If there is a dog breed that actually loves food, it is none other than the Otterhound. However, you must be aware of how much food they consume; they could become obese if you do not track their diet. Another way to keep the Otterhound in good shape is to give them the best dog food in the market. If you are looking for dog food for your Otterhound, here are three of the top-rated dog food for large breeds that you might consider.
| TOP RATED DOG FOOD FOR LARGE BREEDS | PRODUCT NAME | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Hill’s Science Large Breed Dog Food |  | Check Price |
 | IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food | | Check Price |
 | Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food | | Check Price |
Otterhound’s Feeding Requirement
Basically, for daily food consumption, the Otterhound needs at least 3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food, which should be divided into two separate meals. Yet, always keep in mind that the amount of food that the adult dog consumes highly depends on their age, size, body build, metabolism, and level of activity. Moreover, like humans, dogs have different food requirements.
Additionally, dog food quality also has a significant impact on their diet. Remember that if the dog food has better quality, it will go a long way to nourish your dog. However, when it comes to the Otterhounds’ diet, bear in mind not to overfeed them. Instead, feed them a few small meals and do not attempt to leave food in their bowl all the time.
Aside from that, measure the food you give to your OH and feed him twice a day to maintain the good shape of your Otterhound. In case you are not sure about his weight, conduct an eye test, and the hands-on test. To do this, look down on your Otterhound and try to see his waist.
Afterward, put your hands on your dog’s back and your thumb on his spine. Your fingers should spread in a downward position. Moreover, you must feel and not see the ribs of your OH without pressing too hard. Now, if you weren’t able to feel it, your pooch needs less food and more exercise.
Amount of food should an Otterhound eat per day
Generally, there are lots of factors that affect the amount of food that dogs should eat. Each dog has its individual needs. It is difficult for pet owners to identify the cravings of their dogs. Scheduling a proper feeding program for your OH is very important for their health. Less food consumption may lead to nutrient deficiency for dogs. Meanwhile, giving them too much food to eat may lead them to obesity risk.
Basically, to gauge the amount of food your Otterhound should eat daily is to measure the food depending on their body weight. When the dog is small, the demand for food is actually lesser compared to larger breeds. Yet, the question lies behind the exact number for this.
Initially, it is crucial to have precise control over the exact weight of your OH and their body size. Remember, if you do not consider your dog’s weight, you may easily underfeed or overfeed them. Here is the recommended feeding schedule and amount of food given to Otterhounds and other large dog breeds weighing 60 to 100+ pounds.
Otterhounds should eat:
- 3 ¾ cups daily for those weighing 80 pounds
- 4 ¼ cups daily for those weighing 90 pounds
- 4 ½ cups daily for those weighing 100 pounds
Reminder:
For those Otterhounds weighing over 100 pounds, always put an additional 1/3 cup for every 10 pounds.
Human Foods that Are Safe for Otterhound’s Consumption
Usually, most pet owners give human food to their pet dogs. Some foods can be safe for dogs, while there are also foods that may be dangerous for them. Below is the list of human food that your Otterhound can eat:
APPLES
Apples contain vitamins A and C, which are essential vitamins for dogs, including the Otterhound. It also has fiber, which can support the regulation of the dog’s digestion. Yet, consuming rotten apples may result in alcohol poisoning of your pooch.
BANANAS
Giving your Otterhound a moderate amount of bananas may be very beneficial for their bone health. They are packed with magnesium and have a high sugar level. Because of its sugar content, bananas should only be given to dogs occasionally.
BLUEBERRIES
This fruit is actually safe to eat by dogs because it is very rich in fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals.
CARROTS
Like for humans, carrots are also a healthy food for dogs. Once they chew on some carrots, the plaque on your dog’s teeth can be removed. Aside from that, the carrots can also promote better dental health. Carrots have high vitamin A levels, which helps the dog’s immune system, coat, and skin. But, too much vitamin A is dangerous, so give carrots to your Otterhound in moderation.
