Best Dog Food for Blue Tick Hounds

When shopping for dog food for your Bluetick Coonhound you have to make sure it’s high-quality, grain-free, and additive-free. You want to select a food, with a rich blend of protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

This will give them a balanced diet to fuel their strong, lean muscles. Human grade ingredients work but it is recommended that Bluetick Coonhounds have a healthy balance of 18-25% protein to 10-15% fat made from the most natural of ingredients like chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. Supplements from Omega 3 and probiotics will encourage a healthy immune and digestive system for a longer-lasting life span.

Orijen Original Recipe Dry Dog Food

$23.99 – $84.99

Orijen Original Recipe dry dog food for coonhounds is a biologically appropriate food for all life stages with fresh, free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. Nutrient-dense WholePrey ingredients include fresh meats,deboned chicken, animal protein, organs, and bone, plus fresh whole fish and fresh whole eggs provide a natural source of virtually every nutrient your dog needs. 

• High-protein diet
• Eighty-five percent high-quality poultry and fish
• Free of rendered poultry meals for a concentrated source of nourishing protein
• Two-thirds of the meats are FRESH or RAW
• WholePrey ingredients include chicken, turkey, wild flounder, cage-free eggs, Atlantic mackerel and herring
• A covering of freeze-dried liver makes Orijen Original even more tasty
• Made in the USA

Ingredients

The main ingredients are Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, eggs, chicken meal, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, whole Atlantic mackerel etc.

Stella and Chewys Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner

$12.99 – $47.99

Stella and Chewy’s Chicken Freeze-Dried Dinner Patties are a 100% complete and nutritious meal for your dog. 

• 95% raw, cage-free chicken, nutrient-rich organs and bones
• Organic fruits and vegetables
• Fortified with added vitamins and minerals
• Rich in probiotics for dietary health and healthy skin and coat 
• No added hormones, antibiotics, or fillers
• No gluten

Ingredients

Chicken With Ground Bone, Chicken Liver, Chicken Gizzard, Pumpkin Seed, Potassium Chloride, pea protein, chicken meal, brown rice, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and Organic fruit components. 

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula (Canine)

$12.99 – $52.69

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Canine Formula is made with pasture-raised roasted Bison and Venison. A grain-free formula with sweet potatoes and peas provides highly digestible energy for your active dog. S

• Made with real roasted meat
• Supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables
• Delivers antioxidants for a healthy immune system 
• Species-specific probiotics
• Omega fatty acids supplements promote healthy skin and coat
• Ideal for adult dogs
• Grain-free
• Made in the USA

Ingredients

Buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas, pea protein, potatoes, vitamins, minerals, and fermentation products.

Contains a source of live, naturally occurring microorganisms food for your bluetick.

Best Bluetick Coonhound Puppy Foods

Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food

$24.99 – $86.99

Orijen Puppy Recipe dry dog food features free-run chicken, free-run turkey, etc. This protein-packed diet uses the most nutritious and delicious parts of WholePrey animals to give your puppy the energy and nutrition that he or she needs to grow. 

• Made with 85% high-quality poultry and fish
• The first 5 ingredients include fresh or raw proteins
• Coated with freeze-dried liver for extra taste and nutrition
• WholePrey Diet includes Poultry, Fish, Organs, Cartilage & Bone
• Fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation
• Raw ingredients are frozen at the peak of freshness to preserve nutrients
• Made in the USA

Ingredients

Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel, chicken meal, vitamins and minerals,brown rice, and animalis fermentation products etc.

Primal Canine Freeze-Dried Nuggets Chicken

$14.99 – $30.99

Primal Freeze Dried Chicken Nuggets Dog Food is made with the best high-quality ingredients, including USDA human-grade chicken and certified organic produce. Primal uses chicken that is certified organic, antibiotic free and raised without hormones. Sa

• Antibiotic and hormone free chicken, raised in the USA 
• 100% Grain and Gluten free ingredient
• Corn, wheat and soy free ingredients
• Naturally derived vitamins and minerals
• Available in 5.5oz and 14oz bags
• Sourced and made in the USA

Ingredients

Chicken, Chicken Necks, Chicken Gizzards, meat protein, chicken meal brown rice, brewers rice;Organic fruit components. 

Best Dog Food For Bluetick Coonhounds With Allergies

Allergies are a pathological immunological reaction to a substance. There are multiple types of allergies. Unfortunately, symptoms for different types of allergies often overlap. Therefore, diagnosing and treating dogs with allergies can be very difficult.

