Best Dog Food for Coonhounds : 15 Healthy Options + Helpful Answers to Feeding FAQs

The name Coonhound applies to six breeds including the Black and Tan Coonhound, the Redbone Coonhound, the English Coonhound, and several others.

Coonhounds are a large breed of scent hound used for hunting game. They are an American type of hound, specifically bred for hunting raccoons. Early versions of the American breeds were imported into the United States during the colonial period for fox hunting and came to be adapted for other purposes. These dogs are skilled in hunting any type of prey when properly trained and they also make wonderful family pets, for the most part.

Though the details vary from one breed to another, Coonhounds are large dogs weighing anywhere from 50 to 100 pounds. Their lifespan is generally proportionate to their size, though the average is about 10 to 12 years. As for all dogs, a high-quality diet is essential for Coonhounds.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

Understanding a Coonhound’s Diet Requirements

Though the weight range for Coonhounds is fairly large, all six breeds have the same basic nutritional requirements. Protein is the most important nutrient because it provides the foundation for healthy muscles while your puppy is growing and then supports lean muscle mass in adulthood. Fat provides healthy energy for your dog which is particularly important if you plan to use him for hunting – his energy expenditure will be very high.

Both protein and fat should come from animal-based sources as much as possible because your dog’s body is better adapted to digesting and utilizing nutrients from animal sources than from plant sources. Plus, animal proteins are complete proteins which means that they contain all 10 essential amino acids that your dog needs in his diet.

Your dog doesn’t have specific requirements for carbohydrates in his diet but they should be limited because he has a limited ability to digest plant products. Carbohydrates can provide supplemental energy as well as fiber and essential nutrients. The best sources of carbohydrate are digestible sources like whole grains, vegetables, beans, and legumes. In terms of dietary fiber, look for a recipe that provides between 3% and 5% crude fiber.

• Puppy Coonhounds Diet – As a puppy, your Coonhound needs a minimum of 22% protein and 8% fat in his diet to grow healthy muscle and to provide for his energy needs. A large-breed puppy recipe will meet his minimum requirements without risking overgrowth – if your puppy grows too fast it could increase his risk for musculoskeletal issues as an adult.
• Adult Coonhounds Diet – When your Coonhound reaches his full size, he needs a minimum of 18% protein and 5% fat. More protein is beneficial to maintain lean muscle mass and extra fat may be needed for highly active dogs. Joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are also important.
• Senior Coonhounds Diet – As your Coonhound gets older, he may slow down and his risk for obesity may increase if he becomes less active. A senior large-breed formula will meet his needs while keeping him at a healthy body weight.

A top rated dog food will meet your dog’s basic requirements for protein, fat, and carbohydrates but your Coonhound can also benefit from fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy supplements. Fresh fruits and veggies provide natural sources for key nutrients and they are more biologically valuable than synthetic supplements. Chelated minerals are mineral supplements that have been chemically bound to protein molecules which increases their absorption. Your dog can also benefit from prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestion, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.

Special Dietary Considerations for Coonhounds

Generally speaking, Coonhounds seem to be healthy dogs with few serious health problems. They are, of course, prone to field injuries but that comes with the job.

Here is a quick list of the health problems to which the Coonhound may be prone:

• Arthritis
• Cataracts
• Ear Infections
• Gastric Dilation
• Hip Dysplasia

Let’s take a closer look at some of these health problems.

Arthritis is characterized by joint inflammation and it typically develops in adult and senior dogs. One of the biggest risk factors for arthritis is overgrowth in large-breed puppies. If your Coonhound puppy grows too quickly it could put excess strain on his bones and joints which may increase his risk for musculoskeletal issues later in life. As an adult, obesity can make arthritis worse. Maintaining a healthy body weight and feeding a diet rich in joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin can help prevent or manage this condition.

A cataract is an opacity that forms in the lens of the eye and it can partially or completely obstruct your dog’s vision. It is not a painful condition unless the cataract luxates, in which case it might require surgery. Ear infections are common in some Coonhounds due to their pendulous ears. If the ears get wet they may not dry because they are so long and moist conditions become a breed ground for bacteria.