CUCUMBERS
Suppose you are looking for human food that is safe and has low-calorie content. In that case, cucumber is a good option, especially for overweight dogs. In case you don’t keep track of your Otterhound’s diet, consider giving him cucumbers as it contains vitamin K along with the other vitamins and minerals.
DAIRY PRODUCTS
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are examples of dairy products that are safe for dog consumption in small amounts. Be less keen on giving these foods to your OH as it may lead to digestive problems. Keep in mind that dogs, including the Otterhounds, have low levels of lactase in their body. Lactase is the digestive enzyme that metabolizes the sugars from milk.
That’s why it is not suitable to give dairy products to dogs that are lactose intolerant. Diarrhea and vomiting are the common signs of lactose intolerance in dogs right after they consume dairy products.
PEANUT BUTTER
Dogs may eat peanut butter as this food offers beneficial nutrients to them like vitamin B and E, niacin, fats, and protein. The good and safe option is the unsalted variant that does not contain added sugar or sweeteners like the xylitol. That is a type of sweetener that is highly toxic to dogs, including the Otterhounds.
POPCORN
Another nutritious treat for the Otterhounds is plain popcorn that does not contain any butter, salt, or sugar. It has several minerals, including magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus. These minerals are essential to maintain the health of your OH. Moreover, always check if there are unpopped popcorn kernels as it may lead to choking if dogs accidentally eat them.
WATERMELON
The watermelon’s flesh is very safe to be eaten by the dogs, yet keep the seeds and the rind away from them. Once they ingest these, it may block their intestines. Another thing to look for is not to let them chew on the rind as it may cause an upset stomach in dogs. Yet, it keeps the dogs always hydrated due to the fruit’s high amount of water. Aside from that, it has vitamins A, C, and B6.
WHITE RICE
If your Otterhound is suffering from an upset stomach, try to give him cooked white rice. Actually, it is an excellent option to allow your dog to deal with his upset stomach as plain white rice is easily digestible and may bind stool. Yet, this food may not be suitable for dogs with diabetes as it can elevate the blood sugar levels.
Human Foods that Are Harmful to Otterhound’s Consumption
Even though Otterhounds and other dog breeds can eat some human food safety, there are also human foods that can be dangerous for dogs when they eat it. Giving them human foods like those can cause illness for dogs. So, avoid giving them the following:
ALCOHOL
Alcohol is highly dangerous for dogs, as it can lead to coma and death. So, never ever attempt to give alcohol to Otterhound and other dog breeds.
BREAD DOUGH
Dogs can safely eat white bread, yet the dough can be very harmful to them. The dough’s yeast content may actually expand in the dog’s stomach, thus causing bloating and, worse, may result in complications. Aside from that, yeasts may produce ethanol, which may eventually lead to alcohol poisoning.
CAFFEINE
Remember not to give any caffeine-containing food like chocolate and coffee to Otterhounds and other dogs. These foods have methylxanthines, which are generally toxic to dogs. Once they ingest it, dogs may experience vomiting, seizures, abnormal heart rate, or even death. However, there are chocolate treats for dogs but have alternative ingredients that are safe for dog consumption.
CHERRIES
Since cherries are small, there is the possibility that dogs may swallow them. Due to this, it may be a choking hazard or block the dog’s intestine. Aside from that, this fruit is poisonous due to their cyanide content located on their pit.
CITRUS FRUITS
Oranges and lemons generally contain citric acid and may cause an upset stomach for dogs. Moreover, consuming large quantities of this fruit can cause nervous system depression.
COCONUT PRODUCTS
Potassium is abundant in coconut water and due to this, avoid giving your Otterhound this kind of drink. Moreover, the coconut flesh may lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea for dogs.
ICE CREAM
Ice cream has a high amount of sugar; thus, it should not be given to dogs. Aside from that, most dog breeds are lactose intolerant.
NUTS
Do not ever give nuts to Otterhounds and other dogs, as it may also be a choking hazard. The nuts of the macadamia are poisonous to them. It may generally cause muscle weakness, vomiting, lethargy, and hyperthermia.
