At Summer’s Goldens, nutrition plays an essential role in our puppies’ growth, development, and overall well-being. After carefully researching many different brands and formulas, we chose Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Rice because it provides the balanced nutrition our Golden Retrievers need to thrive.
Over the years, we have experienced excellent results with Diamond Naturals. Made with pasture-raised lamb, probiotics, omega fatty acids, superfoods, fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants, it provides optimal nutritional support during early development. This food is tailored for large breeds to support healthy bones and joints and contains DHA from salmon oil, which supports the brain and vision.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Puppy
When you pick up your puppy, we’ll send you home with a care package that includes a one-pound bag of their current food. We encourage families to keep their puppy on the same food for at least a month to reduce stress during the transition to a new home. After the first month, you are welcome to change to a different brand if you prefer, but it’s important to look for food labeled specifically for puppies. This ensures that the food will contain the right balance of nutrients, fat, and protein to support your puppy’s growth and energy.
Also, take a look at the ingredients list. The first ingredient of a quality puppy food will be meat, not plants. Puppies digest meat-based foods more easily, and meat supports muscle development during this critical growth stage.
How to Transition Your Puppy to New Food
Once you have selected your preferred brand of puppy food, you can gradually transition to the new food over 7-10 days. Slow and steady is key and will help your puppy’s digestive system adjust more easily.
Here is a sample schedule:
| Days | Old Puppy Food | New Puppy Food |
|---|---|---|
| 1-3 | 75% | 25% |
| 4-6 | 50% | 50% |
| 7-9 | 25% | 75% |
| 10 | 0% | 100% |
Feeding your Golden Retriever puppy a balanced diet is one of the most important steps in setting them up for a healthy future. At Summer’s Goldens, we’ve seen firsthand the difference that high-quality nutrition makes in our puppies’ growth, energy, and development. Whether you choose to use Diamond Naturals or explore other options, the key is finding a formula that supports your puppy’s needs during this critical stage. With a thoughtful transition and the right ingredients, your new puppy will be ready for a happy, thriving life.
November 5, 2025