Eating Their Way To Health
Puppies have their own unique nutritional requirements. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients, like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development.
As such, the best food for a golden retriever puppy is packed with extra nutrition, things that adult goldens dont need.
Be sure to feed your puppy food that is specifically made for their age bracket and check the label to be sure youre getting the right formula.
When And How To Change The Feeding Of Puppy To Adult
When your Golden Retriever is anywhere from 18 months to 24 months old, you should switch to adult dog food. The large breed puppies take a bit more time to attain adult development, and by two years of age, many of them are still growing.
Whenever your puppy reaches six months, you should begin feeding him twice per day, but you should keep him on puppy food until he reaches adult age.
It is always better to do this gradually as an abrupt switch may not be ideal. If you feed your dog twice per day, you can start giving him adult food mixed in with the one he is used to.
Important Tips To Consider While Preparing Dog
Its important to know the food you cook is going to give your dog a balanced diet. Also, remember your dog has a very short intestinal tract hence, they cant chew like us humans. Therefore, it is important for you to ensure your dog gets an adequate amount of nutrients and digests his food properly. To ensure full digestion chop/grind the food properly.
Alternatively, you can add flax seeds and fish oil to their food. Though broccoli and cauliflower are healthy, still avoid too much as both have the tendency of giving your dog an upset stomach.
Try to use organic vegetables and leaner meats as they are healthier. If you plan on giving rice, opt for brown rice as it contains more nutrients. Use oats to add fiber and bulk to their diet. Use high-quality dry dog food with your homemade food to make sure all vitamins are available in the meal.
Here are three homemade recipes that will have your dog eat out of your hand, all the while maintaining their health as well.
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What Are The Differences Between Puppy Food & Adult Food
Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs.
According to AAFCO, puppy food should have at least 22.5% protein, compared to 18% protein for adult food.
And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8.5% fats, compared to 5.5% for adults.
As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian.
Theyll likely recommend making the switch when theyre done growing at about one year old.
To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones.
Easy Homemade Dog Food Recipe
Jump to RecipeMy easy homemade dog food recipe combines lean ground sirloin, wholesome brown rice, fresh vegetables, hard boiled eggs, and tender herbs
***Please note, I am not a veterinarian, just a very passionate dog owner! The information in this blog post documents our own personal experiences, research, and the recipes that we feed our dogs under our veterinarian’s careful supervision. Please, consult with your vet and use your own personal judgment when considering transitioning to a 100% human grade food diet for your pup. This post was updated with video August 16, 2020, updated with additional recipe links 9/14/2020, updated 1/7/2021 with metric measurements.***
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Problems Related To Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy
Owners should be prepared to face some feeding problems with their golden retriever puppy during the initial stages. Some of these are as follows:
- Puppy not eating It might be feeling unwell or have digestion problems. It might not like the kibble you are offering. Or it might simply want to skip a meal. If the problem persists, it is better to consult a vet.
- Allergic reaction Sometimes puppies might experience an allergic reaction to certain foods. It is essential to change the offending food immediately. Consult a vet as needed.
- Bloating A very common problem with puppies is bloating. Eating very fast is one of the traits of little puppies, especially golden retrievers. This condition can turn serious and needs immediate attention.
- Change of brand Sometimes it might be necessary to change the brand of puppy food. Whatever be the reason, this change must never be abrupt. It has to be done in increments in order to allow the puppy to adjust.
Naturvet Digestive Enzymes Soft Chew :
Ideal for puppies of 6 weeks of age. Another ideal product from Naturvet, Digestive Enzymes Soft Chew helps in building a healthy digestive system for your puppy.
The alpha-Amylase helps in hydrolyzing starch. It also contains protease to hydrolyze proteins and the Cellulase levels are perfect to break down the cellulose count. While the triglycerides are hydrolyzed thanks to the Lipase addition.
Your puppy gets metabolism energy of 4,630 kcal/kg or 22.2 kcal per 2 chews. Yes, be careful not to leave the bag unattended as you will find an empty bag on coming back to pack it.
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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.
Wet Foods Vs Dry Foods
Both wet and dry foods are the most common types of dog foods you will find in the market. They are available in commercial quantities and come with different formulations for your dog breed, age, and size.
