Bloodhound Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Bloodhound, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Bloodhound is a beloved large breed from Belgium, ranked #42 in AKC popularity. A gentle giant whose nose is so powerful it can follow a scent trail that is over 300 hours old across more than 130 miles. The Bloodhound 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 tendency toward weight gain during less active periods. An adult Bloodhound needs between 1552 and 1971 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Bloodhound weighing 80 to 110 lb needs about 1552 to 1971 kcal a day, around 1766 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 4.1-5.2 cups daily, roughly 433 to 549 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 6.2-7.9 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 26-53 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 Bloodhound 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 bloat, split the daily ration into two or three meals, keep the dog quiet for an hour after eating, and learn the signs, an unproductive retch and a swelling abdomen, because the window to reach a vet is measured in hours. 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 elbow dysplasia: lameness after exercise rather than during it is the usual sign, and the feeding lever is the same as for any joint condition, which is keeping the dog at the lean end of its range. A Bloodhound 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 Bloodhound, 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 95 lb against 82 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.
Adult Bloodhounds (80–110 lbs) typically need 1.2 to 2.2 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Choose a large-breed formula to support joint health and manage the risk of Bloat. Needs long daily walks with ample opportunity to use their nose; scent work and tracking activities provide excellent mental stimulation., adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $85–127/month for food costs.
Daily Calorie Needs for Bloodhound
Adult
1552-1971
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1802
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
1242-1577
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 Bloodhounds
The Bloodhound has a moderate energy level, making portion control straightforward but still important. Feed 4.1-5.2 cups of quality kibble daily, divided into two meals. A standard adult maintenance formula with balanced macronutrients works well. Monitor weight monthly, as moderate-energy breeds can gradually gain weight if portions aren't adjusted for actual activity.
Bloat Prevention for Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds are predisposed to Bloat (commonly known as bloat), one of the most serious emergencies in veterinary medicine. The stomach fills with gas and can twist on itself, cutting off blood supply. How you feed your Bloodhound directly impacts this risk. Deep-chested breeds like the Bloodhound are anatomically more susceptible, but proper feeding practices significantly reduce the odds.
Essential Feeding Practices
- Divide daily food into 2-3 smaller meals instead of one large feeding
- Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gulping air while eating
- Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 30-60 minutes before and after meals
- Keep your dog calm during and after mealtimes, excitement increases air swallowing
- Consider moistening kibble with warm water to reduce expansion in the stomach
- Avoid elevated bowls if your vet hasn't specifically recommended them
Bloodhound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
2.1-2.6 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
2.1-2.6 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Bloodhound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 4.1-5.2 cups | 1552-1971 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 6.2-7.9 cans | 1552-1971 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 26-53 oz | 1552-1971 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 4.1-5.2 cups
- Calories
- 1552-1971 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 6.2-7.9 cans
- Calories
- 1552-1971 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 26-53 oz
- Calories
- 1552-1971 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Bloodhounds
Moderate daily exercise (45-60 minutes of walks and play) keeps the Bloodhound fit and helps regulate appetite. Most Bloodhounds do well on a consistent daily portion without needing exercise-day adjustments. If your dog gets significantly more activity on weekends (long hikes, beach trips), you can add a small handful of kibble to their evening meal on those days.
Joint Health & Nutrition
Joint health is a primary nutritional concern for Bloodhounds, which are predisposed to Hip Dysplasia and Elbow 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
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.
Feeding one large meal per day
Bloodhounds are at risk for bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening emergency. Always split daily food into 2-3 smaller meals and avoid exercise immediately after eating. Consider an elevated bowl and a slow-feeder.
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.
Switching foods abruptly without a transition period
Any diet change, brand, flavor, or formula, should happen gradually over 7-10 days. Mix increasing amounts of the new food with decreasing amounts of the old. Abrupt switches cause digestive upset (diarrhea, vomiting, gas) in most dogs, Bloodhounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Bloodhound's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 1425 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Bloodhound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Tip 5
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Bloodhounds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Meal Frequency
Feed 2-3 smaller meals per day instead of one large meal. Use a slow-feeder bowl. Avoid exercise 30 minutes before and after meals.
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.
Bloodhound Ideal Weight
To determine if your Bloodhound is at a healthy weight (80–110 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 short and dense coat can mask weight gain, so hands-on assessment is essential.
Male Bloodhound
80-110 lbs
36-50 kg
Female Bloodhound
68-96 lbs
31-44 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Bloodhound typically needs 1552-1971 calories per day, which translates to approximately 4.1-5.2 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 80-110 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Bloodhounds should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Because this breed is at risk for bloat, splitting food into 2-3 meals is especially important, never feed the entire daily portion in one sitting. 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 Bloodhound'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 Bloodhound 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.
Bloat (GDV) prevention through feeding: divide daily food into 2-3 meals rather than one; use a slow-feeder bowl; avoid vigorous exercise 30-60 minutes before and after meals; keep meal times calm; consider moistening kibble with warm water; and don't let your dog drink excessive water immediately after eating. While no feeding method guarantees bloat prevention, these practices significantly reduce the risk in susceptible breeds like the Bloodhound. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet, especially if you're getting a puppy.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Bloodhounds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Bloodhound, that means roughly 26-53 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 Bloodhound weighs between 80-110 lbs (males: 80-110 lbs, females: 68-96 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 Bloodhound exceeds 126 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
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.