Perhaps the most dangerous condition on this list is gastric dilation or bloat. This is a condition in which the stomach fills with air and twists on its axis, cutting off blood flow and causing a life-threatening condition. It happens when your dog eats too much, eats too fast, or swallows too much air while he is eating. Feeding your dog smaller meals and avoiding raised dog bowls can reduce the risk for bloat.

Hip dysplasia is a musculoskeletal issue that is commonly inherited in Coonhounds. It is characterized by an abnormality of the hip joint which allows the femoral head to slip in and out of place. This leads to inflammation of the joint and may contribute to arthritis.

Coonhound Feeding Chart

Choosing a large-breed specific dog food is very important for your Coonhound because it will ensure that he gets the right nutrients in the right balance for optimal health. As a puppy, his needs for protein and fat are higher because he is growing and developing. However, he needs controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus to protect his bones and joints – if he grows too fast, his risk for arthritis and other joint problems become higher in adulthood.

As an adult, you need to help your Coonhound maintain a healthy body weight and choosing a large-breed dog food can help with that. These recipes feature plenty of protein for lean muscle maintenance with moderate levels of fat to control calories. They also tend to be higher in joint supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin. When your Coonhound reaches senior status, you might consider a large-breed senior or healthy weight recipe to help him maintain a healthy body weight.

The Best Dog Food for Coonhounds: Our Top 15 Picks in 2023

Now that you have a better understanding of your Coonhound’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for dog food! Remember, the best Coonhound food will be made from wholesome natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, featuring high-quality animal protein with healthy fats and digestible carbohydrates. Here are our top 15 picks:

Our 2023 Picks: Coonhound Food Recommendations:
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.89/lb	A+
Most Affordable	American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.12/lb	A+
Most Popular	Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.58/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Buy Online Customer Reviews	Varies	A+
Allergies	FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.56/lb	A
Sensitive Stomachs	Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.14/lb	A

Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe

Overall Best 2023 Food for Coonhounds: The best diet for your Coonhound is one made from all-natural ingredients like this Holistic Select Chicken Meal & Oatmeal Large & Giant Breed Recipe. This recipe features a variety of animal proteins to support lean muscle mass with supplemental taurine and L-carnitine for healthy heart function. It contains digestible whole-grain carbohydrates as well as supplemental fiber to ensure healthy and regular digestion. This recipe contains protease to help break down dietary proteins, cellulose to break down fiber, and probiotics to help all of it along. Plus, it is formulated for large and giant breeds.

• Pros: Formulated for large and giant breeds, high-quality digestible ingredients, chicken meal for lean protein, grain-free carbohydrates, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and joints
• Cons: Expensive to feed as a staple diet

American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe

Most Affordable Food: If you’re looking for an affordable dog food that offers good quality and digestibility, consider this American Journey Chicken & Brown Rice Large-Breed Adult Recipe. This recipe features a wealth of natural ingredients including deboned chicken for lean protein and chicken meal as a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin. It features digestible whole-grain carbohydrates as well as fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources for key nutrients. A blend of omega fatty acids provides energy as well as healthy fats for skin and coat support, plus there are prebiotic fibers for healthy digestion.

• Pros: High-quality sources of animal protein, rich in essential fatty acids, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, chelated minerals, no artificial additives
• Cons: main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil)

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Food

Most Popular Food: When you can’t decide what to feed your Coonhound, consider a popular recipe like this Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Food. This recipe features novel sources of protein like salmon and ocean fish meal to help your dog maintain lean muscle mass while also providing omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. This recipe is highly digestible, made with grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and potatoes, plus it is supplemented with fiber from potato fiber, blueberries, and raspberries. These fruits also provide natural sources of key vitamins and antioxidants, plus there are chelated minerals to ensure nutritional balance. All in all, this recipe provides 25% protein and 15% fat with 3% fiber and probiotics for healthy digestion.

• Pros: Several premium animal proteins, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, prebiotics and probiotics
• Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based (canola oil), could be higher in fiber

NomNom Fresh Food Delivery Service

Super Premium Food: To maximize your Coonhound’s nutrition, consider fresh food. NomNom is a fresh dog food delivery service that sends fresh, custom meals right to your door on a monthly basis. Signing up takes just a few minutes and all you have to do is type in some basic information about your dog. From there, you can select your recipe from the collection and they will automatically be customized according to your dog’s nutrient and calorie needs. Every recipe is made with the freshest natural ingredients to guarantee the highest quality nutrition and plenty of natural flavor.

• Pros: Made with the freshest ingredients, custom meals for your dog, delivered fresh to your door, perfectly portioned pouches, automatic shipments
• Cons: Limited number of recipe options, very expensive to feed, delivery restrictions in some areas

FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe

Best Food for Coonhounds with Allergies: If your Coonhound has food allergies, the best thing you can do is limit the number of ingredients in his diet. This FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe is an excellent option because not only does it contain a lower number of main ingredients, but it features a novel source of animal protein. Wild herring reduces the risk for food allergies while providing a rich source of protein and omega fatty acids. This recipe is grain-free for digestibility and it comes in a larger kibble size to control how much your dog can eat at once. Plus, it is supplemented with glucosamine to support his bones and joints.

• Pros: Single source of novel protein, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in essential fatty acids, limited number of main ingredients, chelated minerals, glucosamine, large kibble size
• Cons: May be too high in fiber for some dogs, expensive to feed as a staple diet

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe

Best Food for Coonhounds with Sensitive Stomachs: If your dog has a sensitive stomach, he needs a highly digestible dog food made with quality ingredients. This Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Adult Recipe is a great choice because it features real chicken as the main ingredient. Not only is chicken a rich source of protein, but it is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin as well. This recipe also contains digestible grain-free carbohydrates like potatoes and peas with supplemental fiber from flaxseed. It features a wealth of essential fatty acids including omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, with prebiotic fibers and probiotics to ensure healthy and regular digestion.

• Pros: Highly digestible recipe, deboned chicken as main ingredient, grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, natural source of glucosamine, fresh fruits and vegetables, prebiotics and probiotics
• Cons: Contains some plant protein (pea protein), may be a little too high in fiber for some dogs

3 more Top Rated (5 Star) Coonhound Adult Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Adult Food	Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.50/lb	A+
Adult Food	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish & Oatmeal Large Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.88/lb	A
Adult Food	Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Large Breed Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.64/lb	A

Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food

This Eagle Pack Large & Giant Breed Adult Dry Food is a good option for your Coonhound if you’re looking for something rich in protein with plenty of healthy fats. It is formulated for large breeds, so it contains plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin – it is also rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Plus, it is supplemented with a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for nutritional balance.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish & Oatmeal Large Breed Recipe

For a rich source of protein and healthy fats, this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Fish & Oatmeal Large Breed Recipe is a great option for your Coonhound. It features whitefish and menhaden fish meal as the primary proteins which also provide omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. This recipe is also supplemented with whole-grain carbohydrates and probiotics.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Large Breed Recipe

If your Coonhound has food allergies or sensitivities, a grain-free recipe might be the way to go. This Wellness CORE Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Large Breed Recipe features chicken and turkey as lean sources of protein with carbohydrate support from potatoes and peas. This recipe is easily digestible and rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat as well as probiotics for digestion.

3 More Top Rated (5 Star) Coonhound Puppy Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Puppy Food	Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.15/lb	A+
Puppy Food	Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Large-Breed Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.04/lb	A
Puppy Food	Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.50/lb	A

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

If you’re worried about food allergies or sensitivities, you may want to choose a grain-free recipe like this Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe features chicken as the main ingredient which is a rich source of protein as well as glucosamine and chondroitin. This formula also contains calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth with L-carnitine for lean muscle.

Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Large-Breed Puppy Recipe

Formulated for medium and large-breed puppies, this Solid Gold Wolf Cub Bison & Oatmeal Large-Breed Puppy Recipe is a good option for any of the six Coonhound breeds. Made with premium animal protein like bison, this holistic recipe is highly digestible and full of flavor. It also contains 20 nutrient-rich superfoods to provide the ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe

For premium quality nutrition, you can’t beat this Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Chicken Large Breed Puppy Recipe. This recipe will provide your Coonhound puppy with high-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw bites for a boost of natural flavor and nutrition. This recipe features real chicken as the main ingredient with digestible grain-free carbohydrates and plenty of healthy fats for energy as well as skin and coat health.

