Golden Retrievers are beloved family pets known for their friendly nature, intelligence, and striking golden coats.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best dog food options for Golden Retrievers, taking into account their unique nutritional needs and common health concerns.
Before we dive into our top picks, it’s important to note that our team at Nomad Paws consulted with 7 professional canine nutritionists to gather expert opinions on the products and select the best dog food brands for Golden Retrievers.
This methodical approach ensures that our pet food recommendations are backed by professional expertise and tailored to the specific needs of this popular breed.
Understanding Golden Retriever Nutritional Needs
Golden Retrievers have specific dietary requirements that differ from other breeds.
As large, active dogs, they need a balanced diet that supports their energy levels, maintains their coat health, and promotes overall well-being.
Vet’s Tip: “Remember, adult Golden Retrievers generally need about 30 calories per pound of body weight daily. Monitor your dog’s weight and adjust their caloric intake accordingly to prevent obesity.”
Caloric Requirements
Golden Retrievers typically require between 1,300 to 1,700 calories per day, depending on their age, size, and activity level.
Adult Golden Retrievers generally need about 30 calories per pound of body weight daily. However, this can vary based on factors such as metabolism and exercise routine.
Monitor your Golden Retriever’s weight and adjust their caloric intake accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which is a common issue in this breed and can contribute to various health problems.
Protein and Fat Balance
A high-quality diet for Golden Retrievers should contain a balanced ratio of protein and fat. Protein should make up about 22-24% of their diet, while fat should account for 12-15%.
These macronutrients are essential for maintaining muscle mass, supporting skin and coat health, and providing energy.
Our Nutritionists Say: “When selecting dog food, look for options that list real meat as the first ingredient. This ensures that your Golden Retriever is getting high-quality protein sources that are easily digestible and beneficial for their overall health.”
To keep an healthy dog, look for options that list real meat as the first ingredient. This ensures that your dog is getting high-quality protein sources that are easily digestible and beneficial for their overall health.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
High-quality foods for Golden Retrievers include also other substances, since this breed require a range of vitamins and minerals to support their immune system, bone health, and cognitive function. Key nutrients to look for in their fresh or commercial dog food include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids for coat health and joint support
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Antioxidants like vitamins E and C for immune support
- Calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and teeth
Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: Our Picks
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what the best food for a Golden Retriever should havem let’s look at what our pool of nutritionists consider to be the best products and brands of food available on the market.
To helo you selecting a dog food that will give your dog everything thet need, we’ve curated a list of top-quality dog foods that cater to the specific needs of Golden Retrievers.
To compile this list ve’ve taken into account factors such as ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and overall value for money.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult is an excellent choice for Golden Retrievers. This grain-inclusive recipe features high-quality protein sources, primarily chicken and chicken meal, which support muscle maintenance and overall health.
The balanced fat-to-protein ratio helps maintain a healthy weight, crucial for large breeds like Golden Retrievers.
One of the standout features of this food is its commitment to natural ingredients. It contains no meat by-products or synthetic preservatives, making it a wholesome option for your furry friend.
The formula also includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which are beneficial for joint health – a common concern in Golden Retrievers and other breeds as they age.
Purina Pro Plan Joint Health Large Breed Dog Food
$71.98 in stock
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Adult Chicken & Rice is a well-regarded option among dog owners and veterinarians alike.
This high-quality, grain-inclusive formula is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of adult Golden Retrievers and other large breeds.
The food features real chicken as its primary ingredient, providing a rich source of protein for muscle maintenance. It also contains rice, which offers easily digestible carbohydrates for energy.
This dog food contains EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, and glucosamine, which support joint health and mobility – crucial for active Golden Retrievers.
What sets this adult food apart is its balanced nutrition profile, tailored to support the overall health of large breed dogs. It includes antioxidants to boost the immune system and natural prebiotic fiber to promote digestive health.
Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Breed Specific
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult is a breed-specific formula designed to cater to the unique needs of Golden Retrievers. This specialized approach makes it a popular choice among Golden Retriever owners and is often recommended by veterinarians.
