Choosing The Right Formula
It is better to feed those formulas to your pups which have been specifically developed for growing puppies. If the formula has been developed specifically for the growing needs of puppies, it will be mentioned on the package.
You should avoid those foods which do not have meat listed as the first ingredient. If, for instance, you see a package with corn or meat by-products listed as the first ingredient, you should not purchase it.
Top Picks For Our Puppies
Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
Feeding A Golden Retriever Puppy: Your Goldie Feeding Guide
July 16, 2018 By Shannon Cutts
If you have questions about feeding a golden retriever puppy, you are in the right place.
In this article, you will find answers to so many important Golden Retriever puppy feeding questions, including how much to feed, what to feed, how often to feed and more.
- Dry or moistened kibble
- A combination of dry and wet puppy food
- A biologically appropriate raw food diet
- A homemade dog food diet
And if you are looking for a golden retriever puppy feeding guide or a golden retriever puppy feeding schedule, we have those for you too.
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Taste Of The Wild Southwest Canyon
Rating:
Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:Golden retriever adults and puppies
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon acquires the bulk of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Southwest Canyon also contains salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs. They help deliver better joint health and a lustrous skin and coat. A super popular brand. Highly recommended.
Sample buyer reviewTaste of the Wild makes both me and my dogs very happy. I have a pack of three that all love it and have beautiful coats that I can only attribute to their diet. As for me, its cost-efficient and doesnt stink like other dog foods. Id recommend it to any of my friends.
Feeding Amounts By The Puppys Age
The following amounts are suggested by many golden retriever breeders and other knowledgeable people:
- Two-month-old puppy should be fed about 1 ½ cups per day
- Three-month-old puppy should be fed about 2 cups per day
- Four-month-old puppy should be fed about 2 ½ cups per day
- Five-to-six-month-old puppy should be fed about 3 cups per day
- Six-to-seven-month-old male puppy should be fed about 3 ½ to 4 cups per day
- Eight-month-old puppy should be adjusted depending on his growth.
Throughout his first two years, while hes growing, the amount of food you feed will have to be modified depending on his growth and growth spurts.;
Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast.
Periodicallyeven weekly test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding.
Another gauge regarding when to increase his food allotment is if hes finishing all of his kibble at two out of three meals. You can then increase; the amount he eats.
You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed.
Dont give him any supplements unless your vet says to do so.;
A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires.;
Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs.;
You dont want your pup to grow too fast and suffer health problems. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth.;
Read Also: Crate Training Golden Retriever
Homemade Food For Golden Retriever Puppies
A Golden Retriever puppys diet varies from that of an adult Golden Retriever.
As Golden Retrievers age, they will require fewer daily calories. The AKC notes that senior dogs;require 20% fewer calories;than adult dogs. Puppies, on the other hand,;need about;twice;as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed according to the;American College of Veterinary Nutrition;.
A Golden Retriever puppy homemade diet should contain a proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins as explained in our nutritional guidelines above.
Be sure to contact your veterinarian about your puppys diet. They will be able to give you expert advice and suggestions.
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.
Recommended Reading: How Do I Keep My Golden Retriever Healthy
How Much Food Should An Adult Golden Retriever Eat
Generally, the average amount of food an Adult Golden Retriever eats is around 3-5 cups a day. The problem is that each dog is different and will have its own specific needs. Factors like age, gender, energy levels, and lifestyles are all things that will increase or decrease the amount of food given. Also, some dog food recipes are high in calories and dont require as much per meal. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian to prevent malnutrition or obesity, both of which can lead to more serious conditions if left unchecked.
Why Is My Golden Retriever Always Hungry
Golden Retrievers are naturally food-motivated dogs, so it may seem like your Golden is constantly hungry. However, your dog may actually be telling you that its not getting enough food a day. Spotting the difference between a food-obsessed dog and a truly hungry dog is crucial, which can be done by observing any sudden change in their growth or appetite.