2 More Picks for Senior Coonhound Foods

Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Senior Food	AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Senior Formula Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.04/lb	A
Senior Food	Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Healthy Weight Adult Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.48/lb	A

AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Senior Formula

To provide your Coonhound with a nutrient-rich source of protein and energy, consider this AvoDerm Natural Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Senior Formula. This recipe is uniquely formulated for senior dogs, so it contains ample protein for lean muscle mass with moderate fat for energy. It is supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin as well as essential nutrients for balanced nutrition.

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Healthy Weight Adult Recipe

If you’re on a budget, you can still provide your dog with a healthy diet in this Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Healthy Weight Adult Recipe. This formula features high-quality proteins and other natural ingredients with optimal digestibly. It is ideally suited for dogs with grain-sensitivities or allergies and it is fortified with essential nutrients to ensure complete and balanced nutrition.

Our FAQ and Coonhound Feeding Guide

In addition to choosing a healthy and high-quality diet for your Coonhound, you also need to think about the practical aspects of feeding him and keeping his food fresh. When it comes to keeping your dog’s food fresh, you should know that it will start losing some of its nutritional integrity when it is exposed to air. The inside of a dog food bag is treated to help keep the food fresh but rolling it up may not be enough to keep it sealed. Instead, put the whole bag in an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry location to maximize the shelf life.

You’ll be feeding your Coonhound anywhere from one to three cups of food per meal, so you may need a fairly large dog bowl. Look for one made from durable materials like stainless steel. Ceramic is a good option as well because it is sturdy and easy to clean, but it could break if your dog knocks it over. Because the Coonhound is susceptible to bloat, a slow-feed bowl may also be a good idea, particularly for dogs that eat too fast. Just avoid feeding your dog from a raised dog bowl because that could actually increase his risk for bloat.

And now, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about feeding a Coonhound:

How much food should I feed my Coonhound?

The exact amount of food you give your Coonhound each day will depend on his age, weight, and activity level as well as the calorie content of the dog food you choose. Generally speaking, however, you’ll be feeding your Coonhound anywhere from 2 to 6 cups of food per day, depending on his breed and his size. Start with a large-breed dog food and refer to the feeding recommendations according to your dog’s age and weight to determine his daily portion.

How many times a day should I feed my Coonhound?

Most large-breed dogs do well with two meals per day. This is enough to keep their metabolisms going without an excess of calories that might lead to weight gain. The only exception is for growing puppies and highly active adult dogs – in these cases a third meal or a snack between meals might be a benefit.

What kind of food do Coonhounds eat?

The best dog food for any dog is made from high-quality, natural ingredients and formulated to meet his nutritional needs. Fresh food is a great option for Coonhounds because it provides high-quality nutrition with excellent digestibility. The more processed a dog food is, the lower the quality and the more difficult it is for your dog’s body to digest and absorb nutrients. If you can’t afford fresh food, a high-quality dry food is also a good option – just buy the best you can consistently afford.

What vegetables are good in a Coonhound food?

Fresh vegetables provide your dog with dietary fiber as well as natural sources for vitamins and minerals. As such, they are a valuable addition to any high-quality dog food. Here are some of the best vegetables for Coonhounds:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Carrots
• Cauliflower
• Cucumber
• Green beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Spinach
• Sweet potato
• Zucchini

Providing your dog with fresh vegetables as a healthy snack is a good idea even if the dog food you choose contains fresh vegetables. Just make sure that the vegetables you choose are safe for dogs to eat and that you clean them well before feeding. You should also feed small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach from an overload of fiber.

Do Coonhounds need grain-free dog food?

There is a great deal of controversy surrounding the long-term safety of grain-free recipes for dogs, but the fact remains that there is no conclusive evidence as of yet. The Coonhound is not any more prone to food allergies than any other breed so, unless your dog does have allergies or food sensitivities, there is no reason to feed him a grain-free diet.

Coonhound Dog Food – A Final Word

Now that you know the basics about your Coonhound’s nutritional needs, you’re ready to start shopping for the best Coonhound food. Remember to look for a product that is made from wholesome natural ingredients, free from artificial additives, featuring high-quality animal protein with healthy fats and digestible carbohydrates.

If you’re still not sure where to start in choosing the best Coonhound dog food, try one of our top 15 picks reviewed above!