Best Puppy Food For Golden Retriever Puppies

Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Dog Food

Rating: 4.5/5

The Nom Nom dog food product line includes 4 fresh recipes, including Chicken Cuisine.

• Five ingredients: Sunflower oil, sweet potatoes, squash, chicken, and spinach
• Type: Organic Grain with Free range Chicken
• Profile: Every stage of life
• Suitable for: Puppies and adults of the Golden Retriever

Fresh diced chicken provides the vast majority of the meat protein in Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine, which contains about 37% protein, 26% fat, and 29% estimated carbs. A fat-to-protein ratio of approximately 71% results from this imbalance. There are four Nom Nom fresh recipes all designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists . These formulas must meet both the adult and puppy nutrient profiles established by AAFCO.

Our Review: Nom Noms grain-free option is ideal for anyone that wants a science-based diet to feed their dogs, and its a perfect substitute for homemade food. Without the fuss and time-consuming kitchen work. Affordable but not necessarily cheap. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Pros

What Are The Differences Between Puppy Food & Adult Food

Since puppies are growing and adults are just maintaining their weight, they have different dietary needs.

According to AAFCO, puppy food should have at least 22.5% protein, compared to 18% protein for adult food.

And for fats, puppy food should have at least 8.5% fats, compared to 5.5% for adults.

As far as when to switch from puppy food to adult food, talk to your veterinarian.

Theyll likely recommend making the switch when theyre done growing at about one year old.

To see a list of other milestones your puppy will hit check out this timeline of Golden Retriever puppy milestones.

Choosing The Best: What To Look For

The dog food market is littered with different brands and products, most promising the world and failing to deliver. Having to sort through all the available products online can be overwhelming, especially if you are a new dog owner or youre looking to switch your Golden Retriever to much higher quality dog food you can rely on. When youre looking for the best food for Golden Retrievers, there are a couple of factors you should take into consideration. They include:

Recommended Reading: Golden Retriever Puppies Less Than 1000

What Foods Are Golden Retrievers Allergic To

Golden Retrievers are typically not allergic to any particular food. However, some Goldens may be allergic to certain ingredients, such as corn or wheat. If you think your Golden is allergic to a specific ingredient, talk to your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your pup.

Golden Retriever Feeding Chart : Puppy And Adult

If you are a Golden Retriever owner, you more than likely have noticed that your dog enjoys eating. They will do just about anything for a morsel of food. Given how much Goldens love food, having a feeding chart is a helpful tool to avoid overfeeding and obesity.

Knowing what food and how much to feed your Golden Retriever at different stages of life are two common questions from owners. In this article we will share how much to feed a Golden Retriever from when they are a puppy to a senior. We will also address when is a good time to feed your Golden.

Whether your Golden Retriever is a puppy, adult, or senior there are different nutritional needs at each stage. We will go in depth about what those needs are and how to meet them in the most effective ways.

You May Like: Best Names For A Golden Retriever Male

Things To Look For In The Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppies

Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Golden Retriever puppy:

• Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list

High-quality proteins are the foundation of any healthy diet for a Golden Retriever puppy. Whole meats are best, but meat meals also offer an excellent source of condensed proteins.

• Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements

All foods benefit from enrichment from helpful supplements which can help the diet to be more balanced and effective. The supplements to look for in a puppy food for a Golden Retriever are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

DHA is also an excellent addition to a puppy food, assisting with brain development.

• Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food

All foods appropriate for the Golden Retriever puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.

How To Choose The Best Dog Food For A Golden Retriever

Goldens Retrievers are generally healthy dogs. Still, there are some genetic health issues to keep in mind:

• certain cancers

A healthy diet may help to prevent some of these diseases. The best way to select a quality dog food is to consult your veterinarian and read the dog food label to ensure your Golden Retriever is getting the proper nutrients. Generally, a large breed dog food will be a good fit for an adult Golden Retriever.

Read Also: Red Golden Retriever Puppies Southern California

Iams Proactive Health Large Breeds

Golden Retriever food recommendations from veterinarians are worth taking into consideration, and this kibble is a complete and appropriate Golden food option for dog owners that want to keep their pup healthy and strong.

Iams PROACTIVE HEALTH has chicken listed first on the ingredients list, and the formula helps promote soft skin, a shiny coat, and functional metabolism. It has Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint health, along with vitamins and minerals to support your Golden Retriever through all his or her life stages.

Why We Liked It This is a good Golden dog food which qualifies both as the best food for Golden Retriever puppies, and for the best dry dog food Golden Retriever fur friends will love, since it is suitable for all life stages. Also, satisfying levels of vitamins and minerals.