Is your dog looking leaner than normal? Is your dog inhaling food at lightning speed? Has your dog suddenly been counter surfing when he hasnt done that before?; These are all questions that youll have to ask in order to pinpoint what the issue is.
Since Goldens really enjoy mealtime, a slow feeder is usually recommended. This will also help prevent bloat and other similar problems due to eating too fast. We also recommend a feeding schedule instead of free feeding, since dogs, in general, do best on a routine.
Also Check: What Is The Best Way To Groom A Golden Retriever
Homemade Feeding For Golden Retrievers
Homemade feeding is excellent for Golden Retrievers. That’s because they are prone to developing food allergies and other health issues.
Homemade feeding allows you to manage your pet’s diet, appease picky eaters, and build bonds with your pet. You don’t have to worry about preservatives, food intolerance or recalls, and other health conditions associated with poor diets. ;
Unfortunately, it’s not all bliss for dog owners that feed their pets with homemade diets. Preparing homemade diets can be time-consuming. You may also overfeed your dogs, decrease their activity level, and expose them to unhealthy living conditions.
If you want to formulate a wholly balanced and individualized diet for your Golden Retriever, you should get professional help from your vet or pet nutrition expert.
If you wish to feed your Golden Retriever fresh homemade meals very often, but you don’t have time to cook, you should consider ordering homemade dog food.
Hungry Bark can help you formulate Custom Meal Plans tailored to your pet’s nutritional needs and deliver them to your doorstep.
Tips On Feeding Your Golden Retriever Puppy
To ensure that your new Golden Retriever puppy is receiving enough nutrition and is as healthy as possible, here are some tips you can follow.
- Once you transition them to kibble, try adding a bit of water to soften the food so they can chew it and allow them to digest the food more easily as well.
- Add wet dog food. Wet food can make the kibble more appealing for puppies, allowing them to eat it more easily. However, dont forget to count this in your puppys calorie intake as well as not doing so can result in overfeeding.
- Check with your veterinarian about the right amount of food to feed your particular puppy. While it was discussed how much you should feed your puppy, its still ideal to have them checked by your vet to ensure that youre feeding them the right amount.
- Stick to high-quality dog food. Similar to humans, its best if you give them high-quality dog food that doesnt have too many fillers as its ingredients. This will keep your puppy healthy and happy, reducing the chances of over- or underfeeding your puppy.
- Count the dog treats as well. Dog treats have calories in them too so ensure that youre counting them in your puppys daily calorie intake. Make sure you dont feed them too many treats as this can also result in them being overfed.
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How Much Food Should I Give My Puppy
Theres a saying in canine feeding: Watch the dog, not the dish. Body condition, not the amount eaten or left in the bowl, should determine portion sizes. Portion sizes depend on individual metabolism and body type, and nutritional requirements vary from dog to dog. If your puppy occasionally skips a meal or picks at food, dont worry. It could mean she is ready to eliminate a feeding or that you have given her too much, in which case simply reduce the quantity served.
Also, if you are doing treat-based training with your pup, adjust the amount you feed at mealtime accordingly. Whenever training with treats, keep the treat as small as possible.
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.
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Dry Vs Wet Puppy Food
Although dry kibble is a popular choice, its not the only option. As you walk the dog food aisles, you may see both dry and wet puppy foods.
This can make it harder to decide what to feed your puppy. Fortunately, as long as both the wet and dry formulas are complete and balanced for growing puppies, you can feed either one to your pup with confidence.
You and your puppy may have a preference when it comes to dry versus wet. Feeding a combination of the two is also an option.
According to Purina Nutritionist, Allison Millican, PhD, If youre feeding your puppy a combination of wet and dry food, it is extremely important to ensure the total caloric value does not fall short or exceed their daily energy requirement. Use the calories reported on the package to understand how much wet food will replace the dry and vice versa. This allows you to calculate the amount of each product needed to meet your puppys nutritional requirements.
For example, Millican explains, one thirteen-ounce can of wet puppy food may contain four hundred and seventy-five kilocalories and replace approximately one cup of a dry puppy formula with a similar value of kilocalories per cup. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation.
