Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart
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Golden Retrievers are one of the most prevalent breeds to own not just in America but around the globe. They are known for their calm personalities and obedient temperaments, yet they are full of life and make excellent family companions.
If you are thinking about adopting one or already have got one, understanding how much to feed them is mandatory for their healthy growth and development. What to feed, how often to feed, and when to switch to dog food are all significant factors that you need to consider when it comes to a puppy.
As a rule of thumb, you should feed a developing Golden Retriever puppy three to four times a day. However, feeding an adult pooch two times a day may be enough. Keep in mind that overfeeding or underfeeding could lead them to overweight or malnourishment if they are not provided the right amount of nutrients.
Thankfully, we are here to clear your confusion and help you understand the dietary requirements of your canine. In this guide, we will provide you Golden Retriever puppy feeding chart so that you can prepare the right feeding plan and schedule for your furry buddy.
Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart
It is necessary to feed him exactly the correct quantity of food. Overfeeding could cause him to develop swiftly and result in bone and joint-related issues. Many folks think that young mutts are supposed to be chubby. But, in reality, they should be lanky. He should have a noticeable midriff, and you should be able to feel their ribcage without any difficulty.
If his ribs are perceptible, it means they are too thin. He would have an ideal weight if you can feel his ribs but can’t see them. It’s hard to say how much to feed them because the exact quantity depends on their weight, age, and food quality. Here is the golden retriever puppy feeding chart that you can follow:
| Age Of Dog | Number Of Cups Per Day | Number Of Meals Every Day |
| 2 Months | 1 ½ Cups | 3 |
| 3 Months | 2 Cups | 3 |
| 4 Months | 2 ½ Cups | 3 |
| 5 To 6 Months | 3 Cups | 2 |
| 7 To 8 Months | 3 To 3 ½ Cups | 2 |
| 9 To 10 Months | 3 To 4 Cups | 2 |
| 10 To 12 Months | 3 To 4 Cups | 2 |
What To Feed A Golden Retriever Puppy?
Dry Kibble
Dry food is one of the easiest ways to provide essential nutrients to your beloved dog. Many puppy parents feed it to their canines. If you also want to feed it to your pup, then make sure to get a formula that is specifically designed for growing mutts and offers “whole and well-balanced nourishment.” However, be aware because the market is filled with many cheap quality kibbles, don’t buy them because they could be harmful to your Goldie’s health.
Homemade Food
Many people give homemade food to their doggies. If you are also interested in feeding him homemade food, then you will have to pay special attention to the ingredients and nutrients you are adding to the food. We would recommend you acquire a recipe from your vet and follow it strictly to ensure you are feeding him a whole and balanced diet. For adequate consumption of nutrients, you must add the correct proportion of calcium and phosphorus because both of these elements are vital for their bone and skeletal development.
Dry + Wet Food
Some puppies don’t like eating dry food alone, so that you can mix dry food into wet food. The moisture in wet food will help your dog stay hydrated. This food will be quite palatable and tasty too. If you want, you can include small chunks of ingredients from your side in the dish, such as vegetables, fruits, yogurt, eggs, etc.
Raw Food
Many people feed raw food to their canines, but it has many potential risks and advantages. Therefore, before feeding it to your golden retriever, consult with the vet. The potential benefits of this diet are a thicker coat, healthier skin, and excellent health. On the other hand, its risks are bacteria in raw meat, an unbalanced diet, and more.
Golden Retriever Feeding—Common Issues
To prevent life-threatening health problems, you should serve them two or three meals every day. Unluckily, many people don’t understand that Golden Retriever puppies are prone to gastric problems that require immediate medical attention and care. The most commonly suffer from gastric dilatation. Vets are unable to understand the root cause of this problem, but it is revealed that dogs with a deep chest are more prone to it and Golden Retrievers are one of them.
This issue can occur when there is a huge accumulation of gas due to large meals. The stomach will expand due to food and gas buildup and will reach a point when the excessive gas and food can’t get excluded. The stomach may get bloated until it rotates and fractures. The burden on the diaphragm may not allow the lungs to expand properly, so that the breathing ability will also be negatively affected. The blood flow to the stomach will also decrease. If he is dealing with gastric dilatation, he may show the following signs:
- Increased anxiety
- Swollen abdomen
- Fainting
- Too much drooling
- Stretching awkwardly
If you notice these symptoms, take your pup to the vet immediately and provide emergency care. To reduce the risk of gastric dilatation, you must feed him twice or thrice a day. You can feed senior dogs once a day to minimize the danger of gastric dilatation. Also, he should not be engaged in any physical activity within the hour of eating.
Ingredients That You Should Never Give To Your Golden Retriever
- Ethoxyquin: Used as an insect killer and is banned by Europe and Australia.
- Propylene Glycol: Used to prevent moisture. It is banned by FDA as it causes anemia in animals.
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT): Cancer-causing substances according to WHO.
- Tertiary Butylhydroquinone: Severely damages the cellular DNA and causes stomach cancers.
- Propyl Gallate: Can cause different types of tumors.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers belong to large breed dogs and are extremely energetic and easygoing pups. To help them grow properly, it is important to feed them a healthy diet. However, all dogs are unique, so knowing how much to feed your Goldie every day can be difficult to predict.
Therefore, you should consider their weight, health condition, age, and activity level. Also, you can take help from the Golden Retriever puppy feeding chart that we shared in this guide. Remember, these are general guidelines, so it is better to take advice from the vet regarding your canine’s unique nutritional requirements.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3003575/
https://www.vmccny.com/gastric-dilatationvolvulus-bloat
https://homewardboundgoldens.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Puppy-Care-and-Training-101.pdf
https://www.totallygoldens.com/golden-retriever-growth-chart/
