How To Transition Dog Food
Are you planning on switching your dog food for something better? Sure you must, but dogs do not tolerate a sudden change in diet and dog food brand. Often this leads to pet parents writing off the Brand as not good for their dog.
You might be missing a vital step here you must change your dog food gradually over a period of at least 7 days gradually introducing and increasing the new dog food brand ratio with your old dog food.
This will allow your pooch to have enough time to adjust to the new food and will tolerate the new brand very well. Most dog food brands will have this transition methodology mentioned on their packets as well along with the food chart. Do follow the same carefully.
A Goldens Unique Needs
While Goldens are known as a relatively healthy dog breed, there are a few medical conditions theyre predisposed to. While some conditions, like hypothyroidism or hip and elbow dysplasia, are difficult to predict or protect against, there are other common conditions which can be prevented through proper diet and eating habits.
Cancer Nearly 60% of golden retrievers die from cancer. The causes for cancer are many, and in most cases, theres nothing that could have been done to prevent it, theres one thing you can control which may help your dog avoid cancer: proper diet.
Lower quality dog foods often contain ingredients which have been linked to cancer, and avoiding them is the best action you can take to help your dog avoid developing cancer. Avoiding foods with artificial ingredients, colors, fillers or preservatives is a great way to limit the likelihood of your golden developing cancer.
Cardiovascular Disease While goldens are prone to developing cardiovascular disease, you can mitigate this risk tremendously by keeping your dog at a healthy weight thats in line with your vets recommendations.
A healthy dog at the right weight is far less likely to develop a heart condition as they get older. If you notice your dog trending a bit towards the heavier side, dont wait, consult with your vet about putting them on a diet for weight management.
What To Look For In A Good Golden Retriever Food
To ensure that your Golden Retrievers basic nutritional needs are met, its best to choose a large-breed dog food formulated for her life stage.
Here are some other things to look for when choosing a good dog food for your Golden Retriever:
- Wholesome, natural ingredients with no fillers, byproducts, or artificial additives
- Rich in lean protein from high-quality animal sources like poultry, meat, and fish
- Limited fat and calorie content to control growth in puppies and maintain lean mass in adults
- Controlled calcium and phosphorus levels with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Nutritionally complete and balanced formulas, according to AAFCO nutrient profiles
Besides making sure your Golden Retrievers food meets these requirements, you should also check to see if it comes in a bigger kibble size. Large and deep-chested breeds have a high risk for bloat which is exacerbated by eating too fast or eating too much at oncebigger kibble means that your dog gets the same nutrition in smaller portion sizes.
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Best Quality Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppy
Golden Retriever Puppies eat a lot and may eat more than their adult counterparts. Hence, they need to be fed three or more times a day. A diet rich in protein builds lean muscle mass and strength in them. One peculiar trait exhibited by these breeds that they are always high on energy. Having a decent amount of fats in their food provides them with a condensed source of energy for maintaining an active lifestyle. The fatty acids also fortify their skin health.
In order to maintain superior health in Golden Retriever pups, we at PetsWorld have the best diets from reputed brands like Pedigree, Royal Canin, Fidele, Hills Science, Arden Grange etc.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Junior is a special diet customized for puppy Golden Retrievers having the perfect kibble size and shape to make it easier for them to chew and digest. The food contains a healthy combination of highly digestible protein and prebiotics which ensures a maximum nutrient absorption.
Hills Science Puppy Large consists of an optimal level of calcium that assists controlled bone growth, a vital requirement for Golden Retriever pups. A healthy blend of vitamins and minerals strengthens their bones and teeth. It also has a DHA to support healthy brain and eye development in Golden Retriever pups.
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Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers Buying Guide
We now move onto the buying guide and frequently asked questions section of the post. In this, we will cover some interesting points regarding Golden Retrievers and their dietary requirements. We will also take a look at some of the potential health problems that can affect the breed so you know what you should be looking out for.
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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.
