Golden Retriever Food

This happy-go-lucky breed is undoubtedly a darling of the dog world. Their calm, people-friendly, and affectionate personality is what makes them excellent pets for all kinds of families. Golden retrievers weigh anywhere between 25 to 34 kilograms, and whilst there are a ton of positives that surround raising this breed, diet and exercise often don’t fall in them. This is because Goldens are particularly prone to obesity, hip dysplasia, elbow and joint problems, cancer, cataracts, and more. This is why they require a well-balanced diet that caters to their specific nutritional requirements, whilst also preventing the occurrence or rather, delaying the onset of diseases. Golden retriever food is a blend of macro and micronutrients - protein, carbohydrates, fats, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It is crucial to feed Golden Retrievers food that is age-appropriate and in accordance with their activity level. 

Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient required to build and repair tissues, enhance skin and coat health, maintain hormonal balance, and regenerate cells and enzymes. Golden retrievers need dog food with over 30% of protein content, whether it is plant-based or meat-based. In order to determine the right type of protein for your Golden Retriever’s body, it is best to draw up a diet chart with your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist. Young Golden Retrievers, i.e. those below the age of 1, require more protein than adults because their bodies are still growing. Here, the best food for golden retriever puppy is one that offers tailored, breed-specific nutrition for growing puppies. Likewise, Golden retrievers that are over 9 years old need to switch onto a senior dog diet with more protein to replace lost muscle mass due to ageing, 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are necessary sources of energy and brain activity for Golden Retrievers. However, the amount of carbohydrates your Golden requires depends on his/her age, activity level, and possible allergens. An active Golden Retriever, i.e. one who receives more than 4-5 hours of daily exercise, require more energy than dogs who receive anywhere between 2-3 hours of daily exercise. It is often believed that carbohydrates are the source of obesity in Golden Retrievers - whilst that is partially true, obesity from carbohydrates stems from overfeeding and underexercising. A Golden Retriever that lives a sedentary lifestyle does not burn calories while sitting down after a walk, they only burn calories when they’re active through play, walks, swimming, and other forms of exercise. 

Fat

Fat in golden retriever food is anywhere between 12 -18%. Healthy fats are often in the form of oils - fish oil, cod liver oil, olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and more. Healthy fats help with cushioning organs, improving brain function, maintaining healthy skin and coat, decreasing allergies, and improving digestion. 

Vitamins & Minerals

Essential vitamins and minerals for your Golden Retriever are found in vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are essential minerals found in nutritious golden retriever food. Likewise, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are essential vitamins. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper hormone function, strengthening of joints, maintaining skin health, and boosting the immune system.