How to Feed Golden Retriever Pups

The golden retriever is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in America. These graceful animals are known for their intelligence, beauty and fierce loyalty to their owners. As puppies, golden retrievers have voracious appetites, and, if given the opportunity, they would eat from sunup until sundown. A golden's food intake must be monitored to avoid obesity-related issues later in life, such as hip dysplasia.

Things You'll Need

  • Dry puppy food
  • Water
  • Ice cubes
  • Oversized food dish
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Instructions

    • 1

      Offer the puppy a high-quality dry puppy food. Dry food will help remove plaque from the dog's mouth to promote healthier teeth and gums.

    • 2

      Offer the puppy water at each meal, not all day. Allowing access to water all day will make it more difficult to potty train the puppy. Give the puppy small amounts of water between meals during hotter weather.

    • 3

      Feed the puppy between 6 and 8 a.m. A puppy at eight weeks of age should receive about three quarters to one cup of dry kibble at each meal. Add a little warm water to the food to make it easier for the puppy to chew.

    • 4

      Feed the puppy again about noon. A puppy should be fed this second meal until it is 15 weeks old. At this point, a puppy should be switched to two larger meals a day instead of three smaller meals.

    • 5

      Feed the puppy again about 6 p.m. Limit the puppy's water intake in the evening. Offer it two or three ice cube in a bowl to chew on. The ice cubes will melt and give the puppy access to cool water during the night.

    • 6

      Switch the puppy to two meals a day, one in the morning and one at night, at about 15 weeks of age. The puppy should be given one cup of dry food for each of these meals.

    • 7

      Give the puppy its food in an oversize dish if it is eating the food very quickly. This will make the puppy have to work a little harder for its food. A puppy that eats its food too quickly may regurgitate it later.

    • 8

      Feed the puppy in the same place every day. This place should be free of other pets and distractions. The puppy will learn that meal time is not for playing.

    • 9

      Allow the puppy access to its food for 20 minutes. Any food that is not eaten in this time frame should be placed back into the puppy food bag for a later meal.