How Much Food Does My Dog Need
If the four-legged friend gets more energy than he uses, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is vital to give puppies the right amount of food. How much pet food a dog needs depends upon various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. A puppy that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calorie consumption and has a slower metabolism. Accordingly, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs remain growing and are often more curious and active. They usually have a higher energy requirement than older dogs. It truly is a good idea to reduce the amount of food a little each year. For more mature dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in excess fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs it is time to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dogs food or energy requirements. These kinds of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. Once dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dogs hormonal levels can climb or fall, changing energy needs. For instance , dogs have different energy needs when they are pregnant or change their coat.
Any individual who is unsure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and/or a nutritionist.
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What We Feed Our Golden Retriever
Oliver had a few different brands of food that he ate as a puppy.
First, we started him off on one of the brands listed in the graph above that is correlated with DCM.
Once we heard about the study we switched to another brand, although he didnt like that at all.
Then we switched to another brand that he just sort of liked.
Finally, after talking to a few veterinarians and Golden Retriever breeders, we decided to test out Royal Canins Adult Golden Retriever food , which has been his favorite food so far.
If we were to have another puppy, we would definitely start with the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food.
What Is The Best Food For My Golden Retriever
To determine what food will suit your dog the best, check out 17 of the top dog foods on the market for Golden Retrievers, no matter their age.
Check with your vet to determine whether your Golden will need any special dietary considerations. Chances are that youll find at least a few great options to meet their needs on this list!
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Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food
This dry canine food product was specifically made to meet all the nutritional necessities of a puppy of this breed and can easily be placed in the best food for Golden Retriever category.
This dog food has unique kibble of different texture, shape and size just about for any biting patterns and jaw structure.
Each and every formula will aid support the dog breed`s particular necessities, such as the optimal weight of a Golden Retriever throughout its entire life.
A mixture of wet and dry pet food will only offer benefits to a canine, which this Golden Retriever food does amazingly.
Basic Stats:
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 31.32 x 23 inches
- Weight: 30 lb
What We Don`t Like:
- Packages don`t seem made of quality material.
How Can You See If Your Golden Is Doing Well With Their Food
Itâs not hard to tell if your dog is flourishing in its diet. Signs to watch out for are,
- A shiny coat
- A consistent, healthy weight
- Healthy, regular stools
- Lots of energy
If your dog gets itchy or flaky skin, vomits, or has diarrhea, they may not be able to handle their food correctly. However, these problems can be caused by many other possible health problems, so take your dog to the vet for a checkup.
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Why You Dont Want To Overfeed Your Golden Retriever Puppy
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and they love eating.
Those two statements may sound random, but they are related.
According to the Banfield Pet Hospital, overfeeding your Golden Retriever can cause them to grow too fast and increase their risk of hip dysplasia.
To make sure you dont overfeed them, use a measuring cup when dishing out their food and never free-feed them.
Our Third Choice: Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy
3rd Choice
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food uses high-quality ingredients and is made in the USA. Its high-quality chicken is the first ingredient for protein that will power your Golden Retrievers day.
This puppy food supports muscle growth and bone health in active puppies with optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous. It also supports healthy brain development with clinically proven levels of DHA for a smarter, more trainable Golden Retriever puppy.
If the two choices listed above were not to your liking, this option is also highly recommended by our veterinarians. Choosing Eukanuba for your dog will leave you confident they are getting the nutrients they need.
Top Ingredients:
- Complete balanced nutrition for large breeds
- Added omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E
- Comes in 3 bag sizes 5lb, 16lb, and 33lb.
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How To Switch Food Brands
The other day I was talking to someone who was complaining that her puppy was having lots of stomach issues.
She said shed tried several different food brands and her puppy had problems with all of them!
Well, in this case, its probably not the food thats the problem
Its the fact that she kept switching foods so quickly!
Dogs have sensitive stomachs so if you want to switch foods, you need to do it slowly.
You should take about a week to transition from the old food to the new brand.
For example, on day one, their meal might be 10% new food, 90% old food.
On day two, their meal might be 25% new food, 75% old food.
Youd slowly add in more new food, and give them less of the old food, until youve fully made the switch.
And this rule applies whether youre switching to a different brand of puppy food, or switching them from puppy food to adult food.
