Pharaoh Hound Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Pharaoh Hound — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Pharaoh Hound is a beloved medium breed from Malta, ranked #135 in AKC popularity. A noble, blushing hound who literally glows with excitement, combining ancient elegance with a surprisingly playful and clownish personality. The Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound needs between 1109 and 1289 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Plan on 0.7–1.1 cups of premium dry food daily for your adult Pharaoh Hound, divided into morning and evening meals. Given this hound breed's predisposition to Anesthesia Sensitivity, discuss dietary approaches that may help manage this risk with your vet. Weighs 45 to 55 pounds with a lean, elegant build; they should appear athletic and graceful without being fragile..
Daily Calorie Needs for Pharaoh Hound
Adult
1109-1289
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1113
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
807-938
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 Pharaoh Hounds
With an above-average energy level, the Pharaoh Hound benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 2.9-3.4 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.
Pharaoh Hound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.5-1.7 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.5-1.7 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Pharaoh Hound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 2.9-3.4 cups | 1109-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 4.4-5.2 cans | 1109-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 14-26 oz | 1109-1289 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 2.9-3.4 cups
- Calories
- 1109-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 4.4-5.2 cans
- Calories
- 1109-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 14-26 oz
- Calories
- 1109-1289 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Pharaoh Hounds
The Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hounds, which are predisposed to Patellar Luxation. 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 Pharaoh Hounds, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Pharaoh Hound with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Pharaoh Hound 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 Pharaoh Hound 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.
Blaming laziness for weight gain without checking thyroid
Pharaoh Hounds are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Pharaoh Hound 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, Pharaoh Hounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Pharaoh Hound's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 750 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Pharaoh Hound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Pharaoh Hounds, consider these nutritional adjustments:
Iodine & Selenium
Ensure adequate iodine and selenium in the diet. Weight management is important as hypothyroidism can cause weight gain.
Pharaoh Hound Ideal Weight
Assessing your Pharaoh Hound's body condition (healthy range: 45–55 lbs): Rib check: Run your hands along the ribcage—you should feel individual ribs under a slight fat layer. Overhead view: A defined waist should be visible between ribs and hips. Side profile: The abdomen should tuck upward behind the last rib. Overweight Pharaoh Hounds face higher risks of Anesthesia Sensitivity, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Pharaoh Hound
45-55 lbs
20-25 kg
Female Pharaoh Hound
38-48 lbs
17-22 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
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.