Transition: How To Switch From Puppy To Adult Dog Food
Any time youre feeding a new formula, make sure you transition slowly. For the first few days, you can replace 25% of his old kibble with the new brand.
Around the third day, increase the new dog food to 50%, and 75% on the fifth day. After a week, your dog should be able to adjust to the new diet or recipe.
You dont have to follow the schedule above strictly. You can go slower or add less, depending on how your Golden reacts to the new kibble. The idea is to introduce him to a new diet gently.
What About A Grain
Only if your dog has allergies, and only if its a good quality food.
Grain-free diets have been hugely popular recently, but arent always the best or healthiest choice. Fillers that replace grains can often be less nutritious than their counterparts.
In the world of dogs, legume-based grain-free diets have been the center of controversy. Dogs fed these diets have been found to be lacking in taurine, which is essential to heart health. Too little taurine in a dogs system can cause heart failure.
If you suspect your dog is allergic to grains, have a talk with your veterinarian about foods available that can fit your dogs unique needs.
Lets Wrap Up All We Have Learned
Your lovely Goldy is a vigorous, lively, and dynamic beastie. This breed is famous for its intelligence and obedience. They thrive on human companionship and always bring joy to their owners life.
To protect their bones from becoming brittle too soon, make sure you find the best product in the market for your pooch. They will be thankful and reciprocate with lots of love.
The products we chose to present to you are some of the best formulas in the market today. In case you would like to expand the scope of your search, we advise you to try your luck with the best large breed dry dog food. Make sure you steer clear from the worst dry dog food brands. If youre searching for canned food, we suggest scanning through the best canned dog food on the market.
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Ingredients To Avoid Feeding Your Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers can sometimes develop food allergies. Grains such as corn, wheat, and soy are common, so look for food that doesnt contain any of these if you want to be especially cautious. Also, you should look for natural ingredients and avoid anything artificial like colors, preservatives or flavors. You should also be careful of food that contains too high a sugar content. These are often common in semi-moist dog food. While many of the dog foods listed above contain ingredients we often find in human food, there are some foods that we eat that are not safe for canines. These include garlic, onions, chocolates, grapes, and raisins, so always be wary of what you are offering to your dog if you ever feed them off your plate.
Origen Puppy Large Breed Formula
The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel.
This recipe contains a minimum of 43 percent protein, 18 percent fat and 30percent estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41percent.
This high-quality food is more expensive than many five-star rated foods.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large
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Ingredients:
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Pea Protein, Peas, Chicken Fat , Menhaden Fish Meal , Flaxseed , Natural Flavor, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Egg Product, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil , Salt, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Choline Chloride, Potatoes, Dried Chicory Root, Vitamin E Supplement, Sweet Potatoes, Potassium Chloride, Pea Fiber, Alfalfa Nutrient Concentrate, Dl-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols, Carrots, Garlic, Riboflavin , Vitamin D3 Supplement, L-Carnitine, Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Zinc Sulfate, Vegetable Juice For Color, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Blueberries, Cranberries, Barley Grass, Parsley, Turmeric, Dried Kelp, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Niacin , Calcium Pantothenate , Folic Acid , Sodium Selenite, Oil of Rosemary, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate , L-Lysine, Copper Sulfate, Biotin , Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Manganese Sulfate, Taurine, Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate , Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride , Calcium Iodate, Dried Yeast, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Aspergillus Niger Fermentation Extract, Dried Trichoderma Longibrachiatum Fermentation Extract, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Extract.
What To Season Homemade Dog Food With:
While dogs cant have all of the same aromatics as humans can they can have a small variety of dried or fresh herbs and spices that contain great nutrients and help flavor their meals. Use a few teaspoons sprinkled on top or mixed into the food. These are some easily digestable herbs and spices to try:
- Basil
- Ginger
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Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food Review
At a Glance
- Fiber: 5%
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Recipe is a high-quality diet that hits all of the high points a Golden Retriever puppy needs from its food. Enriched with DHA to promote brain development and with the correct balance of calcium to phosphorus, this food formulation is a nutritional powerhouse that is optimized to support a puppys growth.
When it comes to high-quality nutrition, it is not difficult to see why Wellness Complete Health has been included on the list of the best dog foods for Golden Retriever puppies.
Pros
- Owners share that they are pleased with the growth rate of their puppies when fed this diet on a consistent basis.
