Best Dog Food for Hounds: Top Picks for Optimal Health and Nutrition

Hounds are a special breed of dogs that require specific dietary needs to maintain their health and wellbeing. As hunting dogs, hounds are known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with a balanced and nutritious diet that meets their unique nutritional requirements.

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for hounds, there are a few critical things to consider. Firstly, hounds require a high-protein diet to support their active lifestyle and maintain their lean muscle mass. Additionally, they need a diet that is rich in healthy fats to provide them with the energy they need to stay active.

Another crucial factor to consider is the size of the kibble. Hounds have long, narrow snouts, which make it difficult for them to eat larger kibble sizes. Therefore, it is important to choose a dog food brand that offers smaller kibble sizes that are easier for hounds to eat.

After conducting extensive research and testing, we have identified the best dog food for hounds that meets all of their unique nutritional needs. Our top picks provide a balanced and nutritious diet that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of hounds, ensuring they remain healthy and active for years to come.

Best Dog Food for Hounds

We know that choosing the right dog food for your hound can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market. That’s why we’ve researched and tested various dog foods to bring you our top picks for the best dog food for hounds. Our list includes a variety of options, from grain-free to high-protein, to cater to the specific needs and preferences of your furry friend. Read on to find the perfect food to keep your hound healthy and happy.

Hound -amp; Gatos Wet Dog Food, 98% Beef

If you’re looking for a high-quality wet dog food for your hound, Hound -amp; Gatos 98% Beef wet dog food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made in the USA with the world’s best ingredients
• Free from grain, gluten, and soy
• High in protein

Cons

• Not suitable for dogs with beef allergies
• Some dogs may not like the texture
• A bit pricey compared to other wet dog food options

We’ve been using Hound -amp; Gatos wet dog food for a while now, and we’re really impressed with the quality of the product. The 98% beef formula is packed with protein and all the essential vitamins and minerals that our hound needs to stay healthy.

One of the things we love about this dog food is that it’s made in the USA with the highest quality ingredients. We feel good knowing that we’re feeding our dog a product that’s made with care and attention to detail.

Another big plus is that this wet dog food is free from grain, gluten, and soy. This makes it a great option for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, and it also means that our hound is getting a diet that’s closer to what he would eat in the wild.

The only real downside to this product is that it’s not suitable for dogs with beef allergies. If your hound has a beef allergy, you’ll need to look for a different wet dog food option.

Overall, we highly recommend Hound -amp; Gatos 98% Beef wet dog food. It’s a high-quality product that’s made with care, and it’s a great option for hounds who need a high-protein diet.

HOUND -amp; GATOS Grain Free, Salmon -amp; Lamb Liver Wet Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-protein, grain-free dog food that’s made with simple ingredients, HOUND -amp; GATOS Grain Free, Salmon -amp; Lamb Liver Wet Dog Food might be the perfect option for your hound.

Pros

• With 98% salmon and lamb liver, this wet dog food is packed with high-quality protein that can help your dog build and maintain strong muscles.
• This dog food is free from grain, gluten, and soy, making it a great choice for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.
• HOUND -amp; GATOS Grain Free, Salmon -amp; Lamb Liver Wet Dog Food is made without by-products, corn, soy, guar gum, or carrageenan, so you can feel good about feeding it to your furry friend.

Cons

• This wet dog food is relatively expensive compared to some other options on the market.
• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, so it might take some experimentation to find out whether your hound enjoys it.
• While this dog food is high in protein, it may not be nutritionally complete on its own, so you may need to supplement it with other foods or treats.

We recently tried HOUND -amp; GATOS Grain Free, Salmon -amp; Lamb Liver Wet Dog Food with our own hound, and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The salmon and lamb liver gave the food a rich, meaty flavor that our dog seemed to love, and we appreciated that the food was free from fillers and additives.

One thing to keep in mind is that this dog food is relatively expensive compared to some other wet dog food options on the market. However, we think that the high-quality ingredients and lack of fillers make it a worthwhile investment for dogs with certain dietary needs.

Overall, we would recommend HOUND -amp; GATOS Grain Free, Salmon -amp; Lamb Liver Wet Dog Food to anyone looking for a high-protein, grain-free dog food that’s made with simple, high-quality ingredients.

