The 5 Best Dog Foods For Coonhounds
This page contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post through our independently chosen links, which earn us a commission. Learn More
Coonhound dogs make wonderful companions. They’re the perfect pet for an apartment or condo, and they are guaranteed to be your best friend for life.
This breed has high energy levels and that requires quite a bit of nutrition depending on their lifestyle.
If you want to enjoy your Coonhound dog’s company for as long as possible, feed it a healthy diet specific to its nutritional needs. This includes breed-appropriateness, guaranteed analysis, and calorie content.
Keep reading to learn more about your Coonhound’s unique nutritional needs and to receive some tips for picking the best dog food to meet those needs. But first, let’s look at our criteria for picking the best dog foods for coonhounds.
Compare Best Dog Food For Coonhounds
|
OVERALL BEST
1. Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food |
BEST FOR SENIORS
4. Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food |
|||
|
Protein
27% Min |
Protein
10% Min |
Protein
10% Min |
Protein
22% Min |
Protein
25% Min |
|
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
5% Min |
Fat
7% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
|
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
3.5% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
|
Calories
377 kcal/cup |
Calories
1,372kcal/kg |
Calories
1,380 kcal/kg |
Calories
3654 kcal/kg, 343 kcal/cup |
Calories
3,645 kcal/kg or 408 kcal/cup ME |
Our Criteria
Dogs are often portrayed as wolves and should be fed meat, but this is based on pet food marketing rather than nutritional research. To choose the best dog foods, follow the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s guidelines, which include AAFCO-approved food, investing in nutritional research, having canine and veterinary nutritionists, and strong quality control measures.
Good nutrition is more important than clever marketing.
Food and Drug Administration about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, which has expanded to include exotic proteins in dog foods. By following these standards, you can ensure your dog receives the best possible nutrition for their health.
Top 5 Best Rated Dog Food For Coonhounds Reviewed
This dog breed generally requires a high amount of protein in order to maintain its active lifestyle.
This is why the list shown below mostly consists of dog foods with a high protein content.
However, not all products on the list are grain-free, because some grains are actually good for them. This list will also look into some health conditions and recommend dog food for dogs with sensitivities.
Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 27% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 377 kcal/cup
- High nutrient density is good for small dogs
- Some picky dogs love the taste
- Real chicken is the first ingredient
- Affordable
- Change in formula causes skin issues in some dogs
Plus, it does contain poultry by-products that could trigger allergies or other health problems. This dog food product uses high-quality natural ingredients to support the overall good health of the Coonhound.
It is also available in other flavors such as pork, beef and lamb, salmon and whitefish, and also turkey and duck.
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Calories: 1,372kcal/kg
- Specialized fiber system for better nutrient absorption and digestion
- Formulated for the higher metabolism of Coonhounds
- Optimal levels of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids
- More expensive than other formulas of the same brand
Nom Nom fresh food is made with wholesome, natural ingredients including premium animal proteins and portioned according to your dog’s calorie requirements.
We like the Tasty Turkey Fare recipe because it is the highest in calories but still rich in protein to maintain lean mass.
Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion. It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures.
This recipe features ground turkey as the main ingredient with brown rice as a digestible source of carbohydrates.
It is higher in calories than other Nom Nom recipe to provide for your Coonhound’s energy requirements but still moderate in fat to prevent obesity.
Ollie Dog Food Healthy Tasty Lamb Fare Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 7% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Calories: 1,380 kcal/kg
- Higher in protein and calories
- Human-grade, all-natural ingredients
- Novel source of protein for most dogs
- Use caution to avoid overfeeding and weight gain
- This is a grain-free recipe
Ollie fresh pet food is portioned according to your dog’s nutritional needs and made with fresh, human-grade ingredients.
Plus, it is cooked at low temperatures to preserve the nuriitonal integrity of the raw ingredients.
We like Ollie’s Tasty Lamb Fare recipe for Coonhounds because it contains 1,980 kcal/kg and is loaded with premium protein and healthy fats.
It will help your dog maintain its lean mass while also providing a high-energy source of quality nutrition.
Nutro Natural Choice Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 22% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 3.5% Max
- Calories: 3654 kcal/kg, 343 kcal/cup
- Optimized to support ideal body weight in small breeds
- Plenty of essential fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Rich in dietary fiber for healthy digestion
- Some dogs do not like the taste
This is a chicken-flavored dog food, which is made from real chicken and does not contain chicken by-product meals.
It comes in two bag sizes, 4 pounds and 25 pounds. Unlike other brands that use generic animal fats, this dog food uses chicken fat.
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Adult Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 25% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 3,645 kcal/kg or 408 kcal/cup ME
- Made with deboned turkey and salmon meal
- Fortified with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Rich in dietary fiber for healthy digestion
- DHA for healthy brain development
- Some picky dogs do not like the taste
- May cause constipation in some dogs
- Some dogs get digestive issues after eating it
Made with deboned turkey and salmon meal, this recipe is rich in protein and healthy fats for strong muscles and brain development.
This recipe is fortified with antioxidants and essential nutrients for immunity and contains plenty of protein to support your puppy’s digestive system.
