How Much Should A Golden Retriever Puppy Eat? A four-month-old puppy should be given approximately two and a half cups of food each day. Look for foods that contain meat or meat meal. If your puppy seems to look a little round or bloated, overfeeding can be the cause. It is not best to feed them extra food as they could become overweight. Their standards are as follows: Breed-appropriate chow is essential. Thankfully, were here to clear the air and help you understand the diet needs of Golden Retrievers. Why Is My Golden Retriever Always Hungry? Similar to starting a new brand of dog food, slowly incorporate the adult food over time so your Golden can adjust: Start with adult food and puppy food for a few days, then and for a few days, adult food and puppy food for a few days. Wet dog food will come in a can or pouch. We also recommend avoiding any dog food that is low in quality but budget-friendly, as theyre most likely made with cheap filler ingredients. Calcium helps puppies grow strong bones and supports your Goldens bone health throughout her life. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. A raw or BARF diet includes raw foods and bones. Dogs that are not getting enough calcium may need supplements like bone powder. People food is not healthy for dogs and should not be fed to your dog, no matter how much he begs. With dry food, pets eat lots of calories in small quantities. In contrast, your pet must eat twice or triple times as much wet food to gain similar calorific values as dry foods. Our guide is here to help you be the best dog owner you can be and keep your pups diet on the right track. Also, look at your pups parents, if they are smaller than average, your Golden will most likely be on the small side, and the opposite is true, as well. Grain-free diets have been directly linked to heart disease in Golden Retrievers, though ironically theyre often the first diet to be recommended. She should be exactly the same pup she was before. And due to the high water content, they need to take in more quantities per meal to get the ideal amount of nutrients they need. A treat or two here and there throughout the day is ok. Do not overdo this. Goldens will gain about two pounds a week on average from 2 months until they reach about six months. If you must feed your Golden any people food, it should only be small chunks of white chicken meat or cooked beef, with no spices or flavors added. While overfeeding tends to happen way more, underfeeding can be dangerous as puppies are still developing. We have a growth chart below but bear in mind that it shouldnt be treated as gospel. Read Also: Golden Retriever Grooming Styles Pictures. ; He should be able to get all of the nutrients he needs from a well-balanced, high-quality diet. 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. Do not offer them human snacks or a lot of treats as a substitute for well-balanced dog chow. First and foremost, if your puppy has suddenly stopped eating and will also not eat treats, call your vet as soon as you can. Providing a good start is essential for a healthy puppy. Goldens are famous for their easygoing personalities and docile temperaments, yet theyre playful and make excellent family dogs. ClubGoldenRetriever.com is a one-stop resource for everything you need to know about Golden Retrievers. We have provided the basics for you to feed your Golden from puppy to adulthood. Be careful not to try too many brands at once to avoid indigestion, especially if you are also changing the type of protein as well. Our guide has given guidelines to follow but is not a substitute for consulting with your vet. Do not try and wean a puppy too early. Healthy fiber comes from fruits and vegetables and helps regulate a pups digestive system. Those with a lot of gravy can also be high in fats, so make sure to read the ingredients if you want to feed your dog a mix of kibble and wet food. The best way to avoid both at home is to feed the same amount at each meal while monitoring your puppys weight. In addition to this, puppy food contains a high percentage of fat, something which a grown dog does not need. By eleven weeks, a Golden Retriever puppy should be on a regular feeding and eating three meals a day. Pay close attention to her growth and how much she is eating. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They should be lanky with long legs at this stage in life. But try and find a balance, as an under-exercised Golden Retriever can be a hyperactive, misbehaving nightmare. A three-month-old puppy should be given about two cups of food each day. When in doubt, consult with your veterinarian to prevent malnutrition or obesity, both of which can lead to more serious conditions if left unchecked. They are available in commercial quantities and come with different formulations for your dog breed, age, and size. They live about 12 to 15 years on average. She will need fuel to support her exploration and playing. Is your dog inhaling food at lightning speed? Our content is for educational purposes only. Wet foods contain more moisture than dry foods. Also Check: How To Groom A Golden Retriever For Show. What Foods Are Bad for Golden Retrievers? Dogs have different nutritional needs than we do. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. You May Like: Is A Golden Retriever Right For Me Quiz. This helps you monitor how much a pup is or is not eating. You do not want her to overeat. It is best to consult your veterinarian for the right amount of food that will provide your Golden with a healthy lifestyle in the senior years. Golden Retrievers are one of the top dog choices in the country. At eight weeks (about two months), Golden Retriever puppies should be weaned and completely reliant on puppy chow. 2 cups Many people assume that there is no difference between a puppy and adult food, but the difference lies in the nutritional value. Golden Retrievers should not eat grapes, chocolate, onions, garlic, chives, avocado, wild mushrooms, caffeine, nutmeg, tomatoes, or cherries, just to name a few. Senior dogs eat once or twice a day. She will be eager for mealtimes. This will also help prevent bloat and other similar problems due to eating too fast. You may then increase the quantity of food he consumes. Even though Golden Retrievers are known to be active dogs, they can gain weight quite easily if their diet is not correct. It is formulated to fuel your active Golden Retrievers daily activities with optimal levels of fat and carbohydrates. Read Also: How Much Does It Cost To Adopt A Golden Retriever. Golden Retrievers will need a daily intake of calories to keep them going. A puppy is full of energy and its needs are much more than a grown dog. Increase her daily food amount to 2 cups and keep her on a three-meal-a-day schedule. Please consider these to be a guide and consult your veterinarian if you are unsure about anything. Introduce a very small mixture of wet puppy food and water. The recipes below-average fat content combined with its inclusion of both chondroitin and glucosamine make it an ideal option for senior goldens. She will start weaning soon if it has not happened naturally already. If you find that your pup is not gaining or is losing weight, you should consult your vet. Beef, lamb, fish, and turkey are good ingredients to look out for, as well as healthy whole grains. The major difference between wet and dry foods is the moisture or water content. Aim for high-quality calories, not empty ones from too many treats or peoples scraps. Continue to feed them a consistent amount and adhere to a regular feeding schedule. High-quality products will include protein, calcium, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and no fillers to create chow dogs like to eat and support their nutritional health. A little more goes into feeding a Golden than just buying puppy kibble. Try to stick to a consistent feeding schedule. Highly recommended. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, in particular, are good for skin and coat health and help boost the immune system. Has your dog suddenly been counter surfing when he hasnt done that before? If your puppy is growing and is not gaining enough weight, consider adding a little more food. It promotes growth, repairs tissue, builds the immune system, and supports the musculoskeletal system. Older dogs need at least 18%. Golden Retriever Shocked by a Kitten occupying his bed! You should also give his final meal of the day at least 90 minutes before bedtime so that he has enough time to digest his meals and go potty. Golden Retrievers continue to grow for about two years. What Nutrients Do Golden Retriever Puppies Need? Number of Meals Per Day Adults need food that has 12% to 18% healthy fats. This is important to give them the sort of growth boost needed for a healthy life. First things first, youll need to consult the breeder on what foods the pup has been eating. Puppies need a lot of nutrients per day to support their activity levels and their growing bodies, so its crucial to purchase a dry dog kibble that is specifically made for large breed puppies. Male Golden Retriever puppies usually need more calories and can eat up to four cups of food per day. Senior dogs will likely need less food and lower calories. Always encourage momma dogs to nurse. We also recommend a feeding schedule instead of free feeding, since dogs, in general, do best on a routine. Try not to do that before this time. They need more to sustain them now than just milk. Is Dragon Fruit Safe for Dogs? Dog chow should contain 1.25 grams of calcium for every 1,000 calories per AAFCO. Fiber is an essential element of your dogs diet. Overweight puppies or adult dogs suffer skeletal problems, hip dysplasia, and issues with their joints. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is one in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. Lets dive into the dietary needs of Golden Retrievers and what youll need to do to have a happy, healthy dog: Note: This Golden Retriever feeding chart is simply a guide and some dog food formulas require more or less per serving. Try to avoid grain-free diets. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. Thats why you should know how much to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. When he is two months old, you should give him 1 cups of food daily, When he is seven months old, give him 3 to 4 cups of food daily, Adult Golden Retrievers that are active, require about 1,300 to 1,700 calories daily, Senior Golden retrievers require about 900 calories daily. Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Dry food or kibble is one of the most popular choices to feed a golden retriever. Complete index of all the wonderful cat breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your furry friend is a crucial decision, We love our cats, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Understanding cat behavior can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, Complete index of all the wonderful dog breeds and mixes, Deciding what you can and cannot feed your four legged friend is a crucial decision, We love our dogs, and therefore we want to get them the best gear, Training your dog can set you both up for a happy, productive relationship, The most complete list of dog food recalls, The most complete list of cat food recalls. 1 or 2 lbs, either way, shouldnt matter. Otherwise, her behavior should remain just as it was prior to her surgery. The information provided through this website should not be used to Hepper is reader-supported. A five- to six-month-old puppy should be given about three cups each day. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. Spaying your Golden will not change her personality or behavior in any meaningful way. Have a cat? Keep your Golden on puppy formulated chow until she is 10 to 12 months old. Dont Miss: English Cream Golden Retriever Vs American. However, this is not usually a good idea unless done under the direct supervision of your vet. Protein is essential for canines to grow hair and build healthy skin and muscles. If your puppy is obesethen make sure you check out this article which I wrote a month back! Here are some of the downsides of wet foods. She should still be on three feedings a day until about six months old. However, your dog may actually be telling you that its not getting enough food a day. This way, you can provide her with the same brand and slowly transition her to your preferred brands. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Puppy Food. 3 However, domesticated dogs dont have this problem, but they still have that urge to eat as much as they can. Recommended Reading: How Do You Potty Train A Golden Retriever Puppy. Nicole even worked as a dog sitter during her travels through South America and cared for stray pups something she, How Much to Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart, Avoiding Underfeeding & Overfeeding Your Golden Retreiver. However, due to their popularity, theres a lot of misinformation on their care. Most dog food brands are perfectly safe for Golden Retrievers, but there are some things to avoid. Your subscription could not be saved. As with human beings, the mothers milk provides balanced nutrition and helps the puppy develop a healthy immunity system. Nicole is the proud mom of Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway, and Baby, a Burmese cat. Because wet foods are usually more palatable, your dogs may eat larger portions per meal. With a degree in Education and a love for writing, Nicole aims to share her and others' expert knowledge with pet lovers worldwide with Hepper. If there have been no immediate signs of indigestion after incorporating the adult food, make the full switch over to it. Keeping up with your dogs regular vet appointments and always providing a high-quality diet can go a long way to her overall health. The amount will also depend on how active your senior Golden is, as well as size and gender. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. My Dog Ate Chocolate! Adult dogs will eat two or three times a day. There are many different varieties to choose from. This helps her learn when to eat. The problem is that each dog is different and will have its own specific needs. over 100 lbs. Factors like age, gender, energy levels, and lifestyles are all things that will increase or decrease the amount of food given. Though these might save a few dollars at the register, they will not entirely give your dog what she needs to support her health and growth. Raw Or BARF (Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods). This food must be able to support rapid growth in a puppy that includes its bones, muscles, immune system, and most importantly, its joints. Dont be alarmed if your working dog is slightly smaller than the projected growth. Protein is where she gets her energy, and it helps her grow big and strong. Most importantly, puppies need the colostrum their mothers produce. Ideally, puppy food should contain 30% protein to provide for the energy needs of the growing pup. Overweigh can develop health and orthopedic problems in your Golden! Your veterinarian will let you know how and when to give her pain medication and if she needs to go back into the clinic to have any stitches removed. She will be eating puppy food, still with at least 1/4 water to food, if not more mixed in. Sugars, starches, and fiber are all plant materials that provide the carbohydrates your dog needs. By four weeks old, your pup will be sturdier and steadier on her feet. You should get an RER of 70 X 10kgs = 400 calories per day. Lifestyle, gender, age, and activity level all continue to play a role. Mother dog should nurse her pups as soon as possible after birth to give puppies this important boost. Since Goldens really enjoy mealtime, a slow feeder is usually recommended. At ten weeks, your Golden pup is a ball of energy. Another method you can use to find the right amount of food to feed your golden retriever is the RER method. By popularity charts, the following brands are some of the most used by golden retriever owners. 2022 Cover Story Media, Inc. All rights reserved. If she does not want to eat at mealtimes, save it and offer it to her at the next meal. 5-6 months There are many varied factors that an owner weighs when picking chow for their pup. Offer her the water and food mixture a few times a day. Largely a case of overfeeding your puppy, it is not good for its health. Switching from puppy food to adult food might seem easy, especially if youre sticking with the same brand/protein type. Every dog is different and each owner will have their take on the best puppy food brands. 3 ; Cups Per Day plus cup for each 10 lbs. Feeding your dog the correct amount is crucial to a healthy and happy Golden, but it can be confusing with conflicting information on the internet. Hepper.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. It is ok if she feels a little hungry between meals. 2 Older, less active dogs should have about 1,000 to 1,300 calories daily. Mother dogs will be exhausted from nursing and ready for pups to rely on her less. A puppy should have at least 22% protein in their diet. for professional safety or care advice. Once a puppy is six months old, you should start feeding him two meals a day one in the morning and one in the evening. