Plott Hound Feeding Guide
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.
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
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.