What Supplements Should I Give My Golden Retriever

Joint Health: Nutramax Dasuquin

If your dog suffers from joint or hip issues, these Dasuquin chews could help strengthen his joints and ease aches and pains. A top vet-recommended product, Dasuquin is a proprietary blend of ingredients that helps inhibit cartilage breakdown, improve cartilage production, and reduce inflammation and pain.

They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, methylsulfonylmethane , avocado/soybean unsaponifiables , and other key ingredients that help maintain hip and joint health. Many dog owners say they see a big difference when they give their pups these chews regularly. See more joint supplements for dogs.

Price: Starting at $9.99

Digestive Health: Nusentia Probiotic Miracle

Giving your dog a daily probiotic can help regulate his digestive system, especially if he has problems with diarrhea, an upset stomach, or constipation. Nusentia Probiotic Miracle contains six probiotic strains to help with these issues and more, including yeast overgrowth, bad breath, itching, and scratching. Manufactured in the USA at an FDA-approved facility, it contains no animal products, fillers, flavorings rice, gluten, or dairy. See our reviews of the best probiotics for dogs.

Price: Starting at $25.99

What You Should Know

I’m always looking for ways to supplement my dog’s diet and improve his overall health, so I was excited to try this dietary supplement. Made in FDA, USDA and FSIS regulated manufacturing facilities, it is designed to help with skin & coat, digestion, bladder support, and overall health.

The all-natural formula includes ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin E. I’ve been giving it to my dog for a few weeks now and have definitely noticed an improvement in his coat and skin.

His digestion also seems to be better and he doesn’t seem to be having as many accidents. I’m really happy with this supplement and will continue to give it to my dog on a regular basis.

Best supplements for Mobility

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Compensate For Nutrient Deficiencies

Adding supplements to your pup’s diet such as a vitamin and mineral supplement to homemade dog food is a good idea if youre aware your dogs food has some nutritional gaps or you discover possible deficiencies because of a vet visit. Homemade dog foods, although healthy and minimally processed, also often have nutritional gaps. Check in with a qualified veterinary nutritionist to double check any recipes you are using for homemade dog food to ensure they are getting their full nutritional needs met. You can then compensate for any missing nutrients with carefully selected supplements.

Formulas For Size And Age

Adult Golden Retrievers are considered large breed dogs, which means they need large-breed formulas. Large-breed formulas are made with the specific nutritional requirements of bigger canines in mind, like a lower caloric density to match their slower metabolisms and added nutrients like glucosamine to aid in joint health, for example. The food is also made in larger pieces.

Large, deep-chested breeds like the Golden Retriever are at a risk for a dangerous condition called bloat when they eat too fast. Large dogs tend to gulp down large amounts of small kibble at once, which increases the risk of bloat, while larger pieces force them to take their time when eating. Larger pieces mean your dog gets the same nutritional value in a smaller portion size, reducing the risk of bloat.

If you have a Golden Retriever puppy, make sure to feed them puppy food. Newborn and very young puppies may need to be bottle-fed, then your puppy will need to transfer from milk to wet canned food when theyre about 4-5 weeks old.

Later, around eight weeks of age, they can start to transition to dry dog food, ideally a large-breed puppy formula. Keep talking with your veterinarian throughout your puppy’s young life stages to make sure theyre getting the nutrition they need.

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At What Age Should I Begin Giving My Golden Retriever A Joint Supplement

Much like humans, our Golden Retrievers joints wear down over time. As proactive pet parents, we want to do everything in our power to ensure our dogs joints stay healthy and our dogs stay active for as long as possible.

It goes without saying that proper diet and exercise are absolutely vital for the health of your Golden Retrievers joints. In addition, many veterinarians recommend supplementing your dogs diet with glucosamine & chondroitin as a preventative measure, and as a way of supporting the health of already aging joints.

How Much Water Should Golden Retrievers Drink

Golden Retrievers should drink up to one ounce of water daily for each pound they weigh. However, there are many other variables to consider, such as age, activity level, diet , temperature and humidity, medication, pregnancy, nursing, etc.

Ensure your dogs water bowl remains full and the water is changed every few hours. Dog water fountains, like the PetSafe Drinkwell from Amazon, are one of my favorites. I love this one because it is perfect for Retrievers due to its large size and even includes carbon filters to keep the water free from odors and bad tastes.

Giving ice cubes, adding water to dry food, or making fun playtimes with a hose in warm weather are other ways to keep your Golden Retriever hydrated.

