Answers to How to Feed an American Foxhound

The American foxhound is a breed of dogs developed in the U.S. for fox hunting. George Washington was an early champion of the breed and had several dogs of his own, according to the American Kennel Club. The American foxhound resembles a tall beagle, and stands 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder. Bred for chasing foxes, they require a lot of exercise to stay fit. A foxhound kept at home as a pet can follow a normal, well-balanced diet recommended by a veterinarian. If your foxhound will be used in field trials or as a hunting dog, you'll need to increase some vital nutrients in its diet.

Things You'll Need

  • Animal-based protein dog food
  • Gelatin (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a dry dog food with high-quality meat ingredients and protein levels between 32 and 40 percent. Avoid dog foods that list soy or corn products as one of the first five ingredients. While these ingredients may be fine for a pet, meat products offer better nutrition for canine athletes, according to Martin Coffman, DVM.

    • 2

      Select a dog food that is high in fat, approximately 20 percent. Your dog will be burning a lot of calories. Avoid any foods labeled "diet" or "low-calorie."

    • 3

      Select a dog food that has the proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Coffman recommends a ratio between 5:1 to 10:1 omega-6 to omega-3. If the ratio is not listed on the nutritional panel, the food was probably not formulated with these requirements in mind.

    • 4

      Select a dog food with fiber levels between 4 and 7 percent. Ideally, the fiber will come from a source like beet pulp.

    • 5

      Encourage your active dog to drink water by adding a dash of flavored gelatin or a few pieces of dog kibble to the water bowl. However, do not allow your dog to drink large amounts of water when it is overheated or about to go on a run, because this may cause stomach upset.