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Best Dog Food For Bloodhounds: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

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Last Updated: June 5, 2024 | 10 min read | Leave a Comment

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The Bloodhound is a large to sometimes giant dog breed who is more energetic than he looks and has eyes bigger than his belly. This distinguished doggo is also known to be a little fussy. So, finding him a food suited to his unique nutritional needs and satisfying his taste buds can cause dog parents a headache. But not anymore with our Bloodhound foodie guide.

We take you through each of his three life stages and tell you what his diet should focus on in each. We’ll also teach you how to tell a good quality ingredient list from a poor one. And then, we’ll move on to reviewing the best dog foods for the Bloodhound.

Sure, canine nutrition might not sound like the sexiest subject. But it is super important if you want to ensure your Bloodhound is getting what he needs to stay happy and healthy.

At a Glance: Our Favorite Foods for Bloodhounds

Diamond Naturals Senior Dog Food
Our Rating

Best For Puppies

Diamond Naturals Puppy

The Farmer's Dog Food Products (3 flavors)
Our Rating

Best For Adults

The Farmer’s Dog

Our Rating

Best For Seniors

Nutro Large Breed Senior

Puppy Nutrient Requirements

Bloodhound puppy next to bowl of food
While he might be relatively tiny as a pup, he won’t stay small for long.

This breed eventually tops the scales at 110 pounds (sometimes more.) Making him a large to giant-sized breed. This means that you need to feed him food designed for large breed puppies. His body grows quickly, and large breed dog food is designed to control the speed at which his bones grow. Otherwise, he’ll be more likely to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia.

Healthy omega fatty acids are one of the most essential Bloodhounds puppy nutrient needs. They assist in brain and eye development, nourished skin and coat, cardiac strength, bone and joint support, and overall wellness. Mothers’ milk contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA), so these are important to look for on the packaging. Meat meals, fish, eggs, oils, and flaxseed, are rich in healthy fats, so be sure to look out for these ingredients.

Another important aspect of puppy nutrition is protein. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that puppies need a minimum protein content of 22% for healthy development. Proteins are full of amino acids which are the building blocks of all life. The first ingredient in any dog food should always be meat. And this is usually the difference between a high-quality food and a poor one. Meat meals are also a quality source of protein, as well as glucosamine for joint support.

Adult Nutritional Needs

Two bloodhound puppies in birthday hats
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce undue stress on the joints and cardiac system.

When your Bloodhound reaches 12 to 15 months, you need to switch him to a large breed adult food gradually. Although he still has more growing to do, he needs less puppy fuel. Adult nutrition is more focused on a well-balanced diet. AAFCO recommends that all adult dogs need a minimum protein content of 18%. Your Bloodhound’s bowl should also include healthy carbs, fiber, omega fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Whether your pup has a sensitive stomach or not, he benefits from probiotic ingredients. These promote friendly bacteria in the gut, making the digestion process smoother and reducing gas (not eliminate, unfortunately). But for any Bloodhound owner, this can be a nostril saver for sure. Look for ingredients such as ‘dried lactobacillus casei fermentation product.’

Bloodhounds can be greedy dogs, so you need to make sure you don’t overfeed them. If you notice that he is always begging for snacks, try a diet with a fiber content of 5% or more. Or, if he is overweight and needs help managing his weight, try a weight management food.

Senior Nutritional Needs

When your Bloodhound reaches the age of seven to eight years, you need to switch him to a senior food. All dogs are different, but when you notice that he has less energy, slows down mentally, or begins to get a bit chunkier, it’s probably time to switch. It’s important not to feed an aging dog an adult life stage food because they do not meet his aging nutritional needs.

Older dogs need fewer calories and fats because they do not burn off as much energy. Many senior recipes also have higher fiber contents because fiber is a low-calorie ingredient that helps dogs feel fuller for longer. Plus, their sensitive stomachs cannot digest rich fats and proteins as efficiently as they used to. Which usually means wetter stools and more gas. This is why many senior recipes are more simple to digest.

High-quality senior foods also contain more glucosamine and Chondroitin, offering additional joint support. And the giant Bloodhound needs all the joint support he can get. Look for meat meals, fish, oils, green-lipped mussels, cartilage, and other animal organs. Extra fruits, veggies, and vitamin and mineral supplements are needed to help strengthen his aging immune system.


