What to Feed Golden Retriever Puppies

Updated: June 30th, 2022

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You have probably noticed that no matter how much food you put in their bowl, your goldie wants to eat more and acts like they're on the brink of starvation! Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart.

Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan.

Naturally, a golden retriever puppy and an older dog have different nutritional needs, and you will have to tailor your feeding plan according to your dog's age, activity level, weight, and overall health.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about feeding your golden retriever, whether they're a puppy, adult, or senior. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie.

Once you bring your golden puppy home, it's crucial that you feed the right amount of high-quality puppy food. Skipping meals can slow your puppy's growth and development, but overfeeding can cause your pup to grow too quickly, which can lead to bone and joint problems.

Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food.

To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy.

How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Puppy – General Guidelines

Please note that these are only general guidelines and that it's extremely difficult to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. The exact amount will depend on the quality of food you buy, your puppy's weight, and their energy levels. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods.

Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart

Age	Gender	Amount Of Food (cups/ day)	Number of Meals per Day (Divide the cups per day by the number of feedings per day)
2 Months	Male & Female	1½	3
3 Months	Male & Female	2	3
4 Months	Male & Female	2½	3
5 - 6 Months	Male & Female	3	3
6 - 7 Months	Male	3½ to 4	2
	Female	3	2

Since puppies have higher caloric needs but small stomachs, you will have to follow a golden retriever puppy feeding chart. With the right feeding schedule, your pup will grow and develop properly without being overly hungry at any point during the day.

You should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day at scheduled intervals until they are six months old. Your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can create a feeding plan based on your daily schedule and work commitments.

Once your puppy turns six months of age, you can start feeding them twice a day, but you should keep them on puppy food until they reach adulthood.

AT A GLANCE:

OUR TOP PUPPY FOOD FOR GOLDEN RETRIEVERS:

• NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food – BEST RAW DIET

Measure your dog's weight and determine their activity level, then use this NomNomNom feeding chart as a guide.

NomNomNom feeding chart

Ideal Body Weight (lbs)	Packs per day (low activity)	Packs Per Day (High activity)
10	½	⅔
15	⅔	1
20	¾	1¼
30	1	1½
40	1⅓	2
50	1⅔	2¼
75	2¼	3
100	3	4

• Ollie Dog Food – RUNNER UP

Ollie dog food will provide you with custom feeding guidelines once you place an order for one of their recipes.

• Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula – BEST BUDGET

Note:

The below chart for Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy food is in cups per day.

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	2-4 Months	4-8 Months	8 – 12 Months	Adult Dogs
10	1½
20	2⅔	2¼
30	3⅔	3
40	4½	3¾	3
60		5¼	4¼	3¼
80		6¼	5	4
100			6	4¾
125			7	5⅔
150				6⅓

• Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe – PREMIUM CHOICE

Notes:

• Puppies (except large breeds [70+ lbs as an adult]): Feed up to twice the amount shown below.
• Pregnant and nursing females: Feed up to 3 times the amount shown below.

Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount Of Food (cups per day)
5-15	½-1
16-25	1-1¼
26-50	1¼-2¼
51-75	2¼-3
76-100	3-3

• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Recipe – MOST POPULAR

Notes:

• Until 6 months old: 3 meals per day
• 6-12 months old: 2 meals per day
• The below chart for Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy food amount is in cups per day

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	1-3 Months	3-5 Months	5-7 Months	7-12 Months
Up to 5	- 1	¼ - ¾	¼ - ½	¼ - ½
6-10	1 - 1½	¾ - 1	½ - 1	½ - ¾
11-20	1½ - 2¾	1 - 1¾	1 - 1½	¾ - 1½
21-40	2¾ - 4½	1¾ - 3	1½ - 2¾	1½ - 2½
41-60	4½ - 6	3 - 4	2¾ - 3¾	2½ - 3¼
61-80	6 - 7½	4 - 5	3¾ - 4½	3¼ - 4

• Wellness Core Grain-Free Puppy Food – BEST GRAIN-FREE PUPPY FOOD

Note: The amount below is cups per day.

Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Food chart

Weight (lbs)	6-11 weeks	3-4 months	5-7 Months	8-12 months
3	⅔	½	½	⅓
5	1	¾	¾	½
10	1⅔	1½	1¼	1
15	2⅓	2	1½	1¼
20	2¾	2½	2	1¾
30	3¾	3⅓	2⅔	2⅓
40	4⅔	4	3½	3
60		5½	4¾	4
80			5¾	5
100				6

How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever?

Golden Retrievers usually weigh from 55 to 75 pounds and reach their full height and weight when they are 12 to 18 months old. Keep in mind that every dog is an individual and that it can take more or less time for your golden puppy to reach their adult size.

