Do Golden Retrievers Need Grain In Their Diets
Many Golden Retrievers can benefit from grain in their diets because it is an excellent nutrient. Grains are carbohydrates that give energy, plus they are full of other nutrients like antioxidants and fats . However, not all dogs can tolerate wheat or grain in their diets. Many dogs have allergies to grains, so they need grain-free diets. However, they can still benefit from other carbs like veggies to get their carbs.
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed
Do you have a large breed dog?
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is the best food for golden retrievers. Its packed with animal proteins, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to keep your pups muscles lean and joints limber and strong. In addition, D.H.A. and vitamin E help support healthy brain function and eyesight. This formula also helps maintain your dogs natural defenses against disease-causing organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc., so he can stay happy and healthy all year long!
You wont find another brand of food that will give your golden retriever everything she needs in one bag but we guarantee it!
Key Features:
Best Food For A Good Coat
cgott42 said:thanks – I decided to try the Royal Canin for Goldens I’ll see how she responds to it. re: bathing/shampooing – good to know I use earthbath brightening shampoo it says to only use 1x/month – are you sure it’s ok to use more often?
cgott42 said:thanks – I decided to try the Royal Canin for Goldens I’ll see how she responds to it. re: bathing/shampooing – good to know I use earthbath brightening shampoo it says to only use 1x/month – are you sure it’s ok to use more often?
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How Much Should You Feed Your Golden Retriever Puppy
How much you feed your puppy depends on what your veterinarian says and what the label on the dog food says.
Its tough to make general statements like, feed your puppy one cup per day, because 1) all puppies are different, and 2) different foods have different caloric densities.
One cup of Brand X food may have 300 calories per cup, while Brand Y has 400 calories per cup.
And heres an example of why it depends on the individual puppy
When we first got our puppy, Oliver, we were feeding him what the package told us to feed him.
During a vet visit our veterinarian said he looked too small and lethargic for a puppy his age , and he recommended we feed him a little more.
So when deciding how much to feed your puppy, read the label on your food and talk to your veterinarian to see whats best for them.
As far as how often to feed your puppy, this same rule applies.
Most people feed their puppies three times per day, and then eventually transition to two times per day when theyre a little older.
At this point, theyre not growing as much, so they dont need to eat as frequently, plus it will usually help them poop less!
For us, we fed Oliver three times per day until he was a little over a year old.
Thats when we switched to adult dog food and changed to feeding him two times per day.
- Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook.
How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
The friendly Golden Retriever is one of Americas most beloved breeds. A dog renowned for its loyal, loving, and affectionate ways, the Golden Retriever is an active family companion that requires a high-quality diet to thrive.
Golden Retrievers can be prone to developing bloat, a condition that primarily affects large-chested breeds. Though the causes of this problem arent fully understood, experts recommend feeding a kibble that is comprised of large enough pieces to require the Golden to chew rather than gulp its food since bloat is associated with eating too quickly or too large a quantity.
Golden Retrievers love to eat and can be prone to weight gain. To prevent this from occurring, the best dog food for Golden Retrievers should be carefully measured and the dogs body condition monitored to achieve and maintain an appropriate weight.
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Nutritional Guidelines To Follow
To ensure a homemade dog food diet will meet your Golden Retrievers dietary requirements, you need to consider your Goldens weight, health condition, size, and activity level.
The best homemade diet for Golden Retriever will always have the six essential nutrients any dog meal should always have.
| Nutrient | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs | Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. |
| Carbohydrates | Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat | |
| Fat | From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others | Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues |
| Minerals | Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. | Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production. |
| Water | Water | Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day. |
| Vitamins | A, B, C, D, E, and K | Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function. |
What To Look For In Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
Each dog will have unique requirements, even if they are of the same breed. Not every Golden Retriever will have the same needs. They will have different health requirements, allergies, nutrients needs, life stages, etc. However, there will be some nutrients that every dog owner should look for in dog food to sustain optimal health, and here is a quick look at those nutrients.
