Essential Nutrients For Golden Retrievers
If you have ever been on a diet, the chances are that you will either or lose some weight or gain some calories. The same is the case for your pet.
The calories in your dog’s food come from vital nutrients that play an active role in growth and development. Their body needs these nutrients in adequate quantities to thrive.
However, the amount of nutrients your pet needs depends on your dog’s height, age, level of activity, etc. So whether you are feeding your dog with wet or dry foods, you need to check to make sure that the meal contains the balanced nutrients your pet needs.
Your pet needs the right amount of carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, and water to reach its full potential. And you should keep this in mind when choosing a pet food brand.
Let’s count the necessary macros for your Golden Retriever.
Protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for your pet. It provides enough calories to keep your dog healthy. Proteins also help your pets to
- Build and repair body tissues and muscles and body
- Grow new skin cells, hair, hormones, and enzymes, etc.
So if you are buying commercial food products, you should go for dog foods with at least 30 percent protein content. However, if you are keen on homemade foods for your Goldie, you should consider meals with protein sources like lambs, chicken, turkey, fish, beef, yogurts, and cooked eggs.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates double as sources of energy and glucose supply for optimal brain activity.
Minerals
- Vegetables
Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
With so many dog food choices out there, finding the right food for your Golden Retriever can be difficult and overwhelming. In this article, with the help of our staff veterinarian, we will share our top choices of dog food that will provide your Golden Retriever with a healthy diet. We will also give details about the nutritious ingredients found in each food and how they will benefit your dog.
Our Top Pick
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed is our top choice for Golden Retrievers. My dog Brady has been eating this food since becoming an adult and he loves it. This dog food provides a complete, healthy, and nutritious diet for all large breed dogs.
Short History On Golden Retriever
Historically, these pups were bred as hunting dogs. They originated in Scotland in the 1800s as a mixture of Spaniels, the Irish, and the Newfoundland setter. The Golden Retriever is a vigorous, medium-sized pooch, able to handle rainy climate and rugged terrain.
They come from the Scottish Highlands, where their main task was to retrieve birds for the Scottish estate owners, from both the water and the land. Those owners searched for more than just practicality in their canines. They wanted to find good-looking dogs with lots of energy and above-average intelligence.
The hunting of wildfowl mastered their skills of searching and sniffing. Their strong sense of smell has made them great rescue dogs. The retrievers we have and love today are descendants of these hard-working beauties. In 1925, this breed received an official American Kennel Club recognition.
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How Much Water Should Golden Retrievers Drink
Golden Retrievers should drink up to one ounce of water every day for each pound that they weigh. However, there are many other variables to consider, such as age, activity level, diet , temperature and humidity, medication, pregnancy, nursing, etc.
Make sure your dogs water bowl remains full and that the water is changed every few hours. Dog water fountains, such as the PetSafe Drinkwell from Amazon, are one of my favorites. I love this one because it is perfect for Retrievers, has a two-tiered design, and even includes carbon filters to keep the water free from odors and bad tastes.
Giving ice cubes, adding water to dry food, or making fun playtimes with a hose in warm weather are some other ways to keep your Golden Retriever hydrated.
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe
To start your Golden Retriever puppy off right, you need a high-quality recipe made with premium animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. That is exactly what this Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe dry food offers. This product features high-protein kibble mixed with freeze-dried raw pieces for maximum flavor and nutrition. It is made with fresh chicken and chicken meal as the top two ingredients with digestible grain-free carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, potatoes, and peas. This formula features plenty of healthy fats, including omega fatty acids for brain development as well as healthy skin and coat. It also contains a wealth of vitamin and mineral supplements for nutritional balance, including chelated minerals for optimal nutrient absorption.
- Pros: High-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces, premium animal proteins, digestible grain-free carbohydrates, rich in omega fatty acids, fresh fruits and vegetables, chelated minerals, probiotics
- Cons: Some dogs are sensitive to chicken ingredients, expensive compared to other options
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Adults: What Is The Best Food For Golden Retrievers
Adult golden retrievers need less protein and fat concentrations than growing puppies. When choosing a food for an adult golden retriever, consider these factors:
- Sustaining a healthy weight: Though dogs need fats in their diets, a diet too high in fat can cause unhealthy weight gain. Choose a food option with a reasonable ratio of fat to protein. One of the best foods to sustain a dogs healthy weight is Orijen Fit & Trim, which includes chicken, turkey, fish and eggs.
