well-being. 

Here’s a straightforward guide to understanding the key factors that influence how much you should feed your Bloodhound:

  • Weight: It’s quite straightforward – a larger Bloodhound will naturally need more food compared to a smaller one. This is because bigger dogs have more body mass that requires nourishment.
  • Activity Level: Dog food packages often suggest serving sizes based on average activity levels. However, if your Bloodhound is exceptionally active and spends a lot of time playing, it will need more fuel than a less active one.
  • Age: Puppies, with their rapid growth and high energy, generally require more food relative to their weight than adult dogs. Also, the type of food can vary depending on whether your dog is a puppy, an adult, or a senior.
  • Health Conditions: If your Bloodhound has specific health issues, its dietary needs might differ. Some may need increased or decreased portions, while others might require a special diet that could change the amount of food they need. This factor also stresses the importance of obtaining your puppy from a reputable breeder.

Remember, each Bloodhound is unique, and there’s no universal rule for the perfect food portion. 

Feeding your Bloodhound the right amount is more than just following numbers; it’s about understanding and catering to its individual needs. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to seek advice from a pet nutritionist or a veterinarian.

How Much to Feed Your Bloodhound

Measuring dry dog food using a cup

Bloodhounds, which are large dogs, are usually 23 to 27 inches tall and can weigh between 80 and 110 pounds. The size of each dog varies, but if your dog falls within this range, you can use the charts below as a general guide.

Always keep in mind that these are general guidelines. Your Bloodhound’s specific dietary needs can be influenced by various factors. For a tailored feeding plan, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian.

Bloodhound Puppy Feeding Chart (3 to 12 months)

In the first six weeks, a Bloodhound puppy relies solely on its mother’s milk for nutrition. Weaning begins after six weeks, gradually introducing puppy food into its diet.

Use this chart as a general guideline for feeding your Bloodhound puppy:

AgeDaily Feeding Amount (Cups)Caloric Intake (Per day)
3 – 4 months3 ¼ – 3 ½1,442 – 1,552
5 – 6 months3 ¼ – 4 ¼1,490 – 1,861
7 – 8 months4 ¼ – 4 ¾1,879 – 2,176
9 – 12 months4 ½ – 5 ½2,079 – 2,485
*Use a standard 8-oz measuring cup 

A Bloodhound puppy typically requires a diet comprising about 22% protein and 8% fat. This ratio supports healthy muscle and skeletal development.

Around nine months, you can begin transitioning your puppy from a specialized puppy diet to adult dog food.

Adult Bloodhound Feeding Chart (1 year to 6 years)

Bloodhounds typically reach full physical maturity between 15 and 24 months of age. During this period, their caloric requirements remain stable to support their daily activity levels and body size.

Refer to the feeding chart below on how much to feed an adult Bloodhound:

AgeDaily Feeding Amount (Cups)Caloric Intake (Per day)
1 – 6 years5 – 5 ¼1,988 – 2,106
*Use a standard 8-oz measuring cup 

Along with adequate caloric intake, it’s essential to include vitamins, minerals, and fiber in an adult Bloodhound’s diet. Omega fatty acids are also crucial to maintain their healthy coat and skin.

Regarding macronutrients, a Bloodhound typically requires about 18% protein and 5% fat in their diet. However, these percentages may vary depending on the brand and type of dog food you choose.

Senior Bloodhound Feeding Chart (7 years and above)

As Bloodhounds enter their senior years, it often becomes necessary to reconsider their entire meal plan. The reduced activity levels and slower metabolism at this stage in their lives directly affect their dietary needs.

Given these changes, senior Bloodhounds require fewer calories. It’s vital to adjust their diet to prevent obesity, which can lead to health problems such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, and others.

Refer to the following guide for recommendations on feeding a senior Bloodhound:

AgeDaily Feeding Amount (Cups)Caloric Intake (Per day)
7 years and above4 – 4 ¼1,590 – 1,685
*Use a standard 8-oz measuring cup 

In addition to modifying the calorie intake of a senior Bloodhound, it’s important to adjust the distribution of macronutrients in their diet. 

For older dogs, increasing the protein content to comprise 25% of their total daily caloric intake is often recommended.

How Often Should You Feed Your Bloodhound?

The frequency of meals for a Bloodhound varies with age. Typically, puppies aged 8 to 12 weeks should eat four times a day. From 4 months to 1 year, three meals daily are recommended. Once they reach one year old, feeding them twice a day is ideal.

Dividing a Bloodhound’s meals throughout the day, rather than providing a single large meal, helps prevent bloat and other gastrointestinal issues. It also ensures steady energy levels throughout the day.

