This is our review of the best dog food for Golden Retrievers in 2022.
Mealtime can be an exciting time for dogs, but determining what to feed your puppy can be tricky. Dog foods come in so many distinct types and varieties, which makes choosing even more difficult. When there are so many options available, how can you narrow down the options?
The first step is knowing that your dog is raising nutrient demands. Golden Retrievers can be a very energetic strain, so they need a lot of energy throughout the day.
Knowing this you can be sure to select a food manufacturer that provides enough calories that are acceptable for the dog’s activity level!
Read on to find out exactly what exactly are the best dog foods for golden retrievers, plus crucial nutritional considerations and answers to regular dog meal questions!
10 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers Reviewed
All dog foods included on this list meet the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.
1. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy
Main features –
| Flavor | Vegetable |
| Top 5 ingredients | Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn, Wheat Gluten, Chicken Fat, Wheat, |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- This recipe is produced by canine nutritionists who have researched the Golden Retriever and created this growth formula tailored to his specific breed needs.
- Although it has the lowest protein content on this list, this formula will provide your golden puppy with plenty of energy and hands that are vibrant and soft.
- The fiber content is high, which is important for the Golden and its sensitive stomach. As a result, you will likely find that your dog’s stool is much firmer and healthier.
- The croquettes have a unique shape due to the straight muzzle and the scissor bite.
- This recipe is specially designed for the Golden Retriever puppy, so you can rest assured that your dog will get all the nutrients he needs with this kibble.
2. Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics
Main features –
| Flavor | Chicken & Rice |
| Top 5 ingredients | Chicken, Rice, Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal, Soybean |
| Item Form | Kibble, Crunchy, |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- This recipe is meant for dogs that don’t get a lot of fiber in their diet but still have a sensitive stomach, and many Goldens fall into this category.
- Beef tallow is also listed, which is a saturated fat that’s much more palatable than most other fats, which once again helps a healthy digestive system.
- Meals of chicken, fishmeal, and poultry by-products provide protein and high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for her larger bones and joints and for energy, and even dogs find the extra meaty shredded chunks tasty.
- Vitamin A, linoleic acid, and fish oils provide many nutrients for its beautiful coat.
- This recipe has the lowest fiber content for those who aren’t comfortable with a highly fibrous diet but focuses on gut health with added and guaranteed probiotics in every bite.
3. Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food
Main features –
| Flavor | Chicken, Whole Brown Rice & Oatmeal |
| Top 5 ingredients | Chicken, Brown Rice, Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- Made with real chicken and chicken meal, this recipe, with the second-highest protein content, is made with the large-sized senior in mind so you can be sure his bones and joints are in safe hands.
- The sweet potato and brown rice offer him healthy carbohydrates that will keep him sustained longer, while blueberries and carrots will keep his aging immune system strong.
- This has the lowest calorie count per cup, which is ideal for those inactive Goldens who prefer to pamper themselves rather than play.
4. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult
Main features –
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Top 5 ingredients | Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Pea Fiber, Corn Gluten Meal |
| Item Form | Pellet |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- Over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks on their own with this kibble, thanks to the lower calorie content of 316 per cup.
- This recipe is science-based and designed by canine vets and nutritionists, so you can rest assured that it will still provide him with optimal levels of protein and nutrients as he tackles his weight.
- Hill’s Science Diet for most breeds when it comes to weight loss. They have one of the more popular formulas than other brands, and this food is perfect for plump Golden Retrievers who carry a few extra pounds.
5. Wellness Core Large Breed Puppy
Main features –
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Top 5 ingredients | Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Lentils, Peas, Chicken Fat |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- Boneless chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are major sources of protein that provide his muscles with the ability to grow and repair as he ages and also provide him with much-needed glucosamine support for his rapidly growing bones. Salmon oil and ground flaxseed ensure that her coat also remains healthy and shiny.
- With a high fiber content and grain-free ingredients, you can rest assured this would benefit all those golden puppies with sensitive stomachs, and each kibble is also coated in probiotics.
- It also contains superfoods and antioxidants like banana and spinach to support her developing immune system.
- This recipe is high in DHA, which is great for puppies as it is found in their mother’s milk, and there is plenty of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids that will be great for her coat.
6. ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food
Main features –
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Top 5 ingredients | Chicken, Turkey, Flounder, Whole Mackerel, Chicken Liver, Turkey Giblets |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- The recipe is rich in protein sources, such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs, which not only maintain her muscle growth but are also high in glucosamine and DHA for her brain and eye development.
- It is also based on an entire prey diet, which means it is full of animal organs, bones, and cartilage, which is exactly how it would eat in nature.
- Being rich in fish protein, such as flounder, mackerel, and herring, as well as fish oils, it is also wonderful for its golden, shiny coat and skin.
- This kibble is highly rated online and also has the highest moisture content which means it’s a great option for those fussy golden puppies.
- This premium recipe has the highest protein content and the highest number of calories per cup, so this will provide your Golden with all the growing power it needs.
7. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Food
Main features –
| Flavor | Lamb |
| Top 5 ingredients | Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | Large Breeds |
Reasons to suggest–
- Diamond Naturals offers 9 different kibbles for adults, as well as an approved diet for all stages of life. Among these diets are a variety of flavors, breed size, athletic ability, weight management, and even a grain-free option.
- This is Diamond Naturals’ favorite recipe for keeping large and giant breed adult dogs. The first two ingredients are cage-free chicken and chicken meal.