ONIONS AND GARLIC
Most of the Allium genus members, including the onions, garlic, and even chives, generally contain organosulfoxides, which are toxic to dogs. It may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. The toxic substances present in those foods may also lead to anemia in dogs.
RAW EGGS
Lack of biotin in dogs like the Otterhound may generally have a great impact on their skin and coat health. If you let them eat raw eggs, the deficiency of biotin may be experienced.
XYLITOL
Basically, xylitol is a sugar alternative added to most human foods. But, this substance is highly toxic to dogs. It may cause them to suffer from liver failure and very low blood sugar levels, which may be very dangerous.
Healthy Ways of Feeding Your Otterhound
Here are good options in providing your OH healthy foods:
Homemade Dog Food
Aside from the top-rated dog food for large breeds available in the market, you can also give your Otterhound a healthy food option through homemade dog food. Basically, you can mix meat with veggies and other yummies or dog supplements. You can feed them with homemade dog recipes either in cooked or raw form.
Commercial Raw Dog Food
In case you are too busy and don’t have time to prepare the dog food yourself, you may consider buying a pre-made raw dog food diet. Generally, this dog food option is available in frozen and freeze-dried form. Once you have the frozen dog food, simply defrost the food and serve it to your OH. Meanwhile, for the freeze-dried variety, simply add water and let your Otterhound enjoy them.
Moreover, commercial raw dog food is already a complete dog meal. Yet, you still have the option of combining that with the food the dog usually consumes. For example, you can add some kibble over the frozen commercial raw diet. Generally, this combination will make an excellent improvement with your dog’s taste and diet.
Basically, this dog food option should primarily be given raw. In case you have some doubts about feeding your OH raw foods, then keep in mind that most frozen and freeze-dried commercial raw dog diet undergoes the safety process of bacterial elimination. This process is generally known as the High-Pressure Pasteurization or HPP.
Yet, if you are still in doubt, it is also possible to start cooking the dog food very lightly. Afterward, you can try to cook it less and then serve it raw little-by-little. This may be very helpful to introduce commercial raw dog foods for the Otterhound.
Commercial Cooked Dog Food
This new state-of-the-art dog kitchen prioritizes cooking dog food for any breed, including the Otterhounds. They will cook a delicious meal for your dog under the supervision of a veterinarian. Then, they will directly deliver the commercial cooked dog food to your doorstep. You do not need to worry about its safety as every meal is provided in a sealed packet. You can also keep some in the refrigerator, then warm it and serve.
Otterhound Feeding Tips
It is not challenging to determine the appropriate amount of food you must give to your Otterhound. Perhaps, the real challenge lies in ensuring that they eat their food. Below are some tips to give your dog a successful and easier mealtime.
1. Encourage
Otterhounds are actually stubborn some of the time. Knowing this, it is advisable to add some broth or little piece of treats along with their meal. This will generally encourage them to eat.
2. Give a limitation
If you leave the dog food out in your Otterhound’s food bowl, they may either eat it all at once or ignore it altogether. To prevent this, it is better to leave their food out strictly during meal times. Leave it there for about 10 minutes, and after that, take the food away, even if they do not eat it. This is an excellent way to teach your pet in eating every time the bowl is on the floor.
3. Slow down their eating
Some dogs actually wolf down their food within seconds. Dogs may experience some harm as they tend to eat too fast. That’s why buying a slow feeder machine may be a great help. This will feed proper food dosages on a consistent schedule, protecting your pet from getting over or underweight.
Moreover, scheduling a healthy feeding will positively guarantee that your OH receives the proper nutrition that he needs. It is generally essential that you know your dog’s actual weight, target weight, and health condition before coming up with a new feeding schedule. And, always keep in mind to measure everything before you scoop.
Things to Consider When Buying the Top Rated Dog Food for Large Breeds
Buying the top-rated dog food for large breeds necessitates reading the dog food labels. That is something essential. In doing so, you may provide your Otterhound and give them the optimal nutritional requirements that they need. Here are some of the crucial factors to consider when buying good dog food for your OH.