One of the many reasons dog owners prefer wet and dry foods is that they can easily access and store them. Plus, they contain most of the nutrients that your dog needs for growth.
The major difference between wet and dry foods is the moisture or water content. Wet foods contain more moisture than dry foods.
With dry food, pets eat lots of calories in small quantities. In contrast, your pet must eat twice or triple times as much wet food to gain similar calorific values as dry foods.
Wet Foods
Wet foods are suitable for young Golden Retrievers that are just weaning off their mother’s milk. Because they contain about 60 to 85 percent moisture content, your pet can easily adjust to eating wet foods.
If your dogs are elderly, picky, have problems with chewing, or drink very little water, wet foods may also be your best bet. The moisture in the wet food will hydrate your pet and provide the nutrients they need.
Because wet foods are usually more palatable, your dogs may eat larger portions per meal. And due to the high water content, they need to take in more quantities per meal to get the ideal amount of nutrients they need.
Here are some of the downsides of wet foods.
Dry Foods
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Golden Retrievers Puppy Food Chart
You must feed your Golden Retriever puppy the right amount of high-quality food so they can grow as healthy as possible, keep in mind that skipping meals can interrupt your puppys development and growth, on the other hand overfeeding can cause your goldie to get obese which can lead to joint and bone problems, So to help your dog grow as healthy as possible it is recommended that you make a Golden Retriever puppy food chart.
Here are some guidelines on the Golden Retriever puppy food chart
- 2 months: 1 or ½ serving a day
- 3 months: 2 servings a day
- 4 months: 2 ½ serving a day
- 5 months: 3 servings a day
- 7 months: 3 ½ to 4 servings a day
Keep in mind, it is extremely difficult to guess the perfect measurement on how much food a Golden Retriever puppy is required, the exact amount will depend on your Golden Retriever puppy food, his energy levels, and weight, for example, expensive food has high calories, thus you dont need to feed them less than when you use a cheaper brand.
Creating A Consistent Feeding Schedule
Golden retrievers are one of many breeds that have no qualms about eating until they burst and thats why you should know how much to feed a Golden Retriever puppy before you adopt one.
If they have access to food, often they will just eat endlessly. This is why having a consistent feeding schedule for your golden retriever is so important.
Having a set amount of food given on a set schedule will help train your puppy to know when to eat. Controlling the amount is key in ensuring that your puppy does not put on any excess weight. This will also help keep his digestion regular, reducing the amount of gastric upset he might experience.
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How To Make Homemade Dog Food
- Food Processor: Before I start cooking a batch of homemade dog food, I blend up all the vegetables in my food processor. This Cuisinart food processor is my go-to. Its a bit smaller than traditional food processors but works just as well as a larger model. Blending up the veggies nice and fine will speed up the cooking process.
- Dutch Oven: I make the entire batch in my large Le Creuset round Dutch oven. I love using a Dutch oven because I can ground the meat first, and then finish off the batch right in the same pot. The process is very similar to making chili except for dogs. Ya know Dog Chili.
- Measuring Cups: Rascal has his own set of measuring cups now because it makes measuring out food ingredients and the finished batch WAY easier.
- Meal Prep Containers: This is basically meal prepping for your dog, so you will need some great Tupperware. I love using these stainless steal Tupperware bins made just for pups.
Malnourished Golden Retriever Puppy
If your puppy is falling way below the growth chart, this is a cause for worry. More so if you are feeding him properly with the right foods. This could indicate an underlying medical condition or worms . Vet consultation is advised to resolve these conditions, failing which the puppy might have serious problems as an adult. It might have weak bones and muscles as well as a compromised digestive system. In addition, it will have stunted growth and will be way below the average of healthy golden retrievers.
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Before You Start Cooking: Homemade Dog Food Needs To Be Balanced
Your homemade meal must contain protein, fiber and carbohydrates. Puppies require about 25 percent protein in their meals, while 18 percent is sufficient for adults. However, protein needs change according to your dogs age and vary according to breed, so check with your vet regarding the right amount for your dog. You might have noticed that commercial dog foods often dont list the percentage of carbohydrates. Thats because the proper percentage of carbs in the dogs diet is still not set in stone by the veterinary community and regulators. If youre making Fidos meals yourself, you have the freedom to purchase the freshest, highest-quality ingredients available. Make sure you weigh your dog frequently to verify he stays a healthy weight. Take your dog to the vet before starting the homemade diet so your vet can determine Fidos ideal weight.
