GOLDEN RETRIEVER: A COMPLETE GUIDE WITH TIPS FOR CHOOSING THEIR IDEAL DIET

Golden Retriever: Specific Dietary Needs

The Golden Retriever is a large dog that can weigh up to, and even more than, 40 kilos. Like Labradors, Golden Retrievers are susceptible to weight gain, so their kibble and diet must respect their nutritional requirements, and protect them from other disorders linked to the breed.

These are some of the factors that you should consider when choosing the right food for your Golden Retriever:

• Golden Retrievers are known for their skin problems. While their coat is waterproof, their skin is very fragile, as are their ears, which are prone to infection. They are particularly at risk for allergic dermatitis, also known as “canine eczema”. Dermatitis is found in the form of itchy patches on the head, ears, and paws. It's important to treat as soon as possible because it can cause lesions, infections, and turn into chronic dermatitis. Golden Retrievers are sensitive to allergens such as dust, mites, and even pollen.

• These doggies are also prone to weight gain. Therefore, their kibble needs to be adapted to their metabolism. Additionally, Golden Retrievers are very athletic and enjoy a lot of exercise. As such, you must also take into account their physical activity level when choosing their ideal diet.

• Golden Retrievers are known for their fragile joints. They are particularly predisposed to hip dysplasia and elbow osteochondritis dissecans.

It's important to consider these factors when choosing the right kibble for your Golden Retriever. A diet adapted to your dog's nutritional needs helps to guarantee good health.

What type of food should I give my Golden Retriever?

It's essential to ensure that your Golden Retriever's food contains all the nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. For this dog breed, we recommend:

• Dog food that promotes healthy skin and coat: Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, from quality fish oil, and sources of vitamin E, such as wheat germ oil, paired with a Vitamin B complex, help improve the health of your Golden Retriever's skin.

• Food that respects the Golden Retriever's build and metabolism, providing them with the appropriate energy supply: Nourishing vegetable fibres are recommended for dogs who tend to gain weight, and L-carnitine allows for optimal fat burning.

• Food that helps strengthen their joints and cartilage: Glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate are good for maintaining your dog's joints and cartilage. Vitamin C promotes the production of collagen, which helps build healthy cartilage.

When and how should I feed my Golden Retriever?

Once you’ve chosen the ideal food for your Golden Retriever, you need to understand how and when to feed them correctly. And this is no mean feat! There are certain rules you need to follow when considering how to feed your dog properly. Improper food intake can cause feelings of discomfort or even digestive problems in your Golden Retriever.

Here we outline some recommendations for feeding your Golden Retriever in the best way possible:

• Give them their meals at the same time each day and, if possible, in the same quiet place: This helps to establish a feeding routine, which is important for facilitating digestion, as well as promoting a balanced diet.

• We recommend that you split your Golden Retriever's daily food ration into two or three small meals: The idea is to distribute their food throughout the day, so as not to overload their digestive capacities. It's ideal for greedy dogs like the Golden Retriever because it stops them from feeling hungry too often.

• Give them the correct amount of dog food: This will depend on different factors, such as your dog's age, weight, activity level (normal or sustained), and reported illnesses.

• Treats: In addition to their regular food, you can certainly offer your furry friend a healthy treat from time to time. Little pieces of fruit or cooked vegetables are the best options for healthy, balanced snacks. However, be careful with this if your dog is overweight!

• Forbid certain foods: Some foods are toxic to dogs and should be banned from their diet. Sugar, cold meats, and chocolate should be avoided as part of a healthy diet. Likewise, chicken or rabbit bones are not recommended.

• Finally, don't forget that hydration is key and that it's important to make sure your Golden Retriever is drinking enough water, especially if they mainly eat dry food! Fill their bowl with fresh water every day. Your pooch should drink an average of 40 to 60ml of water per kg of bodyweight per day. If they're drinking more than 100ml per kg of bodyweight, consider taking your Golden Retriever to see a vet, as this may be a sign of diabetes or kidney failure. A little tip: If you want to encourage your dog to drink more water, try placing ice cubes in their water bowl. They'll be attracted to the movement created by the ice cubes and be tempted to drink more.