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.
Silicone Slow Feeder Dog Bowl With Mat
A silicone slow-feeder bowl set into a spill-catching tray mat. The ridged centre slows fast eaters and aids digestion, while the raised mat keeps food and water mess off the floor. Soft, non-slip and easy to wipe clean.
From£13.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Forthglade Soft Bite Grain Free Joints & Bones Treats
Grain-free salmon dog treats with salmon oil, glucosamine and chondroitin
£2.45
Sunflower Snuffle Mat Slow Feeder
A felt sunflower snuffle mat, roughly 37.5cm across, with yellow petals and a fluffy brown centre that hides kibble and treats. Encourages natural foraging to slow fast eaters and ease boredom. Ties on to fix it in place; machine washable.
£12.99
Pooch & Mutt Salmon Oil
Scottish salmon oil for dogs, dosed by weight from toy breeds to giants
£13.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Spherical Slow Feeder Licking Bowl
A spherical non-slip slow feeder that paces fast eaters and turns mealtimes into a calming licking ritual. The ridged surface slows gulping, aiding digestion and easing boredom for dogs and cats alike.
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
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.