- Preventing health problems: Your dogs food should be well-rounded to boost the immune system and keep your pet healthy make sure it has enough vitamins and minerals. You might opt for Blue Buffalo Livin Large Food, designed to support large breed bone and joint health.
- Staying full and energetic: Look for natural ingredients. Foods with a lot of palatable fillers are unlikely to keep your dog full and energetic. For a very active dog, try Diamond Naturals Extreme Athlete Formula.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Food
The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, and salmon meal. The recipe contains a minimum of 32 percent protein.
It has 14 percent fat, and 45 percent estimated carbs and has a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44percent. It also has a safe, balanced amount of calcium.
Its also a relatively inexpensive food for the quality of its ingredients.
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Best Food For Golden Retrievers Of 2021
Although all dogs are susceptible to specific health problems, Golden Retrievers are plagued by joint genetic issues, various forms of cancer, and allergies.
Unfortunately, many of these conditions cannot be diagnosed in growing puppies, which is why responsible breeding practices are so important.
Choosing high-quality dog food for your Golden can also reduce the risk of health problems.
It is better to understand your dogâs nutritional needs and make an informed decision based on those needs. Take your dogâs age, breed, and activity level into account to make the best decision.
Here are our top choices for the best dog food for Golden Retrievers:
- has a long shelf life
- useful for cleaning the teeth of dogs
- easy to use as training aids
However, many dog owners are concerned that a continuous diet of chunks can be boring and monotonous for puppies.
The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers In 2021
Golden retrievers have always been a popular choice for many pet families as these dogs are known for their trustworthiness, friendliness, confidence, reliability, intelligence, and unmatched kindness especially to younger members of the family. This is not to say that they dont have certain health conditions that can adversely affect their role in the family. Hip dysplasia, skin conditions, cataracts, and other problems can reduce your dogs quality of life and put a strain in its relationship with your family. You can help promote optimum health and prevent these diseases by giving your dog any of these best dog foods for Golden retrievers that weve researched.
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Nutrition Recommendations For Goldens
AAFCO, the regulatory organization that establishes regulations for pet food and animal feed places the greatest emphasis on protein. They suggest that puppies maintain a diet of at least 22% protein, while older dogs need a diet of at least 18% protein. AAFCO also suggests a diet that contains around 8% fat for puppies and 5% for adult dogs.
These figures are treated as a benchmark, and most quality pet food manufacturers exceed these figures. Beyond fat and protein, there are some other important ingredients to look for when shopping for dog food.
What To Feed A Golden Retriever
The Golden retriever is a popular breed in the US, according to statistics. This breed is known for its soft golden coat and gentle temperament. Owners rave that these dogs have goofy personalities as well. But do goldens require a special diet? You might be wondering what to feed a Golden retriever. Every dog is prone to develop certain illnesses, and Golden retrievers are no exemption. They can suffer from inherited joint problems, certain types of cancer, as well as allergies. Choosing high-quality nutrition for your Golden retriever may mitigate some of these health risks. However, many of these health issues cant be detected in growing puppies. Thus, every breeder must follow proper practices. Although golden retriever puppy food wont dramatically eliminate these risks, giving them the right nutrition from the start can be a protective factor against any health issues they may develop as an adult.
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Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food
Our final fantastic food for your furry, floppy eared friend is another breed specific option designed with extra focus on dental hygiene.
After munching this crunchy kibble for 28 days, tartar build-ups should be completely eliminated, leaving your dog with strong teeth and not so nasty breath.
This foods all about meat-based proteins. The main ingredient is chicken plain and simple and it also contains byproducts, dried cartilage, and fish meal.
Animal-based proteins are the most important part of your dogs diet, so the focus on that area of nutrition is appreciated. It will help your retriever grow lots of strong muscles and keep joints working smoothly.
Animal proteins are also important for a thick and glossy coat, so feeding your retriever this heavily animal-based treat will have them looking incredibly majestic.
