Recommended Food For Golden Retrievers

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

Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Recipe With Farm

Source: nutro max dog food

Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Recipe with Farm-Raised Chicken Dry Dog Food is another product designed to meet the nutritional needs of large adult pups. Glucosamine and Chondroitin keep your dogs joints healthy. The formula doesnt have any artificial

• Flavors
• Colors
• Preservatives

Nutro uses natural ingredients for their formulas, without traces of corn, wheat, or by-product meals. Your Goldy needs to consume vitamins and minerals to be healthy, and this product contains lots of them. Amino acids are extremely useful in case your dog has dry skin!

Ingredients:

Chicken Meal , Whole Grain Sorghum, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Oatmeal,Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicken Fat ,Choline Chloride, Chicken, Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal, Flaxseed, Natural Flavor, Whole Brown Rice, Peas, Chickpeas, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin A Supplement, Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract, Salt, Dl-Methionine, Zinc Sulfate, Niacin Supplement, Biotin, Vitamin E Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Riboflavin Supplement , Vitamin B12 Supplement, Iron Amino Acid Chelate, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Selenium Yeast, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride , Manganese Amino Acid Chelate, Thiamine Mononitrate , Potassium Iodide, Folic Acid, Rosemary Extract.

How To Read A Dog Food Label

To help make an informed decision about what youre feeding your Golden, youll need to read the food label.

But food labels can be a little vague and confusing, so below is an explanation of what some of these terms mean, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual and the AKC.

Ingredients are listed in order of weight

The first ingredient listed is the ingredient that theres the most of in the food, while the last ingredient is the ingredient that theres the least of.

There is one caveat though.

Ingredients are listed in the exact type that theyre added in.

For instance, flaked corn, ground corn, and kibbled corn could be sprinkled in an ingredient list and not be listed as the first few ingredients, but in reality, if you were to add them all up , you might find that this food is made mostly of corn.

The same goes for chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct.

Meat vs. Meat Meal vs. Meat Byproduct

Lets say youre looking at a food label and you see chicken, chicken meal, and chicken byproduct.

Chicken means that its chicken muscle, skin and/or bones.

Chicken meal means that its essentially ground and dried chicken muscle, skin and/or bones.

Chicken byproducts means that its byproducts .

Chicken byproducts meal means that its essentially ground and dried byproducts.

The quality of these ingredients can vary widely, so be sure to talk to your vet about this and choose a reputable brand of food.

Recommended Reading: Are Golden Retrievers Easy To Potty Train

The Buyers Guide: Food For Golden Retriever

One thing you need to keep in mind when choosing food for your Golden Retriever is that it is a large breed, which is more active than most large breeds. This means they need a good amount of protein and healthy carbs. Their diet should be low in fat but there should be enough fatty acids to keep their golden fur glowing.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Large Breed Formula

Purina Pro Plan Focus for large breeds has balanced nutrition for your Golden Retriever. it has the right protein and fat balance to help your dog maintain a healthy weight while staying healthy and active. The balanced formula will also take care of the beautiful coat. Whats more: This dog food also contains ingredients that actually allow for optimal absorption of all the nutrients. You also get natural probiotic fibers for easy digestion.

Read Also: Majestic Manor Goldens Reviews

What Should A Golden Retriever Eat

There are some things we should take note of when looking for the best dog food for our golden retrievers. Golden retrievers, being active, need a lot of protein for muscle build-up. Protein-rich dog foods are important for our dogs. Thus, it is best to look for dog foods with meat such as lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish, as the first ingredient.Dog foods rich in carbohydrates are also beneficial for our goldens to sustain their energy. However, some golden retrievers are prone to allergies to corn or soy. Thus, dog foods containing soy or corn may not be good for them. Alternatively, you may consider those with whole rice or brown rice in the ingredients.Also, taurine is said to be essential for proper cardiovascular function. Lack of taurine can cause heart failure in our dogs. Therefore, look for dog food that includes taurine among its ingredients.Choose dog foods containing no poultry or animal by-products as they are not the healthiest ingredients for our dogs. If it is not good for humans, most probably, it is not good for dogs too. Also, avoid foods with sugars, artificial colors, and flavors. Most dog treat products contain these ingredients. Hence, it is best to limit giving these treats to our golden retrievers. Of course, asking your vet about the best dog food for our golden retrievers is always a good move to ensure the best for our dogs.

Nd Best Budget Puppy Food: Iams Large Breed Puppy

2nd Best Budget

Iams Large Breed Puppy Food is one of the more affordable puppy foods. Real, farm raised chicken is the 1st ingredient and it includes 22 key nutrients that are found in a mothers milk. It was created to fit your large breed puppys specific wellness and nutritional needs.

