Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They get along well with most people and make great companions for everyone. In addition to their lovable nature, they also have a lifespan of up to 14 years. The average weight of a Golden Retriever is 55 pounds and 22 inches tall at shoulder height when fully grown.
If you’re interested in adopting one but need tips on how much to feed a Golden Retriever puppy and maintain a healthy life, then this article will help. Here are 7 diet and nutrition tips for keeping your Golden Retriever happy and healthy.
Do Not Over-Feed
Golden retrievers are prone to obesity, so it is crucial to watch how much you feed your dog. Too many calories and too much food can lead to several health problems like diabetes and joint issues. If you have a golden retriever that is prone to gaining weight, you must monitor their food intake closely.
To avoid over-feeding your dog, limit his access to food at all times. Don’t leave excess kibble lying around because this will encourage them to snack throughout the day. It’s also helpful if you only give them one or two meals per day instead of multiple small meals throughout the day, as it may help prevent excessive snacking.
The recommended daily amount of food depends on the size. Most Golden Retrievers need about 1 cup per 10 pounds of body weight each day. So, if your dog weighs 50 pounds, then they will eat 5 cups per day. If you want more precise guidelines for feeding, then here are some examples based on size:
- For puppies less than 6 months old – 1/4 cup twice daily
- For adult dogs weighing less than 30 lbs – 1/2 cup daily
- For adult dogs weighing between 30–50 lbs – 1 cup daily
- For adult dogs weighing between 51-70 lbs – 1½ cups every day
- For adult dogs weighing between 71–90 lbs – 2 cups twice a day
- For adult dogs weighing between 91+ pounds – 3 cups twice a day
Remember the 50%-20%-30% Rule
When it comes to golden retriever nutrition, the most important thing for owners to remember is the 50%-20%-30% rule. It means that 50% of your Golden Retriever’s diet should be made up of high-quality dry dog food, 20% should be made up of vegetables and fruits, and 30% should be lean meats, eggs, and dairy (if you choose).
Although meaty treats like bacon and cheese make great rewards for training your Golden Retriever —and will likely increase their desire to learn tricks— these treats are not healthy additions to his daily diet. Instead of adding these high-fat foods into his meals regularly, which can lead to weight gain, treat him only once in a while as an extra reward for good behavior or an accomplishment such as learning how to open doors by himself.
Feed Puppies Dry Dog Food Only
Dry dog food is a great source of nutrition for puppies. It contains all the nutrients they need in their puppy years to help them grow and develop into healthy adults. It is also a good source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that your puppy needs. It can be made with animal-based ingredients such as chicken meal or beef meal.
So it’s important to select one with high-quality sources if you want your pup to get all the nourishment they need. Dry dog food also provides protein and fat that puppies need as they grow up. The amount of protein you feed your puppy will depend on their age, size, breed, and activity level. But generally speaking, most adult dogs should have about 20% of their diet come from protein sources (like meat).
Avoid Feeding Table Scraps or Sugary Foods
It’s tempting to treat your golden retriever to some table scraps, but the truth is this will not be good for his health. While they can be a great treat every once in a while, you should avoid feeding your dog any sugary foods or table scraps regularly. The reason for this is that these types of foods have been proven to cause health problems and weight gain in dogs.
When it comes down to it, you don’t want your golden retriever putting on unnecessary fat.
Table scraps are also not good for your dog’s digestive system because they contain unnatural ingredients such as salt and sugar (and sometimes even preservatives). If your dog eats too many table scraps regularly, they may end up with an upset stomach or diarrhea since their body isn’t used to digesting these types of foods. It could also lead them into an unhealthy cycle where they seek out more sugary or salty foods just so they can feel better.
Feed a High-Quality Diet Rich in Fat and Protein
One of the most important things you can do for your golden retriever is to feed him a high-quality diet. What exactly is a high-quality diet? A high-quality diet would have been proven to meet all of your dog’s nutritional needs, especially those related to his size and activity level. When choosing a food for your dog, look at the first five ingredients on the label and make sure they are meat or meat meal products with no by-products or fillers.
Provide a Constant Supply of Fresh and Clean Water
Water is the ultimate health food for your golden retriever. As they are very active animals, they will need a constant supply of fresh, clean water to keep them hydrated. When it comes to diet and nutrition, water is an essential part of good health for your dog.
Water is important for digestion because it helps break down food and aids in the absorption of nutrients from what you feed your dog each day. Your golden retriever also needs water to flush out toxins from their body as well as keep their coat shiny and healthy-looking. If you want your fur baby’s coat to be silky soft without having any kind of problem, then make sure that you give them access to plenty of clean drinking water at all times.
Supplement With Vitamin E and Omega Fatty Acids
Supplementing your dog’s diet with vitamin E and omega fatty acids can be beneficial to their health. Vitamin E is known for its skin and coat benefits, which help combat dryness that can lead to skin irritations or infections. Omega fatty acids are also essential for maintaining the health of joints, which means they help prevent arthritis in older dogs.
Additionally, both these elements are important components of the immune system. They boost the immunity system’s function so your Golden Retriever’s body can fight off illnesses more effectively. Finally, it’s been shown that these two vitamins improve heart health by lowering cholesterol levels in dogs who have high cholesterol problems (as many purebreds do).
We hope that you’ve been able to learn a little bit more about the health needs of your Golden Retriever. As we mentioned before, it’s not always easy to know what exactly you should be doing for this breed of dog. However, we hope that these 7 tips will help make things a little clearer for you when it comes time to take care of your pet.
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