Food for a Bloodhound puppy
A Bloodhound puppy grows into one of the larger scent hound breeds, and that size makes controlled growth the priority when choosing food, rather than the fastest possible growth a standard puppy formula might otherwise encourage. Their deep chest also puts the breed among those at higher risk of bloat as adults, which is worth building good feeding habits around from puppyhood.
Why growth rate matters more than speed
Giant and large-breed puppies that grow too quickly are at greater risk of developmental joint problems, because bone and soft tissue can struggle to keep pace with rapid weight gain. Large or giant-breed puppy formulas are built specifically to manage calcium and calorie levels with this in mind, rather than simply being a smaller-portioned version of an adult food.
This matters more for a Bloodhound than it would for a small breed puppy, since the total weight gain over the first year or so is considerably greater, giving any imbalance more room to cause a real problem.
Feeding around the bloat risk
Bloodhounds are deep-chested, a body shape associated with higher rates of gastric dilatation-volvulus in adulthood. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals rather than one large one, and avoiding vigorous exercise straight after eating, are sensible habits worth establishing from puppyhood rather than introducing later.
A slow feeder bowl is also worth considering for a breed known for enthusiastic eating, since eating too fast is one of the factors thought to contribute to bloat risk.
What to look for on the label
A giant or large-breed puppy formula, with calcium and phosphorus levels controlled for slower, steadier growth, is the starting point. Beyond that, a named animal protein source and a reasonable, rather than very high, fat content suit a breed that will do well on steady development rather than rapid bulking.
Bloodhounds are also a working scent breed with real stamina, so once past the puppy stage they generally do better on a food matched to their actual activity level than a sedentary-lifestyle formula, even though the puppy stage itself is about controlled rather than maximum growth.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Pedigree Tasty Minis Puppy Treats Chewy Cubes with Chicken
Soft chewy puppy training treats with 13% chicken and added calcium, 125g
£2.25
Forthglade Complete Puppy Chicken with Liver Grain Free — 18 x 395g Trays
Sold as a case: 18 x 395g trays. A complete grain-free wet food for puppies, built on 71% chicken and 4% chicken liver
£35.89
Bakers Puppy Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables
Bakers Puppy Chicken & Vegetables dry dog food, 12.5kg, complete food for puppies from 6 weeks to 24 months
£39.15
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Puppy/Junior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey and potato kibble for puppies and junior dogs, evenly balanced recipe
£12.75
Wagg Puppy Treats
Puppy Treats in a 120G pack, with 23.2% protein and 7% fat and full label detail
£1.49
Burns Puppy Junior Original Chicken Rice
A complete puppy and junior food with dried chicken 31% and controlled fat at 15%
From£14.99
Lily's Kitchen Puppy Chicken Recipe — 6 x 400g Tins
Sold as a case: 6 x 400g tins. Complete 400G wet puppy chicken recipe with 67% fresh chicken
£22.79
Pooch & Mutt Puppy Bite Size Beef Jerky
Bite-size beef jerky training treats for puppies, scaled by dog size
£3.99
Whimzees Puppy
Softer dental chews for puppies over three months old, grain free and gluten free
£7.99
Burns Grain Free Puppy Duck Potato
Grain-free duck and potato puppy food with a prebiotic, for starting a new litter on a novel protein
From£16.49
Common questions
- Should a Bloodhound puppy eat a large-breed puppy food?
- Yes, a large or giant-breed puppy formula is generally the better fit, since it controls calcium and calorie levels to support steady rather than overly rapid growth, which matters more for a breed that will end up a substantial adult size.
- How many meals should a Bloodhound puppy have a day?
- Several smaller meals rather than one or two large ones is a sensible approach, partly for digestion and partly because the breed is deep-chested and prone to bloat as an adult, which is a habit worth establishing early.
- Are Bloodhounds prone to joint problems?
- Large and giant breeds generally carry a higher risk of developmental joint issues if they grow too quickly as puppies, which is the main reason a growth-controlled puppy food matters more for a Bloodhound than it would for a small breed.
- When should a Bloodhound puppy switch to adult food?
- Large and giant breeds typically stay on a puppy or growth formula for longer than small breeds, often into their second year, since they take longer to reach full physical maturity. Check the guidance on the specific food, or ask your vet if you are unsure when to switch.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.