But My Golden Retriever Puppy Is Still Hungry
Golden retrievers are really smart dogs. Your pup will learn quickly that mealtime is fun and tasty.
If your puppy snarfs down every morsel in 30 seconds and acts like hes still starved, dont rush to serve up another portion.
You may want to invest in a slow-feeder bowl, puzzle or a treat ball that will extend the mealtime fun.
When in doubt, always defer to your veterinarians guidanceif your puppy is truly underweight, you may need to increase the portion size.
Otherwise, try adding enrichment to mealtimes instead.
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Golden Retriever Calorie Requirements
Golden Retrievers generally range in weight between 55 and 75 pounds. Based on the average weight of this breed, the National Research Council of the National Academies recommends between 989 and 1,272 calories daily for sedentary Golden Retrievers and between 1,353 and 1,740 calories per day for active Goldens.
Pregnant and nursing Goldens may require 2 to 4 times the calories of a normal healthy adult Golden as the mothers energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation.
The Ultimate Golden Retriever Homemade Dog Food Guide
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Homemade dog food for Golden Retrievers should be just as nutritious and tasty as any other type of dog food.
There is no reason why your golden should eat bland and boring dog food all the time. This guide will teach you everything about feeding your Golden Retriever homemade food.
Golden nutrition can be tricky. They have very different nutritional needs than other dog breeds, so cooking for them is not that simple.
Before you get out the apron, read these tips on how to make homemade food for Golden Retriever, nutritional guidelines to follow, our favorite home food recipes for Goldens, and more.
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What Does Your Golden Retriever Need
Caring for a dog is a big responsibility. They depend on you for all their needs.
When choosing food for your Golden Retriever, look for higher protein and fat-rich formulations. Animal protein is best because it contains amino acids that your dog needs. Nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus are essential for puppies and vitamins B, A, and E for all stages of life.
Search for EPA, ALA, and DHA because they are useful for the brain and nervous system, heart and lungs, and immune system.
Golden Retriever Food For Adults
As I mentioned before, adult Golden have a different calories intake than puppies, so here are some Golden Retriever food for adults Royal Canin Golden Retriever Food
MACROS
- Fats:16%
- Fiber:3%
For dogs who have a sensitive stomach and dont enjoy a lot of fiber in their diet, this food is perfect for them. Purina Pro Plan Savor has high protein and high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for his larger bones and joints and energy, it also has Vitamin A, linoleic acid, and fish oils to provide plenty of nutrients to take care of his beautiful coat.
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Golden Retriever Homemade Food Recipes
Here are our favorite homemade dog food recipes for Golden Retrievers. We also threw in a homemade yummy smoothie treat for your Golden because why not!
Note: Please consult with your pets veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dogs diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and the health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.
Doggie Beef Stew | Turkey & Vegetable Dinner | Veggie Smoothie | Fiber-Filled-Meal
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.
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List Of Homemade Food For Golden Retriever Puppy
Below are some easy and great recipes for homemade food for Golden Retriever puppy. Aside from being easy to prepare, you can also assure that your little Goldies receive the nutrients that they need. Feeding these dog foods for them will definitely help in maintaining their overall health and wellness.
Homemade Healthy Puppy Food with Fruits
These recipes basically contain organic fruits and will guarantee to provide your little Goldies with the essentials requirements that they need. Basically, this homemade food for Golden Retriever puppy has low-fat and low-sugar that will surely maintain the overall health of your dog.
Fruity Mixed Combo with Chicken
Generally, this is the best fruit meal that you can offer to your Golden Retriever puppy. Make sure that you will add the favorite fruits of your dog on this recipe.
HOW TO COOK:
- Chicken about 2 pounds, already cooked and chopped afterwards
- Any fruits 3 cups
- Flour either whole or white, about 1 cup
- Rolled oats about 1 cup
- Water around 1/3 cup
HOW TO COOK: