Information On The Best Diet For Your Golden Retriever
What
The Vet Says
The best diet depends on your veterinarian, as they are split
about down the middle on the controversy of real food versus bagged food; it is
believed that real food is greatly better for your golden retriever’s nutrition.
Even within circles of people and veterinarians that believe that real food is
the best nutritionally for all animals, there is debate over raw or cooked food;
meat is especially controversial. The decision in the end is up to you and what
you believe.
Commercial Kibble Fans
If you are a fan of commercial
kibble, choose brands that advertise a minimum of 25% protein and try to avoid
brands that list corn or soy products on the label, as golden retrievers are thought
to have allergies to these starches. Also, if you can find organic food, it should
be better for your golden retriever nutritionally than the more generic varieties.
Also, try to avoid foods with any artificial colors or flavorings, as these can
cause irritation to your dog’s stomach; additionally, there is no science that
supports the ‘common knowledge’ that dry food helps to clean teeth for dogs. Wet
food is made from more whole meats; in most pet food they are still of low quality
meats, but they can add a satisfying twist to your dogs weekly meal schedule.
Whole
Food Kibble Fans
For people who are fans of whole food kibble, the locations
to purchase the kibble are limited so you may want to research it on the internet
first; also do not switch your golden retriever’s food all at once; as with any
food, mix it in slowly so that you don’t overload their system. Most fans of whole
foods recommend supplementing this kibble with fresh foods; for example mixing
in chunks of bone in chicken or beef, or perhaps shredded carrots, these will
add even more nutrition for your golden retriever. Additionally it is available
in both wet and dry varieties, and most owners prefer to soak the dry food, to
make it easier for very young or very old dogs to eat; remember that all pet foods
are not created equal, and read the label to check for maximum golden retriever
nutrition.
Real Food Fans
For real food feeding, there are several
books available for all the specifics, but once you get the hang of it, making
real food meals for your golden retriever’s nutritional needs isn’t as tough as
it sounds. Here are the basics: your dog is a carnivore; as such they eat raw
meat and innards of animals; for you to relate that to your golden retriever’s
diet they need meat (cooked or raw is your preference, but only raw with bones
in) and eggs, vegetables, very little fruits, and even less grains.
The
meat should be trimmed of most excess fat and, if you decide to cook it, no butter
or oil of any kind; chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, deer, and rabbit are fine, but
never serve pork- especially raw. Vegetables should be served raw, but shredding
or pureeing is preferable as their stomachs are unaccustomed to digesting whole
vegetables; the shredding or pureeing will break down the cell walls so the nutrients
can be absorbed more readily. The fruit and grains should be served in great moderation
as they aren’t that great for their digestive system and don’t add a lot of nutrition
to your golden retriever’s diet either.
Cooking For Your Pooch
Learning
about some
delicacies you can cook for your golden retriever can greatly influence their
quality of life; as such here are some ideas for your golden retriever. Some whole
rolled oats cooked in plain water (follow manufacturers directions, should be
about ¼ c dried) add unsweetened applesauce, plain yogurt, and voila! This
will make a lovely, healthy breakfast for your golden retriever. There are entire
cookbooks dedicated to cooking for large breed dogs, and there may even be some
for golden retrievers specifically. Remember when cooking that you may need to
add some supplements to gain the correct nutrition, but you want to be balanced
over weeks, not over a single day, so don’t let the idea overwhelm you.
Breaking
NEWS:
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