If you dont make this transition slowly, youll probably be dealing with a lot of diarrhea.
Nutrition For The Outside
One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur.
Youve probably noticed that a nice, shiny coat gets a lot of attention from dog lovers! Nutrition plays a vital role in this area.
A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining the coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur.
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How Do You Feed A Golden Retriever
Feeding your Golden Retriever does not differ from that of another dog breed. It should always start with choosing the best dog food that is very suitable for its life phase.
Starting with puppies, the only food for Goldie puppies in the first month of life should only be replacement breast milk or puppy milk.
Are in cases where the mother cannot feed. By the 5th week of experience, you can start adding solids to your food. You can start with high-quality wet or canned puppy food because the softer texture makes it easier to consume and can give lumps, but you may want to moisten it a little.
You can feed your puppy four times a day until it reaches its 9th week.
This will continue to feed your Goldie for the rest of its life unless directed otherwise by your vet.
Some pet parents feed their Goldies only once a day. Although this is possible, we do not recommend it because frequent small feeds are much better to prevent bloating, a condition known to Golden Retrievers and other large dog breeds.
What Should I Do If My Dog Has An Allergy
If it turns out that your four-legged friend has a food allergy or food intolerance, the dog should will no longer eat the allergy-causing chemicals. The selected family pet food must therefore not contain any substances that your dog cannot tolerate. The same applies to treats and everything dog snacks between meals.
If absolutely nothing changes, patience is called for: sometimes it needs some time until the symptoms of an intolerance or allergy no longer occur. Sometimes they only disappear completely a few months following the change in food.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food
The main motto of this product is: real meat first! And considering that real chicken is the main ingredient of this pet dry food, you can be sure that your puppy will develop health muscles.
In addition, this dog food includes fruits, whole grains and garden vegetables, so your little pal can also benefit of the additional vitamins and minerals.
With this exact mixture of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, you can`t go wrong when talking about the well balanced immunity system of your Goldie puppy.
Healthy muscle growth, eye & brain development and health oxidative balance are just a few of the benefits this pet food will offer.
Basic Stats:
- Dimensions: 25.5 x 17 x 5 inches
- Weight: 30 pounds
- Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice recipe
- Manufacturer: Blue Buffalo
What We Don`t Like:
- Some customers claimed the product caused a soft stool to their puppies.
The Doggy Bag Take Home Message
Golden retrievers tend to live the longest, healthiest lives when they are kept in a leaner body condition, receive life-stage-appropriate balanced nutrition and routine veterinary care.
Regardless of which dog food you choose for your furry family member, it is important to follow feeding instructions carefully and consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dogs health or nutrition.
Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products.Read more here and findfull disclosure here.
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Purina Supercoat Puppy Dry Dog Food
First five ingredients Cereal and cereal products, chicken and chicken products, vitamins, minerals, and invert syrup
Type Grain inclusive
Best for Puppies
This product is natural and does not include any artificial colours and flavours. It contains 26% protein, 12% fat, 5% fiber and 12% moisture.
Why we like this product
- Contains DHA2 helps in brain and vision development
- Contains Vitamin E and C that develops natural defences
- Power-packed with calcium that strengthens bones and teeth
- Formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of the puppy
Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey Recipe Puppy & Adult Food
If your Golden Retriever puppy has a sensitive stomach, you need a highly digestible formula made with a limited number of ingredients. This Nulo Freestyle Limited+ Turkey Recipe Puppy and Adult Food is a great option because it features a single source of animal protein with digestible grain-free carbohydrates. This formula contains 30% crude protein and 17% fat, so you can be sure it will fuel your puppys growth and development. It is rich in omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, plus beneficial supplements like chelated minerals for nutrient absorption and probiotics for healthy digestion. Plus, it is formulated for both puppies and adults, so you dont have to change your puppys diet.
- Pros: Formulated for puppies and adults, single source of animal protein, rich in omega fatty acids, chelated minerals, probiotics for digestion, 30% protein and 17% fat
- Cons: Main source of fat is plant-based , very expensive compared to many brands
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