Golden Retriever Feeding Chart (By Age & Weight) — 2026 Guide

2026-02-01 · GoldenRetriever.hair

By GoldenRetriever.hair

Quick Answer: How Much Should I Feed My Golden Retriever?

Most adult Golden Retrievers (55–75 lbs) need 2–3 cups of high-quality kibble per day, split into two meals. Puppies need more frequent, smaller meals with amounts that increase as they grow. Seniors often need slightly less and benefit from lower-calorie formulas. Always start with the bag’s feeding guide and adjust based on your dog’s body condition, activity level, and metabolism.

Golden Retriever Feeding Chart by Age

Puppy Feeding (8 Weeks – 18 Months)

Golden puppies grow rapidly but must not gain weight too quickly. Large breed puppy formulas with controlled calcium and phosphorus help support healthy bone development.

Age	Weight Range	Cups per Day	Meals
8–12 weeks	10–20 lbs	1–2 cups	3–4
3–4 months	20–35 lbs	2–2.5 cups	3
4–6 months	35–50 lbs	2.5–3 cups	2–3
6–12 months	50–65 lbs	3–3.5 cups	2
12–18 months	60–70 lbs	2.5–3.5 cups	2

Use a large breed puppy formula. See our best dog food guide for recommended brands.

Adult Feeding (18 Months – 7 Years)

Adult Goldens thrive on consistent portions. Adjust up or down based on body condition.

Weight	Low Activity	Moderate Activity	High Activity
55 lbs	2–2.25 cups	2.25–2.5 cups	2.5–3 cups
65 lbs	2.25–2.5 cups	2.5–2.75 cups	2.75–3.25 cups
75 lbs	2.5–2.75 cups	2.75–3 cups	3–3.5 cups
85 lbs	2.75–3 cups	3–3.25 cups	3.25–3.75 cups

Senior Feeding (7+ Years)

Older Goldens often need fewer calories but higher-quality protein. Many benefit from senior formulas with joint support.

Weight	Typical Daily Amount
55–65 lbs	2–2.5 cups
65–75 lbs	2.25–2.75 cups
75–85 lbs	2.5–3 cups

Feeding by Weight: Detailed Chart

Underweight Golden Retrievers

If ribs are easily visible, increase portions by 10–15% and feed three meals if needed. Choose calorie-dense, high-quality food. Consult your vet to rule out medical causes.

Ideal Weight Golden Retrievers

You should feel ribs with light pressure; a slight waist is visible from above. Maintain current portions and monitor monthly.

Overweight Golden Retrievers

If ribs are hard to feel and there’s no visible waist, reduce portions by 10–15% and avoid table scraps. Increase exercise gradually. See our nutrition guide for weight-management formulas.

Factors That Affect How Much to Feed

Activity Level

🐾Couch potato: Lower end of the range
🐾Moderate (daily walks, some play): Middle of the range
🐾Active (agility, running, frequent play): Upper end of the range

Food Type

🐾Kibble: Follow the chart; cup measurements assume standard kibble density
🐾Fresh/raw: Work with your vet; amounts differ significantly
🐾Mixed feeding: Account for all sources to avoid overfeeding

Metabolism & Individual Variation

Some Goldens maintain weight on less food; others need more. Use the chart as a starting point and adjust based on body condition.

How to Use This Feeding Chart

🐾Identify your Golden’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior).
🐾Weigh your dog — use a scale at the vet or at home.
🐾Choose the row that matches weight and activity.
🐾Split the total into two meals (or three for puppies).
🐾Monitor body condition — adjust portions every 2–4 weeks as needed.

Common Feeding Mistakes

🐾Free feeding — Leads to overeating in most Goldens.
🐾Ignoring treats — Treats count; reduce meals if you give many.
🐾Switching foods too often — Can cause digestive upset.
🐾Following the bag blindly — Bag guidelines are averages; your dog may need more or less.
🐾Not measuring — Use a standard measuring cup for consistency.

Recommended Products

For food and feeding tools, see our products page and best dog food for Golden Retrievers guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times a day should I feed my Golden Retriever?

Most adult Goldens do best with two meals per day — morning and evening. Puppies under 6 months typically need three to four meals. Seniors can stay on two meals unless your vet recommends otherwise.

How do I know if I'm overfeeding my Golden Retriever?

You're likely overfeeding if you can't easily feel the ribs, there's no visible waist when viewed from above, or your dog is gaining weight. Reduce portions by 10–15% and reassess in 2–4 weeks.

Should I feed my Golden Retriever puppy large breed formula?

Yes. Large breed puppy formulas have controlled calcium and phosphorus levels to support steady, healthy growth and reduce the risk of developmental orthopedic issues. Avoid high-calorie "performance" or "all life stages" formulas for puppies.

Can I give my Golden Retriever human food?

Small amounts of safe human foods (plain cooked chicken, carrots, pumpkin) can be fine as occasional treats, but they should not replace balanced dog food. Avoid grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, and xylitol. When in doubt, skip it.

How much should a 6-month-old Golden Retriever eat?

A 6-month-old Golden (typically 45–55 lbs) usually needs about 2.5–3.5 cups of large breed puppy food per day, split into two or three meals. Adjust based on body condition and the specific food's calorie density.