Black and Tan Coonhound Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Black and Tan Coonhound, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originating in United States, the Black and Tan Coonhound is a large-sized hound breed that currently holds the #154 spot in AKC registrations. The first coonhound breed recognized by the AKC in 1945 and the only one that comes in a single color pattern, the classic black and tan. The Black and Tan Coonhound is a member of the Hound Group, dogs originally developed to track game using their exceptional sense of smell. Their feeding plan should account for their high energy output on tracking days. An adult Black and Tan Coonhound needs between 1461 and 2168 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Black and Tan Coonhound weighing 65 to 110 lb needs about 1461 to 2168 kcal a day, around 1826 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 3.8-5.7 cups daily, roughly 401 to 602 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 5.8-8.7 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 21-53 oz of food, about 2-3% of body weight. Weigh the ration rather than measuring it by cup, since kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, count treats inside that total rather than on top of it, and keep them under ten per cent of the calories. A Black and Tan Coonhound that gains or loses weight on these amounts needs a vet's opinion, not simply a different scoop: these figures are a starting point for a healthy dog, and they assume the 10-to-12-year life stage and activity level described below rather than pregnancy, illness or working days.
Two of the conditions this breed is screened for change how it should be fed, and the less common one matters more here because it is the one a general feeding guide never mentions. With ear infections, repeated infections in this breed are usually about ventilation and moisture rather than diet, but recurrent cases without an obvious trigger are among the situations where an elimination diet earns its place. With hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid slows the metabolism, so a dog on the correct ration can still gain; if weight rises without more food, that is a reason to test rather than to cut the ration further. Neither is a reason to choose a different food off the shelf; both are reasons to weigh the ration rather than estimate it.
A third predisposition worth knowing is hip dysplasia: every excess pound is carried by the joint, so the body-condition score matters more here than in a breed without the predisposition, and a dog kept one rib-width leaner has measurably less pain over its life. A Black and Tan Coonhound that never develops any of these still benefits from the same habits, because the habits are simply good feeding practice made specific.
A short coat makes body condition visible, which is the one advantage that matters at feeding time: the waist and the ribs can be seen and felt without parting fur, so the weekly check takes seconds and needs no scale. For a Black and Tan Coonhound, that is the check worth making weekly.
Males and females of this breed differ enough in size that one ration does not fit both: around 88 lb against 76 lb on average, a gap of 16 per cent. Feeding both from the same scoop overfeeds one and underfeeds the other, and the figures on this page should be read against the dog in front of you rather than against the breed average.
Plan on 1.0–2.2 cups of premium dry food daily for your adult Black and Tan Coonhound, divided into morning and evening meals. Given this hound breed's predisposition to Hip Dysplasia, discuss dietary approaches that may help manage this risk with your vet. Males weigh 65 to 110 pounds and females 50 to 85 pounds; they are the largest of the six coonhound breeds..
Daily Calorie Needs for Black and Tan Coonhound
Adult
1461-2168
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1694
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
1063-1577
kcal/day
Note: Feeding guidelines are estimates based on standard veterinary formulas. Every dog is different, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Feeding Strategy for Black and Tan Coonhounds
With an above-average energy level, the Black and Tan Coonhound benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 3.8-5.7 cups of kibble provides steady energy without the blood sugar spikes of a single large meal. Choose a formula with at least 25% protein and moderate fat to support their daily activity.
Black and Tan Coonhound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.9-2.9 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.9-2.9 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Black and Tan Coonhound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 3.8-5.7 cups | 1461-2168 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 5.8-8.7 cans | 1461-2168 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 21-53 oz | 1461-2168 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 3.8-5.7 cups
- Calories
- 1461-2168 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 5.8-8.7 cans
- Calories
- 1461-2168 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 21-53 oz
- Calories
- 1461-2168 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Black and Tan Coonhounds
The Black and Tan Coonhound requires significant daily exercise, typically 60-90 minutes of vigorous activity. On high-activity days (hiking, running, dog sports), increase their food by 10-20% to compensate for the extra calorie burn. On rest days, stick to the baseline portion. Never feed a large meal within 30 minutes of intense exercise; instead, offer a small snack 2 hours before activity and the main meal 1 hour after.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Black and Tan Coonhounds, which are predisposed to Hip Dysplasia. Diet plays a preventive and management role at every life stage. For puppies, controlled growth rate and proper calcium-phosphorus ratios protect developing joints. For adults, maintaining ideal body weight reduces mechanical stress on joints. Specific nutrients can slow cartilage degradation and reduce inflammation.
Recommended Joint Supplements
Thyroid Health & Diet
Hypothyroidism is a recognized concern in Black and Tan Coonhounds, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Black and Tan Coonhound with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Black and Tan Coonhound shows these signs, a simple blood test can confirm the diagnosis. While thyroid medication (levothyroxine) is the primary treatment, dietary support matters: ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet, maintain strict portion control to prevent weight gain, and consider a weight-management formula if your dog is on thyroid medication but still struggling with weight.