Nutrition Information:

What Were Looking For

Meets AAFCO nutritional standards: What to feed your puppy is a question I get almost every single day, says Dr. Karie Anne Johnson, a mobile veterinarian and co-founder of VIP Vet Visit. She and the other vets we spoke to all recommend choosing puppy food that has been thoroughly researched and tested for nutritional adequacy by the Association of American Feed Control Officials and meets AAFCOs nutritional standards. All of the puppy food recommended below meets or exceeds AAFCO standards.

High-quality ingredients: Zacharias also stresses that the ingredients should name the exact type of meat included and they should not contain white flour, preservatives such as BHA or BHT, propylene glycol, or rendered fat. If youre among the people who see their dog more as a member of their family than as a pet, you may want to give them minimally processed food that looks more like your own dinner than traditional kibble or wet food. Richardson says that a growing number of the pet owners she sees are interested in human-grade or fresh pet foods. As this is a relatively new concept in the pet-food world and definitions vary a bit by brand, but generally speaking, something labeled fresh pet food is minimally processed, does not use preservatives, and is gently cooked to retain nutrients and reduce the risk of harmful bacteria present in some raw diets. These foods usually come frozen and need to be thawed before each meal.

You May Like: Golden Retriever Dry Skin Flakes

What To Look For

The reason I always recommend commercial dog food over homemade is that the former is carefully prepared to fulfill the dietary needs per meal. And it is all right there on the label. From the amount of proteins and fat to the total caloric content per cup.

Here is what you should look for on the label.

• Lean Meat The best food for Golden Retriever is one that has meat as its first ingredient, and that meat should be lean. Poultry is preferable over red meat because it has the right amount of fat as well.
• Low Fat Keep in mind that large breeds have a slower metabolism, which means they are more susceptible to weight gain. I would say go for anything that has around 10 to 15% fat. However, you should focus on fiber as well because it can help with fat metabolism.
• Good Carbs No active breed can thrive without carbs. Look for quality vegetable sources such as potatoes or other tubers. These sources are also rich in minerals and vitamins essential for healthy bones and teeth.
• Fatty Acids Goldies are quite furry, which means you should look for fur-friendly ingredients as well. Fatty acids from fish can do wonders for the skin and coat of your baby.
• Fillers and Additives: Go for a filler-free food that doesnt contain artificial flavors or additives. This should also be your criteria for snacks and treats.

Whats The Best Puppy Food For Golden Retrievers Ask A Vet

Are you looking for the best food that you can feed your Golden Retriever puppy? There are many great brands that you can possibly feed to your dog. We have done the research for you and are recommended these top 5 brands of food to feed to your Golden Retriever so that they can grow to be healthy and happy.

You May Like: Golden Retriever Puppies For Sale Kentucky

Are Grain Free Diets Safe For Golden Retrievers

Grain Free diets are not typically recommended by veterinarians. Recent studies from the American Veterinary Medical Association , have shown that there is a link between certain diets and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in dogs.

These certain diets are called BEG diets these are Boutique brands, or have Exotic ingredients, or are Grain free. Grain allergies are uncommon in dogs and a small amount of grain actually provides many health benefits.

However, we of course do not want a grain to be the #1 ingredient, we still want to choose a good quality protein source as the main ingredient.

Important

Sometimes a veterinarian will recommend a grain free diet for dogs that have allergies. If your veterinarian does recommend grain free, then go with a grain free diet as it is probably best for your dog.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food

A single cup from the NED offers at least 34% proteins made even more special by incorporating amino acids and omega fatty acids for continuous tissue growth and healthier skin, fur, and nervous system. The probiotics in the formulation further improve the immune-enhancing properties of omega fatty acids. At the same time, glucosamine in a chicken meal can help to strengthen the various structures that make up the joints. Generally, it is a meal that is perfect for active Goldie.

This is a protein-rich food that is low in carbohydrates. Your adult Golden Retriever must be careful that you do not arrive too much. They can enjoy the delicious duck with chicken and turkey meals without the carbohydrates of some other foods.

The complex carbohydrates are supplied by sweet potatoes, oatmeal, and potatoes. You know that blueberries, cranberries, and carrots are excellent antioxidants. Your dog also benefits. Blue Buffalo also makes the best dog food for senior golden retrievers.

According to the model for dog food, it contains many proteins and few carbohydrates. This product is 100 percent grain-free, although this does not necessarily make it better for your dog unless they have an allergy.

It is quite expensive food, but it contains high-quality ingredients and no hidden nasties.

If your vet suspects your puppy has a food allergy, this is not the best choice for a type diagnosis .

