The golden retriever puppy is an adorable, fun-loving dog with plenty of energy packed within their small frame. And they have a larger-than-life appetite to match. They will often eat anything and everything they can get their chompers around — and yes, they’ll give you that puppy-eyed stare to get your table scraps too!
However, it’s important that you feed your golden retriever puppy a diet that has their well-being and health in mind. As they’re particularly prone to obesity, you also need to keep a close eye on their intake and give them appropriately sized portions.
To help you set your pup (and their stomach) up for success, we’ll detail how much to feed golden retriever puppy below. We’ll also touch on their nutritional needs, how often to feed them, and the difference between wet dog food and dry food.
How Much to Feed Golden Retriever Puppy
Giving your golden retriever puppy the appropriate calorie intake is vital for their development. Too much food can damage their growing bones and joints, while too little can lead to malnourishment and stunted growth.
The exact amount to feed a golden retriever puppy can vary depending on their lifestyle, metabolism, health, weight, estimated adult size, and age. However, they will typically need a higher calorie intake than adults. This is because puppies burn through more calories as they grow, particularly within the first few months of their lives.
It’s always a good idea to consult a canine nutritionist or veterinarian when creating a dietary plan for your golden retriever puppy. They can assess your pup in person to identify their ideal calorie intake, and they can also help you rule out potential allergens or other food sensitivities. Some golden retrievers, for instance, tend to experience sensitivities to ingredients like chicken and dairy.
You should also pay close attention to your puppy’s food packaging. Most manufacturers will include a detailed feeding chart on the back that recommends how much to feed them based on their weight and/or age.
As a rough guideline for how much to feed golden retriever puppy, you can refer to the feeding chart below:
| Age | Estimated adult weight (55 pounds) | Estimated adult weight (66 pounds) | Estimated adult weight (77 pounds) |
| 2 months | 2 ¼ cups daily | 2 ⅜ cups daily | 2 ½ cups daily |
| 3 months | 2 ⅞ cups daily | 3 cups daily | 3 ¼ cups daily |
| 4 months | 3 cups daily | 3 ¼ cups daily | 3 ½ cups daily |
| 5 months | 3 ¼ cups daily | 3 ⅝ cups daily | 4 cups daily |
| 6 months | 3 ½ cups daily | 3 ⅞ cups daily | 4 ⅜ cups daily |
| 8 months | 3 ⅛ cups daily | 3 ⅝ cups daily | 4 ⅛ cups daily |
| 10 months | 2 ¾ cups daily | 3 ½ cups daily | 4 cups daily |
| 12 months | 3 cups daily | 3 ½ cups daily | 4 cups daily |
What Should a Golden Retriever Puppy Eat?
A golden retriever puppy should be fed food formulated specifically for large-breed puppies. The food should adhere closely to the Association of American Feed Control Officials’ (AAFCO) standards, and contain high-quality protein sources and all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive and grow healthily.
Golden retriever puppies also need calcium to support their bones, added DHA for healthy brain development, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Puppy Wet or Dry Dog Food?
You can choose to feed your golden retriever puppy wet food, dried food, or a combination of both. Each type comes with different benefits and is better suited to certain needs and preferences.
For instance, wet food can be a great option for picky eaters as it’s often more flavorful. A wet consistency can also be a good fit for golden retriever puppies struggling with teething pains because it’s gentler on the mouth than dry dog food.
That said, other golden retriever puppies will appreciate the crunchier, more stimulating texture of dried dog food. Dried food can also help prevent dental problems as its abrasiveness naturally breaks down plaque and tartar buildup.
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer here. The texture of the dog food, including the specifics of the formula, can vary depending on your golden retriever puppy’s individual needs. That’s why it’s so important to speak to a veterinarian or nutritionist for expert advice if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
How Often Should I Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy?
Golden retriever puppies should be fed their daily calorie intake across small, multiple meals throughout the day. How often you feed them generally depends on their age:
- Two months old: Four to six meals each day
- Two to three months: Four meals per day
- Four to six months: Two to three meals per day
Once your golden retriever puppy nears adulthood, you should feed them two meals a day — once in the morning and again in the evening. Make sure to also give your golden retriever puppy their meals at consistent times throughout the day, too. This builds a predictable routine and gives them a sense of structure (something golden retriever puppies thrive on).
As golden retrievers are notoriously fast eaters, consider investing in a slow-feeder bowl or food puzzle. This will help to slow their eating down, which can ease the strain on their digestive system, while also giving them a great source of mental stimulation.
How Much to Feed Golden Retriever Puppy? The Final Word
Knowing exactly how much to feed golden retriever puppy can feel daunting, but we hope our guide above has eased any concerns you have about their dietary needs. Remember: Every golden retriever puppy is unique, so we always advise speaking to a canine nutritionist or veterinarian for advice when in doubt.
Now that you’re familiar with the golden retriever puppy’s dietary needs, it’s time to begin your search for the perfect forever companion! You’ll be pleased to know that you can find golden retriever puppies for sale from ethical breeders in virtually every state, so you should have no problem finding one who matches your family’s lifestyle and home; we recommend Dog Academy’s guide to find golden retriever puppies near you.
Leave a Reply