© MilsiArt / stock.adobe.com
The Golden Retriever is an even-tempered and adaptable dog breed. It was bred to be a hunting companion deployed together with other dogs, which can explain its extraordinary tolerance of fellow dogs, animals and humans too. The Golden Retriever is characterised by its will to please with a high level of attention and easiness to train. This tendency makes the breed a perfect family dog, very affectionate, gentle and happiest participating in all family activities. It easily fits in with its intended role. Along with its even temper, the Golden Retriever is a cheerful and lively dog with a high urge for activity, remaining playful into old age.
All Retriever breeds are proven to come from Newfoundland. In the 19th century, there was lively fish trading between Britain and Newfoundland. When staying in Newfoundland, British sailors were able to observe the island’s robust and weather-resistant dogs at work. They were enthused by how these water-loving dogs retrieved mooring ropes from the water and fish that had fallen from fishing nets even in tempestuous weather. The sailors brought a few of these dogs known as little Newfoundlands or St John’s dogs with them to Britain, where they were crossed with British hunting dogs, resulting in the Wavy-Coated Retriever. In 1864, Lord Tweedmouth purchased a striking yellow-coloured Wavy-Coated Retriever called Nous. He paired this male with a female Tweed Water Spaniel called Belle. This breed was also famous for good, tenacious retriever dogs. During the next 20 years, the Golden Retriever came into existence following further pairings of the offspring of Nous and Belle with Wavy-Coated Retrievers and Tweed-Water Spaniels, as well as Irish Setters. Golden Retrievers were then deployed for hunting, particularly of ducks, in order to retrieve dead birds from the water too. Their intelligence and adaptability also make them excellent guide, rescue, explosive or sniffer dogs.
The Goldie can be classed as a large breed. Puppies from this breed shouldn’t be given food that is too rich in calories so that they don’t grow too quickly. A consequence of the food containing too many calories can be the genetically determined final weight being reached or even exceeded earlier than expected, although the skeleton is not yet stable enough. This can be lead to misalignments of the limbs. Golden Retriever puppies need an adequate energy intake as well as a balanced supply of minerals, especially calcium and phosphorous.
In order to ensure healthy growth for Goldie puppies, the diet should be species-appropriate with a balanced proportion of calories, minerals, trace elements and vitamins.
Feeding recommendations for puppy food are based on the puppy’s current weight and the predicted weight of the dog as an adult. The weight of the parent animal of the same sex can be taken as a guideline. In addition, the quantity of food is adapted to the puppy’s activity level.
The dry food Purizon Puppy is recommended for Golden Retriever puppies.
Qualities of Purizon Puppy:
The puppy food Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy is also recommended.
Qualities of Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy:
| Current weight | Final weight as adult dog | Food | Approx. quantity of food in g/day |
| 10kg | 35kg | Purizon Puppy | 375g |
| 10kg | 35kg | Royal Canin Breed Golden Retriever Puppy | 330g |
| 25kg | 35kg | Purizon Puppy | 480g |
| 25kg | 35kg | Royal Canin Breed Golden Retriever Puppy | 390g |
The feeding quantities for puppies should always be split into several portions per day. As well, fresh water should always be available to dogs.
Golden Retrievers are versatile dogs. They are ideally suited as working, companion and family dogs, as well as being deployed as retrieval, guide, tracking or rescue dogs. Dietary requirements vary depending on their area of deployment. Not just this and the breed trigger certain demands though; every individual dog has different characteristics and therefore individual nutritional requirements, which differ based on size, weight and activity level. In addition, frequently occurring ailments affecting Golden Retrievers like allergies, excess weight and joint problems should be taken into consideration.
Once the Goldie has reached adult age, it should be given a food for adult dogs. Active dogs are permitted to have a food with more carbohydrates to obtain energy. In contrast, less active dogs should have a food with a moderate amount of carbohydrates so they don’t gain excess weight. Equally, the fat content should be in the mid-range. Along with the activity level and composition of the food, the quantity is crucial to determine weight. The amount of treats and rewards that are given should definitely be considered. It’s a matter of the dog’s and owner’s taste whether to opt for a suitable wet or dry food or to combine both types.
Free of chemical colourings, flavourings and attractants.
| Type of food | Approx. quantity of food in g/35kg weight |
| Rocco Sensitive | approx. 1150g |
Please always provide fresh water for your dog.
| Type of food | Approx. quantity of food in g/35kg in weight |
| Bosch Maxi Adult | approx. 385g |
| Wolf of Wilderness Adult Oak Woods | approx. 385g |
Please always provide your dog with fresh water.
Dogs reach old age too, and older dogs have different needs to younger dogs. Physical alterations trigger and make necessary other dietary requirements for senior dogs. Since the activity of senior dogs diminishes, their energy requirements fall too. The calorie content of the food should be reduced so that older dogs do not gain weight. A really tasty food can be an advantage too, since some elderly dogs experience a loss in the senses of smell and taste.
| Type of food | Approx. quantity of food in g/35kg in weight |
| Rosie’s Farm Senior | 1215g – 1825g |
| Concept for Life Large Senior | approx. 345g |
Nowadays, the selection of dog food is greater than ever before. Whilst the variety of products should offer something for every dog's taste, the buyer is spoilt for choice: which food is the right one? Is dry food better than wet dog food or vice versa?
Most people know the term “cold-pressed” from olive oil, but have you ever wondered what is behind the term “cold-pressed dog food”? We will explain the difference to conventional dog food and give tips on searching for the right dry dog food.
Having a new furry family member is exciting, but can also be very daunting. After all, your new puppy’s wellbeing is completely in your hands.
