If you are a genuine dog lover, then most definitely a Golden Retriever is one of the dogs you would love to have in your home. They are incredibly friendly, clever and well-mannered therefore their owners keep them as house pets. However, these dogs should also be provided with the right diet to keep them healthy and agile. The right dog food can help to either improve or elevate their health, vigor and wellness ratios. Since almost every dog owner is likely to keep a Golden Retriever, it is advisable to know the best dog food for Golden declared by experts before that crucial time elapses again.
Understanding the Nutritional Requirements of Golden Retrievers
It is necessary for dog food for Golden Retrievers to take a balanced diet, one containing essential nutrients as they would be overweight or underweight otherwise. These dogs tend to have some health defect therefore the formulas provided for this pets should take care of these problems.
Muscle Health and Protein
Golden Retrievers are muscular and an active breed of dogs. They also require protein in their diet as it helps to create new muscles and even repair older ones. Quality protein in their diet should come primarily from chicken, lamb, beef, or fish.
Energy Supply and Further Nutrition Need
Nutrition in the form of fat is quite necessary for body use for sustenance. Golden Retrievers are a very active breed and healthy fats are required from them. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids supports a healthy skin coat and growth hair. Thus it is essential to focus on dry dog foods that have optimum levels of fats from fish oil or flaxseed as other ingredients.
Stamina Boosting Through Carbs
Carbs also provide energy but there is also a need to ensure that this energy is sustained. Sweet potato slices, brown rice and oats should provide the complex carbohydrates that Golden Retrievers need.
These include foods that give high energy for long periods, but do not increase the levels of glucose in the blood after consumption.
Fiber For Digestion
Fiber helps in the effective digestive process. Golden Retrievers can also have problems with digestions, which is why fiber is needed. Search for dog food that is made from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and contains natural fiber.
Vitamins And Minerals For Good Health
Golden Retrievers appropriately require some vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A, B, C and E play a crucial role in enhancing the body. Calcium and phosphorus helps in bone strength which is very important, especially for big breeds like Golden Retrievers.
Avoiding Dangerous Ingredients
Detrimental effects may arise from artificial colours, flavors and some preservatives. Steer clear of these types of dog food. Verify the presence of natural preservatives like vitamin E or C.
Disease and Health Problem prevalence in Golden Retrievers
Golden retrievers have a tendency to a fair number of health conditions. These diseases are subject to how they feed.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and (or) elbow dysplasia is a disease which seems to affect dog food for Golden Retrievers rather more. The disease causes inflammation of the joints with consequent pain and reduced movement. Consumption of glucosamine and chondroitin rich diets may help ease the development of dysplasia since these diets will focus on strengthening the joints.
Obesity
Another health discomfort that dog food for Golden Retrievers come across is obesity. Golden retrievers are food friendly dogs but due to enjoying food so much they are likely to become overfeed thus leading to obesity.
Choosing lower calorie dog food will help in weight management. Make sure that they are well exercised in relation with the amount of food they take in.
Heart Diseases
Golden Retrievers are also at risk for heart disease. People getting staggeration can also get heart problems due to lack of proper taurine intake. A taurine containing dog food is a very good option to have a healthy heart.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are yet another problem with this breed of golden retrievers. Allergic to improper food, itching, irritation and loss of hair follows. Grain free or limited ingredient dog foods are very useful in alleviating these allergies.
Cancer
The golden retrievers have a greater risk of developing cancer as compared to some breeds of the latter. Cancer may not have the specific dog food to prevent it but it can be combated using an anti-oxidant diet.
Best Dog Food for Golden Retriever
Golden retrievers are some of the dogs which have several types of dog food. Each type will have its advantages depending on the specific requirements of the dog.
Dry dog food (kibble)
Popular form provided for the dogs due to ease to provide and the frequent buying is dry dog foods. Such foods have a shelf life which is quite longer. Additionally, its affordable and resolve the problem of dental care because it reduces the buildup of plaque. Buying Dog food takes quite a long period. Nevertheless, there are different qualities of kibbleavailable that are more likely than others to provide health for dogs. This means most of the time it is best when only used as a supplement.
Wet dog food
Wet dog food is more preferable because of the more amount of moisture found in this food which makes it a supplement for hydration.
It can be more appealing to dogs in most cases. However, wet dog food, on the other hand, is often more pricey and may promote oral health issues if not combined with dry food as well. Buy wet food that is high in protein and does not contain preservatives.
Grain Free Dog Food
Grain free dog food is best for Golden Retrievers which have grain intolerance or grain allergy. It incorporates sweet potatoes or lentils and other sources of carbohydrates. Make sure that the grain free food has adequate protein and healthy oils in it.
Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Limited Ingredient Dog Food is used for dogs who are subjected to food allergies. It has fewer ingredients so that the chances of triggering an allergic reaction are lowered. This type of food can be of help in case your golden retriever has continuous allergy problems or digestive problems.
Raw or Homemade Dog Food
Some dog owners would rather have their dogs raw or home made food. Although it gives full control over the ingredients, it demands strict organization. Make sure that you get professional assistance regarding homemade preparations from a veterinarian.
Best Ingredients for best dog food for Golden Retrievers
When doing the dog food selection, make sure that there are ingredients that serve the nutritional needs of Golden Retrievers.