Rachael Ray Nutrish PEAK Natural Dry Dog Food, Open Prairie Recipe with Beef, Venison -amp; Lamb, 23 Pound Bag, Grain Free (Packaging May Vary)

If you’re looking for a natural dog food recipe that is protein-packed and complete with all the necessary vitamins and minerals, Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Protein Open Prairie Recipe With Beef, Venison -amp; Lamb is a great option for your furry friend. With real beef as the number one ingredient, this dog food is sure to satisfy your dog’s taste buds.

Pros

• Real beef is the number one ingredient
• Thirty percent high-quality protein to help keep your dog full and satisfied
• No added grains, gluten or filler ingredients and no artificial flavors, colors or artificial preservatives

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste
• The kibble size may be too big for some smaller dogs
• The price point may be higher compared to other dog food brands

We recently tried Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Protein Open Prairie Recipe With Beef, Venison -amp; Lamb for our hound and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Our dog seemed to enjoy the taste and was satisfied after each meal. We also appreciated that there were no added grains, gluten or filler ingredients, and no artificial flavors or colors.

One potential downside we noticed was that the kibble size was a bit large for our smaller dog, but it wasn’t a major issue. Additionally, the price point may be higher compared to other dog food brands, but we felt that the quality of the ingredients and the nutritional value made it worth it.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food that is packed with protein and made with natural ingredients, we would definitely recommend giving Rachael Ray Nutrish Peak Protein Open Prairie Recipe With Beef, Venison -amp; Lamb a try.

Nutro So Simple Meal Complement Wet Dog Food Chicken and Chicken -amp; Duck Recipes in Bone Broth Variety Pack

If you’re looking for a simple and natural dog food that your hound will love, Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Made with only 7 natural ingredients, including real chicken as the #1 ingredient and real duck.
• Mix this dog food in with your dog’s favorite Nutro Dry Dog Food for added flavor and ultimate tail wags.
• Crafted with real, recognizable ingredients and without grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy, and no artificial flavors*, colors* or preservatives*

Cons

• Expensive compared to other wet dog food options.
• Some customers reported clumping issues with the product.
• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.

We’ve tried Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement with our own hound and found that it was a great addition to his dry food. He loved the added flavor and we loved that it was made with high-quality, natural ingredients. We also appreciated that it was free from grains, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The packaging is convenient and easy to use, although some customers reported clumping issues with the product. It is also a bit more expensive than other wet dog food options, but we believe that the quality of the ingredients justifies the price.

Overall, we highly recommend Nutro So Simple Wet Dog Meal Complement as a high-quality, natural dog food that your hound will love.

Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula

We highly recommend the Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula for hounds due to its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real lamb, providing protein to support strong muscles in your dog.
• Made with prebiotic fiber, this formula supports a microbiome balance and is highly digestible for skin and coat care.
• Natural sources of glucosamine for dogs support joint health, while vitamins A and E promote bright eyes and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals nourish a shiny coat and healthy skin.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste or texture of the food.
• The kibble may be too hard for some dogs to chew.
• The bag size may be too large for some dog owners.

We have been using the Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula for our hounds for several months now, and we have noticed a significant improvement in their overall health and well-being. The high-quality ingredients, including real lamb and prebiotic fiber, provide balanced nutrition that supports strong muscles, skin and coat care, and joint health.

Our hounds love the taste of the food, but we have heard from other dog owners that their dogs may not like the taste or texture of the kibble. Additionally, some dogs may have difficulty chewing the hard kibble. However, we have not experienced these issues with our own dogs.

The only downside we have found with the Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula is that the bag size may be too large for some dog owners. However, we appreciate the convenience of having a larger bag, as it lasts longer and saves us money in the long run.

Overall, we highly recommend the Purina ONE Dry Dog Food Lamb and Rice Formula for hounds due to its high-quality ingredients and balanced nutrition.

CANIDAE? All Life Stages Chicken Meal -amp; Rice Formula Dog Dry 5 lb Chicken Meal -amp; Rice 80 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)

If you’re looking for a dog food that can meet the nutritional needs of dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes, then CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken Meal and Rice Formula is worth considering.

Pros

• The kibble is nutritionally dense and nourishing, thanks to the use of premium ingredients like chicken and wholesome grains, and the absence of corn, wheat, soy, or other fillers.
• This dog food is formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin, and coat.
• This dog food is perfect for multi-dog households, as it is designed to be a complete and balanced diet for all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food, as every dog has different preferences.
• This dog food may not be suitable for dogs with specific dietary needs or allergies.
• The bag size may not be sufficient for larger breeds or households with multiple dogs.

