How Do I Compare Dog Foods for a Coonhound Dog?

A coonhound is a hard-working dog. A pack of coonhounds often runs the trail of a coon for several hours a night, swims rivers and fights a coon when necessary. All of this activity burns an extraordinary amount of calories. As a result, a coonhound needs a high-quality food that will keep it in superior condition. A method for comparing brands will help you discover the proper food for your coonhound.

  1. Age of Dog

    • Hound puppy

      Consider the age of your coonhound. A coonhound less than 18 months old needs to be eating a puppy food. A puppy's nutritional needs are different from those of an adult dog, and a puppy won't thrive without that specialized nutrition. Specifically, because a coonhound puppy is a large-breed pup, it requires a low amount of calcium, a higher amount of protein and roughly two to four times the amount of calories than an adult dog needs.

      An older coonhound needs fewer calories as it begins to slow down. Many senior dog food formulas have added nutrients to support hearing, sight and mobility.

    Protein Percentage

    • Look for a food that is high in protein in order to provide your coonhound with a source of lasting energy. Dogs metabolize protein much the way people metabolize carbohydrates. For the majority of adult working dogs, including coonhounds, the higher the percentage of protein, the better. For any working dog, including a coonhound, the percentage of protein should be 30 percent or higher.

    Protein Source

    • While a coonhound is technically an omnivore, it eats eat grain and veggies only when it has to. Coonhounds prefer, and thrive on, meat, bones and organs. The higher the content of animal-based protein, the healthier the food is. Make sure the first several ingredients are meat and other animal-based proteins, such as chicken, chicken meal and eggs. Beef, lamb, bison and fish are also commonly found in high-quality dog food.

    Fat

    • Fat helps support a healthy, vibrant coat.

      Coonhounds are notorious shedders. A high fat content helps keep your hound's skin smooth and supple while reducing shedding. Make sure a food contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to ensure your coonhound's coat is healthy and shiny. Fat also provides a ready-made source of easily metabolized energy. Ideally, a coonhound's food should contain at least 20 percent fat. However, as an alternative, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil per 10 pounds of body weight.

    Calorie Content

    • Feeding a coonhound can quickly become expensive! Coonhounds are not only large but also have a high metabolism. The higher the calorie content per cup, the less food you will have to feed. While a higher-calorie food may initially seem much more expensive, you will save money in the long run by having to buy it less often. Look for a food that has at least 450 calories per cup.