Feeding Dogs
But there are a few guidelines to follow when it comes to feeding dogs.
©Photo Courtesy of Brian & Shirley Wishart
Many Goldens can “free-feed”, while others can not. Free feeding means that you can keep a bowl of dog food out at all times and allow your dog to eat whenever she feels like doing so. Several of my Goldens can do this and never put on extra weight. However, a few of my other Goldens seem to live at the food bowl and would happily triple their weight! In “dog world”, the alpha is the boss and ruler of the pack. And alpha always eats first. It’s her right and privilege to do so. If you own a few dogs and one of them seems to always be hanging around the dog bowl, she may simply be trying to show the other dogs that she is the boss, and therefore, ruler of the dog food! In cases like that, you’ll need to adjust the way you feed your dogs, and not allow your Golden to free-feed. Prevention is always the best rule of thumb in not allowing your Golden to become overweight in the first place.
©Photo Courtesy of Connor Surdi
When feeding dogs, there are certain people foods and medications you will want to keep your Goldens away from. These items can be very dangerous, and sometimes even fatal, if ingested in certain amounts. Depending upon the individual dog, the amounts can be very small and still be dangerous. Dry dog food is best for your Golden, and will be beneficial in
keeping her teeth clean.
Switching dog food brands Milk is not a good choice
©Photo Courtesy of Ann-Charlotte Bengtsson
After correctly making the switch, it is perfectly okay to mix dog food brands together in which to feed your dog, as long as that is always done routinely. I do not have a particular brand or type that I find to be best. Instead, I find that my Goldens are at their healthiest by always feeding my dogs a variety of dry dog foods mixed together. I buy 4 different varieties, dump them into a large, plastic garbage can, and mix them all together. This then becomes their basic dog food. I like to blend dog foods that have chicken, lamb, beef, rice, etc., all into one meal. Since I have never found one particular brand or type of dog food that I feel is fantastic for Goldens health, this is my version of making my own!
©Photo Courtesy of Chad Crumby
I do always use the same 4 types that I like, and always mix the same amounts by simply buying the same size bags all the time, and making the mix when the can is empty. Golden Retriever’s food should also include some table scraps! Dogs need and love meat, so I allow my Goldens table scraps, unless weight is an issue. I don’t give them meat with bones still in it, due to the risk of the bones splintering and causing internal injuries. Meat, whether it is raw or cooked, is a healthy snack for them. I realize that some people believe that dogs shouldn’t be fed raw meat, but if you’ve ever had one of your dogs come home with some “road kill” that they’ve found, then you’ll quickly realize that their digestive systems are greatly different than ours!
©Photo Courtesy of Debbie Berk
Do remember, that even though Goldens are gentle in nature, any dog can and will fight over a “prized” possession, and a piece of steak is definitely a prize in your dog’s eyes! If you own more than one Golden Retriever, you may want to feed them these special treats in separate rooms! Some other special treats that Goldens love are homemade dog treats!
Check out the DogTreatKitchen.com for recipes for dog treats, dog cakes and even dog treat icing.
©Photo Courtesy of Andrea Spence
These dog feeding guidelines only apply to adult dogs. When it comes to feeding puppies, their needs are different. Golden Retriever’s are not picky eaters, so feeding dogs is a simple, enjoyable task!
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