Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
As your dog matures, his body functions change. He might have decreased immune-system function, deterioration of skin and coat quality, and more frequent intestinal problems. So it makes sense that what a mature dog eats might also need to change.
Throughout a dog's life, a process called peroxidation occurs. This is a normal process the body uses to destroy cells that outlive their usefulness and to kill germs and parasites, but this process also can destroy or damage healthy cells. As a dog ages, the damage caused by peroxidation accumulates and, in turn, increases the risk of certain problems such as infections.
Antioxidants are naturally occurring components in the body (but also can be acquired through diet). They help maintain overall health by neutralizing the peroxidation process of cellular molecules.
Research sponsored by IAMS™ found that dogs fed a diet rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E had improved immune responses and vaccine recognition. This might be especially important for mature/senior dogs, because IAMS research has found that, as dogs age, immune responses can decrease.
Eating a complete and balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in vitamin-rich fish oils, also helps rejuvenate dry skin and develop a healthy, lustrous coat.
Aging dogs might have higher numbers of unfavorable bacteria and lower numbers of beneficial bacteria in their intestines, which can result in clinical signs of gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea). A diet with a moderately fermentable fiber source such as beet pulp can help maintain intestinal health. Beet pulp provides energy for the cells lining the intestine and promotes proper stool formation.
Different dogs show signs of aging at different times, and much of this variation is associated with size. Larger dogs generally appear mature/senior sooner than smaller dogs. The table below can show you when your dog should start a mature diet with a food such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Mature Adult.
Dog Weight and Transition to Mature/Senior Foods
| Weight Range | Age to Begin Transition |
|---|---|
| More than 90 lbs | 5 years |
| 51 to 90 lbs | 6 years |
| 21 to 50 lbs | 7 years |
| Up to 20 lbs | 7 years |
Golden Retrievers are energetic and full of stamina, so daily exercise is a must. Adult Goldens need at least an hour’s exercise every day. Like the pug, this breed is highly prone to obesity, so they will quickly put on weight without proper physical activity like running, swimming (they just love water), and playing fetch.
Caring for Golden Retrievers is a moderate issue. Golden Retrievers have two shedding seasons (spring, autumn) in a year where they shed pretty heavily. Otherwise shedding is not a major challenge. You need to brush your Golden 3-4 times per week and bathe them once a month.
Because they tend to gain weight quickly, we recommend that you monitor their caloric intake daily. This is why Goldens need complete and balanced meals that are tailor-made to meet their unique needs. We recommend giving them premium Golden Retriever food like IAMS™ Proactive Health™Adult Golden Retriever that contains L-Carnitine to support healthy weight management, Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joints, and Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. It is best to split their daily allowance into two meals.
Recommended Golden Retrievers food intake-
| SIZE OF GOLDEN RETRIEVER | RECOMMENDED DAILY FEEDING (G) |
|---|---|
| 20-30 kg | 255-345 |
| 30-40 kg | 345-430 |
| 40-50 kg | 430-505 |
| 50-60 kg | 505-580 |
Golden Retrievers are prone to moderate levels of health issues. Common ones include cancer and blood disorders, hip and elbow dysplasia, dislocated kneecaps, skin conditions, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and ear infections.
An ideal world for a Golden Retriever is to live in a home with a medium or large-sized yard. While they do well in apartments, they need a great deal of outdoor exercise to stay fit. So if you can manage that, Golden Retrievers can do well as indoor and outdoor pets.
So, is caring for a Golden Retriever the right choice for you? Goldens are high-energy pets and are one of the friendliest breeds out there. Their friendly nature and comfort around little kids make them an ideal choice for many first-time owners.
