Plott Hound Feeding Guide
Published by DosageGuide · Reviewed
How much to feed your Plott Hound, daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
The Plott Hound is a beloved medium breed from United States, ranked #129 in AKC popularity. A fearless mountain hunter with German roots and Southern grit who will bay a bear but cuddle on the couch with equal enthusiasm. The Plott 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 Plott Hound needs between 1015 and 1376 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
An adult Plott Hound weighing 40 to 60 lb needs about 1015 to 1376 kcal a day, around 1200 kcal for a neutered dog at a healthy weight with moderate activity. On a dry food of 380 kcal per cup that is 2.7-3.6 cups daily, roughly 285 to 380 grams, split into two meals; on wet food alone, 4.1-5.5 cans of 250 kcal; on a raw diet, 13-29 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 Plott Hound 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-14-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 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 Plott Hound 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 Plott Hound, 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 50 lb against 43 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 0.6–1.2 cups of premium dry food daily for your adult Plott Hound, 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. Weighs 40 to 60 pounds for females and 50 to 75 pounds for males; muscular and athletic without being heavy or cumbersome..
Daily Calorie Needs for Plott Hound
Adult
1015-1376
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1113
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
738-1001
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 Plott Hounds
With an above-average energy level, the Plott Hound benefits from a feeding plan that balances calorie intake with their active lifestyle. Two measured meals per day totaling 2.7-3.6 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.
Bloat Prevention for Plott Hounds
Plott Hounds 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 Plott Hound directly impacts this risk. Deep-chested breeds like the Plott Hound 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
Plott Hound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.4-1.8 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.4-1.8 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Plott Hound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 2.7-3.6 cups | 1015-1376 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 4.1-5.5 cans | 1015-1376 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 13-29 oz | 1015-1376 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 2.7-3.6 cups
- Calories
- 1015-1376 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 4.1-5.5 cans
- Calories
- 1015-1376 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 13-29 oz
- Calories
- 1015-1376 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Plott Hounds
The Plott Hound 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 Plott Hounds, 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
Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
Feeding one large meal per day
Plott Hounds 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.
Not adjusting portions for activity level
An active Plott 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.
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, Plott Hounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Plott 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.
Plott Hound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Tip 3
Tip 4
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Plott Hounds, 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.
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.
Plott Hound Ideal Weight
Is your Plott Hound at a healthy weight? The ideal range is 40–60 lbs (males 40–60, females 34–52). 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 Plott Hound
40-60 lbs
18-27 kg
Female Plott Hound
34-52 lbs
15-24 kg
Related Guides
Feeding Guides for Similar Breeds
Frequently Asked Questions
An adult Plott Hound typically needs 1015-1376 calories per day, which translates to approximately 2.7-3.6 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 40-60 lb range, activity level, metabolism, and whether they're spayed/neutered (which reduces calorie needs by about 20-30%).
Adult Plott Hounds 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 medium breeds. A standard adult formula from a reputable brand that meets AAFCO standards provides complete nutrition.
Given the Plott Hound'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.
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 Plott Hound. Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your vet, especially if you're getting a puppy.
Raw (BARF) diets are an option for Plott Hounds, with proponents citing shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and better digestion. A typical raw diet provides 2-3% of body weight daily, for a Plott Hound, that means roughly 13-29 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 Plott Hound weighs between 40-60 lbs (males: 40-60 lbs, females: 34-52 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 Plott Hound exceeds 69 lbs or you can't feel the ribs, consult your vet about a weight management plan.
Males: 40–60 lbs. Females: 34–52 lbs. Weighs 40 to 60 pounds for females and 50 to 75 pounds for males; muscular and athletic without being heavy or cumbersome.. 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.