Golden Retrievers, by their very nature, are intelligent, affectionate and very eager to please. They’re the perfect companions, especially if you have children, other dogs and even cats. Like all puppies, they need the right training and diet, which can sometimes be hard to get right. Knowing the right puppy food to get can start them on the right track.
Our guide will explore which food to feed a Golden Retriever, what to avoid, and other tips to give your Golden Retriever the best start in life!
- What Should I Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy?
Discover what to feed your Golden Retriever puppy from the start
- How Much Should I Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy Per Day?
Find out how much your Golden Retriever pup should be eating a day
- What Should I Not Feed a Golden Retriever?
Here’s what to avoid feeding your Golden Retriever puppy
- What Brands of Puppy Food are Recommended for a Golden Retriever?
Here’s what we recommend at Fetch
- Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some common queries
What Should I Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy?
Before getting your puppy, you should have your puppy food choice picked out. It is highly important that you choose a puppy-specific formula rather than regular dog food to support their unique growth needs.
Look for formulas that support joint support, with added glucosamine, as well as Omega-3 fatty acids to help support their skin and coat. If you’re unsure about what exactly to look for, consider getting in touch with a canine nutrition specialist to create the perfect diet plan for your puppy.
You can explore our puppy food options here.
How Much Should I Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy Per Day?
How much a puppy needs to be fed a day depends on factors such as their size, breed and activity level. Golden Retrievers are considered large breeds, so they need around two to three meals per day that contain high-quality protein, balanced calcium and phosphorus and prebiotics. You can find out more in our previous guide here.
Always check the bag on your puppy food for exact feeding guidelines, as they can differ from brand to brand. Always keep an eye on your puppy’s weight as they age to make sure you aren’t under- or overfeeding. If you can find a specialised large-breed formula, like this Nourish Rite large-breed puppy food, this is always the better option.
To find out roughly how much your puppy needs to eat, get in touch with our canine nutrition specialists, or consider our puppy feeding calculator below.
Puppy Feeding Calculator
What Should I Not Feed a Golden Retriever?
There are particular food options you need to avoid feeding a Golden Retriever puppy, such as:
● Chocolate: a fact all dog owners know, but it is worth repeating. Even small amounts can be toxic to a puppy
● Grapes: can trigger liver failure in puppies
● Onions and garlic: can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia
● Filler ingredients: although not as harmful as chocolate or garlic, filler ingredients found in low-quality puppy food such as corn, grain and wheat
You should also avoid giving puppies anything that they could choke on or that could damage their jaws or teeth. This includes corn on the cob and cooked bones.
To give your Golden Retriever puppy treats that can benefit them, browse our collection of puppy treats here.
What Brands of Puppy Food are Recommended for a Golden Retriever?
At Fetch, we recommend the following brands:
● Nourish Rite Large Breed Premium – Salmon: a more premium option for all large breed pups, this Nourish Rite variant contains 36% salmon, which is rich in amino acids, vitamins and minerals. It is highly palatable, perfect for fussy eaters, and contributes to a healthy immune system.
● Kudo Lamb and Rice Puppy and Junior Cold Pressed Food: Kudo contains the highest meat content in cold-pressed food that we stock at Fetch, complete with small kibble pieces for easy chewing and digestion.
● Cobbydog “Tiny Chops” puppy food: optimal puppy food for tiny teeth and jaws, Cobbydog is available in various flavours perfect for all pups. This option is also available on subscription here at Fetch.
● Naked Pup: if a raw diet is what you’re after, Naked Dog have a puppy range, Naked Pup, consisting of raw meals that provide your puppy with the right nutrition from the very first bite.
You can explore our full collection of puppy food here.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I switch my Golden Retriever from puppy food to adult food
Golden Retrievers should be switched to adult food between 12 and 18 months old, as this is when most large breed dogs reach maturity. Once they reach maturity, you should make a gradual switch; start with a 75:25 ratio of puppy food and adult food and gradually increase their adult food over 7-10 days until their diet is 100% adult dog food.
What are the common nutritional needs of a Golden Retriever?
Common nutritional needs of Golden Retrievers, much like all large-breed dogs, include high-quality protein, healthy fats (Omega-3s), vegetables such as sweet potato and glucosamine for healthy joints.
Can I buy Golden Retriever food online in Ireland?
Yes, you can easily buy specialised puppy food for Golden Retrievers online, including here at Fetch. We care deeply about your puppy’s health, so only stock food approved by our canine nutritionists.
What ingredients should I look for in puppy food for Golden Retrievers?
Looked for named meats rather “meat derivatives,” healthy vegetables and vitamins and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and Omega-3 fatty acids.