Nulo Trim Weight Management
- GRAIN-FREE recipe contains no corn wheat soy white potatoes …
- HIGH MEAT/LOW CARB proprietary formula 74% animal-based protein,…
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- L-CARNITINE transports fatty acids into cellular mitochondria…
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This recipe is grain free which is great for those porkier pups with grain intolerances. It is made with Cod which ensures that his protein needs are met, as well as providing him with omega fatty acids for his large bones and glorious coat. This recipe is more suited to those Goldens who need to manage their weight or lose just a bit as the calorie count is slightly higher at 368 per cup, but the high level of protein is unaffected at 30%.
We love that Nulos trim line is made with fish, which supplies additional fatty acids that many dog foods neglect.
Why Cant I Feed My Dog Home
After going through our list, you may have thought, Why cant I just feed my dog home-made food?
This is the question each one of us goes through.
Dont worry, as we were in your shoes once. Being a first time dog parent could be confusing!
Lets start with the basics then.
You must understand that a dogs digestive system is very different from a humans.
We have seen many dog owners feeding homemade food to their dogs.
Lets be straight, these foods are enough to fill up a dogs belly but wont fulfill their nutrition requirement.
A dogs body requires protein for the good development & maintenance of the muscles.
And this protein is also crucial in the growth stage and help pups with the new muscle development.
Now heres a twist.
We humans could get proteins from various vegetarian sources as well like Paneer, Milk, Soya-bean, etc.
But for dogs these proteins are somewhat useless as their body couldnt use it due to having a carnivore digestive system. A carnivore cannot strive well on plant proteins.
A best dog food satisfies all the protein needs of a dog with their animal based protein only.
Yet, many dog food manufacturers include plant proteins into their ingredients.
This significantly increases the crude protein stats of the product which companies could proudly promote.
However, plant protein contains less biological value.
Customers who know the benefits of the protein will happily buy the product based on the crude proteins percentage.
Orijen Six Fish Formula
- ORIJEN Six Fish dog food delivers a diet rich and varied in…
- With 85% quality animal ingredients, ORIJEN nourishes dogs…
- Using fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs,…
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This premium recipe is packed full of high-quality protein sources and ingredients, so much so that only 2 added supplements, zinc and copper, are added to the mix, because everything he needs is already in there. The first 9 ingredients are fish and fish meals, so this recipe is unparalleled when it comes to high-quality protein that is also full of omega fatty acids which are fantastic for the Goldens coat.
This recipe is grain free, and it is processed at a low temperature which means that it is nutrient-rich. This biologically appropriate diet is super tasty, and most Golden Retrievers can thrive on this recipe.
We love that this premium recipe is made with 6 fishes, so not only does this provide him with the highest protein content and plenty of omega fatty acids for his coat, but it also provides his body with enough energy to keep him sustained throughout the day.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Dog Food
For pup-parents who are looking for a kibble to serve as a dietary staple that requires minimal supplementation, this is a great choice.
The first value is that the recipe entirely avoids additives and by-products. These filling agents can cause a number of digestive problems and allergic issues.
The recipe contains instead brown rice as a binding agent in the kibble. It serves to incorporate fiber and provide a carb that is low on the glycemic index. By including vegetables and fruits as key ingredients, the food makes accessing vitamins easier for the dog.
Another key draw is that it features kernels made specifically to be supplements. Weve all experienced the cumbersome task of trying to give our dogs medicine or brush their teeth.
So the idea of them taking a one-a-day vitamin is unrealistic. Nonetheless, we want out mutts to have the benefit of any added nutrition we can offer them.
Pros:
If the answer to these questions are yes, and there are not other current concerns for the poochs well being, then your retriever is thriving.report this ad
If there is something they are missing, address the concern as soon as possible to maximize time spent in health.
Supplements For Golden Retrievers
When it comes to Goldens, a few supplements can help to keep their joint and eye ailments away. Admittedly, not much can be done if your Golden suffers from one of the rarer ailments, but if you start them on vitamins and supplements as puppies theyre much more likely to be able to avoid these issues.
Read Also: What Makes An English Cream Golden Retriever
Nutro Wholesome Essentials Lamb & Rice Recipe For Large Breed Adult
Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Lamb, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Brewers Rice, 4. Whole Brown Rice, 5. Split Peas
Lamb and rice is something your retriever wont be able to resist. So, if you have a picky eater in the house, you need to get this one from Nutro Wholesome Essentials. While this is a meat-first recipe, high-quality varieties of rice add a lot of benefits to it. There are no by-products or fillers to cause any allergies or issues. You also get omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for your goldies coat and skin. You wont find a formula more wholesome than this one.
The Bottom Line: The Good Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
I hope that I helped you figure out the best dog food for Golden Retrievers. But, always keep in mind that you should never make tweaks or adjustments to your doggys diet without consulting the vet. The thing is that the vet is a trained professional who knows more about your dogs dietary needs.
