Have you ever seen a Black and Tan Coonhound smile? Their entire body wiggles joyously to match their wagging tail. But if there’s one thing that sets their wagging off, it’s their mealtime! These hounds take their food very seriously, just like they take their coon hunting. But there’s a fiery debate going on around what should fill the bowls of our beloved coonhounds. The controversy? Grain-free diets.
Before we dig further into the grain bowl, let’s dive a bit into the history of the Black and Tan Coonhound. This breed was originated in America, primarily in the South, for hunting purposes. Their keen sense of smell and tireless persistence made them ideal for tracking raccoons and other small game. Similar to their ancestors, the bloodhounds and foxhounds, they required a diet to sustain their high energy levels and vitality.
While traditionally dogs were fed whatever scraps were left over from their human counterparts, the past few decades have seen a significant shift towards commercially prepared pet foods. This was a result of expanding knowledge about pet nutrition, as well as access to various ingredients. However, not all commercial pet foods are created equal, and that’s where the grain-free debate begins.
The proponents of grain-free diets argue that dogs, like their wolf ancestors, are primarily carnivorous and weren’t designed to digest grains properly. They believe grains are nothing more than cheap fillers that might even lead to allergies and other digestive issues. On the other hand, opponents of grain-free diets insist that dogs have since evolved from their wolf ancestors and are now capable of digesting grains effectively. They suggest that grains are a good source of energy and can provide essential nutrients, including fiber.
But wait, what does the science say? Recent research on canine nutrition reveals that dogs are indeed omnivores capable of digesting both meat and plant-based foods. This includes grains. That’s right! Your Black and Tan Coonhound, given its robust digestive abilities, can digest grains.
One groundbreaking study, published in the journal “Nature,” discovered that domestic dogs have evolved to digest carbohydrates more effectively than their wolf counterparts. They have more copies of the gene responsible for breaking down starch, which comes primarily from grains. This was an evolutionary response to the agricultural revolution when grains became a significant part of human diets and, by extension, dog’s diets.
However, this doesn’t mean that all grains are good for your Coonhound or that they should form a significant part of their diet. Some grains, like corn and wheat, are known to cause allergies in some dogs. It’s also crucial to note that the proportion and quality of grains matter.
High-quality grains like brown rice, oats, and barley can provide beneficial nutrients and fiber to your dog’s diet. They also serve as a good energy source for that tireless Coonhound of yours. The quality of grains matter; the aim should be to provide grains that are not overly processed, as this negatively impacts the nutrient content.
In the end, the choice to feed your Black and Tan Coonhound a grain-free diet lies with you. You are the one who knows your canine companion the best. If your hound has shown signs of grain intolerance or allergies, like excessive itching, poor coat quality, or digestive issues, it might be best to consider a grain-free diet, after discussing it thoroughly with your vet, of course.
If your hound happily gobbles up their grain-inclusive food without showing any adverse effects, there’s no need to jump on the grain-free bandwagon just because it’s trendy. Remember, the best diet for your Coonhound is one that is balanced and tailored to their specific needs. And don’t forget to accompany it with lots of love and belly rubs!
So, as the sun sets and your Black and Tan Coonhound comes in from a day of sniffing and exploring, you can rest assured knowing that their wagging tail at mealtime is not just because of the flavourful food, but also because their meal is fulfilling their dietary needs. Whether grain-free or grain-inclusive, a well-researched, balanced diet is what will keep that Coonhound smile gleaming!