Top Ingredients:

• Chicken is the 1st ingredient
• Added DHA for brain health
• Contains calcium and phosphorus for bone health
• Comes in two bag sizes 15lb and 30.6lbs.

You May Like: House Training Golden Retriever Puppy

Best Dog Food For A Golden Retriever

The beautiful, gentle Golden Retriever is one of the most popular breeds in the world today. They are noted for being smart and easy to train, as well as being good with children. For many people, they make an ideal family dog, especially for an active family. Goldens are large dogs and require plenty of exercise, as well as a healthy, nutritious diet. So, whats the best dog food for a Golden Retriever?

Check out our recommendations below to help you select the right formula for your pup.

Disclosure: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which will direct you to our partner sites. If you purchase the pet foods we recommend through those links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Golden Retriever Diet And Nutrition

Golden Retrievers typically weigh between 55 and 75 pounds and stand between 21 ½ and 24 inches tall at the withers. Male Goldens are usually larger than females. Golden Retrievers are members of the Sporting group. As a breed, Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan for dogs of their size, reaching about 11 years of age.

By weight, the National Research Council of the National Academies recommends an average daily caloric intake of 1740 calories for an active adult Golden Retriever weighing 70 pounds. Dogs that have been spayed/neutered, or that are older, may need fewer calories. Some dogs may need more calories depending on their level of activity and their individual metabolism. Growing puppies, for example, consume more calories than adult dogs and so do young adult dogs. A young adult Golden Retriever weighing about 70 pounds, for example, and getting lots of exercise would need about 1876 calories per day. However, if your Golden tends to lie around the house all day with little opportunity to exercise, he would need fewer calories. Goldens, in particular, can excel at many dog sports such as hunting, agility, obedience, water sports, tracking, search and rescue, guide dog work, and many other things. Dogs that are putting in lots of hours in training and exercise often need more calories in their diet.

You May Like: Golden Retriever Rescue Of Wisconsin

What Are The Best Dog Foods For Golden Retrievers With Itchy Skin

The foods listed below are the best for Golden Retrievers with itchy skin:

• Hills Prescription Diet for skin and food sensitivities lowers the risks of skin problems including itchy skin. It is crafted with highly digestible proteins and one source of carbohydrates. This meal uses the finest ingredients including Potato, Potato Starch, Venison, Potato Protein, and Soybean Oil. It has a caloric content of 371 Kcal/cup and a protein value of 14%
• Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Recipe also lowers the risks of skin problems. It is crafted with the best ingredients including Deboned Salmon, Peas, Potatoes, Pea Starch, and Salmon Meal. It is enriched with Glucosamine for joint health

Royal Canin Golden Retriever Soft Dog Food

PetListed Verdict:

Looking for a high-quality wet food for your Golden? This Royal Canin canned option is similar to the dry kibble seen earlier on our list, and is specifically formulated for the needs of Golden Retrievers over 15 months of age.

Key Details:

• Soft food in a loaf sauce
• Formulated for Golden Retrievers 15 months and older
• Heart healthy ingredients including taurine and L-carnitine
• Can be fed alone or mixed with dry dog food
• Includes dozens of essential vitamins and minerals

A quick note: Were reader supported! If you buy a product through our links we may earn a commission. The price you pay will always be the same as normal.

You May Like: Golden Retriever Puppy Fur

Avoid Raw Or Undercooked Meat

Raw diets are becoming immensely popular! Raw shouldnt be literal when it comes to animal meat. After eating raw animal meat, your dog is now vulnerable to a host of bacteria, viruses, and other parasites that would have been killed during the cooking or rendering process.

There is still a large difference between our domesticated dogs and other wild canines. Dogs didnt inherit an immunity to some of these things unless previously exposed or their mothers passed an immunity on, which isnt always the case. The risk you take isnt worth the small degree of nutritional gains.

Nutritional Needs Of Golden Retrievers

Any diet you give your Golden Retriever must first contain balanced ratios of protein, fats, and carbohydrates.

Moderate to High Protein

They may not be as muscular as Pitbulls, but Goldens are an athletic breed that needs quality protein to support their muscles.

Look for dog food that contains over 20% crude protein content. Puppies have more significant protein needs, while senior dogs need less.

Lean animal proteins provide the best support for your Goldens muscles. The best dog food formulas list real meat as one of the first ingredients.

Low to Moderate Fat

Golden Retrievers should not eat diets with a fat content that exceeds 20%. Although they are not as food motivated as other retrievers, they can still pack on the pounds when fed too many calories.