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Fresh Fish Or Fish Oil
- RECIPE: Homemade Wet Dog Food
Fresh fish or a can of high-quality tuna or wild salmon will provide your pet with enough essential fatty acids.
Alternatively, you can use fish oil supplements and sprinkle/pour them over your dogs food or hide a capsule into a dog-safe treat.
Salmon is especially high in omega-3s.
Always carefully follow the dosage guidelines on the bottle if using supplements.
Alternatives to fish oil are flax seed and sunflower oils, which have also been proven to be effective in improving a dogs skin and coat conditions in this study from Veterinary Dermatology .
Best Dog Foods For Golden Retrievers Reviewed
All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dogs diet.
- First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Barley, Peas
- Key Feature: Comprehensive formula meets the specific needs of large breeds
- Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Caloric Content: 340 kcal/cup
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: Adult
- Best For: Overall
The complete health formula features a 26% crude protein content from four animal sources. This helps build lean muscle in athletic dogs like Golden Retrievers. Chicken is the first ingredient, and this recipe does not contain any by-products.
Mixed tocopherols help prevent eye problems in predisposed breeds by protecting eye tissues. Plus, this dog food also contains additional glucosamine to help ease joint discomfort in Goldens.
Added omega-3 fatty acids help promote a shiny coat, brain function, and cardiac health. Healthy fats and taurine are essential for limiting the risk of heart problems in Golden Retrievers.
Whole food ingredients include sweet potatoes and barley as sources of complex carbohydrates. The formula does not contain any common allergens or fillers that may cause reactions in sensitive dogs.
- Life Stage: Growth
- Best For: Golden Puppies
- Type of Product: No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
- Life Stage: Senior
- Best For: GoldenSeniors
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Seniors: What Is The Best Senior Dog Food For A Golden Retriever
Like puppies, seniors need extra protein to sustain a healthy muscle mass. Some senior golden retrievers may experience weight gain as their metabolisms slow down. Others experience weight loss, struggling to digest food as well as they used to. Speak with your veterinarian to help you determine the best food for your senior golden retriever. Any specific health concerns may require a dietary change.
Most reputable dog food brands have options for senior dogs. One good choice is Wellness Complete Health Senior, which includes ingredients like chicken, brown rice, peas, carrots and vitamin supplements . When switching your dogs food, make the change gradual to support digestive health.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food
The previous one was only for senior dogs, but if youre looking for high-nutrient dog food for both puppies and senior dogs, opt for dog food. This dog food comes in a pack of 2.2 pounds, but there are different variants available.
If your dog is a picky eater, then this one is going to work for your dog. The food delivers a flavorful taste, and surely your dog wont try to avoid it. Besides, the inclusion of carbohydrates makes it more ideal for food-sensitive dogs.
The food contains all sustainable and natural ingredients that come from pristine oceans and New Zealand farms. Lets get some of the best features of dog food.
Key Features
- Nutrient-dense: The manufacturers maintain an authentic whole-prey ratio. Plus, it is made with 96% free-range lamb, bone, organs, and New Zealand green mussels. They use the air-dried method to maintain 100% safety.
- Superfood Boost: The manufacturers claim the dog food is made with 10% superfood boosted formula. It ensures healthy skin and coat strengthens joints, promotes heart and brain health, and reduces inflammation.
- Ideal for all breeds types: No matter whether you have a small or large breed, the food is optimized to ensure high protein and other nutrients.
- Low carb and natural: Its a portion of low-carb dog food made with all-natural ingredients. Moreover, it is free of chemicals and cheap filters such as grain, peas, potatoes, etc. So, there will be no chance to face food allergies, obesity, and others.
Pros
Also Check: What Do Golden Retriever Puppies Eat
Golden Retriever Homemade Foodrisks
Here are the most common risks of cooking homemade meals for your dog.
- Not understanding the nutritional needs of your Golden Retriever
- Using inadequate or dangerous recipes
- Not preparing a balanced meal
- Using unsafe or harmful ingredients
- Not understanding the impact of food and dietary changes
- Not understanding your dogs life stages nutritional needs
- Neglecting your dogs health conditions
In fact, according to researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine, most homemade dog food recipes lack essential nutrients while others contain dangerously high amounts of nutrients.
