Dog Food - How The Experts Feed Their Dog The Right Way Part 3

Some dogs are allergic to certain grains and meats and this will directly affect what they can eat.

Such allergies are indicated by skin problems or an inability to properly digest the food. This can be confirmed by veterinary tests.

Lamb and rice based foods are considered to be the least allergenic and most easily digestible for dogs with allergies to other food sources. The amount of food an adult Golden should eat daily will vary according to the size of the dog, her activity level and how much time she spends outside.

Most Golden owners should consider placing their dog food on a food that is very low in fat and protein content by the age of 8 or 9, unless the dog is still very active. A dog that is inactive either by choice or the owner’s laziness has lower nutritional requirements.

Another thing to keep in mind is that as dogs’ age, their kidneys can be destroyed if kept on a food with high protein content. Foods formulated for older dogs are low in fat and protein content (as low as 8 percent and below 18 percent in protein).

Maintaining the proper weight and nutrition of an older Golden is probably more difficult than at any other stage of life. A certain amount of body fat is necessary to protect her in the event of illness.

Too much excess weight will make the dog even less active and more prone to physical problems. If a dog develops such problems as kidney failure, heart disease or an overly sensitive digestive tract, there are specially formulated foods commercially available.

The physical appearance a Golden presents is as much a result of genetics as it is the food she eats. The owner that feeds a high quality food and keeps her in optimum weight for her size will be awarded with a Golden whose health and fitness mirrors her diet.