And, theres one more thing. You should follow the 90-10 or 80-20 rule. This basically means that about 10-20% of your doggys daily caloric needs should come from treats and the rest should come from the kibble itself. Over-feeding your dog may not feel like a big thing right now, but it can have severe health consequences later in life.
So, stick to good and nutritious foods for your canine friendafter all, they make or break your dogs health! Let me know in the comments section if you were able to find the best dog food for your Goldy through this article. Have you tested out any of these dog foods previously? What did your dog think? Share it with us!
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Blue Buffalo Life Formula Dry Dog Food Best Overall
According to the American Kennel Club, the best dog foods contain a combination of meat, vegetables, grains and fruit, and that is precisely what youll get with Blue Buffalos Life Protection Formula dry dog food.
Featuring a protein-rich chicken and rice formula, Life Protection Formula has been specially prepared to cater for large dog breeds like golden retrievers. As well as deboned chicken and brown rice it also contains a variety of grains, vegetables, and fruits, to ensure your pet gets all the vital vitamins and minerals he needs to stay fit and healthy.
Available in 15, 24, and 34-pound bags, Life Protection Formula is an ideal choice of owners of active adult golden retrievers.
- Lacking in fruits and vegetables
How Golden Retrievers Differ From Other Dogs
If you own a Golden retriever you might wonder How do their nutritional needs differ from the nutritional needs of other dogs?
Generally speaking and according to experts adult dogs require a minimum of 18% protein in their diet, and puppies need at least 22%.
This is because protein provides the building blocks for strong muscles in puppies and, in adults. It also supports lean muscle maintenance. So you could say that for most dogs a higher protein content is actually a good thing.
Small dog vs. big dog
On the other hand, fat should make up at least 8% of the diet for puppies and 5% for adult dogs. Fat provides your dog with energy in the form of calories. Now, this is important because this is where Golden retrievers are different from other dogs, specifically small dogs.
Small dogs have a faster metabolism than bigger dogs, like the Golden retrievers. This means that small dogs need more calories. If the Golden retriever or any other large breed gets fed too many calories will lead to unhealthy weight gain! This is why your Golden retriever needs a protein-rich diet with low-to-moderate fat and calorie content.
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What Makes A Good Dog Food
There are a range of factors that mark out a good dog food. According to Dog Food Advisor, a good dog food should have:
- A decent amount of meat-based protein
- A carbohydrate content thats not too high
- No controversial chemicals
- A fat-to-protein ratio no higher than 75 percent
- No generic animal fats
- No unidentified meats or other ingredients
Although some experts deem it unnecessary, Chelsea from Pups N Paws advises that another mark of quality is that the ingredients are also labeled as suitable for human consumption. This way, you can rest assured your pets diet is compatible with your own eating habits.
Taurine Deficiency In Golden Retrievers
Past publications and research suggest that Golden Retrievers may be genetically predisposed to taurine deficiency, which is well-documented as potentially leading to DCM, via FDA.
Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Joshua Stern from the University of California at Davis has been studying the rise in cases of DCM in Golden Retrievers, including a potential dietary link. Many cases of DCM in Golden Retrievers are taurine-deficient.
Pet owners who suspect their Golden Retrievers may be affected may wish to consult their veterinarian to discuss checking taurine levels or conducting an echocardiogram.
For more on this, visit: https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/news-events/fda-investigation-potential-link-between-certain-diets-and-canine-dilated-cardiomyopathy#cases
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Royal Canin Golden Retriever Breed Health Nutrition Puppy
Golden Retrievers, like all large-breed puppies, are disposed to malnutrition and developmental orthopedic diseases, including osteochondrosis , hip dysplasia, hypertrophic osteodystrophy , and panosteitis. Although there is a definite genetic element to these conditions, there are nutritional risks that play a large role during the puppy years. These include an excess of calcium intake and rapid growth.
Its essential that large-breed pups are fed a diet that prevents these issues, which is why we think the best dog food for Golden Retriever pups is Royal Canin Golden Retriever Breed Health Nutrition Puppy. Everything about this formula meets the needs of this awesome breed.
The mineral balance and calorie content are ideal for preventing joint and bone issues and the kibble is even designed in such a way to suit Golden Retrievers teeth. They have whats called a scissors bite, with a long snout and mouth. Royal Canin kibbles are thin and square-shaped for optimal digestion and chewing.
Because theyre a slow maturing breed, its recommended to feed Goldens this food until theyre around 15 months old.
Some Suggested Foods For Your Adult Golden Retriever
The following list contains some foods for you to consider for your golden. Remember that if you feed a high-quality food to your dog without fillers, you often can feed less.