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Bonus Dog Food Ingredients To Watch Out For

Just like people, Golden Retrievers need nutritious ingredients like coconut oil, Omega -3 fatty acids, L-Carnitine, fruits and veggies. Heres what to look for:

• Kelp offers additional minerals and vitamins. It is also rich in calcium and maintains skin and coat health in your Golden.
• Chelated minerals that are chemically attached to a protein, thus making them easier to digest.
• Chicken fat provides Omega-6s through linoleic acid.
• Oatmeal contains B-vitamins and dietary fiber for gut health.
• Flaxseed contains omega-fatty acids and is also rich in soluble fiber when in meal form.

Tips In Giving Vitamins To Your Golden Retriever

Is your Goldie picky when it comes to vitamins? If the vet recommended a tablet or pill form, the following hacks would help trick your dog into taking the supplement:

• Mix it with food. Mixing the supplement to your dogs food is the most convenient and easiest way to feed it to him. Just make sure that your Goldie cant separate the tablet or pill from the kibble or wet food.
• Slather it with peanut butter. Another trick pet owners recommend is covering the vitamins with peanut butter. This will mask the undesirable taste of the pill or tablet.
• Place it inside a strawberry. If theres one trick that I swear by, it would be pressing the pill or tablet inside a strawberry. This works every single time with my Golden Retriever, whos quite obsessed with strawberries.
• Conceal it in a piece of cheese. If your dog isnt a big fan of fruits, a thick slice of cheese might do the trick. However, make sure that it wont be a choking hazard.
• Bait and switch. You can trick your dog into taking the supplement by giving it a few treats in a row then tossing the pill at a constant speed.

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Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food

Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food is another top choice of our staff veterinarians. This brand of dog food provides a balanced nutritious meal that fuels an active lifestyle. The ingredients support healthy brain function and lean muscles.

Below is a feeding chart for Eukanuba adult dog food.

Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Feeding Chart

Eukanuba Adult Dog Food is like Royal Canin in that it provides precise amounts of food based on the level of exercise for that day. On the back of the bag, it explains how much food you should give for low, moderate, and high activity.

How Often Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Puppy

Growing puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult dogs, requiring more frequent feedings at varying stages of development. Depending on age, heres how much you should feed your Golden Retriever puppy:

Golden Retriever puppies get all their nutrients from their mother when they are born. However, starting the weaning process onto a new diet from three to four weeks old is safe.

Puppies in the early stages of development need enough calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to support rapid growth and development and set them on the road to a healthy life.

Learn More On How Often Dogs Should Eat In This Video

Since Golden Retrievers are a medium-large breed, they should be fed large-breed dog food even puppies. Large breed dog food is essential for your puppys nutrition.

But why?

Large breed foods have a higher protein content and lower calcium, phosphorus, and fat content. It is nutritionally designed to keep puppies from growing too quickly, leading to debilitating conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.

While adult dogs can thrive on one meal a day, most Golden Retriever owners feed their dogs twice daily. It makes it easier for the dog to digest the food, control hunger, and avoid life-threatening bloat . My dog would much rather eat twice a day.

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Golden Retriever Supplement Side Effects

Multiple factors could be affecting your dog. Golden Retrievers are prone to joint problems, so a supplement that contains glucosamine and chondroitin might help ease the pain and promote better joint function. Other possible causes of your dog’s restlessness could include anxiety, boredom, lack of exercise, or an underlying health condition. If you’re unsure about what’s causing your dog’s restlessness, it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian.

Some side effects that have been reported with golden retriever’s health and supplements include mild gastrointestinal distress such as diarrhea or vomiting. These side effects usually resolve on their own and are not cause for concern unless they persist or worsen.

When Should I Feed My Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy.

You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home.

As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily.

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Risks Of Dog Taking Vitamins

When it comes to vitamins for dogs, it is entirely possible to have too much of a good thing. Giving the correct dose of a vitamin can be lifesaving for a dog but giving more than what is required can cause a whole new set of problems.

Sometimes, vitamins and other dietary supplements can interact with other medications that your dog may be taking, so it really is important to work alongside your vet.

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Recommended Vitamin Supplements For Dogs

Weve put together a mega list of highly-rated supplements to boost your dogs health. Some of these products are intended for general health, but many are specially formulated to address one or more specific concerns. Be sure to consider the purpose and the ingredients of each supplement carefullyand, of course, talk to your vet before ordering.

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Healthy Dog World Daily Multivitamin

Image courtesy Healthy Dog World

The Healthy Dog World’s Daily Multivitamin & Mineral Supplement is a comprehensive, balanced vitamin and mineral supplement that meets all of a dog’s nutritional needs.