Key Considerations When Buying The Best Dog Food For Coonhound
Coonhounds of specific types may require a specific type of diet, depending on their lifestyle. However, many veterinarians agree that coonhounds can be given a more general diet as long as they are healthy. However, though many dog food products contain the nutrients that they need, only a few are compatible with their bodies. Here are some key considerations that you must note while buying food products for your coonhound.
- Breed Appropriateness: Dogs are generally classified under one category that requires a generic diet, but as a matter of fact, their specific breeds have some special needs. This is why you have to look for dog food products that cater to such needs, but that is only if you wish to keep your pet healthy. If you feed dogs foods that are formulated on the basis of the dog’s size, then the dog might not get the nutrients that it requires. This also applies to dogs that have a more active lifestyle and are fed low protein food products.
- Guaranteed Analysis: The breakdown of nutrient percentages is important for any dog owner who cares about the dog’s health. These percentages specify the number of nutrients that are included per serving. It is also preferable that the dog food product be approved by dog food associations. This ensures that the percentage of nutrients that your dog will get is as accurate as it can get. That’s because the associations would have tested it.
- Calorie Content: Calorie content in a dog’s diet is very important, more so if they live a certain lifestyle. This dictates how much energy your dog will get per serving and, thus, should be adjusted accordingly. If a dog food product’s calorie content is high, then the cups should be lowered to suit your pet’s needs. Feeding your dog too many calories will only result in health problems.
Nutritional Requirements
Coonhounds are large dogs with high energy levels and require a high-protein diet, especially for active ones. Adult coonhounds need a minimum of 18% protein for daily maintenance, while pregnant/nursing dogs and puppies need a minimum of 22% protein. Complex carbohydrates help keep glucose levels steady and prevent hunger between meals.
Coonhounds also need about 16% of their food to survive, with this fat coming from animals. Some dogs may be allergic to animal fats, so healthy oils can be used as a replacement. Senior coonhounds need these nutrients to move around normally.
Fiber in dog food can be either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fibers, such as chicory, beet pulp, and inulin, draw more water into the digestive system, slowing the digestion process. Insoluble fiber adds bulk and helps speed digestion. Most kibbles have 3-6 percent fiber. If your dog has loose stools, it could be due to too much fiber in the food.
Minerals and vitamins are essential for an average adult coonhound, as they are hardy and do not need much of this. Excess vitamins will not be absorbed by their bodies and will end up as waste. Unless your dog has a specific vitamin deficiency, this should be enough for them.
How Much Should You Feed Your Coonhound by Age?
Coonhounds need fewer calories as they age because their activity levels drop as they get older. It is typical for puppies of different breeds to need more calories, and coonhounds are no different. So depending on your dog’s lifestyle and health, it may need more or less energy to maintain its energy. Here are some of the recommendations about how many calories a coonhound would need according to its age.
- Puppy : Puppy Coonhounds under 5 months need 1600 calories daily, decreasing as they grow older. A high-calcium diet is beneficial for bone development and immunity. Antioxidant-rich food products boost growth. For more information, read our article on the best dog food for puppies.
- Adult: Adult coonhounds require 1394 calories for a typical lifestyle, while hunting or active dogs need 1500 calories or more daily. Hunting dogs require a higher protein diet and dry dog food products rich in fat to maintain weight and prevent muscle mass loss, while normal Coonhounds need 1394 calories.
- Senior: Typically, a senior Coonhound would need about 1194 calories to maintain their weight. Fewer carbohydrates and more protein would be beneficial to them. You must, however, spread these calories into three portions per day. To prevent brittle bones, you can also feed your senior Coonhound treats packed with calcium. click here to read our article on the best dog food for senior dogs
Coonhound Food Allergies And Food Related Health Issues
Coonhounds may develop gastrointestinal problems due to unhealthy fillers typically found in most dog food products. Since food allergies commonly develop as a result of eating too much of a certain food, they are not safe from common allergens. Just like other dogs who have deep chests, they are more susceptible to these problems. Some other food-related issues that Coonhounds get are shown below. This is often the result of a poor diet.
- Hypothyroidism: Coonhounds are at a higher risk of developing this illness than any other breed. Low amounts of iodine in a coonhound’s diet put them at a higher risk of getting this disease. For this reason, most coonhound dog owners are advised to feed their dogs a diet rich in iodine. Hypothyroidism does not necessarily kill dogs, but it can lead to other serious diseases.
- Obesity: Despite being fit dogs, coonhounds can still get obese. This is because most of them are fed sugar-rich diets, and that gets stored in their bodies. Obesity can cause a lot of problems in a dog, such as difficulty breathing and joint problems. Obesity lowers their energy levels and makes dogs lethargic instead of active.
- Yeast Infection: A yeast infection is a result of a dog consuming too much yeast-containing food. Yeast is not necessarily bad for dogs, but excess amounts can irritate them. Most of the time, it manifests as a skin infection, which causes dogs to scratch themselves tirelessly. In some cases, dogs get runny noses and red eyes as well
Final Thoughts
Dogs of this breed are not immune to food allergies, but they are at a higher risk of developing bloat. To prevent this, reduce the amount of food. These dog food products do not contain high carbohydrates from grains and fillers, but it is crucial to ensure your dog is not allergic to the main ingredients.