- The stool quality of puppies fed Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy is considered to be excellent. Puppies digest this formulation very well.
- Many owners report that this food is so tasty that they are able to use it as both a meal option and a training treat.
- Several owners indicated that their puppies saw an increase in energy when regularly fed this diet.
- Owners like that this food contains grains, giving them an excellent quality diet to assist their pup with ideal digestion and to help prevent DCM.
Cons
What Regular Foods Can Golden Retrievers Eat
Chicken. Besides being one of the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, Chicken is a key ingredient in most dog recipes. Chicken is often a key source of proteins and other macronutrients.
Eggs. Cooked eggs are nutritious and still provide your dog with lots of proteins. Remember to avoid raw or uncooked eggs as they may have lots of salmonella and E coli.
Carrots. Carrot is one key vegetable that you find in most dog foods. Carrots are safe for Golden Retrievers and still provides vital vitamins.
Salmon. Salmon is the best source of protein for Golden Retrievers. However, ensure you dont give your dog uncooked and boned salmon.
Pineapple. Pineapple has an array of macronutrients that work to boost your dogs immune system.
Green Peas. Green peas are safe for Golden Retrievers. You will find green peas included in dog foods as they contain lots of calories and are still tasty.
Oatmeal. Oatmeal is one of the best dog food for Golden Retrievers who have loose stools because of its high fiber content.
Apple. Golden Retrievers can eat apples as they are not only tasty but also full of nutrients. However, avoid giving your dog apple seeds as they contain cyanide, which is poisonous.
Blueberries. Golden Retrievers will be safe if they consume blueberries as these fruits are not toxic. Blueberries have enough concentration of vitamin c, which is a good antioxidant.
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Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food
Our final fantastic food for your furry, floppy eared friend is another breed specific option designed with extra focus on dental hygiene.
After munching this crunchy kibble for 28 days, tartar build-ups should be completely eliminated, leaving your dog with strong teeth and not so nasty breath.
This foods all about meat-based proteins. The main ingredient is chicken plain and simple and it also contains byproducts, dried cartilage, and fish meal.
Animal-based proteins are the most important part of your dogs diet, so the focus on that area of nutrition is appreciated. It will help your retriever grow lots of strong muscles and keep joints working smoothly.
Animal proteins are also important for a thick and glossy coat, so feeding your retriever this heavily animal-based treat will have them looking incredibly majestic.
Combining beauty with brains, vitamin E and DHA content help with mental acuity.
Many customers claimed they saw a noted improvement in the health of their dogs skin after eating Eukanuba as well.
Pros
Do Golden Retrievers Need Grain In Their Diet
Unfortunately, the idea of grain-free has become huge in pet food. Most people dont quite understand why other than theyve heard grainy dog foods are of poor quality.
This isnt exactly true, or maybe more of a half-truth. Too many grains can certainly be a bad thing, contributing to weight gain or even conditions like diabetes. You might not want to avoid it completely though. Goldens on a grain-free diet have shown an increased risk for heart disease, as well as other deficiencies.
Avoiding grain completely can lead to nutritional deficits. Even the Wolves mentioned above would look to plant sources when meat wasnt available.
- Some of the foods listed above, though high quality, might be grain-free. If you settle upon one, either make sure it lists Taurine among the nutritional ingredients label on the back of the packaging, or you ask your veterinarian about supplementing with it.
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Top Picks For Our Puppies
Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
Short History On Golden Retriever
Historically, these pups were bred as hunting dogs. They originated in Scotland in the 1800s as a mixture of Spaniels, the Irish, and the Newfoundland setter. The Golden Retriever is a vigorous, medium-sized pooch, able to handle rainy climate and rugged terrain.
They come from the Scottish Highlands, where their main task was to retrieve birds for the Scottish estate owners, from both the water and the land. Those owners searched for more than just practicality in their canines. They wanted to find good-looking dogs with lots of energy and above-average intelligence.
The hunting of wildfowl mastered their skills of searching and sniffing. Their strong sense of smell has made them great rescue dogs. The retrievers we have and love today are descendants of these hard-working beauties. In 1925, this breed received an official American Kennel Club recognition.
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Best For Puppies: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed
Golden retriever puppies need high levels of protein and low levels of calcium in their food. Since they belong to large dog breeds, its vital for them to have dog food thats optimized for their breed.