Vitamins A, C, and E assist with immune function B-vitamins are involved in energy metabolism and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, and iron are required for bone and tooth health.

It’s available in a tasty chicken flavor that dogs love, and it may be used as a treat or added to meals.

What Foods Can Golden Retrievers Eat

Now you know what nutrients dogs need, but what foods can your Golden Retriever eat?

Golden Retrievers can consume a wide variety of healthy and nutritious foods. Proteins beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and salmon grains wheat, oats, corn, and rice dairy such as plain yogurt and cheese vegetables peas, pumpkin, carrots fruits such as apples and berries are just a few examples.

The above are only a few general examples lets take a closer look at the main human foods your Golden Retriever can eat. Ive organized them for you in the tables below, but there are a few caveats you should be aware of, so keep reading!

So, here are the caveats to feeding the foods mentioned above:

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Start Strong With Nutritious Food

Browsing the vitamin shelf at the pharmacy for your own health can be confusing, and making sense of dog supplements can be just as mind-boggling. So where do you start? The first place you need to look is in your dog’s bowl. Good nutrition starts with what you feed your pet every day. That may sound simple, but with so many dog foods on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for your furry friend. Fortunately, with a little bit of knowledge about essential nutrients and dog vitamins, you can feel less overwhelmed when it comes to providing your pet with everything he needs to thrive.

Your dog needs six essential classes of nutrients to live a healthy lifestyle: water, protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. However, each individual dog may require more or less of some of those essentials. Fully understanding your dog’s nutritional requirements, his activity level, age, health problems and any typical genetic issues will help you look for food that meets his individual needs.

The next step is to discuss food recommendations with your veterinarian. Only through regular checkups can your vet determine if the food you are feeding your pup is providing him with the essential nutrients he needs. If your vet does feel that your dog needs additional nutrients, they will either prescribe a prescription dog food or give you a prescription for dog supplements.

For Any Age: Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites

Zesty Paws Multivitamin Bites contain 20 vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that support the skin, coat, joints, heart, digestion, and immune response in dogs of all ages and sizes. Theyre free of grains, corn, and soy and have no artificial flavoring or preservatives, and are made in the USA.

Theyre also certified by the National Animal Supplement Council for safe manufacturing practices. The NASC is a non-profit trade organization thats committed to setting quality standards for pet supplements, which arent regulated by the FDA. These soft chews come in chicken and peanut butter flavors.

Price: Starting at

Rockwell Pets Pro Natural Dog Vitamins is unique from other vitamins. This liquid form of this supplement makes it easy to top your dogs food with a boost of nutrients and flavor. The beef-flavored, all-natural product supports allergies, better digestion, physical and mental endurance, fights disease, boosts energy, and more. Made in a Good Manufacturing Practices certified factory in the USA, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a subscription to save 20% on recurring purchases. Read the label for the dosage guide . Refrigerate after opening.

Price: $41

Our Personal Experience

Price: $13.99

Price:$10.75

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How Do I Choose The Best Dog Supplements In 2022

There are a few things to consider when choosing the best dog supplements for your pet. The first is to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you on what supplements may be beneficial for your dog based on their health and needs.

The second is to read reviews from other pet owners. This can be a great way to get unbiased opinions on which supplements are the most effective.

Finally, make sure to choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients. This will help to ensure that your dog is getting the best possible nutrition from their supplements.

Now that you know more about which supplements are among the best dog supplement options, it’s time to elaborate on which brands provide your furry companion with the most health benefits.

Choosing The Right Food For Your Golden Retriever

Finally, your Golden Retrievers overall wellbeing leads us to the final point of our discussion the nutrition plan. To ensure healthy, constant growth, your puppy needs an appropriate eating plan focused on wholesome, natural ingredients rich with the following nutrients:

Protein derived from high-quality sources, such as meat and fish.

Healthy fatty acids , essential for reduced shedding and added shine to your dogs fur.

Adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

Healthy levels of carbohydrates to sustain your Golden Retrievers energy needs.

Aside from the food type, you must make sure that the food itself is sourced from the United States, preferably local farms and that the ingredients have been tested to be sure there is no aflatoxin, e. Coli, mold, fungus, salmonella or listeria. Dog food formulas should at the very least meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles, as well as be manufactured by a trustworthy company that states the sources for its ingredients.

Are you ready to welcome a Golden Retriever puppy into your family? Fantastic! Here at Volhard, our mission is to make sure that your puppy lives a long, healthy life, dedicated to a fruitful relationship with you, the dog owner. Do you have more questions regarding the subject of Golden Retrievers? Feel free to contact us or check out our blog!

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