5 Essential Things You Need to Raise a Happy and Healthy Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers have quickly become one of the most beloved dog breeds globally. The breed has been around for about 150 years, fairly new compared to others. During that time, it has won the hearts of families with its obedient, outgoing, and caring nature. 

We all want a dog that loves to play and protects our home. Golden Retrievers do that and much more. The breed is known to be lovers at heart. They easily assimilate into the family and bond with all the members. As long as you raise them with love and care. 

Bringing a dog home for the first time is both exciting and nerve-racking. So, before you take that step, we have a puppy supply list for you. The list consists of five essential things you will need to raise a happy and healthy puppy. 

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Food

A dog is only as healthy as the food you give it. You will find many different brands in the market that make numerous claims. But, you can ignore most of it. However, you need to keep the following in mind when picking up dog food:

  1. Should have meat-based protein
  2. Includes probiotics, very important puppies
  3. Avoid food with BHT, BHA, any by-products, wheat, corn, or soy
  4. Meet the Association of American Feed Control (AAFO) requirements

There are plenty of options that fulfill the above requirements. So, it is a matter of taste and your dog’s preference after that. It’s easier with puppies though, since you can develop their taste for a specific brand or flavor. If you are adopting a dog, make sure you stick to the brand the previous owner or shelter used. 

Toys

Golden Retrievers are lively, outgoing, and LOVE to play. You will need to dedicate time every day to either take them out for a walk or to play.

For playtime, you will want a tennis ball, a chew toy, a frisbee, and stuffed toys. Dogs play with almost anything you give them, so you can never go wrong with any toy you buy for them. Make sure you take time out and play with them whenever you can. 

A dog bed

Like humans, dogs too need their own space to relax. Golden Retrievers are active throughout the day, so it’s only fair you get them a comfortable bed to sleep in. Getting all the great puppy supplies is important to the health and raising of your dog.

The two things you need to consider when buying a dog bed are the size and material. While you may have a Golden Retriever puppy at the moment, it can grow up to two feet tall. So, buy a bed accordingly. As far as material goes, look for something that is both comfortable and durable. Ideally, the covers should be made of natural materials and removable. So it is easy for you to wash. 

Leashes

You will likely need more than one leash for your dog. A lot of dog owners use a leash depending on the outing. A short leash with a slip lead is all you will need. However, if you plan on going for a walk and will be out for a while, a longer leash with a snap lead is more suitable. 

You can find leashes in all sizes and materials. Buy a few and see what works best for you. We are certain that you will put all the leashes you get into good use because Golden Retrievers love to go out. 

Grooming supplies

Dogs can get quite dirty. The last thing you want is for it to lose its beauty to dirt and grime. Ideally, you should look to bathe your dog once a month, more if it goes out a lot. For bathing you need the following dog grooming supplies to get started:

  • Shampoo, an all-natural option that is made specifically for dogs
  • Comb and brushes
  • Blow dryer

Your dog may not be a fan of bathing, but it is important in ensuring they remain clean and healthy. 

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Final thoughts

There are a lot of responsibilities that come with bringing a puppy home. They rely on you to raise and care for them. As the owner, you need to take measures to ensure you are prepared for the task. Our puppy supply list helps you do that as a responsible owner. So, you can give your Golden Retriever a loving home and a healthy lifestyle.