However, your golden's caloric needs will greatly decrease when they reach 12 to 14 months and they will no longer need the same amount of food as before. Meaning, you can no longer use the golden retriever puppy food chart as a guide.

An adult and active golden will need to eat between 1,300 to 1,700 calories per day. However, keep in mind that age, weight, activity level, health problems, and overall lifestyle will determine how many calories your own golden needs per day.

For example, nursing mothers and dogs that perform heavy work will need more than 2,000 calories per day in order to maintain their weight and stay healthy. On the other hand, if your pooch is more of a couch potato type than an athlete, they will probably need around 1,000 calories a day in order to maintain a healthy weight.

Golden Retriever Feeding Chart (Adults)

During adulthood, your golden retriever's diet schedule should consist of two equally spaced meals – ideally, you should feed your dog in the morning and evening. If you opt for feeding high-quality large breed dog food, an optimal golden retriever food amount will be:

Age: Above 12 months

Gender	Amount Of Food (cups per day)	Number of Meals Per Day ( Divide the cups per day by the number of feedings per day)
Females	2 to 2½	2
Males	3 to 3½	2
Active Males	4	2
Nursing Females	5 - 6	2

Keep in mind that these guidelines work only for high-quality dog foods that contain the right amount of proteins, fats, carbs, and all other essential nutrients. Most cheaper foods contain fewer calories and fillers that don't have any real nutritional value, so you will have to feed more.

Knowing the amount of food your golden retriever needs can be a tricky task, so whenever in doubt, talk with your vet. They will be able to tell you exactly how much food your goldie should eat based on their individual dietary needs.

AT A GLANCE:

OUR TOP FOOD FOR ADULT GOLDEN RETRIEVERS:

• Royal Canin Golden Retriever Loaf In Sauce Canned Dog Food – OUR CHOICE

Recommended use for Royal Canin Golden Retriever Loaf In Sauce: Mix it with dry food. If you are transitioning from a different diet it is recommended to introduce it gradually to your pet's diet: start with mixing 25% of the new diet on the first day, and increase the amount within a 7 day period. This will allows your pet's digestive system to adapt to the new diet smoothly.

Royal Canin Golden Retriever feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount Of Wet Food (Cans per day)	Mixed Feeding (Cups Per Day)
44	3¾	3⅝
49	4	3⅞
53	4¼	4¼
57	4½	4⅝
62	4¾	5
66	5	5⅜
71	5¼	5⅝
75	5½	6

• Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers Grain-Free Gut Health Recipe Dog Food Topper – BEST GRAIN-FREE

Notes:

• The Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Grain Free Dog food contains 291 kcal/cup. Adjust the calorie level accordingly to avoid overfeeding your golden retriever.
• The product is not intented for permanent consumption only as a supplemental feeding in your pet's diet.

Instinct Freeze Dried Raw Boost Mixers feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount of Food (cups per day)	Calories Per Day
Up to 20	¼	60
21-40	½	119
41-60	¾	179
Over 60	¾+	179+

• Three Dog Bakery Lick'n Crunch Sandwich Cookies Golden And Natural Peanut Butter Flavor – BEST NATURAL SNACK

Note:

TheseLick'n Crunch Sandwich Cookies are only to be given as a snack or a reward.  They are not formulated to be used as a complete and balanced meal for your golden retriever. But just as a precaution, check the calorie count on the package and feed your dog accordingly.
It contains 44 kcal / piece.

• Dr. Gary's Best Breed Holistic Field Dry – BEST DRY FOOD

If you're changing your golden retriever's diet to Dr. Gary's best Breed Dry food, start with 25% of the new diet, and 75 % of the old, the next three days 50 – 50% and the next four days use 75% of the new food, and add 25% of the old. If you don't have enough from the old food, try to strech the transition as gradually as you can.

Dr. Gary's Best Breed feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount of Food (cups per day)
Up to 10	¼ - ¾
11- 23	¾ - 1¼
24-36	1¼ - 1¾
37-49	1¾ - 2¼
50-62	2¼ - 3
63-75	3 - 3½
76-89	3½ - 4
90+	4 + ½

Golden Retriever Feeding Guide For Seniors

As your goldie gets older, they will become less active and will need fewer calories to stay at their ideal weight. Your pooch will be considered a senior at eight years old, so make sure to tweak their diet around this age.

How Much To Feed A Golden Retriever Senior

The American Kennel Club classifies golden retrievers as a medium-sized breed. Therefore, you can go ahead and try this feeding schedule recommended by vets for seniors that weigh between 51 and 75 pounds.

		Number of meals Per Day (Divide the cups per day by the number of feedings per day)

An older golden retriever will need around 900 calories per day served in two equally spaced meals. However, if your senior dog needs to lose some weight, you will have to put them on a diet and lower their calorie intake.

