Harrier Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Harrier, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originally bred in England, the Harrier has become one of the world's most recognizable medium breeds, sitting at #143 in AKC popularity. A rare and robust pack hound who brings tireless energy, cheerful disposition, and an unwavering desire to run with the pack, whatever that pack may be. The Harrier 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 Harrier needs between 1109 and 1376 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Harrier weighing 45 to 60 lb needs about 1109 to 1376 kcal a day, around 1245 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 2.9-3.6 cups daily, roughly 306 to 380 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 4.4-5.5 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 14-29 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 Harrier 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 12-to-15-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 Harrier 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 Harrier, 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 53 lb against 45 lb on average, a gap of 17 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 Harriers (45–60 lbs) typically need 0.7 to 1.2 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. A formula suited to medium breeds provides appropriate nutrient density. Needs extensive daily exercise; bred to run for hours and requires vigorous activity such as long runs, hikes, or organized pack activities., adjust portions based on activity level. Budget $60–92/month for food costs.
Daily Calorie Needs for Harrier
Adult
1109-1376
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1155
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
807-1001
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 Harriers
With an above-average energy level, the Harrier benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 2.9-3.6 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.
Harrier Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.5-1.8 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.5-1.8 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Harrier
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 2.9-3.6 cups | 1109-1376 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 4.4-5.5 cans | 1109-1376 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 14-29 oz | 1109-1376 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 2.9-3.6 cups
- Calories
- 1109-1376 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 4.4-5.5 cans
- Calories
- 1109-1376 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 14-29 oz
- Calories
- 1109-1376 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Harriers
The Harrier requires extensive daily exercise, typically 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 Harriers, 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 Harriers, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Harrier with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Harrier 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
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Harrier 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.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Harriers are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Harrier is gaining weight despite measured feeding, ask your vet for a thyroid panel before simply cutting food.
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, Harriers included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Harrier's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories, significant for a dog that only needs 788 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Harrier-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Harriers, 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.
Harrier Ideal Weight
Is your Harrier at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 45–60 lbs (males 45–60, females 38–52). Check these three signs: Ribs: Easily felt with light pressure; not visible but not buried under fat. Waistline: A clear narrowing behind the ribs when viewed from above.
Male Harrier
45-60 lbs
20-27 kg
Female Harrier
38-52 lbs
17-24 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Harrier typically needs 1109-1376 calories per day, which translates to approximately 2.9-3.6 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 45-60 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Harriers should be fed twice a day, ideally 12 hours apart (morning and evening). Some owners of medium 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 medium breeds. A standard adult formula from a reputable brand that meets AAFCO standards provides complete nutrition.
Given the Harrier'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.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Harriers, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Harrier, that means roughly 14-29 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 Harrier weighs between 45-60 lbs (males: 45-60 lbs, females: 38-52 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 Harrier exceeds 69 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Males: 45–60 lbs. Females: 38–52 lbs. Weighs 45 to 60 pounds, fitting neatly between the Beagle and the English Foxhound in size and build.. 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.
The Harrier is predisposed to Hip Dysplasia, Ear Infections, Hypothyroidism, and more. One of the healthiest hound breeds due to their working heritage and lack of extreme physical features.. An adult Harrier weighs 45-60 lb, which is what sets the daily ration: energy needs rise with body weight but not in a straight line, so a dog twice as heavy does not eat twice as much.
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.