What Is The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

By James A

August 8, 2021

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Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food

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Top Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Corn, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Wheat, 5. Ground Grain Sorghum

With this one Eukanuba proves how well it understands the different needs of different breeds. With the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbs, Eukanuba Adult Large Breed dog food will keep your Golden Retriever happy, active, and healthy. What I love about it is the 3D DentaDefense anti-tartar agent that takes good care of my canine’s dental health. Moreover, there is a good balance of nutrients essential for mental and physical health. With chicken as the first ingredient, this is a delicious option even for the pickiest eaters.

Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Large Breed Formula

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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. What’s 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.

Best For Seniors: Merrick Grain

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If your furbaby is a senior by now, you may be thinking of switching to a different, more senior-friendly brand. Often, dog food for older dogs is optimized to prevent dogs from developing certain diseases and health issues.

is among the best dog food for senior golden retrievers. It boasts a grain-free mixture with deboned meat, fish, or poultry that’ll help maintain your buddy’s energy levels and muscle mass at an optimal level.

It also has omega 3 and fatty acids to support his joints, skin, and hips. Since your old buddy may not be as active anymore, those ingredients are must-haves to keep them healthy.

Likewise, you’ll find no preservatives or anything artificial in Merrick’s Dog Food. So, you can rest assured you’re feeding your buddy only the things he needs.

More importantly, Merrick has six tasty flavors your dog may love alternating with: buffalo and beef, lamb and sweet potato, buffalo, beef & potato, chicken and sweet potato, duck and sweet potato, and turkey.

If you’re the fur-parent of a picky, easily bored with food flavors kind of dog, then this may be perfect for you.

Key Features:

No preservatives or anything artificial
Available in various flavors

Best Wet Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

The ‘Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever’ wet dog food is a great option for anyone who is looking for a quality wet for their pup. This is definitely one of the best wet dog foods out there.

We think you’ll like:Best Dog Foods For Urinary Health

Not only is it made especially for Golden Retrievers, but it is also full of nutrients and has a delicious taste that no dog will be able to resist. It can be used on its own or mixed in with kibble to make the kibble meal more appealing. While Golden Retrievers aren’t known for this, some are picky eaters and wet food can be a simple way to encourage eating, as well as these dog foods for picky eaters.

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Best Treats For Golden Retrievers

5 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers via @dailydogstuff ...

Many dog owners enjoy giving their dogs treats, but since they’re not expected to adopt AAFCO guidelines, like dog food, how do you know what treats are the best for Golden Retrievers?

The best treats for Golden Retrievers are those made with high-quality, nutrient-dense ingredients, low in calories and fat. Artificial preservatives, colorings, or additives should not be used in dog treats. As an alternative, you can feed nutritious fruits and vegetables.

You can find high-quality treats on the market; however, they can be quite expensive, but I’m happy to pay more if it means my dog stays healthy and happy.

There are many different types of commercial dog treats, and you can pick the one that best fits your needs. Do you need training treats, dental treats, chew treats, or even natural calming treats, for example? I like to have a range of treats on hand for my dog.

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your Golden Retriever’s daily calories.

Make sure you buy healthy dog treats, particularly chew treats, that are suitable for large breeds. Bully sticks made entirely of all-natural beef are one of my favorite treats for my dog – and she thinks so too! You may use them as a chew stick or break them up into smaller pieces. Check out the Downtown Pet Supply bully sticks from Amazon. They are 100% natural and get thousands of good reviews.

Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Puppy

When picking out the best food for Golden Retriever puppies, you need a kibble or wet food that has just the right levels of protein, fibers, and carbohydrates to help the pup grow at a healthy speed. Royal Canin has a breed-specific Golden Retriever puppy food that sees to all his or her needs, and that tastes delicious at the same time.

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Golden Retriever Food For Adults

As I mentioned before, adult Golden have a different calories intake than puppies, so here are some Golden Retriever food for adults ;Royal Canin Golden Retriever Food

MACROS

Fats:?16%
Fiber:?3%

For dogs who have a sensitive stomach and don’t enjoy a lot of fiber in their diet, this food is perfect for them. Purina Pro Plan Savor has high protein and high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin for his larger bones and joints and energy, it also has Vitamin A, linoleic acid, and fish oils to provide plenty of nutrients to take care of his beautiful coat.

The Best Large Dogs For Apartments

Small dog breeds like the standard poodle might seem like great apartment dogs because they fit the small space better, but large dogs may be better-behaved and bark less. Some breeds are gentle giants who don’t realize they aren’t lap dogs.

They simply sit and wait until you get home so they can slobber all over you, go for a walk, cuddle, and eat their dinner. Here are some of the best large dogs for apartment dwellers:

How To Feed A Golden Retriever

Before switching your dog to any new diet, always consult with a veterinarian. Remember that no article on the internet, including this one, can replace a consultation with a vet.

Puppy Golden Retrievers

Large-breed puppies like Golden retrievers are more susceptible to malnutrition and developmental orthopedic disease compared to small-breed pups. Many Golden owners have heard of these diseases- hip dysplasia, osteochondrosis , panosteitis and hypertrophic osteodystrophy .

