Feeding quality food can improve your Golden Retriever's health and help it live a longer life. Feeding the right amount is crucial, as obesity and rapid growth can trigger hip dysplasia, a problem often found in this breed. Commercial dog food can be combined with fresh food from the kitchen to ensure your dog is fed a complete, nutritious diet that never becomes boring. Combined with exercise and regular veterinary care, a high-quality diet can help ensure a long and enjoyable relationship with your Golden.
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Commercial food
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Most pet stores offer several dozen pet food brands, with all types of ingredients and prices. A healthy commercial dog food will consist of mostly lean meats, paired with some vegetables and grains. It's best to avoid cheaper brands of dry and wet dog foods, which often have too many grains such as wheat and corn. You can check labels to determine the amount of meat versus grains. Meat ingredients should be at the top of the list, followed by a type of rice (ground rice has a higher quality than other types). Soy and peanuts should be avoided in a Golden's diet. Probiotics should be included, as they are important for good health. A long list of food ingredients is a good sign, meaning the food will offer a variety of nutrients.
Fresh food
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Goldens love table scraps. Feeding the right fresh foods will ensure your dog gets enough vitamins and minerals, as commercial dog food can lose nutrients over time. Fresh meat adds protein and fish promotes brain power. Goldens can eat straight from the kitchen, provided they maintain a proper weight. Chicken and chicken livers, tuna, apples, peaches, carrots red beets and peas offer important nutrients.
Puppy food
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Goldens who grow too quickly face a higher risk of hip dysplasia, according to the Golden Retriever Club of America. Puppies should grow "slow and steady without growth spurts, the ribs should be easily felt but not prominent, and the food should provide what is needed for growth but not enough extra to produce fat," the Club advises. Choose a brand of dog food specifically formulated for puppies. At about eight weeks, puppies can eat about a cup of dry food mixed with warm water. As the puppy grows older and finishes its bowl, add another quarter of a cup. It's best to gradually increase the amount of food instead of providing unlimited access, to ensure steady and not rapid growth. Feel for your puppy's ribs to make sure the dog is at a proper weight. If you have to push in to feel them, cut back on the amount of food. If ribs are protruding, increase the amount.
Warnings
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Corn, wheat gluten meal or wheat flour can cause frequent paw licking or face scratching, but food should contain a minimal amount of each.
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