You should talk with your vet and see if there is a need to transition your pooch to senior dog food at this point. Food for older dogs has a small number of calories and is supplemented with glucosamine and vitamins that are beneficial for older dogs. However, many seniors continue to eat regular food without any side effects, but you should check just in case you need to change their diet.

AT A GLANCE:

OUR RECOMMENDATION: BEST DOG FOODS FOR SENIOR GOLDEN RETRIEVERS:

• Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Deboned Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food – BEST WELLNESS DRY FOOD FOR SENIORS

Containts antioxidants, probiotics and taurine to promote whole body health. Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and hip health. Wellness CORE Grain – Free Senior Dry Food has 359 kcal / cup. If you're transitioning from a different diet combine the new food with the old from 90% old to 10% new – each day increase the amount by 10% (80 – 20%, 70 – 30% etc.)

Wellness CORE feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount Of Food (cups per day)
6 - 20	½ - 1⅜
20 - 35	1⅜ - 2⅛
35 - 50	2⅛  – 2⅞
50 - 65	2⅞ - 3½
65 - 80	3½ - 4
80 - 95	4 - 4⅔
95 - 115	4⅔ - 5⅜

• ORIJEN Senior Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – BEST GRAIN – FREE FOR SENIORS

The product is formulated to support lean muscle mass and weight maintanance. Contains 417 kcal / cup

ORIJEN Senior feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount of Food (cups per day)	For Overweight Seniors (cups per day)
5 - 15	⅔ - ¾	⅓ - ⅔
15 - 25	¾ - 1⅛	⅔ - 1
25 - 40	1⅛ - 1⅔	1 - 1⅓
40 - 60	1⅔ - 2⅛	1⅓ - 1⅞
60 - 80	2⅛ - 2⅔	1⅞ - 2⅓
80 - 100	2⅔ - 3⅛	2⅓ - 2¾
Over 100	3⅛  + ½  for each additional 20lb	2 3/4 + 1/3 for each additional 20lb

• VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food – BEST PREMIUM DRY FOOD

The product, Victor Purpose Senior Healthy Weight Dry Food is recommended for less active dogs, who need to reduce weight. It contains L – carnitine to help convert fat to energy, and made with gluten – free grains. One cup contains 360 kcal. If you're transitioning your dog from a different diet I recommend the following structure:

• Day 1 – 3: 75% old diet, 25% Victor Healthy Weight Dry Food
• Day 4 – 6: 50 – 50%
• Day 7 – 9: 25% old diet, 75% Victor
• From Day 10: 100% Victor

VICTOR Purpose Senior Healthy Weight feeding chart

Weight (lbs)	Amount of Food (cups per day)	For Overweight Seniors (cups per day)
10	¾	⅔
15	1⅛	1
20	1½	1⅓
30	2¼	1¾
40	2¾	2¼
60	3¾	3
80	4⅔	3⅝
100	6¼	4½

FAQs Section

How much should a golden retriever eat daily?

On average, an adult golden will eat between 2 and 3 ½ cups of food per day. However, the exact amount of food varies from one dog to the next and depends on age, activity level, weight, health problems, and quality of food.

Furthermore, neutered golden Retrievers need fewer calories compared to their unaltered counterparts, and nursing females will have to eat more to maintain their weight and produce milk for the puppies.

How much Should a golden retriever puppy eat?

A golden retriever puppy will have to be fed three meals a day until they're six months old, at which time you can feed it twice a day.

Meal size can vary from one puppy to the next, but the average three-month-old golden puppy will eat two cups of dry dog food a day. At this time, you should divide the food into three meals and serve it in the morning, noon, and evening.

Knowing how many times to feed a puppy is actually the first thing one should learn before they become a pet owner. It's the most important stage of a dog's life. So take your time to learn and master it well.

How much should a 6-month-old golden retriever eat?

Meal size will vary for each golden retriever pup, but on average, a six-month-old puppy will eat three cups of food a day. Male goldens usually need more calories and can eat up to four cups per day. Once a puppy is six months old, you should start feeding two meals a day – one in the morning and one in the evening.

Conclusion

Golden retrievers are large, active dogs that can pack on the pounds easily if not fed properly. However, every dog is an individual and knowing the amount of food your golden needs every day is tricky to predict. It is best that you consider your dog's age, weight, and activity level, and use a senior, adult, and puppy feeding schedule for reference. To sum things up:

• Two-month-old puppies need 1 ½ cups of food per day
• A seven-month-old Goldie needs 3 to 4 cups per day
• Active adult golden retrievers need from 1,300 to 1,700 calories per day
• Senior goldens need around 900 calories per day

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines and that you should consult your vet regarding your dog's individual nutritional needs.

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Source: https://www.totallygoldens.com/golden-retriever-feeding-chart/

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