Recommended Reading: Best Cheap Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

Eagle Pack Chicken And Pork Adult Large And Giant Breed

Primary Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pork Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Rice, Dehulled Barley

Eagle Packs dry food is exclusively for large to giant breed dogs, made with a blend of chicken and pork. Its combination of proteins and whole grains support your Golden Retrievers bone health and improve their digestion. The exclusive formula also increases energy levels!

Customer Review: It has everything they need and nothing they dont. We tried another brand, and it caused all kinds of allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack, and all is right again. Great product!

Rating: 4.4/5

Royal Canin Aging Large Breed Dog Food

Royal Canin has an aging large breed dog food formulated for dogs ages 8 and up. It is made for easy chewing and ideal for a senior dogs jaw. It is an exclusive blend of antioxidants for healthy aging. It contains easy-to-digest proteins and a balanced supply of fiber. Our staff veterinarians recommend this food as well.

Below is a feeding chart for Royal Canin Aging Large Breed dog food.

Royal Canin Aging Large Breed Feeding Chart

Royal Canin is exact on their servings for aging large breed dogs. The range of the amount of food is dependent on the activity level of your Golden Retriever. The range is from low to high activity. This is a great guide to use with an aging Golden Retriever, they will be active on some days more than others.

Recommended Reading: How To Train A Golden Retriever Puppy

Best Puppy Food To Splurge On For Your Golden Retriever

Royal Canin Large breed puppy food is an excellent diet if you are able to spend a little more on dog food.

This diet helps support growth and brain development. It also does not contain artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors. Whole Chicken is the first ingredient to help your Golden Retriever grow to be strong and happy. Golden Retrievers love chicken!

Many other budget-friendly diets contain fats, fillers, and additives that are not found in this diet.

Ingredients To Avoid When Buying Food For Golden Retrievers

Itâs certainly true that not all ingredients are created equal. But, unless youâre a nutritionist or a food scientist, it can be hard to determine whatâs what.

There may be some preservatives that could cause damage to your dog. They may be fine in the short run, but since youâd be feeding them to your dog every day for their whole life, the cumulative effect could be cause for concern.

Here are a few chemical preservatives you should try to avoid,

• Butylated hydroxyanisole and Butylated hydroxytoluene : These compounds have been labeled carcinogenic by the World Health Organization.
• Ethoxyquin: This is also used as a pesticide and a hardening agent in rubber. The FDA is investigating whether it causes liver and blood problems. And itâs already banned in Australia and the EU.
• Propylene glycol: This is used to preserve the moisture content in some dog foods. The FDA already banned it for use in cat food, as it can cause Heinz body anemia.
• Tertiary butylhydroquinone : Studies suggest that this preservative can cause stomach tumors in animals and damage the DNA in cells.
• Propyl gallate: This substance contains xenoestrogens, which are linked to breast cancer in humans.

While itâs not 100 percent certain that these substances would cause significant harm to your dog, itâs better to be safe than sorry. There are plenty of foods that donât use these kinds of ingredients, so why not go with them?

Recommended Reading: How Much Are English Cream Golden Retriever Puppies

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Adult Lamb And Rice Recipe

Primary Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Chicken Meal

Nutro creates both dry and wet food with real chicken and whole grains for dogs at all life stages. Its Wholesome Essentials Large Breed formula is perfect for your Golden Retrievers complete health, as it contains non-GMO ingredients and natural proteins.

Customer Review: My 15-month-old golden retriever tried so many dog foods, and this is the only one he loves to eat!

Rating: 4.7/5

Origen Puppy Large Breed Formula

The top five ingredients are deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole atlantic mackerel.

This recipe contains a minimum of 43 percent protein, 18 percent fat and 30percent estimated carbs, creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 41percent.

This high-quality food is more expensive than many five-star rated foods.

You May Like: Do Golden Retrievers Bark A Lot

Best Dog Foods For Golden Retrievers In 2022

Luckily, we can help you with these decisions. We have reviews of the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers so you wont have to wander up and down the aisles at the pet store to choose your dogs food. As long as you know your dogs age and something about his health, you can use our reviews and your own personal preferences to choose the best dog food for him.

As you probably already know, the Golden Retriever can grow to be about 75 pounds as an adult . They are one of the most popular breeds in the United States and around the world. Goldens are beloved for their friendly, gentle, and devoted personality. They make wonderful family dogs and are good with children. They are large, active dogs so they do best in a home where they will have room to run and play. Goldens are also super intelligent and easy to train. Since they are big, active dogs, Golden Retrievers need good nutrition to help them grow from puppyhood into a mature adult. Your budget, your dogs age, and your own approach to feeding your dog will determine what kind of food you select. There are lots of good options and we can show them to you here.