Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppies
The best food for Golden Retriever puppies is formulated for large, energetic breeds with a long coat.
There are plenty to choose from, and any complete food for medium to large puppies will probably be fine.
Which did you choose? Let us know in the comments section below!
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Best Food For A Golden Retriever Puppy
Quality nutrition sets your Golden Retriever puppy up for a long and healthy life. Here are our top picks for the best food for a Golden Retriever puppy.
This dog food will support your Golden Retriever puppys growth and development without going overboard on fat or calories. The recipe features fresh chicken and digestible brown rice.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large-Breed Puppy Recipe
Featuring deboned chicken as its first ingredient, this puppy recipe offers a wholesome balance of protein, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
Made with fresh chicken as a lean source of protein and chicken meal to provide glucosamine and chondroitin, this dog food for puppies will get your Golden Retriever off to a healthy start in life.
Nutro Ultra Large-Breed Puppy Recipe
This chicken-based puppy recipe is formulated to support the energy needs of young Goldens and other large-breed puppies.
All dogs have the same basic nutritional needs when it comes to protein, fat, and essential nutrients, but there are some disparities among breeds of different sizes.
To learn more about the nutritional needs of large dogs, check out our guide to the best dog food for large breeds.
Orijen Six Fish Formula
- Diet-rich and varied in fresh, whole fish ingredients from Atlantic mackerel, herring, monkfish, Acadian redfish, flounder, and silver hake.
- 85% quality animal ingredients, nourishes dogs according to their natural, biological needs.
- Using fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone.
- Biologically Appropriate, grain-free diet that dogs have evolved to eat.
This premium recipe is packed full of high-quality protein sources and ingredients, so much so that only 2 added supplements, zinc and copper, are added to the mix, because everything he needs is already in there. The first 9 ingredients are fish and fish meals, so this recipe is unparalleled when it comes to a high-quality protein that is also full of omega fatty acids which are fantastic for the Goldens coat.
This recipe is grain-free, and it is processed at a low temperature which means that it is nutrient-rich. This biologically appropriate diet is super tasty, and most Golden Retrievers can thrive on this recipe.
We love that this premium recipe is made with 6 fishes, so not only does this provide him with the highest protein content and plenty of omega fatty acids for his coat, but it also provides his body with enough energy to keep him sustained throughout the day.
Also Check: Hill Science Dog Food Coupons
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Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy
Rating:
Golden Retriever Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes rated in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat gluten, chicken fat, wheat
- Type: Grain-inclusive
- Profile: Growth
- Best for:Golden retriever puppies
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
We also note the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid supplement believed to help prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs.6
A time-proven formula containing just the right amount of calcium considered safe for golden retriever puppies. Recommended with confidence.
Sample buyer reviewMy golden retriever absolutely loves this food, the previous food he ate he didnt like very much but once I got this puppy food the first time I opened the bag he got excited just by the smell. Every time he eats now he jumps around and moves his tail like crazy. Great food I will definitely buy the adult food when he grows!!!!
How Do You Make Homemade Dog Food
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How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Puppy
Knowing how much to feed your Golden Retriever and how often will help your Golden Retriever start off with a healthy lifestyle. As owners, we want to make sure that our new puppy gets just the right amount food to grow at their pace. We do not want to overfeed or underfeed. Our wish is to make life for them as comfortable as possible.
For more detail on this topic check out our article Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. If you use our recommended Purina Pro Plan, see below for the feeding chart.
Ingredients For Rascals Homemade Dog Food:
- All-Natural chicken stock or water
- Macaroni noodles
Note: We add in a supplement nutrient blend from a company called Just Food For Dogs very similar to dog vitamins as well as Omega oil to make sure he is getting enough healthy fats. I highly recommend adding both of these into your dog food so you can rest assure that they are getting proper nutrients.
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Consider Your Dog’s Age
Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional needs, so be sure to choose a food that is appropriate for your dog’s age. Puppy foods will have higher levels of protein and fat to support growth, while adult foods will be lower in calories to help maintain a healthy weight.
Senior golden retrievers may need a food that is easy to digest and has added joint support.
Recipe Variations: What Natural Foods Can I Feed My Dog
Home-cooked dog food diets can be one of the best ways to keep your best friend happy and healthy. As always, check with your vet before testing a new dog diet, but here are some of my best recommendations:
- Protein: Rascal digests ground turkey really well but you can try ground beef, pork, chicken, lamb, and Rascals personal favorite: venison. If you dont have a meat grinder, you can ask your butcher to grind it for you or cut it up super fine before cooking.
- Vegetables: Spinach, butternut squash, cranberries, cauliflower, apples, green beans. Here is an entire list of AKC approved fruits and vegetables you can give your dog.
- Grains & Carbs: Rice, quinoa, barley, whole grain pasta, and potatoes can be great options. If you can believe it, Rascal is actually allergic to rice. I wish I were kidding.
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Best Food For Adult Golden Retrievers
Between the ages of 12 to 15 months, the Golden Retriever should be slowly transitioned to an adult food thats formulated to match their life stage. Keeping your Golden Retriever on puppy food for too long could have weight impacts as Golden Retrievers are known to eat excessively as they age.
Youll want to match your Golden Retriever with a Large Breed dog food as they turn the right age, and youll want to introduce the new food slowly so you dont deal with an upset stomach. Its also not a bad idea to consider a food that contains glucosamine as Golden Retrievers are also known for having hip and joint issues as they age. Golden Retrievers are not usually fussy eaters, so any of the brands below should be a great fit for your pup.
This recipe is fulfilling thanks to the wholesome, human-grade ingredients. Whatever flavor you choose, the first ingredient is always meat, providing your pooch with protein thats full of rich nutrients for his skin, coat, and cognitive function.
Fresh vegetables provide his immune system with antioxidants while the protein keeps his bones and teeth strong. While this food is grain-free, mixing in some freshly cooked rice is a great way to add in some additional carbs and fiber while supporting a healthy balance for your dogs diet and your wallet! For the adult stage, this is one of the best dog foods for a Golden Retriever.
Special Considerations For Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are very active. They are most active as puppies and young adults but they need exercise throughout their lives. Walking, swimming, and good, long runs provide excellent exercise for these sporting dogs. Because of their high level of activity, they do need quite a few calories in their daily food.
Golden Retrievers can be prone to hip dysplasia and some other health issues.
Golden Retrievers are one of the breeds that has been connected to food-related dilated cardiomyopathy . The FDA is currently investigating a possible link between grain free dog foods and a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. At this time there is no firm conclusion about a connection but you may wish to consider these findings when choosing a food for your Golden. The FDA has not advised anyone to stop feeding grain free dog foods. However, they have suggested that owners might cut back on foods with high amounts of peas and some other ingredients that have been used in place of grains.
Some Golden Retrievers have developed food allergies. Do watch your dogs health and reactions after meals, especially if you have recently changed dog foods. If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian.
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Science Diet Perfect Weight
Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks alone with this kibble, thanks to the lower calorie count of 316 per cup. This recipe is based on science and designed by Veterinarians and canine nutritionists, so you can be sure that it will still provide him with optimum levels of proteins and nutrients whilst tackling his weight.
We loveHills Science diet for most breeds when it comes to weight loss. They have one of the most popular formulas compared to other brands, and this food is perfect for pudgy Golden Retrievers carrying a few extra pounds.
How Many Calories Does An Adult Golden Retriever Need
The caloric needs of an adult golden retriever that is, from about one to seven years of age depends on their size and activity levels. Fully-grown golden retrievers can weigh anywhere from 55 to 75 pounds, and obviously, the larger the dog, the more food they typically need each day. Also, dogs that are active in terms of exercise and play with other dogs will need more calories than inactive dogs. Youll need to do some adjustments based on your dogs individual needs, but active, young adult golden retrievers typically need between 1,451 and 1,876 calories per day. Active adults need between 1,353 and 1,740 calories per day, but inactive adult dogs typically dont need more than 989-1,272 calories per day.
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How To Choose The Best Dog Food For Your Golden Retriever
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You love your golden and want whatâs best for him. But there are so many choices.
