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This is the most comprehensive guide to finding the best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (Chessies).
Selecting the right food for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a task that requires a deep understanding of this breed’s unique dietary needs. A mix of endurance, strength, and agility, Chessies require a balanced diet to keep them at their best. We’ve examined countless dog food brands to recommend the best ones for this breed. Let’s dive right in!
What Is The Best Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers?
Providing your Chesapeake Bay Retriever with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.
As a medium to large breed, Chesapeake Bay Retriever has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Chesapeake Bay Retriever should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:
Age
Activity level
Health
Weight (size)
Food & Chesapeake Bay Retriever Age
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance.
Chesapeake Bay Retrieverpuppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
Adult Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-26%, depending on the specific needs and dog activity level.
Senior Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Chesapeake Bay Retriever to senior food. Senior formulas concentrate on the unique needs of a dog’s aging body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system.
Food & Chesapeake Bay Retriever Activity Level
These spirited and tenacious dogs are well-renowned for their high-energy lifestyle, necessitating a diet that effectively fuels their activity levels.
Protein, the building block of muscles, is critical in their diet. It supports muscle development and repair, vital for these athletic dogs. Look for high-quality sources of protein. Fat, often misconstrued as detrimental, is a valuable component of your Chessie’s diet. It provides them with the concentrated energy required for their physical activities. Carbohydrates are the primary energy providers. Opt for dog foods containing complex carbohydrates like whole grains or sweet potatoes. They offer a steady energy release, preventing sudden energy spikes and crashes and ensuring your Chessie stays energetic throughout the day.
Active dogs like Chesapeake Bay Retrievers inevitably burn more calories. It’s vital to ensure their caloric intake matches their expenditure. However, it’s not just about quantity; these calories’ quality also matters. Empty calories can lead to obesity, even in active dogs.
Food & Chesapeake Bay Retriever Health
Generally, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.
Some of the most common health issues faced by Chesapeake Bay Retrievers include the following:
Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Food allergies in Chesapeake Bay Retrievers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Hip dysplasia. A condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is a hereditary condition that affects the retina and can lead to progressive vision loss and eventual blindness.
Ear infections. Regular ear cleanings and maintenance are necessary to prevent and manage this issue.
Degenerative myelopathy. This progressive disease affects the spinal cord and can lead to weakness and paralysis in the hind limbs.
Exercise-induced collapse. Is a condition where they experience weakness, collapse, or seizures after intense exercise or excitement.
Gastric torsion (bloat). A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself, requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Hypothyroidism. This is a hormonal disorder where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, hair loss, and skin issues.
Pattern baldness. You may notice that the fur on your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s neck or rear legs is starting to look sparse or patchy, with hairs that break off easily and don’t grow back readily.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For
To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when your veterinarian advises.
Here are the essential qualities to look for in dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, considering this Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s specific health and nutritional requirements.
Avoid common allergies. Because Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
Probiotics. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
Digestibility. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
Joint support. To help manage hip dysplasia, choose a dog food that includes glucosamine and chondroitin. These supplements can help support joint health and ease the symptoms of arthritis.
Eye support. For Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin A, and vitamin E can be beneficial. They help support eye health and slow the progression of retinal damage.
Thyroid support. For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with hypothyroidism, seek dog food formulated to support thyroid health. These formulations may include adequate levels of iodine, selenium, and L-carnitine, which can help regulate thyroid function.
Low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index can help manage weight, which is important for dogs prone to hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Maintaining an ideal weight can minimize pressure on the joints and spine.
Energy and recovery. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with exercise-induced collapse may benefit from dog food that provides sustained energy and aids in muscle recovery. Look for formulations with moderate levels of high-quality protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential amino acids.
Skin and coat health. Choose dog food that contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as these nutrients promote healthy skin and coat. This can benefit Chesapeake Bay Retrievers experiencing pattern baldness or other skin-related issues.
Fiber-rich. To prevent gastric torsion or bloat, look for fiber-rich foods to ensure regular digestion and bowel movements. Smaller, more frequent meals can also help to prevent bloat.
Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Other factors to consider when picking food for this Breed.
AAFCO approved
High-quality protein as the first ingredient
Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
Made in the USA
Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Your dog’s preferences
It’s important to note that each Chesapeake Bay Retriever has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s nutritional requirements.
