Bloodhounds, renowned for their exceptional scent-tracking abilities and gentle demeanor, are large working dogs that thrive on a diet tailored to their unique needs. Choosing the best dog food for Bloodhounds supports their joint health, skin condition, and robust frame.
Best Dog Food for Bloodhounds Top Picks for Health
Bloodhound Dietary Needs
Unique Traits of Bloodhounds
Bloodhounds typically weigh 80–110 pounds, with muscular, heavy-boned bodies designed for endurance and scent work. Their loose, wrinkled skin and short, dense coats require nutrients for skin and fur health to prevent irritation.
Their large size and deep chests make them prone to joint issues and bloat, necessitating supportive diets. Their moderate energy levels require balanced nutrition, but their food-driven nature demands careful portion control to prevent obesity.
Common Health Concerns
Bloodhounds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, joint issues worsened by excess weight or improper nutrition. Bloat (gastric torsion) is a serious risk due to their deep chests, requiring cautious feeding practices.
Skin allergies, often triggered by grains or proteins like chicken, cause irritation or infections, exacerbated by their wrinkled skin. Sensitive stomachs can lead to digestive issues like diarrhoea or gas. Obesity is a concern, especially in less active Bloodhounds, straining joints and heart health. Ear infections are common, sometimes linked to diet-related allergies.
Nutritional Requirements
The best dog food for Bloodhounds should include:
- High-quality protein (22–28% for adults, 28–32% for puppies) from sources like salmon, turkey, or lamb to support muscle maintenance.
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support.
- Digestible carbohydrates (e.g., rice, sweet potatoes) with fibre and probiotics for gut health.
- Moderate calories (350–450 kcal/cup for adults) to prevent obesity, with controlled calcium (1.0–1.5%) in puppies for bone growth.
Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Bloodhounds in 2025
Below is our expertly selected list of the best dog food for Bloodhounds, chosen for nutritional quality, joint support, and skin health, ensuring trustworthiness and expertise.
1. Royal Canin Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Large Breed is formulated for dogs over 55 pounds, offering 26% protein from chicken, with glucosamine for joint health and omega-3s for skin health. Its large kibble promotes chewing to reduce bloat risk, ideal for healthy dog food for Bloodhounds.
Pros: Large-breed-specific, joint support, digestible.
Cons: Premium price, contains grains.
Price Range: $50–$80 for a 35-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s joints and skin are thriving!” – Chewy reviewer.
Vet Endorsement: Recommended for large breeds by veterinarians.
2. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food (Beef Mash)
Nom Nom’s Beef Mash is a fresh, human-grade recipe with ground beef, potatoes, and carrots, offering 35% protein. Its high moisture content aids digestion, making it suitable for Bloodhounds with sensitive stomachs. Pre-portioned meals help manage weight.
Pros: Fresh, high protein, customizable.
Cons: Expensive, subscription-based.
Price Range: $45–$85 per week.
Where to Buy: Nom Nom.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s digestion is fantastic!” – Nom Nom customer.
3. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food (Turkey Recipe)
The Farmer’s Dog offers fresh, human-grade meals with turkey, chickpeas, and carrots, providing 33% protein. Its simple recipe is ideal for Bloodhounds with allergies due to minimal fillers. High moisture supports digestion and hydration.
Pros: Fresh, allergy-friendly, digestible.
Cons: Requires refrigeration, costly.
Price Range: $40–$80 per week.
Where to Buy: The Farmer’s Dog.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s skin issues cleared up!” – Trustpilot review.
4. Wellness Core Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Wellness Core Large Breed offers 34% protein from turkey and chicken in a grain-free formula. It includes glucosamine for joint health and omega-3s for skin health, suitable for active Bloodhounds.
Pros: High protein, grain-free, joint support.
Cons: Expensive, grain-free concerns for some dogs.
Price Range: $40–$75 for a 26-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s joints are doing great!” – Chewy reviewer.
5. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Hill’s Science Diet is formulated for large breeds, with chicken and barley providing 24% protein. It includes glucosamine for joint health and omega-6 fatty acids for skin health, a budget-friendly option for Bloodhound food recommendations.
Pros: Affordable, vet-recommended, joint support.
Cons: Lower protein, contains grains.
Price Range: $40–$65 for a 35-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Petco, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s skin is so healthy!” – Petco reviewer.
6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness features deboned chicken and fish meal, offering 34% protein. It’s grain-free with sweet potatoes, ideal for Bloodhounds with allergies. Glucosamine supports joints, and omega-3s enhance skin health.
Pros: High protein, grain-free, joint support.
Cons: Higher cost, grain-free concerns.
Price Range: $40–$70 for a 24-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s coat is stunning!” – Amazon buyer.
7. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This grain-free formula includes salmon and sweet potatoes, providing 25% protein. Omega-3s promote skin health, while probiotics support digestion, suitable for Bloodhounds with allergies.
Pros: Grain-free, affordable, omega-rich.
Cons: Moderate protein, grain-free concerns.
Price Range: $30–$55 for a 28-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s skin allergies improved!” – Chewy customer.
8. Acana Wholesome Grains Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Acana Wholesome Grains uses free-run chicken and oats, offering 27% protein. It includes glucosamine for joints and omega-3s for skin health, ideal for Bloodhounds needing grain-inclusive diets.
Pros: Grain-inclusive, joint support, omega-rich.
Cons: Premium price, limited flavor variety.
Price Range: $40–$80 for a 22.5-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s skin and joints are fantastic!” – Amazon reviewer.
9. Canidae All Life Stages Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Canidae’s formula features turkey, lamb, and brown rice, offering 24% protein. It’s designed for large breeds, with glucosamine for joints, probiotics for digestion, and omega-3s for skin health.
