Nutritional Tips for Golden Retrievers

by Ian Germann

May 09, 2023

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Known for being smart, loyal and adaptable, it’s no wonder how Golden Retrievers have become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. With striking golden coats, these pups were originally bred in Scotland in the late 1800s as a hunting dog developed to retrieve game birds from land and water. Nowadays, Golden Retrievers can be found filling a variety of roles, such as therapy dogs, search-and-rescue dogs, guide dogs and more.

As an active breed, Golden Retrievers require a proper diet that provides them with the right balance of nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Here are a few important tips to help meet your Golden Retriever’s specific nutritional needs.

Joint Supplements

Golden Retrievers are notoriously prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a common skeletal condition in dogs that affects the hip joint, occurring when there is an abnormal development of the hip joint, causing the ball and socket joint to fit poorly together. This can lead to a variety of negative symptoms, but by feeding joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin an omega 3 fatty acids, you can help support joint health and reduce inflammation in Golden Retrievers to fight against hip dysplasia.

Evanger’s Grain Free Chicken, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin Dry Food for Dogs comes with glucosamine and chondroitin to help support your pup’s joints. This is especially helpful for breeds prone to hip dysplasia, such as Golden Retrievers.

Monitor Portion Sizes

Golden Retrievers as a breed are also known for overeating. While it can be easy to want to feed more to your pup if they gobble their food up quick, it’s important to follow the feeding guidelines on your dog food label and adjust portions based on your dog’s activity level and body condition. However, keep in mind that these guidelines are just a starting point, and may need to be adjusted based on your dog’s individual needs. If you overfeed your pup, they may develop problems such as joint issues, heart disease and diabetes.

Don’t Free-feed Water

While many dogs do well when water is available to them most of the day, Golden Retrievers do not. This is because Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity and bloat, so it’s important to monitor their water intake. Avoid free-feeding water and offer water in measured amounts throughout the day to prevent excessive drinking. Instead, offer water at set times throughout the day, such as during meals or after exercise. The amount of water your Golden Retriever needs depends on their age, weight, activity level, and the temperature and humidity of their environment. As a general guideline, a healthy adult Golden Retriever should drink between 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.

If your dog is struggling to get enough moisture without their water, Evanger’s Canned Wet Foods are a great choice to get your dog extra moisture without forcing them to drink water. Our Beef & Bacon Heritage Classic Jumbo Wet Food for Dogs is perfect for big breeds such as Golden Retrievers, with up to a whopping 78% moisture content!

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