We’ve been using CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken Meal and Rice Formula for a few months now, and we’ve noticed that our dogs seem to enjoy it. The kibble is small enough for our smaller dog to eat easily, and the nutritionally dense formula means that they don’t need to eat as much to feel full. We’ve also noticed an improvement in their coat and overall health since switching to this dog food.

One thing to keep in mind is that every dog has different preferences, so some dogs may not like the taste of this dog food. Additionally, if your dog has specific dietary needs or allergies, this dog food may not be suitable for them. Finally, the bag size may not be sufficient for larger breeds or households with multiple dogs, so keep that in mind when making your purchase.

Overall, we would recommend CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken Meal and Rice Formula to dog owners looking for a nutritionally dense dog food that can meet the needs of dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe

We highly recommend the Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe for hounds due to its high-quality ingredients and lasting benefits.

Pros

• The kibble is loaded with a high-protein combination of humanely raised chicken, turkey, and functional ingredients like chicory root and green lipped mussel, and essential vitamins/minerals to promote wellness and balance.
• The small bite size portion is formulated to cater to higher metabolic rates in smaller breeds.
• The added parsley and peppermint help keep your dog’s breath nice and fresh.

Cons

• The food is very expensive.
• The chicken and turkey flavor may not be suitable for dogs with fish allergies.
• Some dogs may not like the veggie-like smell of the kibble.

We were impressed with the Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe, which is lab formulated and kitchen made with high-quality ingredients. Our dog loved the small bite size portion, and we noticed an improvement in her overall health and energy levels. The added antioxidants and Vitamin A helped support healthy vision, and the New Zealand green lipped mussels provided healthy hip and joint support. We also appreciated the 100% transparency of the brand, which allows us to trace the origin of every ingredient using the lot number on the bag.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your hound, the Open Farm Grain-Free Small Breed Dog Recipe is definitely worth considering.

IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality dog food for your small breed dog, IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The first ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken, providing your dog with quality protein.
• It promotes skin and coat health with omega-6 fatty acids, keeping your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.
• Veterinarians recommend IAMS, so you can trust that this is a good choice for your dog’s health.

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the taste of the food, so it may take some time to get them used to it.
• The kibble size may be too large for some small breed dogs, making it difficult for them to eat.
• The bag size is relatively small, so you may need to purchase it more frequently than other brands.

We recently tried this dog food for our small breed dog and we were impressed with the quality of the ingredients. The first ingredient is real, farm-raised chicken, which is important for providing your dog with the protein they need to build strong muscles. The omega-6 fatty acids also help to promote skin and coat health, which is especially important for small breed dogs who are prone to skin issues.

One thing to note is that some dogs may not immediately take to the taste of the food. It may take a few days for them to get used to it, but once they do, they should enjoy it. The kibble size may also be a bit large for some small breed dogs, so you may need to break it up or soak it in water to make it easier for them to eat.

Overall, we would definitely recommend IAMS Small -amp; Toy Breed Adult Dry Dog Food for small breed dog owners who are looking for a high-quality, veterinarian-recommended food that will help keep their dog healthy and happy.

Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food for your furry friend, we highly recommend the Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food.

Pros

• This dog food is made with premium protein from responsibly sourced whitefish, herring, and salmon, providing your dog with a complete and balanced diet.
• With guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine, this dog food helps support healthy skin and coat, strong joints, digestive health, and a healthy heart.
• Made in the USA with only the finest globally sourced ingredients, this dog food is free of poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.

Cons

• Some dogs may not enjoy the taste of this dog food, as it has a strong fish smell.
• This dog food is on the pricier side compared to other dog food brands.
• The kibble size may be too large for smaller dogs.

We recently tried this dog food with our own hound and were impressed with the quality of the ingredients and the noticeable improvement in our dog’s coat and energy levels. The kibble size was a bit large for our smaller dog, but our larger dog had no problem with it. The only downside was the strong fish smell, which may not be appealing to all dogs.

Overall, we highly recommend the Wellness CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food for any dog owner looking for a high-quality, grain-free dog food to support their dog’s optimal health.