The kibble is specifically shaped to encourage chewing and help reduce tartar buildup, addressing dental health – an important consideration for this breed.
The formula includes a precise balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain ideal body weight and muscle mass.
One of the key features of this food is its focus on skin and coat health. It contains specific nutrients like EPA, DHA, and biotin to nourish the Golden Retriever’s signature golden coat.
The formula includes also taurine and L-carnitine to support heart health, addressing a concern specific to this breed like dilated cardiomyopathy.
Spot & Tango UnKibble
Spot & Tango UnKibble offers a fresh take on dry dog food, using natural ingredients to create a nutritious meal for Golden Retrievers.
This food stands out for its focus on weight management and allergy reduction, two common concerns for Golden Retriever owners.
The UnKibble formula uses human-grade ingredients, slow-cooked to preserve nutrients. It’s available in several flavors, allowing you to find an option that suits your Golden Retriever’s palate.
The food is free from artificial preservatives and fillers, making it a good choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs who are more prone to develop food allergies.
What makes UnKibble unique is its customization options. Spot & Tango takes into account your dog’s age, weight, and activity level to recommend the right portion size, helping to maintain a healthy weight.
This personalized approach can be particularly beneficial for Golden Retrievers, who are prone to weight gain if overfed.
Open Farm Grass-Fed Beef Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Open Farm is a brand that has gained popularity among pet owners for its commitment to high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
Their grain-inclusive formulas are suitable for both puppies and adult Golden Retrievers, offering a balanced diet that supports overall health.
One of the standout features of Open Farm is its transparency about ingredient sourcing. They use humanely raised meats and wild-caught fish, appealing to pet owners who are conscious about the origin of their dog’s food.
The recipes also include a blend of fruits and vegetables, providing essential vitamins and minerals.
Open Farm’s foods are known for their palatability, which can be particularly beneficial for Golden Retrievers who may be picky eaters.
The brand offers a variety of protein sources, allowing you to rotate flavors to keep your dog interested in their meals while still maintaining a consistent nutritional profile.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a holistic approach to dog food that has gained popularity among Golden Retriever owners. The brand focuses on using high-quality, natural ingredients to create a balanced diet that supports overall health.
The formula includes deboned chicken as the first ingredient, providing a rich source of protein to maintain muscle mass. Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and barley are also included to support energy production and fiber intake.
One of the key features of Blue Buffalo is its LifeBits – small pieces of freeze-dried chicken liver that add flavor and nutrients to the kibble. This makes the food particularly palatable, which can be beneficial for Golden Retrievers who are picky eaters.
The formula also includes a blend of fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and apples, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Blue Buffalo avoids using fillers and artificial preservatives, making it a good choice for Golden Retrievers with sensitive stomachs.
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food
$58.99 in stock
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dry Dog Food is a popular choice that is supported by vets and nutritionists due to its natural, grain-free formula.
This product mirrors the diet of wild canines, focusing on real roasted meats to provide the essential proteins and fats for a healthy diet.
The blend of vegetables and fruits supports overall health and vitality.
The recipe includes a balanced mix of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, sourced from natural ingredients like salmon oil and egg, which promotes healthy skin and coat. This is particularly important for Golden Retrievers, who are known for their signature coat.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed
Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed is specifically crafted to support the unique needs of large breed dogs like Golden Retrievers.
his formula includes cage-free chicken protein, omega-3 fatty acids from salmon oil, and superfoods like chia seeds, quinoa, and blueberries. These ingredients work together to maintain strong bones, firm muscles, and a healthy immune system.
The guaranteed probiotics in Diamond Naturals enhance digestive health, which is essential for Golden Retrievers that can be prone to digestive issues.
This recommended dog food formula includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, a critical factor for large breed dogs that are more likely to develop joint problems.
Iams Proactive Health Large Breed
The last recommendation in our list is the Iams Proactive Health Large Bree, a well-rounded, complete food designed for large breed Golden Retrievers.
It is formulated with real chicken and egg proteins, along with essential minerals to build strong bones and support healthy joints. The inclusion of L-carnitine helps maintain a healthy metabolism.