A general guideline Ive found when choosing a food is to make sure that it has specifically-named ingredients, not vague, generic ones. So lamb meal would be preferable to the generic term meat meal.
The same is true of preservatives and other ingredients.
I feed my golden a food thats been recommended by many reliable sources such as the Whole Dog Journal and thats been well-rated by the Dog Food Advisor.
I wont name it just because its one of many choices and what Ive found to be great for my dogs may not be for yours.
And I also considered various foods before making my selection. My dogs are doing well on this food.
You dont need to break the bank to find a great food. Goldens love their food and eat a lot because of their size. So Im providing a wide selection of price points to select from..
Im listing the top-five adult and puppy formulas for large breeds and links to the Dog Food Advisor and Chewy so that you can see additional information regarding these foods and their ratings.
The Dog Food Advisor is a public service website designed to help you make a more informed decision when buying dog food.
The write-ups are taken from those found on the Dog Food Advisor website.
The links will also lead to information regarding additional high-rated foods.
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So How Do You Choose The Best Food For Your Golden Retriever
In a recent 2019 FDA dog food update about grain-free dog food that contained legume seeds, lentils, potatoes or peas as main ingredients, dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs was linked to grain-free dog food formulas.
Dilated cardiomyopathy is becoming more common in dogs on grain-free diets that as a breed are not predisposed to DCM. This includes the Golden Retriever!
In grain-free formulas there is often a high level of potato. FDA medical records indicate that dogs with DCM had low levels of taurine which may result in DCM. Dogs fed diets that included exotic proteins, and that were grain-free resulted in higher rates of DCM.
Heres what the FDA had to say. To better characterize diets reported in DCM cases, product labels were examined to determine whether the product was grain-free , and whether the products contained peas, other lentils including chickpeas and beans, or potatoes . Because so many products contained peas and/or lentils, a category was created for peas and/or lentils. More than 90 percent of products were grain-free, and 93 percent of reported products had peas and/or lentils. A far smaller proportion contained potatoes, via FDA
Animal protein sources in the reported diets varied widely, and many diets contained more than one protein source. The most common proteins in the reported diets were chicken lamb and fish however, some diets contain atypical protein sources such as kangaroo, bison or duck. No one animal protein source was predominant.
The Nutritional Requirements For Golden Retrievers
Dogs have certain nutritional requirements and large and small dogs have their own healthy diet. If you are thinking of buying cheap dog foods, think about it carefully. Your large dogs require high-quality ingredients as these items are the only ones that can provide the right nutrition for your dogs. The first thing that you need to do is to know about the nutritional needs of your large dogs.
Animal Protein. High-quality animal protein is a very important component in the best dog food for Golden Retrievers. They require more protein as it helps build up their muscles and in order for them to live healthily. You have to make sure that 18% of your dogs diet is composed of high-quality animal protein.
Healthy Fats. Healthy fats are also needed but not too much. You have to check if the dog food has at least around 5% healthy fats.
Omega Fatty Acids. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are also required so make sure that you look for dog foods with a high concentration of omega fatty acids.
Limited Carbohydrates. It is not a bad idea to let your Golden Retrievers eat a small number of carbohydrates, but you should limit it. The carbohydrates should come from digestible sources.
Vitamins and Minerals. You have to check the vitamins and minerals contained in the dog food.
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Purina Pro Plan Adult Dog Food
The top five ingredients in this formula are chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, and soybean meal. It has a minimum protein of 26 protein percent.
The formula also has live probiotics to support healthy digestion.
Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend combines a hard kibble with tender, pieces of real, shredded chicken for enhanced flavor and texture. Its a more cost-effective formula than some that are higher-ranked.
It has live probiotics to support healthy digestion as well as omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat.
It contains no artificial colors or flavors.
Although this formula is highly-ranked and has been a favorite with consumers, please note that it contains poultry by-product and soybean meal, both of which are often considered to be inferior ingredients.
But apparently many consumers have found that their dogs are doing well on this food.
Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Recipes
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Ingredients:Chicken, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal, Yellow Peas, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Sorghum, Egg Product, Chicken Fat, Soybean Oil, Brown Rice, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Lactic Acid, Pork Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Flaxseed, Iodized Salt, vitamins , Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, Carrots, Cranberries, Green Peas, minerals , Mixed Tocopherols for freshness, Oat Fiber, Natural Flavors, Beta-Carotene, Apples, Broccoli.
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Now You Can Get The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers
Orijen is the best dog food for Golden Retrievers as it adheres to strict manufacturing protocols. This dog food ensures enough proteins for your dog and keeps a balance of fats and multivitamins.
You have to be meticulous when buying dog foods for Golden Retrievers as they have a completely different set of requirements when it comes to vitamins and minerals. Since they are bigger, they would need more so you have to choose wisely so you wont make a mistake.
You can use the same types of food you feed Golden Retrievers for Goldendoodles.