Best foods to start your Golden Retriever puppy one when you first bring it home
If you have never owned a Golden Retriever before, it is not unusual to have no idea of what foods your puppy should eat. Not all dogs thrive well on any type of food you give them since they are often categorized based on their age, eating habits, and physical characteristics. The best diet for a Golden Retriever puppy should consist of at least 18 to 22 percent of high-quality protein. They can also acquire nutrients from fruits, grains, and vegetables. In this article, we will be sharing with you some of the best foods to start your Golden Retriever puppy when you first bring him home.
What nutrients do Golden Retrievers need?
Golden Retrievers survive on different kinds of nutrients besides proteins. These include carbohydrates, regulated amounts of fat, vitamins and minerals, and water.
Feed your golden retriever puppy nutritious food
First, proteins make up the primary nutritional requirement of Golden Retrievers. An adult Golden Retriever may require a minimum of 18 percent protein while a Golden puppy thrives well with a minimum of 22 percent of protein diet.
Fats are ideal for your Golden Retriever because it comes from proteins and serves to generate energy. Another benefit of including fats in your dog’s diet is that it helps with the development and normal functioning of body cells, nerves, tissues, and muscles. It is advisable to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with at least 8 percent fat content in their diet. Although proteins take up most of the diet for a Golden Retriever, they can also thrive on plant-based foods as they provide essential nutrients in their body.
Foods to serve your Golden Retriever puppy
- Proteins
Some of the best types of proteins to serve your Golden Retriever puppy when he arrives home include beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and turkey. There are a variety of ways you can serve food to your Golden Retriever. You can choose to provide him with cooked meat, raw meat, or commercial dog food. When cooking meat for your Golden puppy, you need to avoid any sauces or seasonings and make sure it is thoroughly cooked before serving.
Keep in mind that serving your dog a raw meat diet increases the risk of foodborne illness. If you want to feed him a raw diet, purchase high-quality meat and freeze it for at least a day before serving. When purchasing commercial dog food, choose one that has meat protein as the first or main ingredient.
- Dairy
It is recommended to offer a small amount of dairy food to your puppy to see how well they tolerate it. Some of the dairy foods you can introduce to your Golden puppy include plain yogurt, plain cheese, or cottage cheese. Plain yogurt with no artificial sweeteners is a good source of calcium, proteins, and probiotics that are beneficial for gut health. You can choose to serve plain cheese as a treat or mix it in their food. Cottage cheese is another good source of calcium and protein for Golden Retrievers because it is low in calories and fat. When serving dairy, avoid cow’s milk as it could be difficult to digest. Choose plain dairy foods and monitor your puppy for signs of digestive problems.
- Fruits and vegetables
Although Golden Retriever puppies can eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, it is important to offer them in moderation as a supplement to their regular diet. Some of the good fruit options include mango, berries, bananas, oranges, and apples. You can also offer watermelon but make sure to remove the seeds and rind. Good vegetable options include cooked green beans, celery, carrots, broccoli, peas, and cooked sweet potatoes.
- Grains and nuts
Grains and nuts can make a healthy diet for Golden Retrievers but there are a few things you need to consider for both. Although grains are a good source of carbohydrates, some dogs can be allergic to certain grains such as soy, corn, or wheat. However, some of the safe grains to offer your Golden Retriever puppy include brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal. Other types of nuts such as almonds, macadamia, and walnuts could be toxic to dogs. Safe nuts to offer your Golen Retriever include pistachios, cashews, and peanuts. The best way to feed grains and nuts is to introduce them in small amounts, mix them with your puppy’s daily food, and monitor them for signs of digestive problems.
An unhealthy or unbalanced diet for Golden Retrievers could lead to digestive problems, obesity, food allergies, or nutritional deficiencies. Proteins should be included as a primary ingredient in your Golden puppy’s diet. Other sources of nutrients such as fruits, dairy, vegetables, grains, and nuts can always be mixed into their regular diet or served as a treat. You can always consult your vet about the best diet for your individual Golden puppy based on their weight and age.