Choosing The Correct Calorie Count For Golden Retrievers
The average adult Golden Retriever will require approximately 1300-1600 calories per day. Highly active dogs usually require a slightly higher calorie count and those that are less active a decreased amount. Spayed or neutered dogs also tend to require a lower calorie count that those that are entire or intact. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information. The dogs weight and appetite will also serve as helpful guides in determining correct portion sizes.
The best dog foods for Golden Retrievers are nutritionally balanced to support optimal canine wellness.
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.
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Adult Lamb And Rice Recipe
Primary Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal
Nutro creates both dry and wet food with real chicken and whole grains for dogs at all life stages. Its Wholesome Essentials Large Breed formula is perfect for your Golden Retrievers complete health, as it contains non-GMO ingredients and natural proteins.
Customer Review: My 15-month-old golden retriever tried so many dog foods, and this is the only one he loves to eat!
Rating: 4.7/5
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain
Rating:
Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken is one of 18 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal , peas, pea protein, tapioca starch
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult goldens
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken obtains the majority of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
This recipe also includes zinc amino acid complex and other chelated minerals, ingredients which deliver superior nutrition for larger breeds. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI get a few different flavors, but the dogs love it and they have no digestive issues and are very healthy. Their coats shine like they have been oiled. No dental issues. Blue Buffalo wilderness has been a favorite with us for a long time.
Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken And Barley
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken Meal, 2. Cracked Pearled Barley, 3. Pea Fiber, 4. Whole Grain Wheat, 5. Cracked Pearled Barley,
Chicken first formulas are usually preferred for large breeds like Golden Retriever, but pair it with the right grains and you have a complete balanced meal for your golden. That is what you get from Hills Science Diet large breed formula. Your dog will get glucosamine and chondroitin. There is plenty of Omega -6 fatty acids. There is vitamin C and E. Most importantly, there is a blend of antioxidants to aid a healthy immune system. And did I mention there is a good amount of healthy carbs to keep them happy and active?
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High Protein Dog Food For Your Golden Retriever
Dogs are carnivores and they thrive on meat.
Golden Retrievers need food thats high in protein to be healthy, active, and happy.
Did you know that kibble contains between 30-70% carbohydrates?
Not just that, even if the list of ingredients on the kibbles packaging suggest that met is the number one ingredient, its not always the case because pet food companies are known to split the most-dominant ingredient to make it look like meat is the number one ingredient by weight!
And, most kibble contains protein from plant as well as animal sources.
This isnt really a good thing for your Golden Retriever as he needs real meat in his diet. Pet food can also legally contain 4D meat which is meat from dying, diseases, disabled, and dead animal carcasses!
Thats bound to be unhealthy.
What Do I Have To Focus On
The Golden Retriever is an even-tempered and adaptable dog breed. It was bred to be a hunting companion deployed together with other dogs, which can explain its extraordinary tolerance of fellow dogs, animals and humans too. The Golden Retriever is characterised by its will to please with a high level of attention and easiness to train. This tendency makes the breed a perfect family dog, very affectionate, gentle and happiest participating in all family activities. It easily fits in with its intended role. Along with its even temper, the Golden Retriever is a cheerful and lively dog with a high urge for activity, remaining playful into old age.
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Mixed Fruit Medley With Chicken
This is my favorite fruit recipe for Golden Retrievers. To make this you will need the following:
Ingredients
- 2 Pounds of chicken, cooked and chopped
- 3 Cups of fruit
- 3 Cups of quinoa or cooked lentils or cooked rice
Method
Simply mix all the ingredients well and serve bite-sized normal servings to your dogs.
What To Look For When Buying Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
It is best to look for a formula that is specifically made for large-breed dogs and designed for their stage of life. You should be looking for food that is made from wholesome, natural ingredients not food that contains fillers, artificial additives, or by-products. Lean protein should make up a big proportion of the food from meat, poultry, and fish sources. Fat and calorie content should be limited as Golden Retrievers have slower metabolisms and you dont want your pooch to be at risk of becoming obese.
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Look for food that has that label of complete and balanced nutrition as this ensures that they are getting the right stuff for a healthy lifestyle. Also, consider factors like the kibble size as Golden Retrievers are better able to eat food a bigger size and this helps to stop your dog eating too much too quickly, which can lead to serious issues like bloat.