While there is a genetic component to these diseases, there are significant nutritional risk factors that play a part during puppyhood. These risk factors are rapid growth and excess dietary calcium intake.

The best dog food for Golden Retrievers provides just enough of the right balance of nutrients. Large-breed specific puppy foods are a great safeguard to help prevent these issues. My top recommendation for Golden puppies is .

Royal Canin has done all the legwork for us in creating their Golden retriever-specific puppy food. Goldens are a more slowly maturing breed and it is recommended to feed this puppy food until 15 months of age.

The calorie content and mineral balance are optimal for preventing developmental orthopedic diseases. Goldens have teeth that meet in a “scissors bite” and a long mouth and snout. Royal Canin has designed square, thin kibble for optimal chewing and digestion by Goldens.

Golden Retriever Health Problems And How Food Can Help

Golden retrievers may be described as playful, energetic, and very active pooches that love nothing but life and family. However, this doesn’t mean they’re completely immune to diseases. Like all breeds of dog, Goldies are prone to certain health issues more than other breeds. Here are some of them.

Cancer

Two of the most common found in Golden retrievers are hemangiosarcomas and lymphomas. Hemangiosarcoma is a very invasive type of cancer that is found almost exclusively in canine populations. Hemangiosarcomas affect the blood vessels while lymphomas target lymphocytes in the immune system. Nutrition can play a role in improving the signaling pathways of cells so that they don’t differentiate into neoplastic ones.

Aortic stenosis

In this condition, the valve where blood exits the heart to be delivered to the rest of the body gets narrower, restricting the flow and delivery of blood towards the rest of the body while also congesting the heart with blood because of the limited forward movement of blood. Omega fatty acids and other nutrients that can lower blood lipids can also help. Fiber has always been an integral part of aortic stenosis diet in human populations.

Hip dysplasia

Find out more about Calcium Supplements for Dogs.

Elbow dysplasia

This is almost similar to hip dysplasia except that the affected joint is in the elbow of your Golden retriever. Again, nutrients are important to minimize the impact of such degeneration of the tissues.

Eye problems

Hypothyroidism

What To Look For In A Good Golden Retriever Food

To ensure that your golden retriever’s basic nutritional needs are met, it’s best to choose a large-breed dog food formulated for his life stage.

Here are some other things to look for in a good dog food for Golden Retrievers:

Made from wholesome, natural ingredients with no fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Rich in lean protein from high-quality animal sources like poultry, meat, and fish
Limited fat and calorie content to control growth in puppies and maintain lean mass in adults
Controlled calcium and phosphorus levels with glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Nutritionally complete and balanced according to AAFCO nutrient profiles

In addition to making sure your Golden Retriever’s food meets these requirements, you should also check to see if it comes in a bigger kibble size.

Large and deep-chested breeds have a high risk for bloat which is exacerbated by eating too fast or eating too much at once—bigger kibble means that your dog gets the same nutrition in smaller portion sizes.

Are Vegetables Good For Golden Retrievers

Yes, the right choice of fruits and vegetables is beneficial for your golden retriever. It provides essential phytonutrients that help fight cancer and other health ailments. Hence it is essential to treat your dog with colorful and bright vegetables that are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, helps build muscle strength, and modulates sugar level.

Some of them are as follows

Blueberries
Mushroom

Fromm Adult Gold Large Breed Formula Dry Dog Food

10 Healthiest & Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers in 2021

The Fromm Family Pet Foods are best known for their artisan creations that puts primacy in the quality of their ingredients. The Goldie with the Gold Nutritionals Dog Food comes with premium-quality duck, chicken, and lamb and completed with real Wisconsin cheese and whole eggs. It is beefed up with both prebiotics and probiotics to help boost your Goldie’s immune system and digestive functions while its 5:1 ratio of essential fatty acids help provide for healthier skin, immune system, cardiovascular functioning, and nervous system integrity. It has cartilage, too to help build stronger joints for your highly active Goldie. The price may be steep, but if you’re looking for one of the best for your Goldie the Gold Nutritionals is for you.

Read here our detailed Fromm Dog Food Review.

Calorie content: 378 per cup

Minimum amount of proteins: 23%

Minimum amount of fats: 12%

First 5 ingredients: duck, chicken, chicken meal, pearled barley, and oatmeal

With essential fatty acids, cartilage, prebiotics, and probiotics

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 doesn’t contain artificial flavors or additives. This should also be your criteria for snacks and treats.

Holistic Select Senior Health

Rating:

Senior Health is one of 11 dry recipes covered in our review of the Holistic Select product line.

First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, chickpeas, peas, lentils, dried ground potatoes
Type: Grain-free
Profile: Maintenance
Best for:Senior goldens

Holistic Select Senior Health obtains the better part of its meat protein from chicken fat. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 13% fat and 48% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.

We also note this dog food contains no generic animal by-products, artificial colors or chemical preservatives. The recipe’s below-average fat content combined with its inclusion of both chondroitin and glucosamine make it an ideal option for senior goldens. Highly recommended.

