One of the most intelligent and loyal dog breeds is the Golden Retrievers. They make the perfect companions for dog lovers looking for smart and playful dogs. Because of their playful and friendly nature, Golden Retrievers continue to be the most popular dog choice in most households.
The overall well-being of a golden retriever depends on the type of food that you feed him. Proper nutrition entails providing your pup with a proper diet as it is important in keeping him strong and healthy. Better nutrition equals a happy and healthy dog. Luckily, Golden Retrievers are the least selective dog breeds in regard to food and they will eat almost everything.
With a multitude of dog food choices in the market, find the best dog food for Golden Retrievers can be a daunting task, particularly for first-time pet parents. If you fit this bracket, you are in the right place. Today’s post highlights the best dog food for Golden Retrievers and all the important details concerning Golden Retrievers’ nutrition. So Read On!
Food for Golden Retriever Puppies
If you want your young Golden Retriever to have a perfect start, feed him with highly nutritious food that’s suitable for his age. Food rich in calcium and phosphorous is beneficial in strong bone development.
However, make sure that the amount of calcium being fed to the puppy is regulated as too much calcium results in a crippling form of hip disease. The food should also be rich in vitamins to fight infections and prevent diseases.
On top of that, it should be easy to chew and easy to digest. These puppies stop growing when they are 24 months old. To minimize the risk of diet-related health problems, avoid switching to adult dog food too soon.
Instead, introduce adults gradually in smaller portions until the dog gets used to it. You should also speak to the vet first so you can be guided on the nutrition they need.
Food for Adult Golden Retrievers
Adult Golden Retrievers require highly nutritious food to keep them strong and healthy. These dog breeds are happiest and healthiest with a fully balanced diet. The best food for adult Golden Retrievers should have a high protein content to keep the dog strong and full of vigor.
Read: Best High Protein Dog Food
The high protein content is also important in keeping his muscles strong. Better yet, it should be rich in carbohydrates and fiber to keep the dog full for an extended period and promote healthy digestion respectively.
On top of that, make sure that the food is rich in omega 3&6 fatty acids that keep the skin and coat healthy. Try and stay away from food with huge amounts of corn and soy. Such food isn’t healthy for your dog.
Go for foods that contain all-natural ingredients to avoid heart disease and other health issues. If your dog is allergic and sensitive to grain, go for good quality grain-free food.
Food for Senior Golden Retrievers
A senior golden retriever diet should be healthy and nutritious. It should have a high protein content and lots of supplements to improve the immunity of your aging dog. Moreover, the diet should be balanced with moderate fiber for healthy digestion.
Food rich in berries and vegetables will add essential minerals and vitamins to your senior dog’s health system. Just like puppies, makes sure that you consult the vet about your aging dog and you’ll be advised on the best food to feed your aging dog.
Read: Best Senior Dog Foods
To feed your canine friend the best, here is a top selection of the best dog food for Golden Retrievers:
8 Best Golden Retriever Dog Foods
1) Wellness Large Breed Dry Dog Food
The top favorite best dog food for Golden Retrievers is the Wellness Large Breed Dry Dog Food. This dog food is well balanced to cater to all of your dog’s nutrition needs and is easily digestible as well.
Suitable for any age, from puppies to seniors, this pet food is not only nutritious but also delicious. Its key ingredients being chicken, carrots, and spinach. This kibble is specially crafted by the best team of veterinarians and nutritionists to give your pup a lifetime of wellbeing from puppyhood to adulthood.
The chicken is an excellent source of protein and fatty acids while the carrots provide the best source of magnesium, iron, and vitamins required to keep your dog strong and active. It doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or colorings.
A quality life is a mirage without a healthy heart. To maintain heart health and functioning, this dog food is supplemented with taurine. The special formula used when preparing this kibble incorporates essential fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics.
All these ingredients promote the vital organ systems in your up and consequently support whole-body complete health. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus needed for joint and bone health are in adequate amounts.
