Your New Puppy

Golden Retriever puppies usually nurse from their mothers until between six and eight weeks of age. During that time, at approximately three weeks, puppy food is introduced to their diet and this is a thin preparation of food consisting of some type of cereal boiled in water or milk. This can be a messy (and fun) affair but the little pups enjoy it and learn very quickly. John Smith, a columnist at research paper writing service, says “when your new little puppy comes to live with you it is vital that he stays on the same food as previously fed, as his tummy will be sensitive to food changes”. He may not eat well initially, partly due to his change of home and also because he now doesn’t have to compete with his siblings for food.

Rate of Growth

Golden Retrievers should grow at an even pace as this helps prevent certain health issues (such as Hip Dysplasia) so it is recommended that Golden Retriever puppies are given three scheduled feedings; with water available at all times. A suggested schedule would be 8am, 2pm and 8pm, but this can be determined by you. Remember that he needs to be taken outside after each meal, so program this to fit in with your schedule.

Thoughts on Dry Food

Begin offering up to one cup of dry food. From eight weeks, your puppy should be on dry food with added warm water. Only allow your puppy access to his food for about twenty minutes. Some owners prefer to feed dry food with water on the side. The thought is that dry feeding helps prevent plaque and tartar build-up on teeth, and dry feeding should certainly be done once they become adult dogs.

Your Puppy’s Appetite

Your puppy’s appetite will grow with him so as he demands more food you can continue to add to his dish. Some will be big eaters, some not, so it depends on your puppy, but be careful not to overfeed as it is very important that Golden Retrievers not become overweight. You should be able to feel his ribs quite easily by running your fingers down his sides.

From Three Meals to Two

Somewhere between twelve and twenty weeks, your puppy will move from three meals a day, to two. You will know when it’s time because they will become fussy with one of their meals. Divide the amount of food your puppy would have had over the three feedings, into two meals. This becomes the meal times for your Golden Retriever for the rest of his life.

It is recommended that Golden Retrievers have two meals a day instead of one, as this promotes good gastrointestinal health, prevents bloating and gastric torsion and their weight is easier to control.

Gone in Thirty Seconds?

If your puppy is inhaling his food, try placing something hard and inedible in the middle of his bowl, forcing him to eat around it. Your puppy requires a definite feeding routine: a time and place for his food when it is quiet and with no distractions. Once his meal is over, take any remaining food away and don’t use the leftover kibble for his next meal. Slowly increase the amount of food as your puppy’s appetite demands. Try to keep him on the lean side, as an overweight puppy is a health concern.

Males and Females

As a rough guide, female adult Golden Retrievers eat between three and four cups of dry food per day, while a male may eat between four and five. This of course depends on the individual dog and their activity level as well as the type of food. Some dry foods are more nutrient dense and your dog will require less. One easy way to ensure that your Golden Retriever is getting the best of dry food is to mix different brands together, as long as you continue with this routine. Purchase three or four varieties – say chicken, lamb, liver and beef; mix them all together, and this then becomes their staple diet.

Human Food

Of course, your loved Golden Retriever is also a part of your family, and he will enjoy odd table scraps and some raw meat from time to time. Opinions vary on whether dogs should have raw meat, but they do have very different digestive systems to us and let’s face it, they do eat some disgusting things that we don’t! Remember that cooked bones are a no-no and are dangerous to your dog. Some other human foods should never be given to your dog, such as chocolate, nuts and grapes.

About the author: Rebecca Carter is a passionate writer at ukessays. There is her own section on this website where she can describe her experience of dog care. By the way, she is a happy owner of two wonderful puppies. She likes spending her spare time with them.