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Best Foods For Your Golden Retriever
Since the requirement varies according to their age, the best food varies similarly
- Senior Golden Retriever: Fidele Light and Senior Adult Dog Food, Orijen Senior Food
- Adult Golden Retriever: Royal Canin Adult Golden Retriever, Pedigree Meat and Rice Adult Dog food and Farmina N& D Grain-Free Pumpkin and Blueberry Adult
- Puppies: Hill Science Diet Puppy Large Breed, Orijen Puppy Large Breed, and Royal Canin Golden Retriever Junior.
Final Thoughts The Importance Of Nutrition
Many pet food companies have spent millions of dollars studying which ingredients have the highest levels of nutrients to achieve a nutritious, balanced diet that will help vital puppy growth and mental and physical development.
Its your job to do your due diligence and select the right one for your doggo! As for supplements, theres no reason to feed them if your dog is eating a complete and healthy diet unless a veterinarian recommends them. So heres my best piece of advice:
Choose a diet that is appropriate for your Golden Retrievers age, your lifestyle, and your beliefs and invest in the highest-quality dog food you can afford. Your dog will enjoy a longer and healthier life due to this, and you will both be happier as a result.
I hope youve enjoyed this article and its helped you decide on the best diet for your Golden Retriever.
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Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food is always based on scientific researches so this type of dog food formula is created based on a unique blend that would maximize the effectiveness of the dog food.
This type of dog food is a good choice for large dogs with a weight of 55lbs or more. You have to remember that bigger dogs would require more support for their bones and joints so this dog food is made specifically for them.
This dog food contains a blend of omega 6 fatty acids and other vitamins and minerals that would provide a glossy glow to the coat of your dogs.
What to Like About It
The best thing about this dog food is that mobility issues can be resolved through its formula. Since it is focused primarily on bones and joints, this a good option for adult dogs with bone and joint problems.
Merrick Grain Free Dry Dog Food Recipes
If you want a well-balanced diet that has exceptionally high levels of proteins and moderate amounts of fats with only 30% carbs, then Merricks Grain Free Dry Dog Food in Real Buffalo Sweet Potato formulation is always a good choice. Packed with vitamins and minerals as well as nutraceuticals that help improve joint, gut, and immune function, Merricks formulation follows in the tradition of good canine diet formulations utilizing only the finest quality ingredients. Merrick Real Buffalo-Sweet Potato Recipe is perfect for such large breeds of dog since it packs the right calories for energy and high amounts of proteins for muscle and organ tissue growth. The taste of buffalo should give your dog the treat of its life.
For a full list of our favorite options, see our review of Merrick Dog Food.
Calorie content: 364 per cup
Minimum amount of proteins: 38%
Minimum amount of fats: 17%
First 5 ingredients: deboned buffalo meat, salmon meal, chicken meal, potatoes, and sweet potatoes
With omega fatty acids, chondroitin, glucosamine, prebiotics, and 4 strains of probiotics
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Final Words: All You Need To Know About Feeding Your Golden Retriever
Each and every dog has unique nutritional needs—even if they belong to the same breed.
I hope that I helped you figure out the best dog food for Golden Retrievers.
But, always keep in mind that you should never make tweaks or adjustments to your doggys diet without consulting the vet. The thing is that the vet is a trained professional who knows more about your dogs dietary needs.
Over-feeding your dog may not feel like a big thing right now, but it can have severe health consequences later in life.
Let me know in the comments section if you have any questions or concerns. Ill help you right out!
The 7 Best Dog Foods For Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are famously upbeat, loyal, and intelligent animals. Whether as a companion or addition to a family with small children, Goldens continue to be one of the top pet choices for millions of families around the country.
The food you give your dog has a major impact on their health and wellbeing, so its important to choose the right option. To help, we researched hundreds of products and thousands of verified reviews to find the 7 best dog foods for Golden Retrievers available now. Heres our list:
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Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Wheat, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum
With this one Eukanuba proves how well it understands the different needs of different breeds. With the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbs, Eukanuba Adult Large Breed dog food will keep your Golden Retriever happy, active, and healthy. What I love about it is the 3D DentaDefense anti-tartar agent that takes good care of my canines dental health. Moreover, there is a good balance of nutrients essential for mental and physical health. With chicken as the first ingredient, this is a delicious option even for the pickiest eaters.
