Feeding a Golden Retriever Puppy
Fondly called “golden�, golden retriever is one of the most even-tempered intelligent dogs.
They make a delightful playmates for energetic kids, considerate companions of other pets and the overall sweetness and brightness is something to love.
I am here because I love to give presentations. If you picture your eyes being lit up when your large golden retriever enters, then you need to understand how to feed them for optimum health. Here is Stephanie Taunton, a professional dog trainer with decades of experience to walk you through how to feed your golden fourlegged friend.
“To start with, It is important to know that their needs and feeding vary on the age and size and the puppies reach adulthood at age 12-18 months,� says Stephanie Taunton. "They are a very active breed with fiery appetite, hence they require high-quality nutrition to thrive," Stephanie added.
Puppy Feeding Guidelines
Feeding a Golden Retriever Newborns Tips ๏
The first six to eight weeks of food should mainly be based on the mother’s milk.
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The mother’s milk is an all in one nutrient-packed meal perfect for the newborn health. It also provides antibodies that help fight off any diseases or infections.
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In case of mastitis or any other hindrances to the maternal milk, there are high-quality milk replacers the puppies can be fed with.
How to Ween the Newborn Pups to Solid Food This isn’t something to change at a go and it should be introduced when puppies are generally 6-8 weeks. The weening process should be gradual as they change fro milk to solid food. Ensure, however, that the food is balanced with nutrients essential for growth.
How Often Do The Pup Need To Be Fed How often to feed dog retriever puppies depends on the age as well. Generally, puppies between age:
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8 to 12 weeks old should be fed 4 times per day.
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Puppies 6 months to a year old should be fed 2 times per day.
Puppies 3 to 6 months old should be fed 3 times per day.
Adult Feeding Requirements
Nutrition and feeding needs differ according to breeds, therefore, it is important to consult with the vet doctor on the best diet for a golden retriever.
Here are tips to guide you in taking care of the adult golden retriever.
How Often Should The Adult be Fed
Unlike the puppies, the adults can go with once or twice feeding per day.
1000-1500 calories are recommended daily for active golden retriever adults.
Choose a High-Quality Food ๏
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Just like humans, feeding your golden with high-quality food is very important for their health. “If you need well balanced nutritious meal rich in protein, vitamins, carbohydrates and fat to thrive, so does your golden retriever.” Says Stephanie Taunton. However, while at it, ensure you read the prescribed quantity indicated on the manufacturer’s package. Here are the important things to look out for when buying food or feeding your dog:
Dogs are carnivores, ensure they are well fed with meats. Look out for food that lists meats as the key ingredients. Consult the vet first to know if you can feed your golden retriever with bone. Sometimes the bone can disrupt the digestive system. Consider rawhide bones when you want to give them bone treats. Avoid food that contains fillers, grain, soy, corn, meat byproducts, preservatives, dairy, flavors as these can be injurious to the health and also inflame allergies. If you would prefer to feed them with homemade diets, research or ask your vet first and ensure the food meets the proper nutrients requirements. Avoid giving the golden retriever human food that is dangerous to golden’s health such as chocolate, grapes, raisins, yeast, among others.
Thank You!!!