The balanced nutrient profile of Iams Proactive Health ensures ideal body weight and muscle mass. The formula also includes antioxidants from fruits and vegetables and omega fatty acids from various sources to support a healthy coat and skin.
Dry, Wet, or Combination: Choosing the Best Format
Finding what’s the best dog food for your four-legged friend isn’t the only choice you need to make. You also have to decide whether you want to build the diet around dry food (kibble), wet food, or a combination of both.
Each format has its advantages, and – as usual – the best choice often depends on your dog’s individual needs and preferences.
Dry dog food, or kibble, is the most popular choice for nearly every dog. It offers several benefits:
- Convenience: Dry food is easy to store, measure, and serve.
- Dental health: The crunchy texture can help reduce tartar buildup on teeth.
- Cost-effective: Generally, dry food is cheaper than wet food.
- Nutrient density: Kibble tends to be more calorie-dense, making it easier to meet your Golden Retriever’s nutritional needs.
However, some dogs may find dry food less palatable, and even the best dry dog food contains less moisture than wet food.
Wet dog food, while less common, can be an excellent choice to feed your Golden Retriever:
- Hydration: The high moisture content can help keep your dog hydrated, especially if they don’t drink enough water.
- Palatability: Many dogs find wet food more appealing, which can be helpful for picky eaters.
- Easier to eat: For older dogs or those with dental issues, wet food can be easier to chew and swallow.
The downside is that wet food is generally more expensive and less convenient to store and serve.
Many Golden Retriever owners opt for a combination of dry and wet food, which can offer the best of both worlds:
- Heaven for your pup’s taste buds: Adding wet food to kibble can make meals more enticing.
- Balanced nutrition: You can ensure your dog gets a variety of nutrients from different sources.
- Flexibility: You can adjust the ratio of wet to dry food based on your dog’s needs and preferences.
If you decide to combine dry and canned food, be sure to adjust portions to avoid overfeeding.
How Much Should a Golden Retriever Eat?
Like every other dog breed, Golden Retrievers have different nutritional requirements at various stages of their lives. Understanding these age-specific needs can help you choose the right food.
Puppy Nutrition
Golden Retriever puppies grow rapidly and require a diet rich in protein and calories to support their development.
Vet’s Tip: “Puppies need about 22-24% protein and 8-12% fat in their diet. Look for puppy-specific formulas that are designed for large breeds, as these will have the right balance of nutrients to support healthy growth.”
Puppies need about 22-24% protein and 8-12% fat in their diet. Look for puppy-specific formulas that are designed for large breeds, as these will have the right balance of nutrients to support healthy growth without promoting too-rapid weight gain, which can stress developing joints.
Key considerations for large breed puppies:
- Higher calorie content to support growth and energy needs
- Balanced calcium and phosphorus for proper bone development
- DHA for cognitive development and eye health
- Easily digestible ingredients to support developing digestive systems
Puppies should be fed three to four times a day until about six months of age, then transition to two meals a day.
Adult Diet Requirements
As Golden Retrievers reach adulthood (usually around 12-18 months), their nutritional needs change.
Adult dogs require fewer calories per pound of body weight compared to puppies, and their protein needs slightly decrease.
For adult Golden Retrievers, look for foods that offer:
- Balanced protein and fat content (around 18-22% protein and 10-12% fat)
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
- Omega-3 fatty acids for coat health and anti-inflammatory benefits
- Antioxidants to support immune function
Adult Golden Retrievers typically do well on two meals a day. It’s important to monitor their weight and adjust portion sizes as needed to prevent obesity.
Senior Golden Retriever Nutrition
As Golden Retrievers enter their senior years (usually around 7-8 years old), their metabolism slows down and they may become less active.
Their diet should be adjusted to prevent weight gain while still providing adequate nutrition.
Senior Golden Retrievers benefit from:
- Lower calorie content to prevent weight gain
- Higher fiber content for digestive health
- Increased antioxidants to support cognitive function and overall health
- Glucosamine and chondroitin in higher amounts for joint support
- Easily digestible proteins to support aging organs
Some senior dogs may benefit from smaller, more frequent meals if they have trouble eating larger portions.