Should You Choose Wet Or Dry Dog Food
A range of factors may determine whether you choose to feed your dog wet food or dry kibble.
Dry kibble is extremely popular as its convenient and affordable. It can also help with plaque build-up, as chewing on the hard pieces scrapes the teeth slightly.
Wet food doesnt last as long once you put it in the bowl and it requires refrigeration if your dog doesnt eat the full can in one meal. In other ways, however, wet food is often superior. Because of the airtight packaging, wet foods dont need any chemical preservatives and theyre easier to chew for older dogs. Theyre often nutritionally superior, too. Whats more, many dogs find them more palatable, so theyre perfect for finicky eaters.
To get the best of both worlds, some owners mix kibble with wet food, which is a good compromise.
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Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult
Primary Ingredients: Brown Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Oat Groats, Brewers Rice, Wheat
Royal Canin specially formulated its dry food for the unique needs of Golden Retrievers. With a blend of natural flavors, it works to improve your Goldens coat, digestion, skin, and bone health. Its also highly recommended by many veterinarians!
Customer Review: Our current 9-year-old Golden is flourishing on the Golden Royal Canin: her nose has returned to coal black, her gas is greatly reduced. She is a much happier dog.
Rating: 4.6/5
How Often Do You Need To Feed Your Golden Retriever
If you are a dog owner, you may have noticed by now that dogs require special attention and nutrition, and it is important to avoid overfeeding them because it may be causing them more harm than good, especially if you are dealing with Golden Retriever, this special breed is prone to many problems such as hip dysplasia, skin conditions, cancers, and obesity, if you werent careful with their nutrition, so it is essential for their well-being health to know how much food they require.
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What To Offer Your Golden Retriever As Treats
If youve gotten this far, and you havent discovered any allergies or obesity problems , its fun to treat them!
Foods you can treat your dog with
In addition to store bought treats, here are some foods you might find around the kitchen that you can indulge your pup with:
- Apples
- Turkey
- Watermelon
- Wheat and grains
- Yogurt
Looking for something your dog might go crazy over? Freeze dried liver treats are cheap and can be broken up into small bits as a high-reward training treat.
Weve also put together an entire list of our best approved healthy dog treats, that cover everything from fully vegetarian, to steak jerky. Take a look if thats something youre interested in.
Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Grain
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Ocean Fish Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Potatoes, 5. Peas
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream may not specifically be for large breeds, but this grain-free fish formula will do wonders for your Golden Retriever. The formula is perfectly balanced in terms of nutrition and made from high-quality ingredients such as real smoked salmon. Fish means your goldie will get all the fatty acids required for a gorgeous shiny coat. This one is also highly recommended for dogs who have sensitive tummies. It has probiotics to prevent digestive problems. It is free of grains, fillers, and common allergens. And it is full of antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
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Top Picks For Our Puppies
Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
Whats In A Good Food For A Golden Retriever
To achieve a balanced diet, your pets food should include a well-balanced blend of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and fiber. In the best food for golden retrievers, these four components will work together to provide your pup with a nutritious and balanced diet.
High Protein Just like humans, the centerpiece of your goldens meals should be protein. As we discussed, your golden will need a minimum of 18-22% protein in their diet. For a particularly large or active golden, that number should be even higher.
As a rule of thumb, when your shopping for dog food, take a look at the first three ingredients on the list. All three of those ingredients should be a protein, and if they arent, its best to move on to another food. Remember, not all proteins are created equally.
If possible, look for food that uses whole meats, such as beef, poultry or fish. Foods that contain meat digests or meat by-products are low quality and should be avoided. For whatever reasons, goldens seem to really love salmon. Try and incorporate salmon into your Goldens diet wherever possible.
Fats While your dogs food should have far less fat than protein, fat does make up a key component of your dogs diet. Not only does fat help to give food its taste and texture, but fat is a necessary macro-nutrient that helps your dog thrive.
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