Healthy Breeds Afghan Hound Oatmeal Shampoo with Aloe

If you’re looking for a natural and hypoallergenic shampoo for your hound, Healthy Breeds Oatmeal -amp; Aloe Shampoo is a great option.

Pros

• The oatmeal and aloe formula provides relief for itchy, scaling, and sensitive skin.
• Hypoallergenic formula is safe for use with topical flea control treatments.
• Leaves your dog smelling fresh and clean with the delicious Pina Colada scent.

Cons

• May require a larger amount to lather up, which could make it more expensive in the long run.
• The scent may not be suitable for all dogs or their owners.
• May require more frequent use than other shampoos.

We’ve used Healthy Breeds Oatmeal -amp; Aloe Shampoo on our hound, and we’ve found that it works well to relieve dry, itchy skin. The oatmeal and aloe formula is gentle and safe for use with topical flea control treatments, which is a big plus. We also love the Pina Colada scent, which leaves our dog smelling fresh and clean.

One possible downside is that it may require a larger amount of shampoo to lather up, which could make it more expensive in the long run. Additionally, the scent may not be suitable for all dogs or their owners. Finally, we’ve found that this shampoo may require more frequent use than other shampoos we’ve tried.

Overall, we would recommend Healthy Breeds Oatmeal -amp; Aloe Shampoo for hounds with dry, itchy, or sensitive skin. It’s a natural and hypoallergenic option that works well and smells great.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your hound, there are a few key factors to consider. We recommend taking the following into account when making your decision:

Nutritional Value

One of the most important factors to consider is the nutritional value of the food. Look for a product that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. Hounds are active dogs and require a lot of energy, so a high-quality protein source is essential for maintaining their muscle mass and energy levels.

Ingredients

It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients list when choosing a dog food. Look for a product that contains high-quality, whole food ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid products that contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products.

Brand Reputation

When choosing a dog food, it’s important to consider the reputation of the brand. Look for a company that has a good track record of producing high-quality, nutritious dog food. You can also read reviews from other dog owners to get an idea of how well the product has worked for other hound owners.

Price

While price shouldn’t be the only factor you consider, it’s important to find a product that fits within your budget. Keep in mind that high-quality dog food can be more expensive, but it’s worth the investment in your hound’s health and well-being.

Packaging

Finally, consider the packaging of the dog food. Look for a product that is packaged in a way that keeps the food fresh and free from contaminants. Avoid products that are packaged in flimsy bags or containers that are easily punctured or damaged.

By taking these factors into consideration, you can choose a high-quality dog food that will provide your hound with the nutrition they need to stay healthy and active.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in high-quality dog food for hounds?

When selecting dog food for your hound, it’s important to look for high-quality ingredients that provide balanced nutrition. Look for dog food that contains high-quality proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish, as well as whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Avoid dog food that contains fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy, as well as artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

How can I determine the best dog food portion sizes for different hound breeds?

The appropriate portion size for your hound will depend on its age, weight, and activity level. Generally, adult hounds should be fed twice a day, with portion sizes ranging from 1 to 2 cups per meal. Puppies and senior hounds may require smaller or more frequent meals. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes for your hound.

What are the top-rated dog food brands recommended for hounds’ nutritional needs?

There are many high-quality dog food brands available that cater to hounds’ nutritional needs. Some of the top-rated brands include Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science Diet, Royal Canin, and Purina Pro Plan. These brands offer a variety of formulas that cater to different hound breeds and life stages.

Are there specific types of dog food that cater to the health issues common in hounds?

Hounds are prone to certain health issues such as obesity, hip dysplasia, and bloat. There are dog food formulas available that cater to these health issues, such as weight management formulas, joint support formulas, and digestive health formulas. Consult with your veterinarian to determine if these formulas are appropriate for your hound.

How do I balance wet and dry dog food for a hound’s diet?

Wet and dry dog food can be combined to provide a balanced diet for your hound. Wet dog food can provide additional moisture and flavor, while dry dog food can help maintain dental health. A general guideline is to feed your hound a combination of 75% dry food and 25% wet food. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate ratio for your hound.

What should I avoid feeding my hound to maintain its optimal health?

To maintain your hound’s optimal health, avoid feeding it table scraps, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and foods that are high in fat, sugar, and salt. These foods can cause digestive issues, obesity, and other health problems. Additionally, avoid feeding your hound bones, as they can splinter and cause choking or intestinal blockages.