Best Food For Bloodhound Puppies

Bloodhound pups are weaned off their mother’s milk at around the age of six weeks old. This means that you’ll need a puppy food ready for when you bring him home. Here are our top five puppy foods for Bloodhound pups.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy

Diamond Naturals Senior
  • Top pick for puppies.
  • No corn, wheat, filler or artificial flavors.
  • DHA for brain and vision health.
  • Omega fatty acids for skin and coat.
  • Powerful antioxidants for immune health.
  • 342 Calories per cup.
  • 27% Protein, 15% Fat, 3% Fiber.

Diamond Naturals uses real lamb as the first ingredient in this specially crafted formula for large breed puppies like your Bloodhound. This helps develop strong muscles and gives your puppy energy to grow, learn, and play. Real fruits and vegetables deliver tons of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost overall health and immunity. Omega fatty acids help make your dog’s coat shiny and keep their skin clear, all while helping with retinal and cognitive development.

We love that probiotics help keep this formula highly digestible for your puppy. No no corn, wheat, filler, or artificial ingredients in this formula.


Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy

Wellness Large Breed Puppy Food
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient.
  • DHA for brain support.
  • Contains no by-product meals.
  • No corn, wheat, or soy.
  • High-protein ratio.
  • 411 Calories per cup.
  • 35% Protein, 14% Fat, 6% Fiber.

This recipe uses real chicken as the very first ingredient for high palatability and superior protein content. It contains DHA and ARA (fatty acids found in mother’s milk) to promote healthy brain and eye development and fortify renal health.

We love Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits contain a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to help meet life stage requirements in this delicate time.


Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy

Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy
  • Mix of premium lean proteins, antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils.
  • High-quality natural and holistic ingredients.
  • Specifically tailored for growing puppies.
  • Food meets the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles.
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

This special formula from Nutro contains three different lean animal proteins: farm-raised chicken, pasture-fed lamb, and salmon. These provide complementary amino acids that help to build strong and lean muscles. This kibble precisely meets the needs of large breed puppies like your Bloodhound. Good, nutrient-dense, whole grains help keep the digestive system in tip-top shape. Glucosamine and Chondroitin give your dog the support needed on their growing bones and joints.

We love the antioxidants to maintain a healthy immune system, strong heart, and bright mind. This formula is made with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.


American Journey Large Breed Puppy

Holisitic Select Giant Breed Puppy Food
  • Grain-free recipe.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Real chicken is the first ingredient.
  • DHA for brain and vision development.
  • No grains, wheat or soy.
  • 374 Calories per cup.
  • 30% Protein, 12% Fat, 6% Fiber.

This grain-free puppy food from American Journey is a fantastic diet for puppies who have a lifetime of adventure in front of them. This formula was specially created to support healthy development in large breed puppies like your Bloodhound.  The recipe starts with real chicken as the first ingredient for intense, delicious flavor and to help support growing muscles. A precise balance of calcium and phosphorus ensures that your dog grows up healthily. DHA and ARA or added to support brain and eye development.

We love this formula does not contain grains, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients. It is great for puppies with sensitive stomachs.


Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy

Wellness Core Large Breed Adult
  • Grain-free formula.
  • Premium ingredients.
  • No meat by-products.
  • High concentration animal protein.
  • No corn, wheat or soy.
  • 387 Calories per cup.
  • 35% Protein, 14% Fat, 5.5% Fiber.

Wellness has developed this excellent large breed puppy food with an emphasis on natural goodness.  Your Bloodhound is sure to love the wholesome deliciousness of this recipe. This formula combines premium quality protein from chicken and turkey with tons of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, like broccoli,  carrots, and apples. DHA from salmon oil helps keep the coat nice and shiny while aiding in cognitive and retinal development. Calcium, phosphorus, and glucosamine help keep your puppy’s bones and joints strong as they grow. Antioxidants help keep your dog’s immune system running well.

We love that this recipe includes probiotics to move digestion along smoothly, plus taurine for overall body health.


Best Food For Adult Bloodhounds

Despite not being fully mature until around two to three years of age, you’ll need to transition your pup to an adult food between the ages of 12 to 15 months. You can continue to feed him the same brand you did in puppyhood (but the adult version, obviously!) Or choose an entirely new one. Here are the best foods for adult Bloodhounds.


