Treeing Walker Coonhound Feeding Guide
How much to feed your Treeing Walker Coonhound — daily calories, portion sizes, and feeding schedule
Originating in United States, the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a medium-sized hound breed that currently holds the #151 spot in AKC registrations. Their loud, clear bawl mouth on trail changes to a distinctive chop bark when the quarry is treed, allowing hunters to distinguish between trailing and treeing from a distance. The Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound needs between 1309 and 1685 calories per day, though this varies with age, weight, activity level, and individual metabolism.
Daily food for an adult Treeing Walker Coonhound: 0.8–1.4 cups of high-quality dry food in two meals, budgeting $65–99/month. Puppies growing toward 50–70 lbs need three to four daily feedings until around six months old. Very healthy breed overall; coonhound paralysis is the breed-specific concern, though it is rare and typically resolves with supportive care.—treats count toward daily calorie intake.
Daily Calorie Needs for Treeing Walker Coonhound
Adult
1309-1685
kcal/day
Puppy (peak)
1277
kcal/day (6-9 mo)
Senior
873-1124
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 Treeing Walker Coonhounds
The Treeing Walker Coonhound's exceptional energy level demands a feeding strategy that prioritizes sustained fuel delivery. Split daily portions of 3.4-4.4 cups into two meals to prevent energy crashes, and consider a performance or active-breed formula with higher fat content (15-20%) for endurance. On especially active days — long hikes, agility training, or field work — you may increase portions by 10-15%.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Feeding Schedule
Morning (7-8 AM)
1.7-2.2 cups kibble
Evening (5-6 PM)
1.7-2.2 cups kibble
Split Meals
Portion Sizes by Food Type
Daily Portions for Treeing Walker Coonhound
Based on average adult weight and activity level
| Food Type | Daily Amount | Calories | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Kibble | 3.4-4.4 cups | 1309-1685 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~380 kcal per cup |
| Wet Food | 5.2-6.7 cans | 1309-1685 kcal | 2 meals/day | ~250 kcal per 13oz can |
| Raw Diet | 16-34 oz | 1309-1685 kcal | 2 meals/day | 2-3% of body weight |
- Amount
- 3.4-4.4 cups
- Calories
- 1309-1685 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~380 kcal per cup
- Amount
- 5.2-6.7 cans
- Calories
- 1309-1685 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
~250 kcal per 13oz can
- Amount
- 16-34 oz
- Calories
- 1309-1685 kcal
- Frequency
- 2 meals/day
2-3% of body weight
Exercise & Feeding for Treeing Walker Coonhounds
The Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhounds, 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 Treeing Walker Coonhounds, affecting metabolism, weight, coat quality, and energy level. A Treeing Walker Coonhound with untreated hypothyroidism may gain weight despite eating normal portions, develop a thin or dull coat, and become lethargic. If your Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound 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
Treeing Walker Coonhounds are predisposed to hypothyroidism, which slows metabolism and causes weight gain even on normal portions. If your Treeing Walker Coonhound 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, Treeing Walker Coonhounds included.
Not accounting for treats in the daily calorie budget
Treats should never exceed 10% of your Treeing Walker Coonhound's daily calorie intake. A single dental chew can contain 70-90 calories — significant for a dog that only needs 900 calories per day. Subtract treat calories from meal portions.
Treeing Walker Coonhound-Specific Feeding Tips
Tip 1
Tip 2
Breed-Specific Nutritional Needs
Based on health conditions common in Treeing Walker Coonhounds, 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.
Treeing Walker Coonhound Ideal Weight
Assessing your Treeing Walker Coonhound's body condition (healthy range: 50–70 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 Treeing Walker Coonhounds face higher risks of Hip Dysplasia, joint problems, and shortened lifespan.
Male Treeing Walker Coonhound
50-70 lbs
23-32 kg
Female Treeing Walker Coonhound
42-61 lbs
19-28 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.