The brand websites and your veterinarian are great resources and can help you develop a feeding plan specifically for your puppys needs.
But Why Is Homemade Food Specifically Beneficial For Golden Retrievers
The NZ Veterinary Nursing Association reports that Goldens Retrievers are among the dog breeds highly prone to developing food allergies.
Why is this important to know? Well, food allergies in Goldens tend to manifest themselves on their skin, most likely into a condition known as Atopic Dermatitis. This allergy skin disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and it can cause mild to severe itching, which, as a result of scratching or rubbing, often leads to further skin damage, irritation, infection, and discomfort.
Reducing allergic reactions start with a diet that has the vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals to decrease inflammatory responses, and homemade dog food has those critical components. Whats more important is that home cooking for your dog allows you to pick only those ingredients that you know wont cause an allergic reaction on your Golden Retriever.
If you dont know what foods your Golden Retrieve is allergic to, read our Dog Allergy Test guide, so you can identify which foods to avoid in his next meal.
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What To Feed A Golden Retriever
It is recommended to purchase professional dog food directly. Compared with homemade food, dog food is more balanced in nutrition. Before choosing a dog food, make sure that the product is complete and balanced. This means that the dog food has passed tests to ensure that it provides all of the necessary nutrition that your Golden Retriever needs to be healthy. The Golden Retriever puppy within 3 months, should feed the puppy dog food. If you dont want to feed dog food, you can also add an appropriate amount of chopped fish, meat and chopped cooked vegetables to the porridge. If you want to reduce feed cost and do not affect the nutrition of puppy, also can boil the viscera such as pig, cow lung and so on after minced, with green vegetables, corn noodles and other cooked food mixed to feed the dog.
What If My Golden Retriever Puppy Wont Eat
There are many things that could cause a puppy to lose interest in their food, such as infections, pain, organ problems, or the way youre feeding them. Here are a few of the most common reasons why puppies stop eating as much as they should:
- Stress: Your dog could be in a chaotic home, or perhaps he is being bullied by other pets in your home like the cat. Children can abuse pets as well.;;
- Digestive upset or obstruction: They may eat food that they shouldnt.;
- Digestive infections: There are many viruses such as; Parvo, intestinal worms, bacteria, etc.;
Also Check: Southern California Golden Retriever Breeders
What About Feeding Your Golden Retriever A Raw Diet Or Homemade Food
Other diets in the studies above included raw diets and homemade diets.
Heres what Dr. Lisa Freeman had to say about it: We also emphasize that changing to a raw or home-prepared diet may not be sufficient to improve cardiac abnormalities and may increase the risk for other nutritional deficiencies or infectious diseases.
Why You Should Feed Your Golden Retriever Puppy High
Controlling what your golden eats is one of the most important things you can do when it comes to their health.
And although many goldens have lived healthy lives on Walmart brand pet foods, feeding them high-quality food will stack the odds of them being healthy in their favor.
Here are some benefits of feeding them a high-quality food:
- Healthy and beautiful coat
- Healthy bones and joints
- Fewer allergies
Thats a lot of health benefits, right?
Now high-quality food can be a little on the expensive side, but chances are likely that youll save more money in the long run on vet bills.
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Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult
Rating:
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult is one of 14 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, barley, peas
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Maintenance
- Best for:Adult goldens
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat and 50% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
The classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design contains no meat by-products and no BHA or other cancer-causing synthetic preservatives. Easily recommended for adult goldens.
Sample buyer reviewOur dog had developed a bit of a gas issue with another leading brand that featured mostly red meat, so I wanted to go back to a food with mostly chicken. After a lot of research, I settled on Wellness Complete, and weve been very happy with it. Our dog readily goes for the food, and for the first time with any kibble, she will eat a few pieces out of our hand as a treat. I am impressed by the nutritional balance and the glucosamine and chondroitin since she is 80+ pounds, and it seems to have eliminated the gas problems.