How To Care For A Golden Retriever Puppy
Your Golden Retriever puppy will have a built-in timer which prompts him for eating on time. You should give him three meals per week for the first three weeks, and then you should feed him twice every day for the rest.
Professional trainers, breeders and professionals prefer to feed their dogs twice daily. Many dogs only eat once a week, but smaller meals provide more satisfaction, better weight control and can prevent bloating. Your dog will also think its big deal that you give him the same food twice a day.
Feed your puppy from 6 to 7 a.m. until noon. Then, feed him again between noon and 5 or 6. For easier house training, do not feed him after 6: p.m.
He can have an ice-cube to keep him hydrated if he becomes thirsty. He will be fine through the night if he takes a trip outside at 10 pm.
He will need three meals per days for the next few months. At around 11 or 12, he will be able to eat twice per day.
While each Golden puppy will have its own unique meal size, an average Golden puppy consumes approximately 1/3 to 1/2 cup of dry foods per meal.
Give it water and let it air dry. The best way to prevent tartar build-up is to dry it out, especially after his adult teeth come in.
Nutritional Guidelines To Follow
To ensure a homemade dog food diet;will meet your Golden Retrievers dietary requirements, you need to take into account your Goldens weight, health condition, size, and activity level.
The best homemade diet for Golden Retriever will always have the six essential nutrients any dog meal should always have.
| Nutrient | ||
|---|---|---|
| Protein | Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs | Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more. |
| Carbohydrates | Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat | |
| Fat | From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others | Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues |
| Minerals | Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc. | Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production. |
| Water | Water | Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day. |
| Vitamins | A, B, C, D, E, and K | Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function. |
Its not advice to improvise when cooking for your pooch.
Welcome A New Companion From Golden Meadows Retrievers
Your golden retriever must start life with a quality diet to keep it healthy and strong. At Golden Meadows Retrievers, we have been breeding golden retrievers for over 25 years and take great care to carefully screen applicants and offer our puppies a quality diet from the start. Even after you find your perfect match, well make sure you know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy now and as it grows.
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How Much Food Should You Give Your Puppy
To determine how much food you should give your Golden retriever puppy, you need to work out a feeding schedule for them. Allowing them to free-feed will not only cause complications for you when it comes to planning, but will also increase your pups chances of becoming obese. Obesity is a serious health issue for Golden retrievers. If not treated immediately, canine obesity can lead to cancer, diabetes, and joint problems such as hip dysplasia.;
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.
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What Is The Best Food For A Golden Retriever Puppy
Top 7 Best Puppy Foods For Golden Retrievers: Reviews
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dog Food
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dog Food is specifically tailored to Golden Retrievers. It contains nutritious ingredients that target healthy skin and coat, cardiac function, and ideal weight. This is another top choice of our staff veterinarians.
Below is a feeding chart for Royal Canin Golden Retriever adult dog food.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Feeding Chart
| Weight | |
|---|---|
| 5- 6 5/8 Cups Per Day | |
| 88 lbs. | 5 ¼ 6 7/8 Cups Per Day |
If you are looking for a dog food that gets down to the precise amounts, then Royal Canin is for you. They are extremely specific on the weight of your Golden Retriever and the number of cups per day.
The range of amount of food can be explained by your dogs activity level for that day. If your Goldens activity is high, you should feed them the higher amount for the day. If their activity for the day is lower, go with the lower amount.;
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How Much Should A Golden Retriever Puppy Eat
The amount of food that you will need to feed your golden retriever puppy will go up and down throughout their puppyhood.
In the beginning, your puppys stomach will be very small and will not be capable of taking in much food at a time.
But, he will grow quickly and need more food to accommodate his needs. A young puppy will only eat about 1.5 cups of food a day, but a larger puppy might need as much as 3 to 4 cups of food a day.
It depends on his caloric needs, where he is in the growth cycle and the size of the dog.
How Much Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Puppy
A Golden Retriever puppy will have to be fed three meals a day until he is six months old, at which time you can feed him twice a day. Meal size can vary from one puppy to the next, but the average three-month-old Golden puppy will eat two cups of food a day. At this time, you should divide the food into three meals and serve it in the morning, noon, and evening.
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Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food is also a great choice of puppy food for Golden Retrievers. This food contains high-quality ingredients and is made in the USA. It supports healthy brain development that increases the intelligence and trainability of your Golden Retriever. This food is highly recommended by our staff veterinarians as well.
Below is Eukanubas Large Breed Puppy feeding chart.
Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Feeding Chart
| Puppy Age |
|---|
| 3 5/8 Cups Per Day |
Feeding Your Puppy On Kibble
Commercial puppy dry kibble is still the most common choice puppy owners make. If you choose this option, you want to look for a puppy food that advertises two things:
- It is a puppy formula.
- It offers complete and balanced nutrition.
Many golden retriever breeders also advise seeking out a meat/protein meal kibble versus a chow kibble. How can you tell one from the other?
- Protein or meal kibble will have protein as the first few ingredients .
- Chow kibble will list grains or cereals as the first few ingredients.
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Is The Raw Diet Good For My Golden Retriever
According to The American Veterinary Medical Association, feeding the raw diet to Golden Retrievers is not recommended. They warn that feeding dogs any animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens.
However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat.
Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods.
Switch To Twice A Day Feeding
Eliminate the midday meal when your puppy reaches between 12 and 20 weeks old. Rebelcreek breeders say if your puppy regularly shows a disinterest in a meal, usually the midday feeding, take the same amount of food youve been feeding daily, divide it into two portions and serve in the morning and at night. Maintain two meals a day to promote a healthy gastrointestinal tract, unless otherwise advised by your veterinarian.
References
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How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Puppy: A Daily Guide
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Not much is more exciting than bringing home a new furry bundle of joy. And Golden Retriever puppies are just about the cutest thing ever!
You want to give your puppy the best start to life. Now, you have a bunch of questions about raising a Golden Retriever puppy.
At the top of your list is how much to feed a Golden Retriever puppy.
We want to help, so heres a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know about feeding your Golden puppy.
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Last Updated on February 15, 2021 by Michael Wright
There is nothing cuter than watching your Golden Retriever puppy gorging on food. Its a trait they have inherited from their ancestors that were living in the wilderness. Wolfs didnt have a guaranteed meal two times a day. They would make a kill, eat as much as they can to have enough energy for a few days until they catch another meal. However, domesticated dogs dont have this problem, but they still have that urge to eat as much as they can. Overfeeding, of course, can be bad for Golden Retrievers and their overall health, especially when they are still puppies. Thats why you should know how much to feed a Golden Retriever puppy.
In this article, we will provide you with general guidelines and a feeding schedule that will help you to keep your Golden Retriever puppy healthy and in shape.
Also Check: At What Age Should You Start Training A Golden Retriever Puppy
What If My Puppy Is Still Hungry
In general, Golden Retrievers are eating machines. They will happily eat their way to an unhealthy 100 pounds if you let them.
One way to slow down your puppys eating is to put a clean rock in their food bowl. If they must work food out from around it, they wont be able to scarf their food as quickly.
Puzzle bowls are another great way to slow down your Golden Retriever puppys eating.
Also, consider using low-calorie vegetables as treats for your Golden Retriever puppy. They will help your puppy feel full with less risk of them growing too quickly or getting fat.
How Much To Feed Golden Retriever Puppy At 12 Weeks
If you have questions about feeding a golden retriever puppy you are in the right place. 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.
How Much To Feed Your Golden Retriever Summer Brook
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What Nutrients Does A Goldendoodle Puppy Need
A Goldendoodle puppy needs a balanced dietthat is made up of foods that are easy to digest. These foods include proteins, such as chicken, beef, lamb, and other white meats.
They also will include vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, carrots, and even cauliflower. They also can have fruits like apples included in their diet. Look for foods that are high in protein, glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and have fruits and vegetables as well.
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Golden Retriever Puppy: A Complete Feeding Guide
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Popularly known to be a family dog in the United States and the rest of the world, the Golden Retriever is a friendly and intelligent breed that will make a great companion for life. With its game hunter dog roots, the Golden needs all the nutrition they can get, starting from puppyhood.
This leads us to the question: how much should I feed my Golden Retriever puppy? How often should I feed them? What foods do they deserve to eat and how should they be fed? Well answer these questions in our article below to help you raise your pup healthily.
Page Contents
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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
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.
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What Should You Add To Kibble
In most cases, wet puppy food is not designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition in the same way as with dry kibble puppy food.
However, there can be some cases where feeding wet puppy food is advisable, either as a kibble topper or on its own.
One such case might be if your puppy is recovering from an illness or a procedure and doesnt have much appetite.
Wet food is quite palatable.
Wet food can also add more moisture to your puppys diet to make sure she stays well-hydrated.
Wet puppy food can be a tasty treat to liven up mealtimes. Weve reviewed our favorite dry and wet foods for Golden Retriever puppies here.
You can also add scraps such as meat, scrambled organic eggs, organic vegetables and fruits, canned pumpkin for healthy digestion, or probiotics such as yogurt.