Addressing Common Health Issues Through Diet
Golden Retrievers are prone to certain health issues that can be managed or potentially prevented through proper nutrition.
Joint Health and Mobility
Golden Retrievers are susceptible to joint problems like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as arthritis as they age. A diet that supports joint health can help manage these conditions:
- Look for foods with glucosamine and chondroitin, which support cartilage health.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with joint pain.
- Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for reducing stress on joints, so choose a food that helps with weight management.
Foods like the top dog food for Great Dane puppies often contain these joint-supporting ingredients and can be beneficial for Golden Retrievers as well.
Weight Management
Obesity is a common and serious issue in Golden Retrievers and can exacerbate other health problems. A proper diet can help maintain a healthy weight:
- Choose foods with balanced protein and fat content to support lean muscle mass.
- Look for foods with high-quality fiber sources to help your dog feel full without excess calories.
- Consider portion-controlled or weight management formulas if your Golden Retriever is prone to weight gain.
Skin and Coat Health
Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but they can be prone to skin issues and allergies. The right diet can help maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat:
- Foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids support skin health and coat shine.
- Look for ingredients like fish oil, flaxseed, or chicken fat as sources of these beneficial fatty acids.
- If your Golden Retriever has food sensitivities, consider limited ingredient diets or novel protein sources to reduce allergic reactions.
Ingredients to Avoid in Golden Retriever Food
Common allergens such as grains, including wheat, corn, and soy, are often used as fillers but can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.
Dairy products, while tolerated by some dogs, can cause digestive upset in others. At the same time, proteins like beef and chicken, though commonly used, are frequent allergens.
Vet’s Tip: “While grain-free diets have gained popularity, they aren’t necessary for all dogs. In fact, recent studies have suggested a potential link between grain-free diets and heart problems in some dogs, including Golden Retrievers.
Always consult with your veterinarian before making significant changes to your dog’s diet.”
If your dog shows signs of allergies, switching to novel proteins like lamb, venison, or fish may be the most effective solution to the problem.
As we said earlier, low-quality fillers in dog food are another concern. Ingredients like corn gluten meal, wheat middlings, and cellulose offer little to no nutritional value.
These fillers are often used to bulk up the product cheaply and can contribute to obesity and other health issues.
If you can, buy foods that prioritize whole, easily digestible ingredients rather than fillers.
Artificial additives and preservatives can also have long-term health implications for your Golden Retriever. Chemical preservatives such as BHA and BHT, though extending shelf life, have been linked to cancer in some studies.
Artificial colors and flavors, often used to make food look or taste more appealing, provide no nutritional value and can contribute to allergic reactions or gastrointestinal distress.
Natural preservatives like vitamin E and vitamin C are safer alternatives for your dog’s health.
Managing Allergies and Sensitivities in Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are susceptible to food allergies and sensitivities, which can cause significant discomfort. Managing these conditions requires careful attention to diet and symptoms.
Identifying food allergies in Golden Retrievers can be challenging since symptoms often mimic other conditions.
Signs of food allergies may include itchy skin, particularly around the ears, paws, and belly, chronic ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, and flatulence.
If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, consulting your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment is essential.
For dogs with food allergies, hypoallergenic diets can minimize the risk of triggering allergies. These diets often use novel proteins like venison, duck, or fish, which your dog may not have been exposed to before.
Limited ingredient diets can also help, as fewer ingredients reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions.
Hydrolyzed proteins, which are broken down into smaller components, are less likely to cause an allergic response, making them another good option.
An elimination diet is a diagnostic tool used to identify food allergies. This process involves feeding a novel or hydrolyzed protein diet exclusively for 8-12 weeks, avoiding all other foods and treats.
Monitoring symptoms during this period is crucial; any improvement suggests that food was the cause. Afterward, reintroducing old foods one at a time can help identify specific allergens.
Working with a veterinarian during an elimination diet ensures the process is conducted safely and effectively.
