What does the phrase a repast for the hounds mean in the most dangerous game?

In "The Most Dangerous Game," the phrase "a repast for the hounds" refers to the idea of a meal set out for hunting dogs. It symbolizes the dehumanization of the protagonist, Rainsford, as he becomes the hunted in a deadly game orchestrated by General Zaroff. The phrase underscores the brutal nature of the hunt, suggesting that Rainsford is treated no better than prey, highlighting the story's themes of survival and the blurred lines between hunter and hunted.