But, healthy fats are vital for their skin. Goldens have a unique, long, flax-colored coat that depends on oil production to stay healthy. Dog foods that feature omega-3 fatty acid sources will help keep him shiny and support his brain and cardiac health.

Digestible Carbohydrates

Dogs can easily digest carbohydrates. But high levels of sugars in the diet can cause obesity and diabetes.

Golden Retrievers are active dogs that need some carbohydrates in their diet to provide energy. Unlike small dogs, large breeds can store carbohydrates as glycogen in their muscles. They do not need to eat high amounts in every meal consistently.

Vitamins and Minerals

DHA and Taurine

Recommended Reading: Golden Retriever Vs English Golden Retriever

Victor Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

Source: victor

VICTOR Senior Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food is formula limited in fat, which is essential for our grandpa Goldies. Senior doggos arent as active as they used to be, and if they eat food thats rich in fat, they could get fat quickly. This nutrient-dense product contains glucosamine and chondroitin that promote your pups joint health and reduce pain. Protein stems from high-quality ingredients such as beef, chicken, pork meals, and fish.

The formula also contains L-carnitine, which transforms fat into energy for lean muscle development. These premium ingredients will keep your dog healthy.

Ingredients:

What Are The Best Dog Foods For Golden Retrievers With Diabetes

The best dog food for diabetic Golden Retrievers is those that aid in regulating blood sugar levels. The following are the best foods for diabetic Golden Retrievers:

• Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Recipe is suitable for dogs with diabetes as it is low glycemic. The first five ingredients for this meal are Water Sufficient for Processing, Pork By-Products, Chicken, Pork Liver, and Chicken By-Products.
• Dr. Hareys Paradigm Green Dog Food is suitable for diabetic dogs as it is low glycemic and low in carbs. The main ingredients are Broccoli, Green Beans, Bone Broth, Red and Green Bell Pepper, and Cabbage

Also Check: How To Groom A Golden Retriever For Show

Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

• Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Golden Retrievers 15 months and older
• Exclusive kibble shape designed specifically for a Golden Retrievers straight muzzle and scissor bite to encourage chewing
• Reinforces the skin barrier with essential nutrients to support healthy skin and help promote a shiny coat
• Promotes heart health with taurine, EPA, and DHA for healthy cardiac function
• Maintains ideal weight with precise calorie and fat content designed for Golden Retrievers

• Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy dry dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Golden Retrievers 8 weeks to 15 months old
• Exclusive kibble shape designed specifically for a Golden Retrievers straight muzzle and scissor bite to encourage chewing
• Helps protect a puppys developing immune system and natural defenses with an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E
• Reinforces the skin barrier with essential nutrients to support healthy skin and a shiny, golden coat
• Aids digestive health with high-quality proteins and prebiotics for optimal stool quality

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

Read Also: Texas Rose English Goldens

Counting The Macros For Your Golden Retrievers

Have you ever been on a diet?

If you have, then, you must be know that its not counting the calories that matterit is the source that does. If you eat more junk food on a diet, chances are that you wont lose weight or feel well even if youve just had 1200 kcal per day.

Same is the case for your Golden Retriever.

This essentially means that calories you get from your food come from the three vital macronutrientscarbs, proteins, and fats. Your body needs them all in adequate quantities to thrive.

And so does your Golden Retrievers.

However, macros need to be adjusted keeping in mind the dogs height, age, level of activity, etc.

Final Words: All You Need To Know About Feeding Your Golden Retriever

Each and every dog has unique nutritional needseven if they belong to the same breed.

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.

Over-feeding your dog may not feel like a big thing right now, but it can have severe health consequences later in life.

Let me know in the comments section if you have any questions or concerns. Ill help you right out!

Also Check: Do Golden Retrievers Pant A Lot

Do Golden Retrievers Need Grain Free Food

Poor quality feeding of the golden breed will lead to severe skin problems that will cause costly veterinary bills because goldens have high skin problems. To get your pet food, you will have to visit the animal stores. Among the most popular large breed dogs such as Golden Goldensters, grain-free foods are often linked to taurine deficiency.

What About Growing Puppies

A puppys needs for protein and calories are higher than an adults. However, large-breed puppies need to be kept on a calorie-controlled diet to prevent them from growing too quickly.

According to AAFCO nutrient profiles, they also need lower calcium and phosphorus levels to reduce the risk of joint issues. So, yes, its good to look for a Golden Retriever puppy food thats right for your growing pup.

Read Also: American Vs English Golden Retrievers