Food allergies are actually less common than most people think. Dog owners often confuse food allergies with food sensitivities. The difference is that food sensitives do not cause an immune response. Instead, food sensitivities cause a gradual reaction to a particular ingredient.

With food allergies, bluetick coonhound owners often notice symptoms like itching, ear infections, foot infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The most common culprits are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, chicken meal, chicken fat, lamb, and fish.

Ingredients To Avoid In Your Coonhound’s Dog Food

Cheap fillers like corn and soy are terrible for your dog and provide only empty calories. They make it very difficult to keep your dog from gaining weight because you need to feed too much to get the correct amount of nutrients. They may also affect the immune system as artificial flavors encourage your bluetick Coonhound to eat faster, making it more likely for bloat to occur. 

Unfortunately, many dogs are allergic to gluten, but the common substitutes can lead to an enlarged heart. Researchers found a tentative link between potatoes and legumes and a condition called Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Fillers like chicken fat and unrecognized chicken meal are not recommended. 

How To Choose the Best Dog Food For Bluetick Hounds

In the United States, nearly all major dog food companies meet the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Never feed your large breed bluetick coonhound any dog food that does not meet these minimum standards.

You can determine if an individual product is AAFCO approved by reading the review on our website or looking for a nutritional adequacy statement on the product’s packaging.

Once you’ve located the AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement for a particular dog food, ensure that the life stage specified is appropriate for your dog. It’s also important to feed premium dog food that is made with predominantly meat from whole earth farms.

Nowadays, many pet food companies utilize concentrated vegetable proteins alongside grain free meals to cut cost. Unfortunately, non-meat proteins often lack the necessary amino acids required by dogs thus impacting the immune system negatively. 

Dog food ingredient labels are ordered by precooked weight recipe (heaviest first). Therefore, the first few ingredients make up the vast majority of the recipe. Choose a pet food that lists good quality meats within the first few ingredients. At a bare-minimum, the first ingredient should always be an animal based protein source and it should cater to energy needs. 

FAQs – Best Dog Foods for Coonhound

Are there any specific dietary requirements of a Coonhound?

Like a redbone coonhound and treeing walker coonhound, bluetick coonhound is a fairly large breed that requires a high-quality recipe. As far as their specific dietary requirements are concerned, protein is the most important nutrient because it is ideal for growth and muscle mass.

Fat is equally important in a coonhound’s diet to provide your dog with a healthy energy that keeps them going. Both of these nutrients should come from high-quality animal-based sources to make it easier for them to consume and digest. 

Does my Coonhound prefer dry food or canned food?

This varies from one dog to another. Some prefer gobbling up dry kibbles while others like the wet consistency of their food. You can even use the canned food as a food topper for dry kibble to make the meals more delicious and nutritionally rich. Follow your dog’s preference.

Can I feed a grain-inclusive diet to my Coonhound?

Coonhounds are susceptible to digestive sensitivities and may not react too well to a grain-inclusive diet. However, grain free dog food is quite subjective too. A dog can do well with a grain free recipe, so feeding on a grain-inclusive diet could mean trouble. When changing your pooch’s diet to a grain free recipe or introducing something new, always observe their reaction. This way, you will be able to decide whether to introduce a grain-inclusive or not.

Should I exclusively feed a grain-free diet to my Coonhound?

Preferably, yes. As mentioned above, coonhound breeds may have food-related sensitivities. In that case, feeding an exclusive grain free recipe with a limited-ingredient diet option is a good idea. However, feeding a dog with grain free recipe should be in moderation.

Is my Coonhound susceptible to stomach problems?

Unfortunately, all types are susceptible to stomach problems. However, you can control it with the right kind of recipe (grain free) and avoid triggering health problems.

What are the exercise requirements of my Coonhound?

These active, large breeds belong to the sporting category and require at least 60 minutes of daily exercise. Added activities and playtime will be a plus.

What are the common health problems that my Coonhound is susceptible to?

The breed has long and heavy ears and can be prone to ear problems such as ear mites, infections, and hematoma (blood blister on the ears). The deep-chested coonhounds are also at a higher risk for developing bloat and other gastrointestinal problems. Some may even show symptoms of heart problems, hip dysplasia, and skin sensitivities.

Does my Coonhound require a lot of grooming?

Coonhounds require regular brushing to keep clean and prevent hair knots. Also, they are easy to groom but can shed a lot. Therefore, it is important to use a rubber curry brush.