Here’s a summary of the ideal feeding frequencies for Bloodhounds, depending on their age:

AgeFeeding Frequency
8 – 12 weeksFour times a day
4 months – 1 yearThree times a day
1 year and aboveTwo times a day

A Bloodhound puppy needs to eat more frequently due to their faster metabolism and the nutrients required for growth. As they transition into adulthood, a twice-a-day feeding schedule is recommended. 

However, keep in mind that some dogs may have specific nutritional needs, necessitating more or fewer meals per day.

How to Transition Your Bloodhound to a New Food

Transition dogs to a new food

Throughout your Bloodhound’s life, you may need to change its diet several times due to factors like life stage, nutritional needs, size, general health, or personal preference.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends spreading this transition over five to seven days. During this period, gradually introduce the new food by mixing it with the current diet.

For particularly picky Bloodhounds, consider extending this transition period.

Here’s a guide on how to transition your Bloodhound to a new diet:

DayOld FoodNew Food
1 – 275%25%
3 – 450%50%
5 – 625%75%
70%100%

Initially, the majority of the meal should still consist of the Bloodhound’s current food. Gradually, the new food should become a larger portion of the meal.

However, be aware that some dogs may react adversely to certain foods. If transitioning your Bloodhound to a new diet, be prepared for the possibility of slow acceptance.

It’s also advisable to monitor your Bloodhound’s stool to ensure that the new diet isn’t adversely affecting its digestive health.

Tips on Feeding an Overweight Bloodhound

Bloodhounds are susceptible to weight gain if not exercised adequately or if overfed. This is a serious health concern as it can lead to joint, heart, respiratory, and digestive issues.

To determine if your Bloodhound is overweight, assess its rib area. If you press firmly and still cannot feel its ribs, it’s likely that your dog is carrying excess weight.

Here are some practical tips to help manage your Bloodhound’s weight:

  • Portion control: It’s important to feed your dog in controlled portions. While free feeding might be acceptable for very young puppies, it’s not recommended for older dogs. If your Bloodhound has been free-fed, switch to a more structured portion-control feeding regimen.
  • Create a meal plan: Design a meal plan that fulfills your dog’s nutritional requirements, particularly if you’re preparing homemade meals. Knowing the exact calorie count your dog consumes is crucial for managing its weight.
  • Choose healthier food options: Be cautious of dog foods containing fillers, as these are essentially empty calories. If your dog is overweight, consider healthier food options, including homemade meals with lean meats, eggs, and non-starchy vegetables.
  • Incorporate foods rich in fiber: Adding fiber to your dog’s diet is beneficial for digestive health and can help them feel full without consuming too many calories. Excellent sources include green lettuce, carrots, green beans, and kelp.

However, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian if your Bloodhound is overweight. Weight gain in dogs can be due to various reasons, not just diet, so professional advice is always recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Man feeding his Bloodhound dog food

How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Bloodhound Enough?

There are several ways to determine if you’re feeding your Bloodhound enough.

First, look at and feel your Bloodhound’s body. In a healthy dog, you should be able to feel the ribs easily under a thin layer of fat and see a waist when viewed from above. 

If the ribs are very prominent and the waist is exaggerated, your dog might be underfed. Conversely, if you can’t feel the ribs and there’s no visible waist, your dog might be overfed.

A well-fed dog should have good energy levels and a shiny coat. If your dog seems lethargic or his coat is dull, it might indicate nutritional deficiencies.

Why Is My Bloodhound Not Eating?

Bloodhounds are typically not picky eaters, so if they’re not eating, it could be due to several reasons. 

This includes medical issues like stress, stomach problems, or infections, as well as behavioral issues such as separation anxiety or a change in environment. It’s also possible they simply don’t like their food. 

Puppies who are teething might eat slower, but if there’s a more serious dental problem, they might stop eating altogether. Certain medications can also cause a temporary loss of appetite.

Can I Feed My Bloodhound With Human Food?

Yes and no. Bloodhounds can eat some human foods, like coconut, eggs, fish, bread, ham, corn, honey, peanut butter, pork, shrimp, tuna, and turkey. 

However, they should avoid others, including almonds, chocolate, cinnamon, garlic, and grapes. Always check if a particular food is safe before giving it to your dog.

Do Bloodhounds Eat a Lot?

Yes, Bloodhounds, being large and active dogs, need a substantial amount of food to maintain their energy. They are known for eating almost anything and can have a very hearty appetite.

Can Bloodhounds Eat Bones?

Bones can be a source of minerals and nutrients, but Bloodhounds should never be given cooked bones or large bone chunks, as these can cause choking. 

They can chew on raw bones, though it’s recommended to give them only large bones and to supervise them, taking the bone away after 10 to 15 minutes.


I hope this guide has given you the information you need to determine the proper amount to feed your Bloodhound. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any other questions about feeding your Bloodhound!

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