PROTEINS
Generally, when you choose a dog food for large breeds like the Otterhounds, you must remember that protein is the most important thing to consider. It is a macronutrient that has amino acids acting in several functions on the dog’s body. Otterhounds and other large dog breeds demand proteins to help develop their muscles, skin cells, and other body chemicals like enzymes and hormones.
A large dog such as the OH should consume at least 22 amino acids to meet their protein requirements. Primarily, look for dog food products that have animal-based proteins rather than the plant-based. This will actually help them to cope with the lack of amino acids.
CARBOHYDRATES
Like in humans, carbohydrates are the primary energy source for Otterhounds and other large dogs. However, compared to protein, this nutrient is not essential for them. Wheat, potatoes, and barley rice are the most common ingredients of top-rated dog food for large breeds. Generally, numbers of carbohydrates are added into the dog’s food due to its more extended stability, wide availability, and more affordable compared to fats and proteins.
But, looking back on the traditional dog’s diet, the level of carbohydrates should only comprise about 14% of the diet of your OH. Yet, be very keen on choosing the best dog food for your pooch as low-quality dog foods may contain carbs as high as 80%.
FATS
The fats generally offer twice the energy of carbohydrates and proteins to large dogs, including the Otterhounds. Knowing this, the large dog’s diet or even the top-rated dog food for large breeds must contain about 10% to 15% of this nutrient. The composition of fats includes fatty acids, which are highly digestible by the pooch. Initially, large dogs absorb nutrients from fat, instead of carbs, as the source of energy. This dog food nutrient is essential for developing the dog’s muscles, nerves, and body tissues.
VITAMINS AND MINERALS
Dog food containing vitamins and minerals entails several health benefits to your Otterhound. It can help improve their eyes, skin, healthy growth of their cells, and prevent blood clotting. Generally, Otterhounds and other large dog breeds require vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K on their diet.
FIBER
It is also an essential component of a large dogs’ diet; however, most pet owners overlook this nutrient because it is highly plant-based. Fiber is generally necessary to improve large dogs’ digestive health, healthy wealth management, and prevention of diabetes. The best fiber sources are whole foods and vegetables like peas, green beans, and sweet potatoes.
Top Rated Dog Food for Large Breeds
OUR TOP PICK: Hill’s Science Large Breed Dog Food
Product Name: Hill’s Science Large Breed Dog Food
Product Description: Top-rated dog food for large breeds that comes from a delicious chicken flavor and quality level of calcium, the Hill’s Science Large Breed Dog Food provides a controlled growth of the Otterhound’s bones. This top-rated dog food for large breeds allows your pooch to make a better start in their life. Moreover, they will also grow at their fullest potential because of the balanced minerals that Hill’s Science Large Breed Dog Food contains. This food will also help in the development of strong bones and teeth of your OH. This dog food's unique feature is that it contains all-natural ingredients, including DHA sourced from fish oil. This functions in supporting the Otterhound’s eye development and brain function. Aside from that, also included in its ingredient list is the high-quality protein that primarily aids in muscle building and maintenance for large dogs. Moreover, the new shapes and new formulas of the kibble will surely be loved by your Otterhound.
Availability: InStock
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Ingredient quality
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Value for money
Overall
Summary
The Hill’s Science Large Breed Dog Food generally uses premium quality ingredients like real meat from chicken, lamb, and salmon protein. Primarily, the quality protein is the main ingredient listed first on its label. It also contains natural ingredients combined with amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The thing that makes this top-rated dog food for large breeds a good one is that it is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
Pros
- Made with an excellent level of calcium
- Contains a well-balanced set of minerals
- With DHA comes from fish oil
- Recommended by the vet
Cons
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Some dogs may experience diarrhea
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The new shapes and sizes of kibble don’t like by the dog
RUNNER-UP
IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Another top-rated dog food for large breeds, like your Otterhounds, is the IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. Generally, veterinarians recommend this dog food as it comes from real ingredients. The recipe basically starts using farm-raised chicken, wholesome grains, and veggies. Aside from that, it also has glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, which support joint health.
