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What to Feed a Golden Retriever? Diet & Feeding Chart

Dr. Cristina Vulpe
Reviewed by:
Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe
Veterinarian

When it comes to our cherished Golden Retrievers, we always want what is best for them. After all, your dogs are treasured members of the family. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with nutritious, high-quality food that meets all their nutritional needs.

The only stumbling block is determining what is suitable dog food and how much food they should get. Let’s discuss the appropriate serving sizes for your Golden Retrievers.

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How Much Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Each Day?

If you underfeed your puppy or adult dogs, they may develop nutritional deficiencies, and if you overfeed them, you risk inadvertently causing them to gain weight. The Golden Retriever feeding chart below provides a basic idea of the amount of food your golden retrievers should eat daily.

Puppies

For puppies, wet food is an excellent option since they will have trouble chewing and swallowing dry puppy food. How much should your Golden Retriever puppy eat?

  • 2 Months: 1½ cups three times daily
  • 3 Months: 2 cups three times daily
  • 4 Months: 2½ cups three times daily
  • 5 – 6 Months: 3 cups three times daily
  • 6 – 7 Months: 3 cups (F), 4 cups (M) twice daily

Adults – Cups Per Day

  • 2-6 kg: ½-1
  • 7-11 kg: 1-1¼
  • 12-22 kg: 1¼-2¼
  • 23-34 kg: 2¼-3
  • 35-45 kg; 3

Seniors

Consider giving a special formula to keep them active and mentally bright if you have a senior dog. Based on your dog’s life stage, it is important to consult with your vet to choose the best diet for them.

Use the same large breed dog food feeding requirements for senior dogs as an adult Golden Retriever.

Pregnant

During the three trimesters of pregnancy, healthy and well-fed adult Golden Retrievers should expect to eat between 15 – 25% more of their weight. Overfeeding her could lead to obesity, making delivery more difficult or even impossible, not to mention the added strain on the pups.
 

Raw, Fresh, or Commercial Food: Which is Best for My Dog’s Diet?

For dogs, fresh, wet and dry diets each provide a series of benefits to help them get the most out of their meals. Including wet and dry dog food in your Golden Retriever’s diet will expose them to a broader range of flavours and textures, increasing their likelihood of trying new things.

Instead of raw food diets, consider cold-pressed dog food. This is a low-temperature technique for creating whole dog foods. The natural raw food ingredients preserve their flavour, fragrance, vitamins, and nutritional value, which is beneficial for your Goldens’ development, digestion, and keeps them at their optimum health.
 

FAQs

Can I Give My Golden Retriever Treats?

You may, but only approximately 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from dog treats.

What Should Golden Retrievers Not Eat?

According to the RSPCA, chocolate, raisins, alcoholic beverages, and some lesser-known items, such as raw or green potatoes, are some foods that are hazardous to Golden Retrievers.

Are Golden Retriever Fussy Eaters?

Goldens aren’t picky eaters. There are many reasons why your Golden Retriever may be refusing to eat, such as boredom with your dog’s diet or an underlying medical reason. Try mixing up their meals with something new, but if your dog is still refusing to eat, it’s best to seek advice from a veterinarian.

How Much Water Do Golden Retrievers Need?

A healthy dog’s recommended daily water intake is 30-50ml per kilogram of body weight.
 

Final Thoughts on feeding a Golden Retriever

Ultimately, what you give your Golden will depend on your dog’s specific dietary requirements. No matter what stage of life your Golden is in, a variety of nutritious foods are available to keep him healthy and strong for as long as possible.

Learn more about: Golden Retriever Dog Breed Information

Other helpful information

  • Dog Breed Guides
  • Cat Breed Guides

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