Dog Feeding Guidelines

It helps to have some dog feeding guidelines when you have an enthusiastic eater like a Golden Retriever.

Food is a Golden's chief pleasure. They're rarely picky eaters and are usually happy to wolf down whatever you put in front of them.

Dog Feeding Schedule

First, you have free-choice feeding, or self-feeding.

That means leaving dry dog food out all the time in a dog food dispenser.

Your dog can eat as much as he wants, whenever he wants.

While this method works great with cats and some breeds of dogs, it generally isn't recommended for Golden Retrievers.

That's because their stomachs seem to be bottomless pits. Most of these big guys will keep eating as long as there's food available.

In fact, one of the best ways to spot health problems in Goldens is by monitoring their food intake. If your Golden refuses food for a whole day, he's probably sick.

The preferred method of feeding a Golden Retriever is by using a dog feeding schedule.

That means you'll know right away if your dog is losing his appetite, or is unusually hungry.

It also means his elimination schedule will be as regular as his feeding schedule.

That's especially helpful when you're housebreaking a dog.

One or Two Meals Per Day?

Other dog feeding guidelines involve the frequency of feeding.

Some owners feed once a day, mainly for convenience. Others prefer twice-a-day feeding to reduce the risk of dog bloat.

Whatever you decide, you need to stick to the routine.

If your Golden never knows when his next meal is coming, he'll be constantly under foot, begging every time food is produced.

OK, he might do that anyway, but not because he's actually hungry!

Personally, I prefer the twice-a-day schedule. I can't imagine having to go 24 hours without eating, so I can't bring myself to do that to my dogs, either.

They seem quite content with having their main meal in the morning and a lighter meal in the evening.

How Much To Feed Dogs

A high-energy Golden out on the hunting trails every day needs a higher-energy food, and more of it, than a couch potato (like my Peaches, pictured here).

Another factor to consider is how much time your Golden spends outside.

A dog kept in an outdoor run in cold weather, or one who plays outside a lot in the cold, needs at least 50% more calories than he would if kept inside a warm house.

You need to feed the amount for the ideal weight of your dog, not his current weight.

Sometimes arriving at the amount that's just right for your pup takes a bit of trial and error.

It also helps if you use an actual measuring cup (instead of one scoop from a coffee can or large Tupperware bowl).

Then keep track of the amount you feed each time, and adjust accordingly.

By the way, there's one item you should always provide in abundance--cool, fresh water. Keep a clean bowl filled at all times.

The Rare Picky Eater

Frankly, picky eaters are very rare among Golden Retrievers.

But if you happen to have one, your best bet is to simply wait until he's hungry.

He'll appreciate a meal more when his stomach is growling.

As long as your Golden is energetic, drinking normally, and has normal stools, the occasional skipped meal is usually nothing to worry about.

Check with your vet if your pup continues to refuse food.

If you're getting worried and want to entice your pooch to eat, you can add a bit of warm water to his bowl of dry food.

Even if it's not a brand that's supposed to make yummy gravy, just moistening most dry dog foods will make the food smell and taste better without adding extra calories.

Changing Dog Foods

But if you want to try a different kind of dog food, make the change carefully and slowly. Changing foods suddenly can upset your pooch's stomach and cause diarrhea.

The best way to make this gradual change is to mix one-fourth new food with three-fourths old food for two days, then half and half for the next two days, then three-fourths new and one-fourth old for two days. On the seventh day you're ready to feed him only the new food. You're all switched over now, and your Golden will be fine.

The Doggy Dining Den

An often-overlooked part of dog feeding guidelines is the doggy dining area.

Although Golden Retrievers are one of the most accommodating breeds, even a Golden should have a place of his own where he can eat his meals in peace. A dog's own personal crate can be an ideal place to enjoy a quiet meal.

If a household consists of more than one dog, it's a good idea to feed the dogs separately. More dog fights occur over food rights than any other issue.

I suppose it could even happen with easygoing Goldens, though we never had a problem with our Peaches and Ruby (shown here with my daughter Sarah).

Using a separate food bowl for each dog is also a good way to avoid accidentally spreading illness. Clean all food bowls daily to keep serious germs at bay.

What About Feeding Dogs Human Food?

What do dog feeding guidelines suggest about feeding dogs human food? Well, Goldens love to eat more than almost anything else, so they're natural beggars. But feeding your dog table scraps and bites of your own snacks really isn't a good idea. Here's why:

• It leads to weight gain if the amount of his regular food isn't reduced.

• You mess up the nutritional balance that's been carefully formulated in his dog food.

• You run the risk of giving your precious pup an upset tummy, diarrhea, or even a life-threatening case of pancreatitis.

What Not to Feed Dogs

Your Golden Retriever would happily become a bottomless garbage can if you let him. For his own safety, follow these wise dog feeding guidelines by making sure he doesn't get any of the following:

• Never give your dog chocolate. It contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs.

• Avoid feeding him grapes and raisins. He may not like them anyway, but their ingestion has recently been associated with kidney failure in dogs.

• Don't feed your dog bones, as they can splinter and cause a number of major problems.

• Raw or cooked onions can cause fever and even death. Leave onions off his menu.

• Don't feed your dog cow's milk. Some dogs react unfavorably to it and it may cause diarrhea.

I know it’s tough to resist those big, brown eyes. But tell him he can’t have that tasty tidbit, because you love him.

Then make sure he gets the nutrition he needs in that yummy top-quality dog food you’ve selected.

If you stick to these dog feeding guidelines and make sure he gets plenty of exercise, you'll be the happy recipient of his love and loyalty for many years.

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