Bloodhound puppy food for controlled growth

A vet flagging growth rate in a Bloodhound puppy at six months is actually a really important signal — and the fact you're acting on it now puts you in a great position. Bloodhounds are a giant breed, and growing too fast is one of the main risk factors for joint and skeletal problems later in life. Getting the food right from here can make a genuine difference. To point you to the best option: what are they currently eating, and do you know roughly how much they weigh right now?

That makes sense — Pro Plan Large Puppy is a solid food, but 'large' and 'giant' breed formulas are actually quite different when it comes to energy density and calcium-to-phosphorus ratios. At 32kg at six months, he's going to be a big dog, and the goal is steady, controlled growth rather than fast gains. The key things you want in the food are a moderate calorie density, a calcium level calibrated for giant breeds specifically, and good-quality protein without being excessively high. Can I ask — is he neutered yet? It affects how I'd look at energy requirements.

Perfect — that's useful to know, and it sounds like he's doing brilliantly. My recommendation is Royal Canin Giant Junior. It's specifically formulated for giant breed puppies between 8 weeks and 18–24 months, and it's one of the few foods that genuinely gets the calcium and phosphorus balance right for very large breeds — that's critical because too much calcium in a growing giant breed can be just as problematic as too little. The energy density is deliberately moderate, which supports steady growth rather than rapid gain. The protein quality is good without being so high it drives excess muscle-to-frame development ahead of skeletal maturity. It's also well-researched and widely trusted by vets working with giant breeds. I'd transition him over about 10 days to avoid any digestive upset from the switch.

Yes — a few things to keep an eye on. His body condition score is the most important: you should be able to feel his ribs easily with light pressure but not see them visibly. If he starts looking ribby, he may need slightly more; if you're struggling to feel them, scale back a little. Also watch his energy levels and coat — both are good general health indicators. And keep up with the vet check-ins, because they can track his growth curve properly over time. Royal Canin's feeding guides on the pack are a reasonable starting point, but use his current weight and adjust based on what you see. Giant breeds benefit from being kept lean through puppyhood — it takes real pressure off developing joints.

Excellent choice — and well done for taking the vet's advice seriously. A lot of people underestimate how much the puppy phase shapes a giant breed's long-term health. He's lucky to have an owner paying this much attention at six months. Good luck with the transition, and enjoy him — Bloodhounds are something special.