The Farmer’s Dog

  • Cooked fresh, flash-frozen, and shipped to you.
  • Personalized meal plans.
  • 4 healthy, vet-designed options: beef, chicken, turkey, or pork.
  • Made with human-grade ingredients (no fillers or preservatives).
  • Manufactured in the United States.
  • Calories and nutritional values vary based on recipe.

The Farmer’s Dog is so good you might want to eat it yourself, and you certainly could because it includes only human-grade ingredients. Fresh produce and vegetables ensure that your Bloodhound’s coat stays shiny and his large muscles are kept strong and healthy. Each meal is designed by vets and recommended based on your dog’s specific needs. It also helps in maintaining healthy body weight and condition. Mix in homecooked rice if your dog does not require a grain-free diet (which also allows you to stretch the food out, maximizing your money).

Your dog will gobble up the sweet potatoes and lentils that encourage digestion and healthy gut flora. The Farmer’s Dog prepares its food in a USDA-certified kitchen, using high-quality meats and their recipes are sure to please even the pickiest palate.

We love that these meals are healthy and unique to your dog’s activity level, dietary needs, and meat preferences. It’s an excellent option that guarantees your dog is eating the freshest, highest-quality, well-balanced meal available.


Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Lamb

  • Budget-friendly.
  • Gluten free.
  • Made for all breeds.
  • Pea, soy, corn and wheat free.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 370 Calories per cup.
  • 22% Protein, 12% Fat, 4% Fiber.

Natural Balance has created this limited ingredient formula for large breed dogs with food sensitivities. While this formula includes brown rice (grain), it is gluten-free –great news for dogs with allergies. Brown rice also contains plenty of fiber for optimal digestion. Lamb serves as the first ingredient in this recipe. It is an excellent source of naturally occurring amino acids for strong muscles. The shape of the kibble encourages proper chewing for large jaws and teeth. This helps promote clean teeth and healthy gums.

We love the added vitamins and minerals that are precisely formulated to answer your adult Bloodhound needs, giving them complete and balanced nutrition.


Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed

  • Free of chicken, or byproducts.
  • Grain-free formula.
  • Great alternative to a raw food diet.
  • No Corn, wheat or soy.
  • High-Protein formula.
  • 373 Calories per cup.
  • 28% Protein, 13% Fat, 6% Fiber.

The special diet from Blue Buffalo is inspired by what wolves eat in the wild– all the good stuff that keeps them strong and sharp. This delicious formula emphasizes red meat to give your big buddy all the protein they need while having their tasty fill. Multiple sources of protein come from deboned beef, lamb, and venison. Real vegetables and fruits balance out this kibble’s nutrition profile. Glucosamine and Chondroitin are added to support overall joint health, so your Bloodhound stays stronger for longer.

We love this formula does not contain by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.


Holistic Select Adult Giant Breed

Wellness complete large breed adult
  • Taurine for heart health.
  • Probiotics for digestive health.
  • Healthy Fiber for digestion.
  • Made with healthy fruits and veggies.
  • Made in the United States.
  • 433 Calories per cup.
  • 24% Protein, 14% Fat, 4% Fiber.

Holistic Select has created this natural dog food with a kibble size perfect for your big Bloodhound. Probiotics, fiber, and digestive enzymes help boost your dog’s overall gut health. This formula is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and taurine to keep your canine companion as healthy as can be. Omega-3 fatty acids do wonders in keeping your dog’s skin clear and make the coat gleam.

We love this unique chicken and oatmeal recipe that gives enough delicious protein to sate your dog’s big appetite while providing the complex carbohydrates needed to fuel their lifestyle, both on the field and at home.


Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Grain Free Dry Dog Food Large Breed

  • Freeze-dried raw-diet dry food for large breeds of dogs.
  • Features real deboned chicken as the very first ingredient.
  • Contains freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites.
  • Includes duck and lamb in a protein-rich and highly-digestible formula.
  • Cooked in the USA.

You have probably heard of the benefits of a raw diet for your dog. Simply put, while raw diets can be great, they usually aren’t balanced enough in terms of nutrition. Merrick understands the deliciousness of raw food to your Bloodhound but skips out on the compromise with this formula of well-balanced nutrients, plus the goodness of raw.  Deboned chicken, duck, and lamb make this recipe protein-rich and highly digestible. Each piece of kibble is freeze-dried, raw-coated, with the added benefit of freeze-dried, raw bites.