Furthermore, a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that 48% of home-prepared diets for dogs had no precise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of pet owners lacked information on how much to feed the animal.
Even more alarming is that 30.4% of pet parents admitted to changing the recipe on purpose, 40% didnt measure the proportions of the ingredients properly, and 28.3% didnt use recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acids. In a survey published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine, veterinary professionals reported that 97% of obesity cases can be traced to how owners feed and care for their pets.
Your vet should be able to provide you with trusted recipes, provide nutritional guidance, and/or recommend a dog food delivery service for your Golden.
Eagle Pack Chicken And Pork Adult Large And Giant Breed
Primary Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Dehulled Barley
Eagle Packs dry food is exclusively for large to giant breed dogs, made with a blend of chicken and pork. Its combination of proteins and whole grains support your Golden Retrievers bone health and improve their digestion. The exclusive formula also increases energy levels!
Customer Review: It has everything they need and nothing they dont. We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product!
Rating: 4.4/5
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Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Dog Food
Rating:
ProActive Health Large Breed is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult goldens
Iams ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design has been offered by Iams for many years. Its especially popular with professional breeders. We like the fact that its also 100% free of BHA and other high-risk chemical preservatives. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewAll the pets in the household love Iams. My puppies just switched to adult food and this has been a quick an easy switch. Would recommend Iams to anyone.
Which Types Of Dogs Is Diamond Naturals Grain
The grain-free version of Diamonds Natural line is a good option for dogs just switching over to a grain-free diet. Its relatively inexpensive and uses higher-quality ingredients than other dog food brands at the same price, so you wont have to worry about too many filler ingredients. Its also a good choice if your dog cant have poultry as well as grains, with salmon being the main source of protein.
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Chicken Soup For The Soul Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Rating:
Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of 9 recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult goldens
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Adult acquires the better part of its animal protein from poultry. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 13% fat and 53% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
This formula also derives its antioxidants naturally from fruits and vegetables for healthy immunity which supports greater resistance to disease. A top pick for golden retrievers and other breeds weighing more than 50 pounds at maturity. Another
Sample buyer reviewMy lover boy is a Giant Breed so its important he get the nutrition he needs to support proper growth. At 22 Months we finally moved to Adult Large Breed from Chicken Soups Large Puppy formula. Hes had just about every top kibble out there, from Victor, Blue Buffalo, Diamond, Wellness Core, Royal Canin, Eagle Pack, even Costcos and Purina ProPlan because Presa Canario Breeders recommended them . He would either have runny poop after transition or stop eating it. CS was the first he stayed on happily without needing extra dress up. He LOVES the adult formula. Its priced right and I love the ingredients.
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Organic Whole Grain Chicken
Primary Ingredients: Dehydrated Chicken, Organic Barley, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Oats, Dehydrated Peas
The Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food is an excellent option for owners who like to avoid dry kibble. That may be because they have a senior Golden Retriever who is struggling with dental issues or feel that dehydrated food options are healthier. This particular food contains real protein and essential nutrients that can benefit dogs of all ages.
Customer Review: This is real food! When we first got our puppy, she wouldnt eat anything, even human food. Once we got this, she became a food-crazed puppy!
Rating: 4.4/5
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American Journey Large Breed Chicken And Sweet Potato
Rating:
Large Breed Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of 17 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the American Journey product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal , turkey meal, peas, chickpeas
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:Golden retriever adults and puppies
American Journey Large Breed Chicken acquires the majority of its meat protein from poultry. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
This large breed formula also contains a prebiotic. Prebiotics can help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine for better digestion. An exceptional, budget-friendly option. Easily recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI have four furry children from small to extra large, all picky in their own way : Treats, bones, & obviously food. All four of em absolutely loved this brand! Theyve been on it for only a week, & I can already tell how healthier their coats look, & a bit of needed weight loss.