Chapter 2: The Reviews
The best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers reviewed
Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.
Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Chesapeake Bay Retriever food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.
Flavors: Beef, turkey & chicken┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, turkey & chicken •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Fresh •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Open Farm fresh recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. This Brand stands out because they use fresh human-grade ingredients. Think of fresh recipes as balanced home-cooked meals formulated by veterinarian nutritionists. Feeding your dog Open Farm offers many research-backed health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Unlike traditional kibble, Open Farm’s fresh food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Chesapeake Bay Retriever receives the healthiest, most nutritious and most flavorful meal with every serving.
Key Features
Vet-designed. Recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
Excellent ingredient sourcing. Sourced ingredients from reputable suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Zero chemicals
Pre-portioned pouches for easy serving
Never uses feed-grade ingredients
Doesn’t process ingredients to be shelf-stable
Enhanced with proprietary nutrient blends
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
Our Video Review
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Sundays dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Sundays are minimally processed. Sundays’ recipes are [cooked /// air-dried] using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Sundays is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.
Key Features
100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
Digestive health. Contains naturally occurring pre- and probiotics to help to regulate the dog microbiome
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Exceeds industry standards
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Best Food For Chesapeake Bay Retriever Puppy — Open Farm
Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon •Life stage: Puppies •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Fresh •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula is designed specifically for Chesapeake Bay Retriever puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish ┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish •Life stage: Adult •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Chesapeake Bay Retriever pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.
Key Features
Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Cons
It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
Best Food For Senior Chesapeake Bay Retrievers — Orijen
Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Chesapeake Bay Retriever is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Chesapeake Bay Retriever healthy during his older years, Open Farm Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Chesapeake Bay Retriever to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Open Farm protein sources come from humanly sourced turkeys and chickens raised in a cage-free environment with gentle handling, space and a premium diet without antibiotics or growth hormones. In general, humanly-raised meats are thought to be nutritionally superior to caged and conventionally produced meats.
Key Features
Bones and joint support. It is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Transparent sourcing practices
Great feedback from senior dog parent
Cons
A bit expensive
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Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Raw •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Chesapeake Bay Retriever a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Never cooked
Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.
Best Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s
If you are looking for the best food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with sensitive stomachsHill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Chesapeake Bay Retriever.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers With Allergies — Royal Canin
Flavors: Natural ┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Natural •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Hypoallergenic •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Whether your Chesapeake Bay Retriever suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Chesapeake Bay Retriever. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with skin allergies
Best dog food for itchy skin Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Grain-Free Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers — Open Farm
•Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Premium •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Does your Chesapeake Bay Retriever dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Chesapeake Bay Retriever nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, turkey, beef, lamb & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Wet •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Are you looking for the best-wet food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers? JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite choice. JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Pantry Fresh uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserves the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health problems including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulates every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
What We Like Don’tLike
Pros
USDA certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
Offers health-specific options
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Best dehydrated dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
Best food topper for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diets food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Chesapeake Bay Retriever has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to lose weight.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Chesapeake Bay Retriever needs to lose weight.
Best dog food for Chesapeake Bay Retrievers to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Mastiff gain lean muscle mass.
Chesapeake Bay Retriever Food Calorie Requirements
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Chesapeake Bay Retriever usually weighs between 55 and 80 pounds, meaning most Chesapeake Bay Retrievers need between 1250 and 1656 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
How to Switch Chesapeake Bay Retriever Dog Food
If you decide to switch your Chesapeake Bay Retriever’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:
Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4: 100% new food
Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Chesapeake Bay Retriever seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.
Health Dietary Changes In Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
If your Chesapeake Bay Retriever is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.
Condition
Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes
Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs
Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis
Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and Scaling
Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and Crustiness
Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels
Best Dog Food For Chesapeake Bay Retrievers — Conclusion
In summary, providing your Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with the right food is critical to their overall well-being.
It’s important to remember to choose food rich in quality proteins, carbohydrates, and fats while considering specific dietary requirements depending on their age, health, and activity level. Adhering to feeding guidelines is also crucial for maintaining optimal health. The optimal dog food meets all these requirements while being enjoyable for your pet. By making this thoughtful choice, you’re contributing to a healthier, happier life for your Chessies.
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