Can my Coonhound develop ear problems?

The pendulous shape of coonhounds’ ears is the main reason why they may develop various ear problems. The accumulated moisture in the ear can cause bacteria, which leads to ear infections, ear mites, and hematoma. The key is to keep your hound’s ears dry and clean them regularly. Keep in mind Bluetick Coonhounds are prone to yeast infections in the ear so make sure to buy some of the best anti-yeast dog food to keep ear infections away.

Should I add additional supplementation to my Coonhound’s diet?

It is wiser if you choose a recipe that already contains all the supplementation required by your pooch. These dogs thrive on high levels of protein and healthy fats. Other nutritional supplementations are probiotics, prebiotics, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids that contribute towards the overall health of your pooch.

Are omega fatty acids essential for my Coonhound’s diet?

Coonhounds have a thick layer of fur. However, just cleaning and brushing your pooch’s fur won’t guarantee fur quality and skin health. That’s where omega fatty acids play their role. Diets that are rich in the supplemental omegasand fat are great for your hound’s exterior care.

Is Coonhound regarded as an extra-large breed?

The average weight of different types of coonhounds falls between 50 and 100 pounds. Only in rare cases, they will exceed the 100lb limit. Therefore, they’re regarded as large breeds, not giants.

How much should I feed my Coonhound puppy?

The exact amount of food that you should feed your puppy will depend on factors like his age, activity level, and weight. But it should meet energy needs. Your puppy recipe can be anywhere between 3-5 cups of food per day sounds great.

How much should I feed my adult bluetick Coonhound?

You can follow the same rule for calculating the calorie intake of your adult. Always account for their activity level and health condition before coming to a conclusion. Generally, your adult requires between 1350-1550 calories in a day, which can be divided into 2-3 meals.

What are the common food sensitivity symptoms I need to watch out for?

Food sensitivities symptoms may range from excessive flatulence, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, discomfort or pain, loss of appetite, and lethargy.

What nutrients should I look out for when picking the right food for my Coonhound?

The two most important nutrients that you cannot ignore are protein and fats. Coonhounds are large breed dogs that require optimal levels of animal-based protein and healthy fats. Other important nutrients include glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and bone health, omega fatty acids for healthy skin, antioxidants for strong immunity, and amino acids and probiotics for healthy digestion.

How big can I expect my Coonhound to grow?

An adult male can grow as tall as 27 inches and 100 pounds in weight. Females can grow up to 80 pounds and up to 25 inches in height.

Is Coonhound a friendly dog?

Coonhounds have a gentle temperament and these dogs are known for being loving and intelligent. They love spending time with their human buddy and make a great family pet as they can become extremely affectionate with the people they trust. However, supervision is required to keep the breed’s energy level in control.

How do I train my Coonhound puppy?

The good part is that training a coonhound puppy isn’t very difficult. You can start with basic commands like sit, run, stand, etc. and treat your dog to appreciate her effort. You can also take them for walks in wooded areas so they get used to the outdoors as well.

What are the most common allergens that could trigger sensitivity in my Coonhound?

Unnecessary fillers and artificial ingredients can trigger sensitivity in your coonhound. However, it is important to check the label and identify any ingredient that your pooch can be sensitive to. Chicken meal and beef can also work as common allergens that could trigger sensitivity in your beloved pooch. Avoid meals with grain, wheat, soy, and corn in it. And in case your dog has an extremely sensitive gut, try a limited ingredient recipe instead.

What kind of fruits and vegetables can I feed my Coonhound?

Thankfully, you can give them a range of fruits and vegetables to offer them a range of antioxidants and other essential nutrients. Some interesting treats can include:

• Pumpkin
• Carrots
• Peas
• Zucchini
• Brussels sprouts
• Spinach
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potato etc.

It is, however, important to remember that too much fiber can upset your hound’s stomach. So always feed in moderate amounts.

What food should I never feed my Coonhound?

There are many things that you should never feed your coonhound. Some readymade foods offer nothing but empty calories to your dog. Avoid the following:

• Caffeine, coffee
• Chocolates
• Table scraps
• Raisins and grapes
• Food with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
• Food with uncategorized by-products

Buyer’s Guide – Best Dog Foods for Coonhounds

Whether you are already a proud parent or are planning to buy one, having detailed know-how about this breed and their diet can make a lot of difference. This guide will help you learn more about coonhounds.