We love glucosamine and Chondroitin to protect your dog’s joints because Merrick wants to keep your large breed buddy as strong as possible.


Best Food For Senior Bloodhounds

Bloodhounds between seven and eight years old are considered seniors. Be sure to transition him slowly, whether you choose to feed your pooch a product from the same range or a completely different option altogether.  Here are our top picks for senior Bloodhounds.


Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior

  • Chicken––a high-quality protein source––as the very first ingredient.
  • Made with non-GMO ingredients, no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy.
  • Formulated with essential antioxidants.
  • Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.
  • Top pick for large breed senior dogs 6 years and older.

Your senior Bloodhound deserves to eat food that is all-natural and delicious. Nutro answers this need by emphasizing both nutrition and flavor, perfect for the particular senior palate. Chicken is the first ingredient in this formula, which your dogs surely enjoy. Natural fiber aids digestion, while Glucosamine and Chondroitin support orthopedic health. Antioxidants are added to keep your dog as safe as possible, even in the face of sickness.

We love this product does not contain any GMOs, chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, or anything your dog does not need to stay healthy.


Now Fresh Senior Large Breed

  • Grain-free formula.
  • Formulated for large breed weight management.
  • Balanced blend of fish and poultry protein.
  • Prebiotics for digestive health.
  • Gluten-free formula.
  • 376 Calories per cup.
  • 25% Protein, 11% Fat, 5.5% Fiber.

You want your dog to eat only the freshest, and Now Fresh wants that too. They have created a recipe that is sure to whet any dog’s appetite, especially your senior Bloodhound. For protein sources, they’ve included fresh turkey, salmon, and duck, which all work together to preserve the integrity of your senior dog’s muscles. Fruits and vegetables provide all the vitamins,  minerals, and antioxidants needed for a boosted immune system and vigor to live an active life.

We love that prebiotics and probiotics make digestion as smooth as possible for your old pup, while Glucosamine and Chondroitin support their joints.


Blue Buffalo Large Breed Senior

Science Diet Large Breed Senior
  • Budget-friendly formula.
  • Glucosamine boost for joint health.
  • No corn, wheat, or soy.
  • No chicken by-product meals.
  • L-Carnitine for muscle retention.
  • 344 Calories per cup.
  • 20% Protein, 10% Fat, 7% Fiber.

Blue Buffalo never ceases to amaze with their delicious formulas. Here’s an awesome senior formula meant to preserve and protect your Bloodhound’s life. This recipe contains premium meat for high-quality protein, good grains for complex carbohydrates, plus real fruits and vegetables for maximum nourishment. Deboned chicken makes this formula highly palatable, even to picky taste buds, all while providing the protein necessary to keep your old dog strong. Glucosamine and Chondroitin help support your dog’s hips and joints to keep them agile no matter how old they are.

We love how the calcium and phosphorus helps keep bones strong while aiding in preserving your furry friend’s teeth.


Orijen High-Protein Senior Formula Dog Food

  • Fresh chicken meat is the first ingredient.
  • Vegetables include butternut squash, and spinach.
  • Includes glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
  • Uses only low-glycemic carbohydrates.
  • Grain-free Formula.
  • 414 Calories per cup.
  • 38% Protein, 15% Fat, 8% Fiber.

ORIJEN has created a senior formula that nourishes your dog from the inside out. This brand emphasizes high-quality protein, which your aging dog needs more than ever to stay active and strong. An incredible 85% of this recipe comes from fish and poultry ingredients– this is sure to satisfy your old Bloodhound. Each piece is coated with the freeze-dried liver to appeal to your dog’s palate.

We love this recipe also contains superfoods such as spinach, pears, and kale to give your dog all the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for their complete wellness.


Final Thoughts

Bloodhounds are large to giant-sized dogs that are energetic and prone to skeletal problems. The nutrition you pick must be nutritionally beneficial, energy-supplying, and controlled. Thanks to our top-quality, highly-rated formula reviews, you are sure to find something for every Bloodhound and owner budget.

Be sure to consider your dog’s individual dietary needs (if he has any). Your fussy Bloodhound should love what you put in his bowl when you pick from our recommendations. And trust us–the way to a forever-hungry Bloodhound’s heart is through his stomach.

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