Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Bloodhound
Enter your Bloodhound's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The Bloodhound is the world's greatest tracker, with a nose so accurate its scent evidence is admissible in court. Originally bred in Belgium and England for hunting deer and wild boar, they are now used in law enforcement for tracking missing persons and fugitives. Bloodhounds are gentle giants — patient, affectionate, and endlessly determined. Their long, pendulous ears and deep wrinkles require regular cleaning. Their large size means they eat significantly more than average dogs, making calorie tracking especially useful.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Bloodhound (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Bloodhound (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Bloodhound weighing 110 lbs needs approximately 1840 calories daily, which works out to roughly 4.7 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 2.4 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Bloodhounds
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Bloodhound immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Bloodhound
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Bloodhounds benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Bloodhounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Bloodhound once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Bloodhounds. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Bloodhound?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Bloodhounds, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.