My 11 month golden retriever bitch is on Pedigree Chum puppy food still. Having read all the advice on changing large dogs diets at this age or even before to adult I think it is time to change. What would you advise for goldens and how much do you feed a day for an adult, about 16 ozs is that about OK? Once a day or split into two?l

It's very difficult to answer this one Guest, so much goes into it but, on the basis of fools rush in, I'll try!

At 11 months old I would change to an adult food. Do it by degrees. Get some of the adult food which you want to go over to before you are out of the puppy food. Start by mixing a little adult to the puppy to arrive at the same total amount and feed that. Over a week or so, gradually increase the adult and reduce the puppy until by the time you are out of puppy food you are using adult only. Doing it like that there is no sudden change to upset your puppy's tummy.

How much? That’s the difficult bit! It depends on your dogs metabolism and exercise levels. I have Labradors and find that some need considerably less food than others for the same exercise levels. Then again, during the shooting season when they are out in the field working, they need rather more than when the season finishes. I go by feel, I adjust the feed so the ribs are well covered but that I can still feel them with light pressure. If I can’t feel the ribs I cut down but if they start to feel hard then I increase. It's a little difficult to describe but not to put into practise when you get used to it.

How often? I always feed twice a day. I prefer that to one big feed which loads up the stomach. Bloat (Gastric torsion) should not be a problem with either Labs or Goldens but I still see no reason to take a chance.

Hope this helps you.

Regards, John