Let’s be honest: dog food marketing is a minefield. “All-natural.” “Grain-free.” “Human-grade.” Sounds impressive, right? But here’s the thing no one tells you—even the most expensive kibble can leave your Foxhound undernourished in the areas that actually matter.
Foxhounds are active, driven, and sensitive dogs. Their dietary needs go beyond the basics, and if you’re noticing weird changes in their energy, coat, or behavior… it’s not just “getting older” or “a bad day.” It could be a sign their diet is failing them.
Here’s what I wish someone had told me before I spent hundreds at the vet and watched my own Foxie slowly lose her spark.
1. They’re Itchy All. The. Time. (But Have No Fleas)
You’ve checked for ticks. No fleas. You’ve changed the shampoo. Still scratching?
That relentless itching could mean a deficiency in essential fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6. These keep your dog’s skin barrier strong and inflammation low.
Feed this instead:
Try a high-quality salmon or sardine-based food, or supplement with a vet-approved fish oil. You’ll be surprised how fast their coat improves.
2. Their Energy Drops Like a Rock in the Afternoon
Foxhounds are natural hunters with insane stamina. If yours is suddenly lethargic—or crashes halfway through a walk—their diet might be missing iron or B vitamins, both crucial for oxygen transport and sustained energy.
Feed this instead:
Look for foods labeled “complete and balanced” that include organ meats or consider adding small amounts of cooked liver (in moderation) once or twice a week.
3. Their Coat Looks Dull or Thin
Not shedding season? A dull, patchy coat usually screams zinc, protein, or vitamin A deficiency. These nutrients are directly tied to fur regeneration and oil production.
Feed this instead:
Go for formulas with animal-based proteins as the first ingredient—think chicken, turkey, or beef—not “meat byproducts” or “cornmeal filler.” Rotate in cooked eggs or bone broth for an extra boost.
4. They’re Constantly Eating Dirt or Grass
Some vets will tell you it’s “just a behavior.” But more often, it’s pica, a sign your pup is instinctively looking for minerals like calcium, magnesium, or potassium.
Feed this instead:
Switch to a well-reviewed, vet-recommended formula with whole food ingredients—or even a raw food blend if you’re up for it. Some dogs also benefit from a natural multivitamin made for canines.
5. Their Poop Is… Weird (Too Soft, Too Often, or Too Rare)
Sorry to go there, but poop doesn’t lie. Nutrient imbalances or poor digestibility usually show up in the form of chronic loose stools or constipation.
Feed this instead:
Avoid foods with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Try a limited ingredient diet with prebiotics like pumpkin or probiotics like kefir. Sometimes, less is more.
🦴 The Bottom Line
If your Foxhound’s food isn’t doing the job, their body will start telling you—quietly, then loudly. Don’t wait until it escalates to chronic illness or vet bills that hurt your wallet more than the kibble hurt their gut.
You don’t need to spend a fortune on boutique brands. You just need to be intentional. Read labels. Trust your instincts. And most importantly—trust your dog’s behavior. They’re not being dramatic. They’re trying to tell you something.
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