If you are looking for top-rated dog food for large breeds that can offer a strong immune system for your Otterhound, you would never go wrong with this IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food. All the ingredients that it has are premium quality and easily digestible. Due to this, your OH can also achieve healthy skin and coat, good metabolism, and strong bones.
And to maintain the metabolism of your Otterhound, IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food includes L-carnitine in its formulation. Generally, the IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is perfect for large breeds, such as the Otterhounds, and that pooch who needs a diet for supporting their overall health and energy requirements. Though chicken is its main ingredient, it also has well-blended veggies, whole grains, and supplements.
Key Features
- The ingredients contain a premium quality of animal protein
- The formulation is based on a 100% well-balanced nutrition containing no artificial preservatives, flavors, and fillers
- Made from the finest ingredients manufactured in the USA
- Contains real chicken meat as its first ingredient on the list
- Enhances the development of strong muscles and excellent quality lean protein
- Has an appropriate blend of fiber and prebiotics to maintain healthy digestion and immunity
- Formulation applicable to all dog ages and sizes
- Recommended by most veterinarians
- Ingredients also contain glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
Summary
Without any doubt, the IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is one of the favorite dog foods for most pet owners. As a top-rated dog food for large breeds, this dog food is gaining an excellent reputation because of its delicious and healthy dog food formula. IAMS Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is highly recommendable for Otterhounds due to its well-balanced food pack.
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food
Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food generally cares for the nutritional needs of the Otterhounds and other large dog breeds. The excellent feature of this top-rated dog food for large breeds is the well-developed botanical oils, which boost the dog’s mental alertness and sharpness. Moreover, every serving of Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food has high-quality protein and chicken being its first ingredient on the list.
Additionally, this top-rated dog food for large breeds also includes omega-3 fatty acid EPA and glucosamine for joint health and mobility. All of the included ingredients are selected due to an appropriate purpose. That’s why, for Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food, nutrition does not only focus on the body of your Otterhound but also a big help on their brain.
This top-rated dog food for large breeds has MCT or Medium Chain Triglycerides in high amounts, which enhance the Otterhound’s mental alertness. Additionally, it also helps to improve memory, training ability, and focus. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and glucosamine are also part of the ingredients supporting healthy joints. There is also the natural prebiotics which encourages better digestion process of your OH.
Moreover, this dog food formula is highly suitable for every dog breed size and their life stages. The Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food offers a 100% well-balanced nutrition needed by your OH to grow to its fullest potential. Basically, this top-rated dog food for large breeds is made in the US. The overall quality of this dog food is checked, ensuring your dog’s health’s safety and providing you with confidence that your dog receives the nourishment they need.
Key Features
- Contains specialized formulas with advanced nutrition aim to support the health of the skin and digestive system, controls and handles the weight of your OH, and healthy aging
- With targeted nutrition intended to help the dogs of all sizes to cope with their energy requirement while keeping their ideal body condition, lustrous coat, and healthy skin
- Delivers a 100% entire and well-balanced nutritional needs
- The formula is really great-tasting as it contains real meat, fish, and poultry
- Has an optimal protein-to-fat ratio which supports the dog to keep their ideal body health
Summary
Due to the incredible blend of Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Dog Food ingredients, this top-rated dog food for large breeds helps your pooch have focus and be alert. Giving your Otterhound this dog food will generally allow them to experience overall nutritional support that they need.
Final Thoughts
The top-rated dog food for large breeds basically offers overall wellness to the health of large dogs, including the Otterhounds. You can actually give them some human foods that are safe for dog consumption, or you can even prepare homemade dog food. But the top-rated dog foods contain ingredients that provide entirely the well-balanced nutrition that your Otterhound truly deserves. However, when it comes to buying this dog product, always consider the following content: protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, fibers, and other features that come with it.
In terms of the dog foods, buying a high-quality one is really a good idea as you have to invest in your dog’s health in the long run. So, instead of buying a cheap one, it is actually better to put your money on dog foods that offer complete nutrition to your pet for a long time.
