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FREEZE-DRIED RAW FEEDING GUIDE

How to feed a Curly-Coated Retriever

The Curly-Coated Retriever is a tall, athletic water dog bred for long days afield — a working build that needs real fuel, not filler, to hold lean muscle and steady stamina.

Here is exactly how to feed a Curly on freeze-dried raw: by weight and life stage, with the nutrition that protects their joints, eyes, and that one-of-a-kind curly coat.

  • Adult weight60–95 lb
  • SizeLarge
  • EnergyHigh
  • Lifespan8–12 years
  • CoatSingle, tight water-resistant curls — low shedding
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A healthy Curly-Coated Retriever
iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

What a Curly-Coated Retriever's body needs

Every Curly-Coated Retriever trait comes back to one thing: how you feed them. Here's what matters most.

  • Working, athletic retriever build

    Needs: High-quality animal protein

    83% meat, organs and bone fuels lean muscle and the all-day endurance this sporting breed was built for — without carb fillers that spike and crash.

  • Hip dysplasia risk

    Needs: Joint support + lean weight

    Real meat, organ and ground bone supply natural glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3s calm joint inflammation, and a lean frame takes load off the hips.

  • Tight, water-resistant curly coat

    Needs: Omega-3 fatty acids

    Whole-food animal and fish fats feed the skin barrier from the inside, keeping those crisp curls resilient and the skin beneath calm.

  • Eye conditions (cataracts, distichiasis)

    Needs: Whole-food antioxidants

    Minimally processed raw retains natural vitamin A, E and antioxidants that support healthy eyes, rather than nutrients degraded by high heat.

  • Big, deep-chested frame

    Needs: Measured, calm mealtimes

    Weighed portions split across two unhurried meals suit a large, deep-chested dog far better than one rushed bowl.

How much to feed a Curly-Coated Retriever

Quick answer: a healthy adult Curly-Coated Retriever (60–95 lb) needs about 9.0–14.3 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split across two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry — so it's much less by volume than kibble. Feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.

Ideal adult weightFreeze-dried per dayPer meal (×2)
60 lb 9.0 oz 4.5 oz
69 lb 10.4 oz 5.2 oz
78 lb typical Curly-Coated Retriever 11.7 oz 5.9 oz
87 lb 13.1 oz 6.5 oz
95 lb 14.3 oz 7.1 oz

Starting points for a moderately active adult (~0.15 oz of freeze-dried per lb of ideal weight). Active dogs need a little more, couch companions a little less — always adjust to body condition, not the bag.

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What to feed a Curly-Coated Retriever

For a Curly-Coated Retriever we recommend complete freeze-dried raw as the daily base — real meat, organs and ground bone with no heat-processed filler — or as a topper while you transition.

Lean single proteins like Chicken or Wild-Caught Cod suit everyday feeding and sensitive dogs, while richer Beef helps fuel hard-working or underweight Curlies. Just add water and serve.

Recipes for Curly-Coated Retrievers

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Daily support for Curly-Coated Retrievers

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Treats Curly-Coated Retrievers love

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Feeding a Curly-Coated Retriever by life stage

  • Puppy: As a large breed, Curly puppies should grow slowly to protect developing hips and elbows. Feed roughly 5–8% of current body weight across 3–4 meals and avoid overfeeding — fast growth raises joint-dysplasia risk.
  • Adult: Feed to a lean, visible waist, split across two meals. Use the chart below as a starting point and adjust up on heavy-activity days, down on rest days.
  • Senior: Activity tapers but appetite often holds. Trim portions, keep protein high to preserve lean muscle, and lean into joint- and eye-supporting nutrition.

Common Curly-Coated Retriever concerns — and the diet connection

  • Hip dysplasiaLargely genetic, but keeping a Curly lean plus joint nutrients (glucosamine from bone and cartilage, omega-3) supports day-to-day comfort and eases load on the joints.
  • Eye conditions (cataracts, distichiasis)Whole-food, minimally processed raw retains natural antioxidants and vitamins A and E that support overall eye health rather than degrading them with heat.
  • Curly coat & skin healthA whole-food, omega-rich diet feeds the skin barrier from within, helping keep the breed's signature curls resilient and the skin beneath calm and well-conditioned.
  • Energy & lean muscleA working retriever runs on clean animal protein and fat for sustained stamina and muscle maintenance — not on carbohydrate fillers.

Diet supports health but doesn't replace veterinary care — ask your vet about any specific condition.

Feeding a Curly-Coated Retriever: what to know

The Curly is a big, active dog that carries its weight well — so feed to body condition, not to the bowl size. You should feel the ribs easily and see a clear waist from above.

Because this is a working breed, energy needs swing with the season: feed more in heavy-activity months and trim back when a Curly is resting, re-checking portions every few weeks.

Curly-Coated Retriever feeding questions

How much should I feed my Curly-Coated Retriever?
A healthy adult Curly (60–95 lb) needs roughly 9–14 oz of freeze-dried raw per day, split between two meals. Freeze-dried is calorie-dense and measured dry, so it is far less by volume than kibble — feed to a lean waistline and adjust every few weeks.
What is the best food for an active Curly-Coated Retriever?
A complete freeze-dried raw diet of clean animal protein keeps a working retriever fueled with lean muscle and steady stamina. Rotate a lean protein like Chicken or Cod for everyday feeding and a richer Beef on heavy-activity days.
How do I switch my Curly to raw?
Transition over 7–10 days, mixing a little more Land Animal into the old food each day. Curlies are typically hearty eaters — it is rich, so start at the lower end of the range and watch the waistline.
Does a Curly-Coated Retriever need joint support?
Most do, given the breed's hip-dysplasia risk and athletic life. Freeze-dried raw with real bone and organ provides natural glucosamine and omega-3, and keeping your Curly lean is the most effective joint protection there is.
How do I keep a Curly's coat healthy through diet?
The breed's tight, water-resistant curls thrive on omega-3 fatty acids from whole-food animal and fish fats. A minimally processed raw diet feeds the skin barrier from the inside, supporting resilient curls and calm skin.

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  • Vet-formulated
  • AAFCO complete & balanced
  • Pathogen-tested every batch

  • "Knowing exactly how much to feed took all the guesswork out. He's leaner, with more energy on our walks."

    — Jenna & Cooper

  • "My picky rescue finally runs to the bowl — and cleanup in the yard is a fraction of what it was."

    — Priya & Luna
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Portions are starting points for freeze-dried raw and AAFCO complete-and-balanced recipes. Always feed to your individual dog's body condition and ask your vet about specific health needs.