food | Golden Retriever Society

If you are a Golden Retriever owner, you have more than likely noticed that your dog enjoys eating. They will do just about anything for a morsel of food. Given how much Goldens love food, having a golden retriever feeding chart by age is a helpful tool to avoid overfeeding and obesity. Understanding the right type and amount of food for your Golden Retriever at different life stages is crucial. This guide provides clear feeding instructions for Golden Retrievers from puppyhood to senior years and offers insights on the best feeding times. How Much Should a Golden Retriever Eat Daily Golden Retrievers' daily food intake varies with age, weight, and activity levels. Puppies, rapidly growing, require frequent small meals - three to four times daily. This supports their developmental needs without overburdening their digestive system. Adults thrive on two well-balanced meals a day. For seniors, who may be less active, portion control is key to preventing obesity. Regularly monitor your dog’s weight and adjust portions accordingly. Always provide constant access to fresh water. For active dogs or those with specific health needs, consult your vet for tailored dietary advice. Use a measuring cup for accuracy, and consider using a scale for precise portion control in grams, especially for weight management. While establishing the right quantity based on your Golden Retriever's life stage is important, it's also essential to recognize that dietary needs can differ between males and females. Let's explore how gender can influence the feeding requirements of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retriever Feeding Chart by Age (Male) Feeding a male Golden Retriever properly requires understanding their unique nutritional needs as they grow. Males generally have larger frames and may require more calories, especially during rapid growth. The following chart provides a guideline for feeding male Golden Retrievers at various ages, ensuring they receive the right amount of nutrients to support their development and maintain a healthy weight. AgeDaily Food Amount2-6 months1.5 - 3 cups7-12 months3 - 4 cupsAdult (1-7 years)3 - 3.5 cupsSenior (8+ years)2.5 - 3 cups Golden Retriever Feeding Chart by Age (Female) Feeding female Golden Retrievers appropriately involves understanding their specific dietary requirements, which can vary, especially during nursing. Females may need different amounts of food compared to males, especially when they are nursing puppies, as their nutritional demands increase significantly. The chart below outlines recommended feeding amounts for female Golden Retrievers at different ages, including special considerations for nursing mothers. AgeDaily Food Amount2-6 months1.5 - 2.5 cups7-12 months2.5 - 3.5 cupsAdult (1-7 years)2.5 - 3 cupsNursing FemalesIncrease by 1 - 2 cups during nursingSenior (8+ years)2 - 2.5 cups Golden Retriever Feeding Chart by Weight and Activity Level Golden Retrievers, like people, have varying levels of activity, which can significantly impact their dietary needs. It's essential to adjust their food intake based on whether they are more sedentary or highly active. The following chart considers these activity levels, providing a more tailored approach to feeding based on weight and activity. WeightDaily Food Amount (Low Activity)Daily Food Amount (High Activity)55-65 lbs.2 - 2.5 cups3 - 3.5 cups66-75 lbs.2.5 - 3 cups3.5 - 4 cups76-85 lbs.3 - 3.5 cups4 - 4.5 cups How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Puppy Golden Retriever puppies should eat three to four times a day until they are six months old at scheduled intervals. They require more calories and frequency at this young age. It is not best to feed them extra food as they could become overweight. They should be lanky with long legs at this stage in life. General Golden Retriever Puppy Food Because puppies need a diet specifically designed to meet nutritional needs for normal development, all puppies should be fed a puppy food. Feeding them adult food will not give them the adequate nutrients needed at this age. Below is a general chart for Golden Retriever puppy feeding. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart Puppy AgeGenderAmount of Food (Cups/Day)Number of Meals/Day (Divide the cups per day by the number of feedings per day)2 Months Male & Female1 ½3-43 Months Male & Female23-44 Months Male & Female2 ½35 - 6 MonthsMale & Female336 - 7 MonthsMale3 ½ - 42-36 - 7 MonthsFemale32-38 - 12 MonthsMale3½ - 4½28 - 12 MonthsFemale3 - 3½2 This chart is just a general guideline for feeding your puppy. Be sure to ask the breeder what they were feeding the puppy and use that exact food. If you must switch do so gradually over about a week. Start by mixing the old food and a small amount of new food, then adding more new food each day. Start on the low end of the range and increase if your puppy starts to look thin. Keep in mind that it is healthier for your golden retriever puppy to be a little bit thin than a little bit chunky. Also, speaking with your veterinarian about this is a good idea. There is a feeding chart on the back of each dog food bag that you can follow. Below are some feeding charts from our top puppy foods article Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers (2021). Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food Purina Pro Plan Large Breed is our top choice of puppy food for Golden Retrievers. It provides a complete, healthy, nutritious diet to your puppy. The number one ingredient is chicken which helps development of strong muscles and healthy body functions. Our staff veterinarians highly recommend this puppy food. Below is Purina Pro Plan’s feeding chart for a Golden Retriever puppy. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Feeding Chart Puppy AgeAmount of Food1 ½ to 3 Months Old5/8 – 2 1/3 Cups Per Day4-5 Months Old1 ½ - 4 Cups Per Day6-8 Months Old1 ½- 3 ¾ Cups Per Day9-11 Months Old2 ½ - 4 ¾ Cups Per Day1-2 Years2 5/8 – 6 ¼ Cups Per Day Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Food Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy is another great choice of puppy food. It is specially designed to meet the nutritional needs of a purebred Golden Retriever from the ages of 8 weeks to 15 months old. The kibble is actually shaped for a Golden Retriever’s muzzle and scissor bite to encourage chewing. Our staff veterinarians also highly recommend this puppy food. Below is Royal Canin’s feeding chart for a Golden Retriever puppy. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart Puppy AgeAmount of Food2 Months Old2 ½ Cups Per Day3 Months Old3 3/8 Cups Per Day4 Months Old3 7/8 Cups Per Day5 Months Old4 ½ Cups Per Day6-7 Months Old6 1/8 Cups Per Day8 Months Old4 ¾ Cups Per Day9 Months Old4 ½ Cups Per Day10 Months Old4 1/8 Cups Per Day11 Months Old3 ¾ Cups Per Day12-14 Months Old3 5/8 Cups Per Day (Royal Canin is more specific on feeding amounts than some other companies, but this is still just a guideline. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian on whether this is right for your puppy.) Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food is also a great choice of puppy food for Golden Retrievers. This food contains high-quality ingredients and is made in the USA. It supports healthy brain development that increases the intelligence and trainability of your Golden Retriever. This food is highly recommended by our staff veterinarians as well. Below is Eukanuba’s Large Breed Puppy feeding chart. Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Feeding Chart Puppy AgeAmount of Food2 Months Old2 7/8 Cups Per Day3 Months Old3 5/8 Cups Per Day4 Months Old4 Cups Per Day5 Months Old4 5/8 Cups Per Day6 Months Old5 1/8 Cups Per Day7-8 Months Old4 ¾ Cups Per Day9-10 Months Old4 Cups Per Day12-24 Months Old3 5/8 Cups Per Day Homemade Food for Golden Retriever Puppy Creating homemade food for your Golden Retriever puppy can be a nutritious and enjoyable experience. Focus on a balanced diet, including proteins like cooked lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef), carbohydrates from rice or sweet potatoes, and vegetables like carrots or green beans. Avoid onions, garlic, and excessive fats. Simple tricks for making homemade food for a golden retriever puppy: Cook and Mash: Boil and mash sweet potatoes for a healthy carb source. Simple Proteins: Cook lean meats thoroughly and avoid seasoning. Vegetable Mix: Steam and chop veggies into small pieces for easy digestion. Balance is Key: Follow a ratio of 40% protein, 50% vegetables, and 10% carbohydrates. Consult Your Vet: Get approval from your vet for the diet plan, ensuring it meets your puppy’s nutritional needs. Remember, homemade food should be introduced gradually, mixing with their regular food to avoid digestive upset. When to Switch Golden Retriever to Adult Food Knowing when to switch from puppy to adult food for your golden retriever is important for their health and development. Typically, golden retriever puppies will start on puppy food and will require this specialized diet until they reach about one year of age. At this point, it's time to consider transitioning them to adult food, which will better support their changing nutritional needs. The transition should be gradual, taking place over the course of several weeks to avoid any digestive upset. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best timing and specific recommendations for your individual golden retriever. How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Adult Golden Retriever adults should eat around twice a day. What is more important is the portion size of those meals. The portion size will vary depending on age, weight, activity level, and health conditions of your Golden Retriever. After being spayed or neutered, your Golden Retriever may not need as many calories so consulting with your veterinarian would be a good idea. Golden Retrievers reach their full height and weight between 12 and 18 months old. They will usually weigh between 55 and 75 pounds. When your Golden reaches adulthood, their caloric intake should decrease. During adulthood, they should be eating two scheduled meals a day. If they do get hungry between meals, give them a good, healthy snack that will tide them over until the next meal. Check out our article Best Dog Treats for Golden Retrievers (2021) for some healthy treat ideas. General Golden Retriever Adult Food Overfeeding your Golden Retriever can lead to obesity and health problems, so make sure you are keeping them on a healthy, scheduled diet to help them live their best life. Below is a general feeding chart for adult Golden Retrievers. Golden Retriever Adult Feeding Chart AdultAmount of FoodFemales2 to 2 ½ Cups Per DayMales3 to 3 ½ Cups Per DayActive Males4 Cups Per DayNursing Females5 to 6 Cups Per Day This is a general feeding chart guideline. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to find the best feeding schedule for you and your Golden. They will be able to tell you exactly how much to feed your Golden based on their individual dietary needs. Feeding your Golden Retriever high-quality food will give them the best nutritional value to live a healthy life. Cheaper dog foods have a lot of fillers in them that provide them no nutritional value, so you may have to feed them more of it for a meal. Always look on the back of the dog food for their recommended feeding chart and give your Golden those amounts. A visit with your veterinarian about which food is best can be extremely helpful also. Below are some of our top choices of food with feeding charts. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Food Purina Pro Plan Large Breed dog food is our first choice for Golden Retriever adults. This food is highly recommended by our staff veterinarians, and it contains ingredients that are highly nutritious with high protein for strengthening muscles. Below is a feeding chart for Purina Pro Plan Large Breed. Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Feeding Chart WeightAmount of Food51-75 lbs.3 – 3 2/3 Cups Per Day75-100 lbs.3 2/3 – 4 Cups Per Day This chart does not give an exact amount based on gender, age, activity level, or health conditions. This chart is based on the weight your dog should be (called lean weight). If you dog is overweight feed less. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to get the exact amount for your Golden. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dog Food Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dog Food is specifically tailored to Golden Retrievers. It contains nutritious ingredients that target healthy skin and coat, cardiac function, and ideal weight. This is another top choice of our staff veterinarians. Below is a feeding chart for Royal Canin Golden Retriever adult dog food. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Feeding Chart WeightAmount of Food57 lbs.3 ¾ - 5 Cups Per Day66 lbs.4 ¼ - 5 ½ Cups Per Day75 lbs.4 5/8 – 6 1/8 Cups Per Day84 lbs.5- 6 5/8 Cups Per Day88 lbs.5 ¼ - 6 7/8 Cups Per Day If you are looking for a dog food that gets down to the precise amounts, then Royal Canin is for you. They are extremely specific on the weight of your Golden Retriever and the number of cups per day. The range of amount of food can be explained by your dog’s average activity level. If your Golden’s activity is very high (actively hunting, long hikes, running miles with you), you should feed them the higher amount. If their activity for the day is lower, you can feed them the lower amount that day. Normal house pets, going on occasional walks should start with the lower end of the range. Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food is another top choice of our staff veterinarians. This brand of dog food provides a balanced nutritious meal that fuels an active lifestyle. The ingredients support healthy brain function and lean muscles. Below is a feeding chart for Eukanuba adult dog food. Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Feeding Chart WeightAmount of Food55 lbs.3-4 Cups Per Day66 lbs.3 ½ - 4 5/8 Cups Per Day77 lbs.3 7/8 – 5 1/8 Cups Per Day88 lbs.4 ¼ - 5 5/8 Cups Per Day Eukanuba Adult Dog Food is like Royal Canin in that it provides precise amounts of food based on the level of exercise for that day. On the back of the bag, it explains how much food you should give for low, moderate, and high activity. How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Senior Golden Retriever seniors will need about 900 calories or about 20% less than adult dogs to stay at their ideal weight. Golden Retrievers are seniors at about 8 years old. When entering old age, they may benefit from eating a food with less fat and fewer calories. During the senior years, Golden Retrievers will become more sedentary therefore not requiring as much food as before. They should still be eating two meals a day, but not as much. There are many senior dog foods out there that help them with maintaining a healthy weight. As your Golden Retriever progresses from old dog to older dog, you may notice them losing weight and requiring more calories in this stage of life. The fat content in their diet may need increased. Talking with your veterinarian would be a good choice if you notice your Golden losing weight. If your Golden Retriever suffers from arthritis and has trouble getting around staying lean is important. Discuss with your veterinarian the right body weight, food, supplements, and medications to help your senior dog get around better. There are some senior dog foods that provide the right healthy eating habits for this stage of life. Below are our top choices for Golden Retriever seniors. Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind is our top choice for Golden Retriever senior dog food. It is formulated with botanical oils to increase alertness and mental sharpness in dogs ages 7 and older. Our staff veterinarians recommend this dog food for your aging Golden Retriever. Below is a feeding chart for Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind. Purina Pro Plan Bright Might Feeding Chart WeightAmount of Food51 – 75 lbs.2 ½ - 2 ¾ Cups Per Day76 – 100 lbs.2 ¾ - 3 ½ Cups Per DayOver 100 lbs.3 ½ Cups Per Day plus ¼ cup for each 10 lbs. over 100 lbs. This chart is not built for your individual dog. It is best to consult your veterinarian for the right amount of food that will provide your Golden with a healthy lifestyle in the senior years. Royal Canin Aging Large Breed Dog Food Royal Canin has an aging large breed dog food formulated for dogs ages 8 and up. It is made for easy chewing and ideal for a senior dog’s jaw. It is an exclusive blend of antioxidants for healthy aging. It contains easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber. Our staff veterinarians recommend this food as well. Below is a feeding chart for Royal Canin Aging Large Breed dog food. Royal Canin Aging Large Breed Feeding Chart WeightAmount of Food66.1 lbs.3 ¾ - 5 Cups Per Day70.5 lbs.4 - 5 ¼ Cups Per Day75 lbs.4 1/8 - 5 ½ Cups Per Day79.4 lbs.4 3/8- 5 5/8 Cups Per Day83.8 lbs.4 ½- 5 7/8 Cups Per Day88.2 lbs.4 5/8- 6 1/8 Cups Per Day92.6 lbs.4 7/8- 6 3/8 Cups Per Day Royal Canin is exact on their servings for aging large breed dogs. The range of the amount of food is dependent on the activity level of your Golden Retriever. The range is from low to high activity. This is a great guide to use with an aging Golden Retriever, they will be active on some days more than others. Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dog Food Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dog Food is also recommended by our staff veterinarians. It is formulated to fuel your active Golden Retriever’s daily activities with optimal levels of fat and carbohydrates. It also helps maintain their natural defenses with guaranteed antioxidant levels for older dogs. Below is a feeding chart for Eukanuba Senior Large Breed dog food. Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Feeding Chart WeightAmount of Food55 lbs.3 ¼ - 4 ¼ Cups Per Day66 lbs.3 ¾ - 4 7/8 Cups Per Day77 lbs.4 1/8- 5 ½ Cups Per Day88 lbs.4 5/8- 6 Cups Per Day110 lbs.5 ½- 7 1/8 Cups Per Day Eukanuba is like Royal Canin in that it provides precise amounts of food for your aging Golden Retriever. The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Frequently Asked Questions When Should I Feed My Golden Retriever?Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home.As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. What Is A Good Golden Retriever Feeding Schedule?For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at 7:00 am, lunch at noon, then dinner at 5:00 pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period.After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated.What Food Allergies Can Golden Retrievers Have?Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. If the symptoms don’t get better after a few days, be sure to consult your veterinarian. Is The Raw Diet Good For My Golden Retriever?According to The American Veterinary Medical Association, feeding the raw diet to Golden Retrievers is not recommended. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help.Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods.Is Homemade Food Best for My Golden Retriever?If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes (internet is making it easier to do this), and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Should I Feed My Golden Retriever Table Food?Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. You will need to reduce the amount of dog food they get and table food should never be more than 10% of their diet.How Much Should I Feed My Golden Retriever by Age?For Golden Retrievers, feeding needs change with age. Puppies under 6 months require frequent meals, about 3-4 times daily, to support growth. Between 6 months to 1 year, reduce this to 3 meals per day as their growth rate slows. Adult Golden Retrievers, aged 1 to 7 years, should be fed twice daily for optimal health. Senior dogs, over 8 years, might require smaller portions but should continue with two meals per day to maintain their metabolic rate and ensure nutrient absorption.How Much Should I Feed My Golden Retriever in Grams?In dog food, 1 cup typically equals about 100 grams. Adjust feeding amounts in grams as per your Golden Retriever's age. For instance, a 2-month-old puppy may require around 150 grams daily. In contrast, an adult Golden Retriever's intake can vary between 300-400 grams each day, depending on their specific nutritional needs and activity levels. Always tailor these amounts to suit your dog's individual requirements.Can I Feed my Golden Retriever 3 Times a Day?Feeding your Golden Retriever three times a day is suitable for puppies, providing them with the necessary nutrients for growth. However, for adult and senior Golden Retrievers, two meals per day are recommended. This schedule helps in maintaining healthy digestion and preventing issues like bloating.What is the Best Food for a Golden Retriever?Look for high-quality, balanced dog foods that meet AAFCO standards. Ingredients should include a good protein source, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. Tailor your choice based on your dog's age, activity level, and any specific health needs. Check out our list of the best Golden Retriever food options. Can Golden Retrievers Eat Once a Day?Feeding a Golden Retriever just once a day is not advisable. It's better to divide their food into two meals to maintain steady energy levels, support better digestion, and prevent overeating. This feeding schedule is more aligned with their nutritional and physiological needs. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. You can also check out our article Golden Retriever Health Issues: Common Problems. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below!