The best dog food for Golden Retrievers should support healthy skin and coats. This dry food is formulated with essential vitamins and omega oils which play important roles in maintaining a radiant coat and healthy skin.
Benefits
- Compete and balanced nutrition.
- Ideal for any age from puppies to seniors.
- High-quality protein content.
- Easily digestible.
- Delicious and ideal for whole-body health.
- No fillers or artificial preservatives.
- Chicken flavored for delicious mealtimes
2) Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
If your Golden Retriever likes to feed on grain-free dry food, Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best choice for him. Suitable for dogs of all ages, this dry dog food features a unique formulation with a delicious Southwest canyon beef and wild boar flavor.
It has high protein and fiber-rich carbohydrates that keep your dog’s muscles strong and the stomach feeling full respectively. On top of that, it features anti-oxidants to help your dog fight infections and diseases.
Better yet, the grain-free formula ensures optimal health and vitality. Once you start to feed your dog on this food, you’ll be satisfying his natural cravings for the taste of the wild. As the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, this dry dog food uses premium ingredients to ensure wholesome nutrition to promote a healthy lifestyle.
The best dog food for Golden Retrievers should support the healthy functioning of the vital organ systems in your pooch. In line with this, this food is enriched with prebiotics and species-specific probiotics with bacteria naturally found in your pup’s natural flora. These inclusions are key in promoting healthy digestion.
What’s more? The dry food has chelated minerals that help optimize the absorption of nutrients in the dog’s gut. These minerals attach to the proteins involved in absorption in the intestines and augment the uptake of the nutrients. Your dog, therefore, benefits fully from the food.
Golden Retrievers coat requires essential oils for it to maintain its dazzling appearance. This dog food is formulated with the right doses of omega fatty acids obtained from premium sources. The essential oils help maintain healthy skin and coat.
Without a doubt, this dry food by Taste of the Wild is the best dog food for Golden retrievers as it is made to the highest nutritional standards. The wild taste and rich flavors leave your pup satisfied and craving for more.
Benefits
- Perfectly balanced omegas for healthy skin and coat.
- Rich in nutrients.
- High protein content.
- Real meat is the main ingredient.
- Antioxidants and probiotics to improve the immune system.
- Fiber-rich carbohydrates for easy digestion.
- Formulated without wheat, grain, corn, and artificial flavors and colors.
- Great for dogs of all ages, puppies to seniors.
3) IAMS ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
IAMS ProActive Health Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is a top choice for pet owners looking for the best food for their Golden Retrievers. It contains a high quantity of chicken protein to build your Golden Retriever and keep its muscles strong.
The 100% balanced nutrition nourishes your dog with the nutrition that he needs while bringing out the best in him regardless of his age and size. On top of that, this dry dog food is perfect for dogs of all ages and sizes and is suitable for households with multiple pets.
The wholesome fiber promotes healthy digestion and it can be fed alone or mixed with other dry or wet dog food. For complete and balanced nutrition, this food is void of artificial preservatives and fillers which are of no nutritional value to a dog.
As the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, this dog food is suitable for all ages. From puppies to senior dogs this dog food will help give them a healthy start and maintain their form in their active days. When you feed your pooch this food, you can rest feeling good as your pet will be getting the doses of all the nutrients they need to stay at their best.
Benefits
- Veterinarian approved.
- Mixable with other dry and wet dog food.
- Great for dogs of all ages and sizes.
- Has chicken as the main ingredient.
- Healthy digestion.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Complete balanced diet.
- Healthy skin and coat.
- Great for dogs with joint problems.
4) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food satisfies your dog’s natural cravings for the taste of the wild. With real chicken as the main ingredient, this dog food has a high protein content to build your Golden Retriever and keep his muscles strong.
This dog food also contains healthy and fiber-rich carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and peas to provide your dog with healthy digestion while keeping him full for hours. The balanced protein and carbohydrate levels provide the fuel your pup needs to keep up with an active lifestyle.
Better yet, it also has omega 6 to keep the fur and skin healthy and shiny. All of the ingredients used are 100% natural with no added preservatives or flavors. Being the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, this mouth-watering dog food contains adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus for promoting strong bones and teeth.