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) provides regulations and guidelines for dog food. How Much It Costs To Own A Golden Retriever Puppy For The First Year! While its best to ask your vet, this article is a great go-to in a pinch. She will need 1 and 1/2 cups to 2 cups of food a day. They need a good amount of high-quality fat in their food to keep their skin and coat healthy. ; Read Also: How Long Do Purebred Golden Retrievers Live. Discuss your dogs diet and nutritional needs with your veterinarian before making any significant changes. Unless recommended by your vet, wet food is not a necessary addition to your puppys meals. There are five main categories of dog food to choose from. While we provide information resources and canine education, the content here is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Female puppies grow faster or get bigger in the first few months, then males catch up and reach a higher overall weight. Adult dog food, or peoples food, will not have the nutrient balance they need for proper development. An adult golden retriever will eat between three to five cups of food a day. One vital part of caring for a Golden Retriever, from puppyhood into her senior years, is making sure she has proper, well-balanced nutrition. Keeping Your Golden Retriever At The Right Weight, Association of American Feed Control Officials, Best Dog Foods For Beagles: Puppies, Adults & Seniors, Pitbull Feeding Chart: How Much To Feed Your Pitbull Puppy. She will show more interest in this mix over the next few weeks. ; Golden pups should be fed a large-breed dog formula. Large breed formulas are made to offer enough sustenance, nutrients, and vitamins to a larger dog like a Golden. How Much Food Should an Adult Golden Retriever Eat? 4 months This is a crucial time for her development, and proper nutrition is pivotal in her health and growth. A two-month-old dog needs approximately 12 cups of food each day. 2 However, if she rejects the pups or has trouble making enough milk, reach out to your vet for guidance on a replacement formula. Poop that is runny or frequent diarrhea can be a sign of too little fiber. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 13% fat and 48% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%. Puppies will need more calories as they grow and their body weight increases. Try and stick to three meals a day. 2 3 cups This is especially true with feeding, which can lead to obesity or malnutrition if theyre not fed the proper amounts. A cup and a half a day are still about the right amount to feed your pup. Puppies will eat about four times a day. It is formulated with botanical oils to increase alertness and mental sharpness in dogs ages 7 and older. 3 3 cups Nicole has a strong love for all animals and has experience caring for all types of dogs, from Yorkies to Great Danes. Please try again. Overfeeding and underfeeding can happen, so its crucial to know how much to feed your growing puppy. Stay on top of dog food recalls here >, Have a question? A mixture of old kibble and new kibble that slowly phases out the old food is best. How Should I Introduce My Puppy to a Dominant Dog? A 50-pound puppy aged six months or over will need about 1,500 calories. Nursing mothers need 2,000 or more calories every day. She needs to learn to eat at mealtimes. We also note this dog food contains no generic animal by-products, artificial colors or chemical preservatives. Stay on top of cat food recalls here >, Have a dog? Owners need to make sure Goldens eat the right amount of healthy, well-balanced dog food. Every dog is different and will have specific nutritional needs and growth. How Much Do Golden Retriever Puppies Grow Each Week? PUPPY FOOD | PHILIPPINES. For example, you could feed their first meal at 7:00 am, lunch at noon, then dinner at 5:00 pm. Overfeeding, of course, can be bad for Golden Retrievers and their overall health, especially when they are still puppies. Your Golden puppy will be very interested in dog food at six weeks. This chart is not built for your individual dog. After your Golden Retriever is spayed, she will need to be allowed to rest for 5-7 days. ; This is characterized by an overly fast rate of growth. Keep in mind your puppys appetite can vary by day, especially when she goes to a new home. Remember that kibble is also good for a dogs teeth as it helps scrape off plaque. They would make a kill, eat as much as they can to have enough energy for a few days until they catch another meal. Thankfully, picky eating can be solved by switching over to a new formula, protein source, or brand. You can transition to 2 meals a day at around six months if that works better for your pup. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. Golden Retrievers love to eat. Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dog Food is also recommended by our staff veterinarians. These include Vitamins A, D, E, K, and B and calcium, glucosamine, chondroitin, and phosphorus. Pet owners need to consult with their vet before making this choice for their dog. Consult with your puppys veterinarian if you see any significant changes in weight, appetite, or appearance as these can be symptoms of serious medical conditions. The exact process of mixing the new food with the old and then phasing the puppy chow out should be used here. Maintaining this continuity is crucial since young dogs have susceptible digestive systems. When you do make the switch to puppy food, do so gradually. Fresh dog foods are made with human-grade quality ingredients. Is your dog looking leaner than normal? You will need extremely specific instructions to ensure a well-balanced diet. Her digestive system is still fragile, you do not want to stress her out or cause discomfort, so consistency is key. Look for formulas that are high in protein with smaller kibble pieces, checking the label to ensure it is a complete and nutritious diet. Steer clear of fillers, artificial ingredients, and dog chows that have low nutritional value. These have extraordinarily little dietary value. Feeding a Golden from puppyhood to her senior years is not a small task. This amount changes as they age. Adult Goldens weigh between 55 and 75-pounds. This allows for a lot of overeating and can lead to obesity. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. They should no longer be looking for milk or formula. These long-haired beauties need a lot of TLC, and it takes a dedicated owner to help them grow into the trusted pup we all know and love. The continuity will also provide comfort to your puppy as hell need to adjust to his new environment without his littermates. Puppies will nurse as needed right now. Golden Receivers are known for their luxurious long coats. Monitoring your pups weight is really important, and make sure you dont ignore that! Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs. What you feed your Golden, how much you feed her, and when you feed her are all part of keeping her nutritional needs met.