Everything You Need to Know About Feeding a Coonhound

First thing first, you should give them around 3 to 5 cups of high-quality dog food every day. It is best to give it once in the morning and once in the evening. Coonhounds love to eat so you have to be very careful about overfeeding them. The right amount of nutrition should be for their maximum health and best activity. 

Now when it comes to feeding, you have two options- buy commercially-made foods or make their meals yourself. The only thing you should keep in mind is providing optimal nutrition to your pooch. Sometimes, you may not be able to give them the right amount of nutrition if you prepare food at home.

A healthy dog food whether grain free or not will give all the essential nutrition, healthy digestive system, and functional immune system. Quality dog food for coonhounds should contain elements and supplements that cover all nutritional needs. 

Commercial food may be a better diet option as it is both economical and conveniently available. The key is to focus on brands that offer high-quality food and provide complete nutrition which every coonhound deserves.

Calculating the Healthy Calorie Count for bluetick Coonhound

So what’s the calorie requirement of this amazing breed? Here’s a quick look:

• 1140 – 1200 kcal – older dogs

• 1400 kcal – typical adults

• 2200 – 2400 kcal – active/ working dogs

Please note that these are estimates based on an average weight of coonhounds. 

Usually, most Coonhounds weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. So an active adult that weighs around 65 pounds would need around 1400 kcal/day. If your bluetick coonhound is aging and his activity has reduced, then reducing the calories accordingly is crucial. It’s a better option to give your aging pooch around 1140 kcal/ day. On the other hand, if you have a very active Coonhound you might have to increase the cal from 2218 to match up for his daily requirement.

Features To Look For in the Best Dog Food for Coonhounds

There are various factors that every dog parent needs to account for before they start looking for the best dog foods for coonhounds. Here we are highlighting the most important factors to help you get started.

Choosing the Food According to Life Stage

Make sure dog foods you pick for your coonhound are according to their life stage. You will find a lot of variety and under different brands that are specifically made for puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs.  The nutritional value and calorie count for a specific life stage may not be suitable for another one. Also, if you start with grain free, stick to it till the end unless you have professional advice against it.

For instance, puppies require more protein. Therefore choose a product that’s ideal for specific life stages. Some products contain a very balanced amount of nutrition and are suitable for all life stages. 

Is Natural/Organic Food Better?

Natural food contains natural ingredients like raw food, meat, whole grains, veggies, and fruits. Organic food, on the other hand, is a healthier option. They are not grown with fertilizers, pesticides, etc. These chemicals can cause health issues even if grown in a natural environment.

How to Check for the Right Ingredients

Make sure that it contains high-quality animal meat as compared to meat by-products. It is even better if there is more than one type of meat or animal protein. Whole grains in dry dog food are ideal for a bulk formation like chicken meal brown rice. Similarly, oats are better than “filler” grains. Fruits and vegetables also add a lot of vitamins/ minerals that your coonhound needs.

Coonhound dog food for your bluetick should also have fatty acids, and omega 3. Avoid a recipe with salt, sugar, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. They may cause short and long term health problems for your dog.

Picking the Right Brand

There are many famous and reliable brands readily available in the market. Make sure to do some research beforehand as some manufacturers are known for producing a lower quality of dog food to save cost. Look out for vitamins minerals and antioxidants and coonhound dog food from whole earth farms.

Choosing the Preferable Formula between Dry and Wet Blends

It varies according to the texture your pet likes and their well being. Some like wet blends while some like dry dog food. You can add water to soften up the kibble or add some kibble to crunch up some homemade meals. You can even serve the wet food as a topper on the dry kibble to add more flavor and nutrition to the overall meal.

Coonhound Feeding Chart

Usually, they weigh around 65 pounds. Since the breed is very prone to gaining excessive weight and also loves food, dog owners should be strict with their nutrition.
Here are some important feeding guidelines split into different life stages to help you get started.

Puppy Life Stage

The most important part is controlling your puppy’s growth. Speeding up the growth process can cause various health issues related to bone development. Animal nutritionists will likely make alterations in the recipe as your puppy grows.

Expert animal nutritionists suggest at least feeding 22% protein and 8% fat for the growth and maintenance of healthy muscle. A reliable large breed puppy formula will provide all the basic nutrients and will not contribute to overgrowth. 

Adults Life Stage

Approximately all adults require around 3 cups of food per day which is divided into portions. You should check the instructions at the back of your recipe and also consult your vet. Experts suggest that a fully mature coonhound needs 18 % protein and 5% fat.