The pet food industry has exploded in recent years.
Itâs so confusing when you go to the pet store or look on-line to choose a specific food for your special pup.
Of course, thereâs more than one food that will help your dog grow properly, be healthy, and thrive.
Iâll discuss some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a great food.
Iâll also recommend some foods that have been highly rated for large-breed dogs.
Remember though that, if you intend to switch your dog to a new diet, do so over the course of seven to 10 days to help avoid intestinal upsets or diarrhea.
The Results From Feeding Our Diy Dog Food
Back to the story of Bug
After only a couple of weeks of feeding her a homemade diet, the hubby and I were blown away by how much her mental and physical health improved. And we wholeheartedly believe she was able to bounce back because of her new food.
She went from an ailing, exhausted, incontinent, tail-down dog to a happy, energetic, curious, communicative pup. While she isnt miraculously walking again, her hip dysplasia also hasnt progressed or caused her any pain.
Weve learned to watch for signs that she needs to relieve herself as weve realized she knows when she has to go, she just cant get there without our help.
We feed both of our pugs the same food, with the hope that we can stave off any potential health problems for our older one.
When we travel, well bring their homemade food on the road in a cooler. On occasion, weve even ordered their dinner from a restaurant when we ran out of food .
If were camping, well usually just feed them whatever were cooking in camp they love corn on the cob, hobo packs , and the whole assortment of tri-tip, sausages, and ribs that weve usually got going on.
As you might imagine they lovecamping trips!
Homemade dog food gives us the flexibility to fine-tune their diet as needed. Im forever grateful for the extra time we were given with our beloved Bug as a result of the food we chose to feed her.
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Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials
Best Golden Retriever Food for Limited Budgets
While wed all love to give our pooches the best of the best, most of us dont have the means to buy lots of top-shelf dog food. Golden retrievers are big, active dogs, which means buying a lot of dog food over the years, and so its important to find a food that fits into your budget. Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials is an adult dry dog food that maximizes nutrition and minimizes costs. This food combines hard kibble with softer shredded pieces to create a texture that dogs love to eat, and there are three flavors to choose from.
With 26% protein, 16% fat, and 3% fiber, along with living probiotics, Purina Pro Plan is a complete, highly digestible nutrition for your golden retriever. The chicken & rice formula is also good for all life stages, puppy through senior, so if your dog loves it, you wont need to switch as they age. An adult golden will probably need about 3-3.75 cups per day, each of which contains 387 calories.
Flavors: salmon & rice, lamb & rice, beef & rice
Sizes: 6 lbs., 18 lbs., 35 lbs., 47 lbs.
Grains: rice, whole grain wheat, corn gluten meal, whole grain corn
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 small and 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.
- Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Get the gameplan for raising them right with the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook.
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Our 2022 Golden Retriever Feeding Guide
Golden Retriever Puppies A Golden Retriever puppy is surely one of the cutest puppies in the world. Youll have a hard time resisting one of these adorable pups if he wants something. Most Golden Retrievers are dead set on fetching, so be prepared for hours of fun as you toss balls and sticks for your new pup.
As far as how much to feed your Golden Retriever puppy, lets take a quick look at a Goldens average weight as he grows . Of course, these are only estimates. You should weigh your puppy often to see how s/he is growing. Your vet can also keep track of your puppys weight gain and growth when you take him or her in for vaccinations. Female puppies usually weight a little less than male puppies.
At 3 Months: 23 lbs
At 6 Months: 52 lbs
At 9 Months: 61 lbs
At 12 Months: 68 lbs
Considering these weights, and your Goldens size as an adult, we can figure how much you should be feeding your puppy. As mentioned earlier, we recommend feeding a large-breed puppy food for Golden Retriever puppies. As you can see, Goldens grow quickly as puppies. A good large-breed puppy food can provide the proper nutrition and keep your puppy from growing too fast. If your puppy grows too fast, or is too chubby, he is more likely to have problems with his hips or problems with arthritis later in life.
0-3 Months: 4-6 Meals Daily Totaling 1221 Calories
3-6 Months: 3-4 Meals Daily Totaling 1221-1501 Calories