How to Feed a Coonhound
- 1). Buy the highest quality dog food that you can afford. Bagged dry food is the best for a coonhound. It will give him the energy and protein that he requires. However, not all dog foods are created equal and lower-quality foods contain more fillers, such as corn and wheat, which offer little nutritional value to a dog. Inferior foods will pass undigested through the dog's system, which will require the dog to eat more to sustain his energy stores. You will often find that the feeding amounts on lower-quality foods are more than the higher-quality brands. Therefore, a bargain may not actually be a bargain if you have to feed twice as much of it.
A high-quality dog food will list a protein source as one of the three initial ingredients. These foods usually cost a bit more, but the dog will be able to eat less and get adequate levels of nutrition. - 2). Check the feeding recommendations on the package for you dog's size. It is important to note that the recommendations on the label are just that, recommendations. Most dogs fall into the recommended categories, but working and hunting breeds will require more calories to keep up with the demands placed on their energy stores. Also, dogs that are pregnant or nursing will require more calories in order to support their puppies.
- 3). Feed your coonhound several smaller meals instead of one large one. These dogs require a large amount of food to maintain proper health, therefore it is advisable to spread the total caloric intake out over the day. This aids in keeping the dog's blood glucose level stable as well as helps to prevent bloat.