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Using a puppy formula designed for small breeds
Large and giant breed puppies need controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to prevent developmental orthopedic diseases. Always choose a large-breed puppy formula that supports slow, steady growth rather than rapid weight gain.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Black and Tan Coonhound that runs for 2 hours burns significantly more than one that had a lazy day. Track activity and adjust portions accordingly, up to 20% more on high-activity days, 10% less on rest days.
Skipping joint supplements until problems appear
For breeds predisposed to joint issues, preventive supplementation with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids can help protect cartilage before damage occurs. Starting these supplements early, even at 1-2 years old, is more effective than waiting for symptoms.
Not providing enough water alongside increased food
Active large breeds process significant amounts of food and need plenty of fresh water. Ensure your Black and Tan Coonhound always has access to clean water, and consider adding water to kibble if hydration is a concern, especially after exercise.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Black and Tan Coonhounds are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Black and Tan Coonhound is gaining weight despite measured feeding, ask your vet for a thyroid panel before simply cutting food.
Black and Tan Coonhound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Black and Tan Coonhounds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Glucosamine & Chondroitin
Add a joint supplement with glucosamine (500-1000mg) and chondroitin. Consider foods with added omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) to reduce inflammation.
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Black and Tan Coonhound Ideal Weight
To determine if your Black and Tan Coonhound is at a healthy weight (65–110 lbs target): Rib test: You should be able to feel the ribs without pressing hard, with a thin layer of fat covering them. Waist check: Viewed from above, there should be a visible waist behind the ribs. Tuck-up: From the side, the abdomen should tuck up behind the rib cage. Their coat type allows for relatively easy visual assessment.
Male Black and Tan Coonhound
65-110 lbs
29-50 kg
Female Black and Tan Coonhound
55-96 lbs
25-44 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Black and Tan Coonhound typically needs 1461-2168 calories per day, which translates to approximately 3.8-5.7 cups of dry kibble daily, split into two meals. However, this is a starting point, your specific dog's needs depend on their exact weight within the 65-110 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Black and Tan Coonhounds should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of large breeds prefer three smaller meals, which can help with digestion and energy levels throughout the day. Consistent meal times help regulate digestion, blood sugar, and make house training easier.
Look for a food that lists real meat (not meal or by-products) as the first ingredient, contains 22-30% protein, and is formulated for large breeds. Large breed formulas have controlled calcium (1.0-1.5%) and phosphorus levels to support skeletal health. Weigh the food rather than measuring it by cup: kibble density varies by up to a third between brands, so the same cup can hold 80 or 120 grams.
Given the Black and Tan Coonhound's predisposition to joint issues, consider: glucosamine HCl (500-1000mg/day), chondroitin sulfate, and omega-3 fish oil (EPA/DHA). Green-lipped mussel extract is also showing promise in studies. Many premium dog foods already include glucosamine, check your current food's label before adding supplements. Start joint support early (1-2 years old) for prevention rather than waiting for symptoms to appear. Always consult your vet before starting a supplement regimen.
Large breed Black and Tan Coonhound puppies should transition to adult food between 12-15 months of age. The key is not to switch based on size alone, your puppy should be at or near their expected adult height. Transition gradually over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of adult food with decreasing amounts of puppy food. Choose a large-breed adult formula with appropriate calcium and phosphorus levels.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Black and Tan Coonhounds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Black and Tan Coonhound, that means roughly 21-53 oz per day. The diet should include muscle meat (70%), raw meaty bones (10%), organ meat (10%), and vegetables/fruits (10%). However, raw diets carry risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalance if not properly formulated. Consult a veterinary nutritionist before switching.
A healthy adult Black and Tan Coonhound weighs between 65-110 lbs (males: 65-110 lbs, females: 55-96 lbs). Use the body condition score (BCS) method: you should be able to feel ribs with light pressure but not see them, observe a visible waist when viewed from above, and notice an abdominal tuck from the side. If your Black and Tan Coonhound exceeds 126 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Males: 65–110 lbs. Females: 55–96 lbs. Males weigh 65 to 110 pounds and females 50 to 85 pounds; they are the largest of the six coonhound breeds.. Consult your vet for a personalized assessment. The figures on this page assume a neutered adult at a healthy weight with moderate activity; an intact, working or growing dog needs more, and a dog on restricted exercise needs less.
Feeding Guidelines Disclaimer
The feeding recommendations on DosageGuide.com are estimates based on standard veterinary nutrition formulas (RER = 70 × weight^0.75) and general guidelines from AAFCO and veterinary nutrition resources.
Every dog is unique. Actual calorie needs vary based on breed, metabolism, activity level, health conditions, spay/neuter status, and the specific food brand you use. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.
These guides are for general reference and do not replace professional veterinary guidance. Adjust portions based on your dog's body condition score and weight trends.