- This, together with the egg product, contributes to a protein content of 23%. While this may seem pretty low compared to the other options, it does help large dog breeds stay lean and healthy. Plus, it still exceeds AAFCO guidelines.
- This recipe is full of superfoods to help your big dog stay fit. Listed are dried seaweed, rich in calcium and other minerals, ideal for your pup’s big bones.
- This option has a very high glucosamine content of 750 mg/kg thanks to the added supplement, which excels over many other higher-quality kibble. This means that your large dog’s joints are supported no matter how active or heavy he is.
8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Wet Dog Food
Main features –
| Flavor | Turkey & Chicken |
| Top 5 ingredients | Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken, Chicken Liver, Potatoes |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- This recipe is made with Turkey & Chicken ingredients which offer higher protein which is good for Golden’s health
- Once again, LifeSource Bits provide large breed adult dogs with the appropriate nutrients and antioxidants for the life stage such as cranberries and cranberries, as well as adding extra texture to each bite. Peas and sweet potatoes keep it fuller for longer, and it’s grain-free too.
- This recipe offers a high level of protein and omega fatty acids thanks to the salmon ingredients and also has the highest fiber content which is excellent for Golden’s sensitive stomach.
9. Merrick Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Main features –
| Flavor | Turkey & Chicken |
| Top 5 ingredients | Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, |
| Item Form | Dry |
| Breed Recommendation | All Breed Sizes |
Reasons to suggest–
- This grain-free recipe is made with low-glycemic carbohydrates, which is great for his digestive system and energizes him throughout the day.
- Boneless chicken and chicken meal are the first two ingredients in this recipe, so not only does it ensure that his muscles are getting all the protein they need, but his coat and skin are well cared for as well.
- Apples and blueberries provide your immune system with antioxidants and contain no annoying fillers or preservatives that can irritate sensitive Goldens.
- This formula is also known to give dogs shiny, beautiful hair which is exactly what all Goldens need.
- This recipe, designed specifically for large breeds, contains major levels of glucosamine and chondroitin, meaning Golden’s larger bones and joints will be supported and remain supple.
Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Buying Guide
It’s easy to choose the wrong type of food for your retriever. That’s why you need to increase your understanding of dogs’ needs until you want to go shopping.
It is vital that you understand some of those health conditions that Goldies are most prone to growing so that you are guided on the type of food that contributes to them. Below is a guide to consider.
Nutritional Needs Of Golden Retrievers –
Goldies claims are not distinct from other varieties. The only real difference is in the material of each nutrient. You have to understand that your Goldie is a little muscular but maybe not a lot. However, you will need to carefully review the subsequent nutritional requirements.
1. Moderate to high in protein –
Animal proteins remain the best. The amino acid profile of animal proteins is significantly much more complete than their plant counterparts.
You should try a protein content that is at least 25 percent of the dry matter weight of the dog food. Also, the ingredient must be an animal protein. In some cases, these are treated as specialist diets. You should still look at the product identification.
2. Low to moderate fat –
Fats in diet retrievers shouldn’t exceed 20%, although this can be tricky when you have dog food that has components. Meats contain fats and proteins so you get proteins and fats. Don’t be put off by the fat in dog food as they want it for their coat, skin, and endocrine system.
3. Micronutrients
Potassium and calcium are important for dogs as their bones are made and grow. B vitamins are essential for several of Goldie’s life cycles for metabolism, while vitamins E and A are significant.
4. Nutraceuticals–
EPA, DHA, and ALA are important for cardiovascular functioning and the functioning of the immune system. Glucosamine and chondroitin will also be essential for improving health. Probiotics can help improve immunological and digestive functions.
How To Feed A Golden Retriever
Feeding your own retriever isn’t much different than any other dog breed. It should start by selecting the best dog food that is suitable enough for the lifespan.
Starting with dogs, nutrition for Goldie puppies in the first month of life should work as breast milk or milk replacers in circumstances where the mother cannot breastfeed. From the week of daily life, you should start adding solids to her food.
You can start with higher quality wet or pet food as its feel allows for consumption. You could moisten it a little, although the kibble can be provided by you. You can feed your puppy 4 times a day until he reaches.
Once every day some parents feed their Goldies. While this is possible, we advise against it because regular feeding is much easier to avoid bloating, a well-known condition in retrievers and other dog breeds.
Golden Health Issues and How Diet Can Help
Golden retrievers could be described as little dogs who love only loved ones and life. This does not mean that they are totally resistant to disease. Like most dog forms, Goldies are vulnerable to certain health problems. Below are some of them.
Cancer –
Some of the most common cancers found in retrievers are lymphomas and hemangiosarcomas. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer found in populations. While lymphomas affect the lymphocytes of the immune system, hemangiosarcomas impact blood vessels, nutrition may play a role in improving pathways so they don’t stand out in neoplastic ones.
- Aortic stenosis
In this state, the valve at which blood leaves the heart to be sent to the rest of the human body thins, restricting the circulation and delivery of blood to the rest of the body and at the same time congesting the heart with blood due to the limited forward movement of blood. Other nutrients that might lower blood lipids and omega fatty acids can help. Fiber has been an essential component of the diet for stricture in human inhabitants.
Hip dysplasia –
It is rare for large and giant breeds of dogs to be unaffected by hip dysplasia, called an abnormality in the anatomy of the hip joint. By strengthening the bones and joints capsule, magnesium, potassium, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help. Moderate amounts of fat and fat will also be needed to decrease the effects of body weight
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