Combining beauty with brains, vitamin E and DHA content help with mental acuity.
Many customers claimed they saw a noted improvement in the health of their dogs skin after eating Eukanuba as well.
Pros
What Are The Best Food For Golden Retriever
Further, after the immense popularity of Golden Retriever, these dogs have become a member of most houses. Besides this, much more people are planning to own this beautiful dog. So, taking this into concern, you will find different types of dog food in the market.
However, the best among them with the good reviews are as follow:
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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 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.
Purina Professional Plan Pet Massive Breed Formulation
Purina Professional Plan Pet Massive Breed Formulation is specifically designed for pups wholl weigh over 50 kilos once they develop up. As the perfect pet food for a golden retriever pet, this formulation accommodates all of the important vitamins your pup wants now to remain wholesome in maturity.
This high-protein recipe accommodates hen as the principle ingredientt that can maintain your pup energized all through the day and construct lean muscular tissues. This isnt a grain-free formulation, so in case your pup has a grain-related concern, this isnt the recipe for you.
Purina added fish oil as a pure supply of DHA thats important on your pups mind and eye growth. This meals additionally accommodates all important nutritional vitamins and minerals that help a robust immune system and reside probiotics for optimum digestive well being.
This flavorful kibble additionally accommodates glucosamine for optimum joint well being and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, that are helpful on your pups pores and skin and coronary heart well being.
Execs:
- Specifically formulated for big breed puppies
- Helps simple digestion and higher nutrient absorption
- Promotes joint well being and mobility
- Optimum calcium-phosphorus ratio
Cons:
- A couple of house owners famous their puppies developed free stool and gasoline after consuming this meals
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Why Do Golden Retrievers Need Good Dog Food
Health starts from within, so it is important to apply that same principle to a dogs food. Dogs that eat low-quality dog food are more prone to sickness because they do not have enough nutrients in their body. Low-quality dog food is often like junk food for dogs because it contains fillers and other ingredients that do not benefit dogs. In some cases, low-quality dog food can even make a dog sick.
Higher quality dog food can ensure better health for dogs, which is essential for big dogs like Golden Retrievers. Dog food that suits a Golden Retrievers needs can meet their nutritional requirements. Moreover, Golden Retrievers are prone to certain conditions, like allergies and skin issues. Dog foods that are specially suited for big breeds like the Golden Retriever often prevent and soothe these issues.
Most dog food brands available at the store will not cut it for a Golden Retriever. Even if the dog food is good, that does not mean it is right for a Golden Retriever. They are a large breed of dog, so they need much more nutrients than medium and small dogs.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy
Rating:
Golden Retriever Puppy is one of 16 dry recipes rated in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat gluten, chicken fat, wheat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Growth
- Best for:Golden retriever puppies
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
We also note the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid supplement believed to help prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs.6
A time-proven formula containing just the right amount of calcium considered safe for golden retriever puppies. Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer reviewMy golden retriever absolutely loves this food, the previous food he ate he didnt like very much but once I got this puppy food the first time I opened the bag he got excited just by the smell. Every time he eats now he jumps around and moves his tail like crazy. Great food I will definitely buy the adult food when he grows!!!!
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Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch Grain
At a Glance
- Canola Oil
- Tapioca
- Fiber: 4%
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch earns top marks as one of the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers available for purchase today. A diet that is well-prized to meet the needs of active dogs, l-carnitine plays a starring role in this diet, providing a boost to the Goldens metabolism to assist with healthy muscles. The proteins contained in this diet, herring meal, salmon meal, and whitefish meal, are chock full of the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids the Golden Retriever needs for optimal coat and skin health.
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch contains no grains or gluten, making it a wonderful selection for dogs suffering from allergies.
Pros
- Owners of dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs report an end to gastrointestinal distress with a change to Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch.
- Stool quality dramatically improved in dogs fed this diet on a regular basis.
- Dogs fed regularly with this diet displayed coat that was softer and shinier than on their previous food.
- Owners love that the bag is resealable, allowing them to keep the food fresh for their dogs to enjoy.
- Some owners noted that their dogs needed to eat less of this food to achieve full eating satisfaction, enabling them to easily achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Cons