Pros: Affordable, all life stages, joint support.
Cons: Moderate protein, contains grains.
Price Range: $35–$60 for a 30-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound stays lean and healthy!” – Chewy reviewer.
10. Harringtons Complete Grain-Free Turkey & Sweet Potato (UK)
Harringtons, a UK-based brand, offers a grain-free recipe with turkey and sweet potatoes, ideal for best dog food for Bloodhounds UK. With 26% protein, glucosamine for joints, and omega-3s for skin health, it supports digestion and weight control.
Pros: Grain-free, affordable, UK-sourced.
Cons: Limited availability outside UK, moderate protein.
Price Range: £20–£45 for a 10-kg bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon UK, Harringtons.
User Reviews: “My Bloodhound’s skin is so clear!” – Amazon UK reviewer.
Best Dog Food for Bloodhound Puppies
Bloodhound puppies (8 weeks to 18–24 months) require moderate protein (28–32%) and controlled calcium (1.0–1.5%) to support slow, steady growth without risking joint issues. DHA is essential for brain development. Puppies should stay on puppy food until 18–24 months due to their large-breed growth rate.
Recommended Puppy Foods
1. Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy Dry Food
Designed for large-breed puppies, this formula offers 30% protein from chicken, with DHA and controlled calcium for bone health. It’s ideal for Bloodhound food for 3 months or 4 months Bloodhound puppy.
Price: $30–$60 for a 15-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Chewy, Amazon.
2. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy Dry Food
With chicken and oats, this formula provides 25% protein, DHA for brain development, and controlled calcium for bones. It’s digestible for sensitive puppy stomachs.
Price: $25–$45 for a 15-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Petco, Chewy.
3. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Food
Featuring chicken and rice, this formula offers 28% protein, DHA, and probiotics, supporting growth and digestion for active Bloodhound puppies.
Price: $25–$40 for a 18-lb bag.
Where to Buy: Amazon, Chewy.
Special Considerations for Bloodhounds
Food for Bloodhounds with Allergies
For best dog food for Bloodhounds with allergies, choose limited-ingredient or novel-protein diets like Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream or Zignature Salmon (not listed but similar to Taste of the Wild). These avoid common allergens (wheat, corn, chicken) and use proteins like salmon. An elimination diet under veterinary supervision is essential to identify triggers, especially for skin and ear health.
Wet vs. Dry Food for Digestion
Dry kibble, like Royal Canin, promotes chewing to reduce bloat risk, a critical concern for Bloodhounds, and supports dental health. Wet food, like Nom Nom, aids hydration and digestion, especially for Bloodhounds with sensitive stomachs. Combining both offers a balanced approach for skin and gut health.
Homemade or Raw Food Diets
Homemade dog food for Bloodhounds can include turkey, brown rice, and carrots (70:30 carb-to-protein ratio), but must be vet-approved to ensure nutrient balance, including omega-3s for skin health. Dog food recipes for Bloodhounds should avoid toxic ingredients like onions or garlic. Raw diets carry bacterial risks and require strict hygiene, so consult a vet before starting.
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Your Bloodhound
Use this checklist for the best dog food for Bloodhounds:
- Ingredient Quality: Prioritize meat as the first ingredient; ensure omega-rich sources for skin health and glucosamine for joints.
- Life Stage: Choose puppy (8 weeks–24 months), adult (2–7 years), or senior (8+ years) formulas.
- Activity Level: Select moderate-calorie foods to prevent obesity, especially for less active Bloodhounds.
- Vet Consultation: Seek advice for allergies, joint issues, or digestive concerns to ensure trustworthiness.
Feeding Tips for Bloodhounds
- Feeding Schedule: Feed adults 2 meals daily; puppies 3–4 meals to reduce bloat risk and support growth. Use elevated bowls cautiously, as they may increase bloat risk in some dogs.
- Portion Sizes: For a 90-lb Bloodhound, feed 3–4.5 cups of dry food daily (1200–1800 calories), split across meals. Adjust for activity and weight to prevent obesity.
- Hydration: Ensure constant access to fresh water, especially with dry kibble and in outdoor environments.
- Transitioning: Switch foods gradually over 7–10 days to avoid digestive upset (e.g., 25% new food on day 1, increasing daily).
FAQ
What food is best for a Bloodhound with a sensitive stomach?
Choose digestible formulas like Nom Nom Beef Mash or Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed with probiotics and limited ingredients.
Can Bloodhounds eat grain-free dog food?
Grain-free options like Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream suit Bloodhounds with grain allergies, but consult a vet due to potential links to heart issues.
How much should I feed my Bloodhound daily?
Feed 20–25 calories per pound of body weight daily (e.g., 1800–2250 calories for a 90-lb Bloodhound), split into 2 meals. Adjust based on activity.
Which food is good for Bloodhound puppies?
Puppy formulas like Royal Canin Large Breed Puppy or Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy provide moderate protein and DHA for growth and brain health.
Are homemade dog food recipes safe for Bloodhounds?
Dog food recipes for Bloodhounds (e.g., turkey, rice, veggies) are safe if vet-approved and include nutrient-rich ingredients to avoid deficiencies.
Selecting the best dog food for Bloodhounds ensures your noble companion thrives with strong joints, healthy skin, and boundless vitality. From large-breed-specific options like Royal Canin to fresh meals like Nom Nom, our top picks, backed by veterinary expertise and user reviews, address their needs for joint support, digestion, and skin health. Prioritize quality ingredients, monitor portions, and consult a vet for tailored advice. Explore our recommendations today and share your Bloodhound’s favorite food in the comments below to help other pet parents nurture their Bloodhound’s strength and charm!
