The Golden Chow is a mixed breed between the Golden Retriever and the Chow Chow. These dogs are gentle giants that are also quite smart and alert. They form close bonds with the owners and can become very protective.
Golden Chows weigh between 50 and 75 pounds and are typically between 20 and 25 inches tall. In this article, we’ll talk about the diet of these dogs and what you should or should not feed them.
The Golden Chow Diet
A Golden Chow needs high-end quality food that is carefully prepared to include all the nutrients your dog needs. The food should be formulated for a medium-large dog with medium-to-high levels of energy. This will ensure that everything your dog needs to stay healthy will be provided.
It’s very important to ask your vet about what is OK for your dog and what isn’t. No matter if you’re feeding dry food, wet food, homemade food, etc. Even if you’re already highly experienced and you can easily prepare a raw diet for your dog, it’s still important to talk it through with the vet. If you’re not sure of the answers you’re getting, you can always consult another vet for confirmation as well.
You should set an exact time to feed your dog each day. Consistency is very important to them. For a dog as big as the Golden Chow, you should feed between 2-2/3 to 3-1/3 cups of dry food each day. But the exact amount depends on the food and what it contains. It also depends on the snacks your dog enjoys around the day.
Can Golden Chows eat chicken? Raw or Cooked?
Dogs, in general, absolutely love chicken and it’s often found in both wet and dry food. And typically, cooked chicken is often added to homemade dog food. It’s easy to make and your dog loves it. The only thing you should keep in mind is that cooked bones splinter and can seriously hurt an animal. So offering raw bones is better than the cooked ones. If you’re not OK with anything raw, you should avoid real bones.
On the other hand, raw diets are preferred by some dog owners as it ensures your dog gets exactly everything it needs. And since their digestive system hasn’t changed much since the time they were wild and undomesticated creatures, it makes sense. But it should only be done by experts. Otherwise, the risk of salmonella and bacterial infections is quite high with raw chicken.
How about Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is a very popular dog treat and it’s often used in training. Dogs love it and it can be quite affordable. Just make sure you’re not giving them in very big quantities as it can cause an upset stomach. But overall, peanut butter tends to be 100% safe for Golden Chows.
HOWEVER, you should be very careful about the peanut butter marketed towards diabetic people. This peanut butter contains an artificial sweetener called Xylitol and is very toxic for dogs. In fact, even small amounts can be fatal for them. Take your Golden Chow to the vet immediately if you noticed you gave it the wrong peanut butter.
Can Golden Chows eat eggs?
Eggs are an excellent treat for dogs. But some owners also mix it in their food. Eggs are pretty high in protein and are an excellent source of linoleic acid and vitamin A. There are few dogs that will refuse an egg as they typically prefer them over other traditional treats.
You can feed your Golden Chow boiled eggs, cooked eggs, raw eggs, etc. Just make sure they’re safe, not old, and not overfeed them. Too many eggs can naturally be a problem. An egg or two a week is more than welcomed.
Is Turkey Meat OK for Golden Chows?
Turkey meat by itself is 100% safe for any dog. It can be fed either raw or cooked plainly. The real problem is when we cook the turkey. We like to add a very wide range of seasoning, onions, garlic, etc. And all of these can be very toxic to a dog. This is why table scraps should never make it to the dog. It’s better to throw them away than to turn your dog into a dumpster and risk getting it sick.
When it comes to turkey bones, it’s the same story as with the chicken bones. Cooked bones splinter and can cause some serious intestinal problems, while raw bones are a lot more durable and ideal for dogs.
Can Golden Chows eat cheese?
Besides blue cheese, all plain cheeses are safe for dogs. They’re not toxic and dogs love them as treats. But since some cheeses are prepared with extra ingredients, such as garlic, onion, and various herbs, you should only give them cheese as a very occasional treat. Many of the added ingredients are very harmful to dogs.
Can Golden Chows Eat Apples?
Apples make great snacks as they’re healthy and quite delicious. But more than that, apples are great for dogs that hate teeth brushing and you need a way to make sure their teeth get cleaned. Apples help them keep their teeth clean and a fresh breath.
One thing you should be very careful about is removing all of the apple seeds. They contain small amounts of cyanide that will be released when the seeds are chewed.
How about Oranges?
Oranges are not toxic, which is why dogs can have the fleshy parts as a treat from time to time. But never give your dog an orange if it isn’t peeled. Avoid giving big quantities as well. Oranges are quite high in acids and they can cause an upset stomach if given in big quantities.
Are bananas OK for them?
Bananas are great for any dog as a treat. They’re very delicious and can even be used as motivational treats during training. But be careful of the amount you’re giving your Golden Chow as bananas are well-known to cause constipation.
Can Golden Chows eat grapes?
Grapes should never make it into a dog’s diet. Not even peeled or seedless. There isn’t much information available about the toxic substance, which is why the safest bet is to avoid grapes and raisins at all costs. All dogs react differently to grapes and while some might only get an upset stomach, others might need professional help as quickly as possible.
Can you give them blueberries?
One of the best fruits for dogs is blueberry. These fruits are low in calories but also contain antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins K and C. These nutrients help the immune system a lot. You can offer your Golden Chow blueberries during training as they’re a very motivational snack.