Retrievers are called not just one type of dog, but a whole group of six breeds. All of them are united by the fact that they belong to hunting dogs, whose duties include finding and bringing the killed game. But despite their "hunting" status, retrievers are currently very popular as pets. They are loved not only for their beautiful and noble appearance, but also for their friendly and flexible character. Therefore, very often retrievers appear even in families with small children. If you decide to get a retriever, you need to familiarize yourself with a lot of the nuances of its content. One of the important issues is the nutrition of the dog.
Instructions
Step 1
The first place to start is preparing the utensils for feeding your retriever. Experts recommend using metal bowls that are more durable than their plastic counterparts and are easier to clean. In addition, do not be stingy to buy a special stand for the bowl so that it does not stand on the floor, but is at the level of the upper part of the animal's paws. This way, you will maintain the correct posture for the dog.
Step 2
When shaping your retriever's diet, you can choose from three options.
Step 3
Traditional, when feeding is carried out only with natural products In this case, the dog's diet must necessarily contain meat, lean fish, vegetables, cereals, dairy products. When choosing meat for a retriever, give preference to tendons, kidneys, liver, heart. Never give tubular bones - they can damage the stomach or esophagus. From dairy products, give preference to cottage cheese, yogurt or kefir. Retrievers digest milk poorly. Bread should be given to retrievers in limited quantities, preferably black. The traditional way of feeding is optimal for the dog, but only if you have managed to find a balanced diet, which can be easily identified by the appearance of the retriever.
Step 4
Dry food The option of feeding your pet exclusively dry food removes the issue of careful selection of diet and the balance of essential minerals and nutrients. However, not everything is simple here either. Modern manufacturers offer such a huge selection of food that it is easy for a novice dog breeder to get confused. Try to buy dry food from a reputable manufacturer that is appropriate for your dog's weight and age. Try different food options to get started, find the best one that will not cause allergies and will please your dog.
Step 5
Mixed version, when the retriever is fed both dry and natural food. Recommendations for the selection of food remain the same as in the previous options, but do not forget that it is necessary to split the diet. Give your dog only dry food for one meal, and only natural food for the next.
Step 6
It is recommended to feed an adult retriever 2 times a day. Make sure that your pet is neither too thin nor overly plump, and then a healthy and balanced diet will be the key to a good mood and well-being of your dog.