Holistic growth requires a robust immune system. This dog food is rich in antioxidants that support a healthy immune system. Since most of the immune system of a dog is in the gut, this dry dog does not use any poultry by-products, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives as they are known to cause stomach sensitivity.
No better way to satisfy your dog’s natural desire for meat than with this best dog food for Golden Retrievers from Blue Buffalo. The protein-rich meal is supported by a blend of healthy fruits and vegetables to provide balanced and wholesome nutrition to your canine companion.
Benefits
- Made with chicken as the main ingredient.
- Suitable for all dog breeds.
- Includes omega 6 for healthy skin and coat.
- Budget-friendly.
- Balanced nutrition content.
- Fiber-rich to promote healthy digestion.
- 100% all-natural with no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Grain-free and veterinarian approved.
5) American Journey Large Breed Adult Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
This is the perfect grain-free dry dog food for adult Golden Retrievers. Made with perfectly balanced ingredients, this dog food provides your canine friend with adequate nutrition needed to keep him healthy and strong.
The high protein content is not only delicious for your adult dog but also full of amino acids that help build stronger muscles. The highly nutritious fruits and vegetables boost the immunity of the dog, helping him fight infections and diseases.
On top of that, salmon oil and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids are included to keep your dog’s skin and coat healthy. Better yet, this grain-free dog food is fiber-rich to keep the dog full for hours and also aid in healthy digestion.
Since all the ingredients used are all-natural, this recipe is great for Golden Retrievers that are prone to sensitivity.
Benefits
- Suitable for large-sized dog breeds.
- High protein content.
- Fiber-rich for healthy digestion.
- Great for dogs prone to food sensitivity.
- Exceptional and delicious flavors.
- Free from grain, wheat, corn, and artificial flavors.
- Highly nutritious fruits and veggies.
- Great for maintaining healthy joints.
6) Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food is the best food to give your 8 weeks to15-month-old puppy. The exclusive kibble shape makes it easy for your little puppy to chew and minimize wastage.
Made with a 100% balanced diet, this dry dog food provides puppies with the right nutrition needed for their growth and development. Formulated with high protein and carbohydrates content, this dog food caters to your puppy’s energy needs while promoting optimal stool quality.
Puppies will also benefit from the omega acids that maintain healthy skin and coat. With the right support and nutrition, you’ll be amazed at how your puppy grows into a strong and healthy adult using the Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food.
Benefits
- Tailored nutrition for specific puppy needs.
- Immune system support.
- Healthy skin and coat.
- Exclusive kibble shape designed for puppies.
- Healthy digestion.
- High protein content.
- Free from grain, wheat, corn, artificial preservatives, and flavors.
7) Chicken Soup Dry Dog Food
Chicken Soup Dry Dog Food is one of the easiest dog foods to prepare. It’s rich in antioxidants and vitamins to promote the overall health and vigor of your dog. With turkey as the main ingredient, this dog food is rich in protein needed for strength and muscle build-up.
It’s also perfectly balanced with fiber-rich carbohydrates that keep the dog full for long, while also aiding in healthy digestion. Made with natural ingredients, this adult dog formula is slow-cooked to retain the delicious taste and flavor. It is also rich in omega 6 & 3, to give your dog beautiful and healthy skin and coat.
Benefits
- Delicious flavor.
- Natural Omega 6 and 3.
- Antioxidants for overall health and vigor.
- Nutrition is balanced to promote a dog’s lifelong health.
- Fiber-rich for healthy digestion.
- Slow-cooked to retain the flavor.
- Made of all-natural ingredients.
- Ideal for adult dogs.
- Grain-free dry dog food.
8) Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food
Holistic select senior dry dog food meets the nutrition needs of every dog leading to a happy and healthier dog. Made with the right amount of protein, fat, fiber, and vitamins, this perfectly balanced dog food promotes the overall health and vigor of your dog.
