A Black and Tan Coonhound is by no means a delicate lapdog. This large breed dog can come in at 75 to 90 pounds and requires a certain amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight. This is especially true for the active Black and Tan Coonhound who hunts. Many often assume it is the quantity and not the quality of the food that matters most. However, the Black and Tan Coonhound has a tendency to gain weight during inactive periods. When it comes to this loveable breed, owners must pay special attention to what their dog is eating.

Hidden calories for dogs often come in the form of snacks. It is important to not feed any dog refined sugars, salts or other tablescraps as this can lead to fluid retention in kidneys and other vital organs. Healthy snacks for the Black and Tan Coonhound can be made by hand with just a few ingredients found in every kitchen. With a distraction of a hunting trip, it can be difficult to get a Black and Tan Coonhound to eat. These healthy snacks fed throughout the trip are also a good way to ensure that calorie levels do not dip dangerously low.

Coonhound Goodies:

3 pounds beef, chicken or turkey
3 cups oatmeal
2 cups cooked brown rice
4 eggs
1 cup sunflower oil
2 cups cornmeal
1 cup cooked and drained lentils
2 cups finely grated carrot
1 cup water

Set oven to 350 degrees. After mixing all ingredients together, place dollops of the mixture into a lightly oiled cupcake pan, but do not pack in. Bake for 45 minutes. Because these healthy treats have no preservatives, they can go bad faster than store bought treats. Freezing the snacks and bringing them along for trips and shows is a handy option.

Coonhound Cookies:

4 cups of whole wheat flour
¼ cup of yellow cornmeal
¼ cup of cooked brown rice
1 egg
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
2 teaspoons orange juice
1 2/3 cup of water

3 cups carob chips for dipping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. After mixing the first seven ingredients together, roll the dough out and cut into fun shapes. Bake on a greased cookie sheet for 10 to 15 minutes. Melt 3 cups white carob chips over double boiler. Once cookies are cooled dip them in the melted carob chips and place them on wax paper to dry. These cookies are best kept in an airtight container.

Coonhound Happy Snacks:

A trick some obedience trainers use is a can of their dog's favorite premium canned food with up to a cup of flour and an egg. When this mixture is spread out in a 9 x 12 pan and baked at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, it can then be cut into small squares or shaped with cookie cutters. The recipe freezes well and makes an inexpensive snack or reward for the snack happy Black and Tan Coonhound.