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,…
Our Fresh Regional Ingredients are supplied by people we know and…

If you click the link above and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

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 Golden’s 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.

Are Golden Retrievers Forgiving

Golden retrievers are the sweetest and gentlest breed, they have one of the best well-balanced temperaments.

One of the greatest traits about golden retrievers besides being extremely cheerful and loving, they can forgive easily or forget quickly.

They can be mad at you and the second you approach them with a ball in your hand they can throw all the problems away and rush to play with you like nothing ever happened.

The Doggy Bag Take Home Message

Golden retrievers tend to live the longest, healthiest lives when they are kept in a leaner body condition, receive life-stage-appropriate balanced nutrition and routine veterinary care.

Regardless of which dog food you choose for your furry family member, it is important to follow feeding instructions carefully and consult with your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog’s health or nutrition.

Disclosure: We may earn affiliate commissions at no cost to you from the links on this page. This did not affect our assessment of products.Read more here and findfull disclosure here.

Antiangiogenic Foods For Dogs

These are beneficial foods that help destroy blood vessels necessary for tumor growth and metastasis. These include:

Curcumin
Kale
Apples

After reviewing over 500 cases of DCM, the FDA alerted the public as to the 16 dog food brands which resulted in the most cases of DCM. ACANA, Zignature, and Taste of the Wilde are among the brands that are mentioned. That said, we have intentionally omitted the listed dog food brands from our reviews for the time being.

Here is the list of the dog-food brands on the FDA’s DCM “POTENTIAL CONNECTION” list. “91 per cent of the products were labelled grain-free , while 93 per cent contained peas, lentils , or potatoes ,” via CBC news.

The brands identified include:

For more information, visit:

A Goldens Unique Needs

While Goldens are known as a relatively healthy dog breed, there are a few medical conditions they’re predisposed to. While some conditions, like hypothyroidism or hip and elbow dysplasia, are difficult to predict or protect against, there are other common conditions which can be prevented through proper diet and eating habits.

Cancer –Nearly 60% of golden retrievers die from cancer. The causes for cancer are many, and in most cases, there’s nothing that could have been done to prevent it, there’s one thing you can control which may help your dog avoid cancer: proper diet.

Lower quality dog foods often contain ingredients which have been linked to cancer, and avoiding them is the best action you can take to help your dog avoid developing cancer. Avoiding foods with artificial ingredients, colors, fillers or preservatives is a great way to limit the likelihood of your golden developing cancer.

Cardiovascular Disease –While goldens are prone to developing cardiovascular disease, you can mitigate this risk tremendously by keeping your dog at a healthy weight that’s in line with your vet’s recommendations.

A healthy dog at the right weight is far less likely to develop a heart condition as they get older. If you notice your dog trending a bit towards the heavier side, don’t wait, consult with your vet about putting them on a diet for weight management.

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.

Here’s 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.”

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy

PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your puppy’s…
HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free puppy food is…
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This recipe contains healthy carbohydrates such as peas, potatoes and carrots, so he will be full of puppy energy, as well as Chicken, Chicken meal and fish meal for his muscles and growing bones. Eventually, we’d love to see a Bison recipe to round out the flavor selection.

In addition to the tasty kibble pieces, it also contains Blue Buffalo’s LifeSource Bits which are a precise blend of puppy life-stage nutrients and they are cold-formed to retain their potency and taste. Many owners can attest that their Golden Retriever puppy loved the taste and couldn’t get enough at mealtimes.

We love that this recipe has the joint highest fiber content, so if your Golden has a sensitive stomach or particularly bad flatulence this recipe would be great for him.

Why Is My Golden Retriever Not Drinking Water

When it comes to water dogs generally throw tantrums. But if your golden retriever is never up for water then it may be because of inactivity or lack of exercise. Dogs can be lazy at most times and to make them healthy, you need to take care of them properly. Doing active runs, playing in a field and swimming can help drink water.

Also, if your dog has some medical condition related to kidneys and or increased cholesterol then it might be an immediate concern. You should visit your vet as soon as possible.

Taste Of The Wild Southwest Canyon

Rating:

Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.

First 5 ingredients: Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil
Type: Grain-free
Profile: All life stages
Best for:Golden retriever adults and puppies

Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon acquires the bulk of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Southwest Canyon also contains salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs. They help deliver better joint health and a lustrous skin and coat. A super popular brand. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review…“Taste of the Wild makes both me and my dogs very happy. I have a pack of three that all love it and have beautiful coats that I can only attribute to their diet. As for me, it’s cost-efficient and doesn’t stink like other dog foods. I’d recommend it to any of my friends.”

Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever Adults

If you have a full-grown Golden Retriever, here are our top picks of dog food brands that will help keep your pooch in tip-top shape.

Taste of the Wild Grain Pacific Stream Free Dry Dog Food

Top 3 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes

For active dogs with gourmet palates, this is an all-natural, grain- and filler-free formula. It’s filled with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids from salmon fish oil from fresh salmon.