Made in the USA, this dry dog food is specially formulated for senior dogs that require high protein and carbohydrates diets. It is enriched with natural fiber to promote healthy digestion and Omega 3 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
Besides that, it’s grain-free and carefully made with the finest natural ingredients to sustain the overall well-being of your pooch.
Benefits
- Grain-free.
- Made in the USA.
- Ideal for senior dogs.
- Promotes healthy skin and coat.
- Rich in natural fiber to promote healthy digestion.
- Balanced diet for the overall well-being of your pooch.
- Maintains healthy dog body weight.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
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Golden Retrievers Dog Food Buying Guide & FAQs
Ingredients to Look for in the Best Golden Retriever Dog Food
The type and quality of ingredients used in Golden Retrievers food determine how nutritious and beneficial the food is to your dog.
- Lean Meat-The best food for a Golden Retriever is one with meat as its main ingredient and that meat should have low-fat content. Skinless chicken and turkey are mostly preferred than red meat because it has the right protein content and fat as well.
- Low Fat– Large-sized adult dogs have a slower metabolism that results in easy weight gain. Ensure that the diet you are feeding your Golden Retriever is low in fat content and rich in fiber.
- Good Carbohydrates-No active dog breed can thrive without carbohydrates. Dog foods rich in carbohydrates provide the dog with the needed strength and vigor, whilst keeping them full for extended periods. Focus on fiber-rich carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and other tubers.
- Vitamins and Minerals-Dog foods rich in berries and vegetables will add essential minerals and vitamins and increase immunity. These vitamins and minerals are also important for strong and healthy bones and teeth.
- Fatty Acids– Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are essential in keeping the dog’s fur and skin shiny and healthy.
- Grain-Free. If your Golden Retriever is allergic and sensitive to grain food, go for grain-free food whose ingredients are all-natural. Also, make sure that the food doesn’t contain any artificial flavors or preservatives.
Wet food Vs Dry Food
Some dogs prefer wet food while others prefer dry food. While both have similar nutritional content, each has its pros and cons.
Benefits of Wet Dog Food
- Softer and easier to chew. This makes them the ideal choice for senior dogs with dental issues.
- Highly palatable. Wet dog foods are normally more delicious and flavored to entice dogs with a low appetite.
- High moisture content that’s great for dogs with digestive problems or medical conditions that would greatly benefit from proper hydration.
- Great for overweight dogs with unending appetites. Wet dog foods make the dog full quickly so he doesn’t feed on a lot of food.
Benefits of Dry Dog Food
- Depending on the brand and the ingredients, dry dog food is reasonably affordable.
- High fiber content. Dry dog foods are rich in fiber which helps in improving digestion.
- Easier to portion especially on dogs with a strict feeding schedule.
- Dry dog food is great for use with automatic dog feeders as they won’t jam.
- They encourage chewing which’s important for jaw exercise.
- Long-lasting. Dry dog foods have a longer shelf life and won’t spoil easily even after being left out all day long.
Read: Best Dog Food for Weight Loss
Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers FAQs
Q: Do Golden Retrievers Require Special Food?
A: That depends on the age and size of your dog. Puppies and senior dogs should eat food that’s specially designed for their age. However, adult golden retrievers can eat almost any dog food unless they are under specific medication.
Q: How Much Food Should You Give a Golden Retriever?
A: Dogs are unique and different in terms of age and size. It is therefore impossible to predict a perfect serving for every golden retriever. You can start with the feeding amount recommended on the package then proceed to increase or decrease the amount depending on your dog’s feeding needs.
Q: When Can You Safely Introduce Adult Food to Your Grown-Up Adult Retriever?
A: Golden Retrievers puppies stop growing and start to be considered as adults after they reach 12-24 months. Only then can you switch from puppy food to adult food. Doing so earlier increases the risk of permanent hip damage.
Conclusion
Golden Retrievers are happier and healthier when fed good quality and nutritious food. There are plenty of factors to consider when it comes to dog nutrition and you must focus on all the essential ingredients for their overall well-being. All of the dog foods listed above are highly nutritious and suitable for every Golden Retriever’s needs.