Youll want to save your furbaby from future pain thatll stem from bone issues due to too much calcium intake. So, you may want to pick a dog food like Blue Buffalo Wilderness.
Likewise, it features a grain-free, high protein, and high fat mixture thats perfect for your growing puppy. Your little one will need a huge store of resources to draw his energy from as he grows and moves about.
Youll also love how Blue Buffalo has antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids mixed into it to give your buddy the best nutrition he can get. With this, youll have a shiny coat, functional joints, and high energy levels.
Moreover, Blue Buffalo is available in various flavors, including chicken, lamb, beef, and venison.
Key Features:
Can A Golden Retriever Drink Milk
Milk is another misunderstood area. Many dogs have an intolerance to lactose, the sugar in milk, and are unable to digest it properly. What sugars arent absorbed or digested/broken down in the small intestine will become food for the countless bacteria in the large intestine, producing gas as a bi-product.
Milk can cause gas, diarrhea, and general stomach upset. Even though not all dogs are lactose intolerant, the risk isnt really worth it. Milk also tends to have a higher fat content.
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Best Dry Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
Give the dry variety of the Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever a try, as it is a high-quality breed specific formula that has the Golden Retrievers best interest at heart. If you are looking for the best food for Golden Retriever puppy friends there is also a puppy version of this dry food, which means you can start out with the best dog food for Golden Retriever puppies , then switch it to the adult version so that your gold-coated pup can receive the nutrition he or she needs throughout both puppyhood and adulthood.
+ Grain-free
Purina One Smartblend Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
PetListed Verdict:
Purina One is a solid choice for those looking for high quality dog food at an affordable price. The food has 30% protein content, with real turkey as the first ingredient, and Omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
Key Details:
- 30% protein content, made with real turkey and venison
- Turkey is the #1 ingredient
- Good for active adult dogs, with balanced nutritional content
- Includes Omega-6 for healthy skin and coat
- Well priced compared with other dog foods
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What Golden Retriever Owners Swear By
Im sure youve met a lot of Golden Retriever parents. Consequently, Im also certain that each and every one recommends different diets and dog foods! Some people swear by dog foods meant for other large breeds. Thats something you should never try. See, the thing is that each and every breed is different and, obviously, has different nutritional needs.
Since Goldies are intelligent, energetic, playful and have a beautiful coat made of long hair, they need special nutrition. So, the first thing you should do is to tune out all that bad advice. There are three core things that you should look for when buying dog food. Lets take a look:
- Stay away from filler ingredients such as soy, corn, rice, etc
- Always choose a dog food with high meat contentnot high protein
- Macros matter more than calories do
However The most important thing you need to do before making any changes to your dogs diet is to always consult the vet because he is a highly trained professional who knows more about a dogs body and needs. After all, we all want our furry companions to be happy and healthy.
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How Much Food Should I Give Dog
This is a sub-question to the above for better clarity and warrants elaboration as it applies to all dog breeds. The quantity of food will need to be adjusted also based on the age. As the dog ages, it becomes less active and the metabolic rate decreases. You need to reduce the quantities. Dogs gain weight by the time they are 4 years and above, if you dont reduce the portions. Another important fact is that if you have neutered or spayed the dog, it is imperative that you give less food right from the beginning, and spayed dogs tend to put on more weight than non-spayed dogs. As per Wikipedia, puppies should eat about three cups of food a day and adults three to five cups. However, this is highly subjective, and depends on quality of the food and individual dog needs.
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How To Select The Right Dog Food Formula For Your Golden Retriever
Image Credit: Pixaby
All dog food formulas are regulated by the FDA and the U.S. This provides protection to pet parents and pooch. A high-quality dog food depends on the ingredients within the dog food.
Today, dog food formulas are always changing so as to update current formulas with new research. There are also numerous high-quality dog food formulas to choose from, which makes it all the more difficult for pet parents.
There are also many alternative meat options for protein-focused nutrition that offer duck, alligator, venison, rabbit and boar supplemented with chickpeas, sweet potatoes or lentils.
What Are The Top Dog Foods To Feed A Golden Retriever
Whether theyre in their golden years or you just brought a new puppy into the family, you want your Golden Retriever to be as healthy as possible to ensure a long, happy life. Part of this is making sure they are eating well and that their food meets their nutritional needs.
So how do you know which food that is? The best dog food to give your Golden Retriever depends on several factors including your pets age, activity level, underlying health issues, and more.
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