The First Ingredient Should be Protein
The first ingredient should be gain protein from a quality animal protein source. Chicken, beef lamb or fish are great options.
Muscle growth and energy levels are maintained and even enhanced through the intake of animal protein.
Coat and Skin Health Benefits Of Fish Oil
Golden Retrievers are well-known as the breed having issues with the skin most of the time. However, Omega 3 fatty Acid’s nourishment improves the coat and skin health in particular. It also improves the daily activity and mobility of the dog’s joints, especially in older dogs.
Sweet Potatoes for Healthy Digestion
Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fiber and complex carbohydrates for the body. They enhance one’s digestive capabilities while supplying non rapid glucose energy.
Brown Rice for stamina
Brown rice is also another health boosting carbohydrate. It can energize and has fiber for healthy bowel movement. It is also easy on the stomach so that chances of nausea are low.
Blueberries and Spinach for Immune System Health
Foods full of antioxidants especially blueberries and spinach are good for the immune system. These ingredients contribute to protecting the body primary organs from free radicals that cause undue harm.
Glucosamine for Prevention of Joint Problems
Golden Retrievers are prone to these problems with their joints when they get older. Glucosamine is one of the most basic needs and available for maintaining joints. Therefore suitable dog food, glucosamine for the above, is one such alternative.
Common Damaging Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Food for Golden Retrievers.
There are some foods which will not do any good to Golden Retrievers and others do. Avoid the following ingredients for better health.
Artificial preservatives
Synthetic preservatives in BHA or BHT may be detrimental to health.
These chemicals may result into some chronic health conditions. Choose varieties of dog food that contains preservations such as vitamin E or C.
Fillers and By-Products
Fillers and animal by-products are frustratingly common in most cheap dog foods. Quite simply, these ingredients supply little if any nutrition and can facilitate obese pets. Use good ingredients such as actual meat and not meat by products.
Excessive Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential to the diet of Golden retrievers, however, a lot of them will cause weight increase in the dog. Never give dog food that contains large quantities of corn, wheat, or soy. They may also cause some allergic reactions on some dogs.
Artificial Colors and Flavors
Artificial colors and flavors have no nutritional value. High condo foods are usually made attractive by additives such as flavors and colors, but these might sometimes trigger allergies and other complications. Make it a point to always buy dog food that contains organic ingredients only.
Feeding Table for Golden Retrievers
There is a need for specific limits on how much food should be given to a Golden Retriever if there are any suitable health conditions. Adhere to the feeding approach as given below according to the pet’s age.
Puppies
More feeding is required in Golden Retriever puppies. Three to Four feedings per day are recommended. Make sure that such food is growth based and is rich in protein and fats. This is due to the fact that puppies need more nutrients because they are undergoing faster growth.
Adult Dogs
Adult golden retrievers should be feed twice per day. Also, determine the custom of the type of food bought basing on their activity level. Active dogs call for more calories while less active dogs need a low caloric nutrition. Keep weighing them and adjust the portions as needed.
Senior Dogs
Older golden retrievers need pet food that restricts calories and provides more nutrition for their joints. You should find senior dog food with the ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin and omega-3. These ingredients support mobility for older pets and help with swelling in elderly dogs.
Changing Your Pet’s Brand of Food
It is important to note that one should change the food for their Golden Retriever in a gradual manner. Abrupt and major transitions are likely to trigger stomach disorders. These various steps are given for the purpose of easing the process of change in diet to a preferred food.
- Start by giving him 3/4 of the old food and 1/4 of the new/target food.
- Keep on adding new food gradually every few days until you are sure your dog is fully transitioned to the new diet.
- It is essential that you always keep an eye on your dog during this process. Pacing is advisable in case your pet has any digestive problems.
Golden Retriever Best Dog Food Brands
We provide recommendations for the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Formula
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Formula contains everything that has been proven to support the growth and development of Golden Retrievers. American Kennel Club’s Table recommends this formula for puppy and adult dogs. Aimed at promoting both chewing and cooking is particularly favorable to dental health.
Wellness Core Grain-Free
Wellness Core has earned a reputation as a manufacturer that offers canine food devoid of grain and composed of high protein content. In addition, the healthy and nourishing formula has de-boned turkey or chicken and salmon oil. This specific formula helps to increase muscle mass, improve skin condition and help in normal digestion.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection
Blue Buffalo is dominated with persistent high-quality ingredients. Chicken meat and brown rice base had been included for the pet food called Life Protection of Blue Buffalo. Proper nutrition is also ensured by meat together with rice and vegetables including additional Glucosamine and Chondroitin.
Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed
Hill’s Science Diet is preferred by Vets for pet nutrition products. The large breed formulation contains ingredients that are natural and nutritionally complete for the golden retriever breed. They also contain vitamins A, E and C that improve immunity.
Orijen Original
Orijen is a premium dog food brand with high protein content. The Original formula includes a variety of meats like chicken, turkey, and fish. It is grain-free and contains fresh, whole ingredients
Conclusion
Summation Considering the right type of dog food for Golden Retrievers is very crucial. They should have a well-balanced diet that contains quality foods so that they can have energy, muscle growth and healthy. Load the dislike of artificial additives, and fillers and high carbs. Focus on products offering protein, healthy oils, micronutrients. If you feed your Golden Retriever the right food, they are going to be healthy, happy and live a long life. Always ask your vet so that you can design a program for your pet.