Protein is required for building healthy muscle mass while fat is needed by highly active dogs for energy. Some nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin are also needed for healthy joints.

Seniors Life Stage

Seniors require almost similar nutrition as puppies with changes in the portion size to cater to their decreased activity. As your pet enters his golden age, his activity level is likely to decrease, which might lead to his weight gain. Feed your golden boy a senior large breed formula to ensure he maintains a healthy body along with the best nutrition.

Coonhounds and Their Common Health Problems

Just like most large and heavy dogs such as English bulldogs, coonhounds can be susceptible to various health problems and even heart disease. Here are the most common ones to watch out for:

Hip Dysplasia

They suffer from osteopathic diseases like hip dysplasia. Athletic dogs are prone to ill-effects from dysplasia, which is a genetic condition where the hip or elbow socket fails to form correctly. With weight gain or excessive activity levels, it can pop out of place and cause a great deal of pain. The right nutrition keeps your Coonhound’s weight under control.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Coonhounds have heavy skin folds. Due to this factor, they may develop infections because of accumulated bacteria. Keep their coat clean with the right amount of healthy fats.

Bloat

Coonhounds and other deep-chested breeds are particularly vulnerable to this condition. Bloat occurs when the stomach suddenly distends and twists. Like other larger, barrel-chested breeds, they are prone to bloat. Chicken meal and other filler ingredients may make it worse. But Grain free meals may help curtail this but healthy practices and expert opinion is better.

Heart Disease

Heart diseases can be common with this breed if not taken care of with the right recipe. Make sure to feed a diet that has plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to promote heart health.

Yeast Infection

Yeast infection is a result of a dog consuming too much food infected with yeast bacteria. Yeast is not necessarily bad for dogs, but excess amounts can be harmful. 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.

Eye Diseases

Coonhounds are susceptible to inherited malformation of the eyes. Consult your vet about the right diet to help treat these issues. Coonhounds are prone to cataracts and retinal atrophy. Foods that support soft tissues and eyesight are good ways to help mitigate the effects of both of these disorders although you’ll likely have to seek vet treatment in the long run. Make sure the food you offer your beloved hound has plenty of vitamins and antioxidants to support overall eye health and prevent early deterioration.

Essential Nutritional Requirements You Cannot Miss

Their big bodies portray high energy levels and they regularly need adequate exercise and activity. They benefit from a high protein recipe, especially if they are very active. So, you want to look out for the following ingredients in the recipe:

Protein

Your adult Coonhound dog needs a minimum of 18% protein in his diet for daily maintenance e.g. deboned chicken.  A pregnant/nursing dog and puppies need a minimum of 22% protein in their diets. Some dog foods that are readily available in the market today may have higher protein percentages than these levels but controlling the protein content is equally important.

Carbohydrates

Though Coonhounds can most likely live on their ancestral diet, they can still benefit from carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates like brewers rice, sweet potatoes, or brown rice are important for keeping your dog’s glucose levels to avoid blood sugar spikes after meals. Carbohydrates can also help prevent your dog from feeling hungry between meals.

Fats

Just like any other dog breed, Coonhounds need a maximum of 16% of fat in their food in order to survive. This fat should come from animal-based sources only. However, some dogs could be allergic to animal fats and in that case, replacing it with healthy oils can work well. It’s ideal for skin and coat.

Fiber

Dog food recipes can be either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber ingredients include chicory, beet pulp, and inulin. This kind of fiber draws more water into your dog’s digestive system, turning stomach liquids to gel form and slowing the digestive process. It also helps the immune system Insoluble fiber, on the other hand, adds bulk to the digestive matter and helps speed digestion.

Minerals and Vitamins

An average adult needs about 11% minerals and vitamins in a dry food form. However, unlike other breeds, coonhounds don’t need this. Excess vitamins are not absorbed and end up as waste. So unless animal nutritionists detect vitamin deficiency, this should be more than enough for your pet.

What Not to Feed Your Coonhound

Cheap fillers are unnecessary and bad for your dog’s health. Fillers are only empty calories and can cause your dog to gain weight. Quality foods don’t have fillers. 

Artificial flavors encourage your bud to eat faster and can cause bloating. It’s included in the diet to fool you into thinking that the food is healthier or to unify the colors together. 

Unfortunately, many dogs are allergic to grains and gluten, but the common substitutes can lead to an enlarged heart. Researchers found a tentative connection between legumes and a condition called Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Until we know more, consider avoiding these ingredients altogether.