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Picking the right dog food with all the nutrients your golden retriever needs can be one of the trickiest parts of taking care of them. Proper nutrition plays a major role not only in your dog's overall health but also in your peace of mind and satisfaction.
Selecting the right dog food can be challenging because the pet food industry is full of marketing gimmicks. Many brands focus solely on generating sales, often at the expense of your dog's health.
This article lists some of the best dog foods for your golden retriever in 2024 and shares some other information as well, such as what dog food is and how it can benefit your dog.
What to Think About When Buying Dog Food for Your Golden Retriever
While dog food is convenient, it's important to consider a few things before choosing a specific product. Ignoring these factors could seriously harm your golden retriever's health or even be fatal. We recommend talking to your vet about the following things:
Food Quality
Make sure you choose dog food that provides a perfect balance of all essential nutrients to support your dog's growth, development, and activity levels. High-quality dog food also supports your dog's metabolism and immune system.
Food Allergies
Some dogs may develop allergies to certain nutrients, so we recommend purchasing hypoallergenic dog food to minimize the risk of reactions.
The vet can conduct tests to identify any food items your dog may be allergic to. Based on these findings, they will create a personalized diet and nutrition plan to prevent any potential reactions.
Calorie Needs
Different dogs will have different calorie needs – a growing golden retriever is going to need more calories than a more mellow, senior dog. A vet may provide a questionnaire for you to fill out to assess the ideal caloric needs of your dog based on their activity levels.
Golden Retrievers’ Special Health Needs
One of the most common health problems for goldens is obesity. If your dog has become obese or is struggling with weight management, customized dog food options can help maintain a healthy weight appropriate for their age.
Life Stage
Dog foods are made to fit your dog’s various life stages. Puppies have unique needs, while adults require different ones. That's why pet food brands have created options specifically tailored for each stage of life.
Wet Versus Dry Food
Whether to choose dry or wet dog food depends on your dog's preferences, age, and their overall digestion and gut health. Wet food is often easier for puppies to digest.
Your Golden Retriever’s Preferences
This part is a little less scientific, but you want to give your pooch food that they’re excited about eating. If, for instance, you notice that your golden favors turkey flavors over beef, you’ll want to give them the turkey and supplement any missing nutrients accordingly.
The Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
Our team researches popular dog products to provide reviews and insights. If you choose to purchase using the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which helps support our work at no additional cost to you.
Below is a list of top-selling dog foods for golden retrievers:
1. Royal Canin Golden Retriever Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
This nutrient-dense dog food was made specifically with golden retrievers in mind.
Key Notes
Perfect Kibble Size and Shape for Golden Retriever, Nutrient-Dense, Easily Digested
This dog food is specially tailored for the muzzle and scissor bite of golden retrievers, with kibble shaped for convenient chewing and picking up.
Each bag guarantees a minimum of 23% protein, 11% fat, a maximum of 5.7% fiber, and 10% moisture content.
Designed specifically for purebred golden retrievers, it promotes optimal muscle growth, aids in easy digestion, and enhances overall immunity and metabolism. This food is also formulated to maintain skin health and promote a shiny coat.
It should be noted, however, that this food is more expensive than other options.
Pros
- Tailor-made for goldens
- High nutrient content
- Perfect kibble size and shape for goldens
- Easily digestible
Cons
- More expensive than other brands
2. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Dog Food With Probiotics
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 5 out of 5
Why we like it
Packed with protein, this food is excellent for growing or high-energy goldens, plus it offers probiotics for a healthy gut.
Key Notes
Contains Real Meat, Probiotics, Chicken Flavor, Combination of Kibble Textures
Purina Pro Plan contains real chicken as the primary ingredient, combined with a high-protein formula designed to support optimal muscle development. This is especially good for during your golden retriever’s growth.
This dog food features a hard kibble texture complemented by shredded and tender pieces, ensuring a taste and mouthfeel that golden retrievers enjoy.
Real meats such as lamb, beef, poultry, or salmon are used all of which help with proper muscle development without the use of any artificial flavors. Plus, guaranteed live probiotics are included to support digestion and maintain overall gut health.
While this is a stellar choice, it may contain too much protein for older or lower-energy golden retrievers.
Pros
- High protein
- Real meat is the first ingredient
- Includes probiotics
Cons
- May not be suitable for lower-energy goldens
3. Blue Buffalo Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Blue Buffalo offers a dog food that’s not only nutrient-dense but also contains antioxidants, which keep your golden’s coat shiny and healthy.
Key Notes
Contains Chicken and Veggies, Nutrient-Dense, Contains Antioxidants
This is another dog food that contains high-quality real chicken as its main ingredient, which supports muscle mass and growth.
It also includes real fruits, vegetables, essential vitamins, and vital minerals to improve the immune system. Complex carbohydrates from brown rice and sweet potatoes offer a sustained energy source. The ingredients are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients which helps with skin health and contribute to a shiny coat.
The only real drawback of this food is that it’s not formulated with bigger dogs or golden retrievers in mind. It may also be more difficult to find in stores.
Pros
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains lots of protein in addition to complex carbs
- No fillers
Cons
- Not formulated for golden retrievers
- May be more difficult to find in stores
4. Wellness Natural Pet Food CORE Grain-Free High-Protein Large Breed Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Wellness Natural Pet Food is made with large dogs like golden retrievers in mind, and serves as an excellent option for pups who need less grain in their diet.
Key Notes
Grain-Free, Chicken-Based, No Fillers, Nutrient-Dense
This dog food is certified and tested for its high-protein nutrition value, with chicken as the primary ingredient. It’s 100% grain-free and balanced with nutrient-rich superfoods to optimize fat and calorie levels ideal for your golden retriever’s health.
The brand ensures zero use of corn, wheat, and soy, opting instead for high-quality, premium all-natural ingredients. Plus, there’s also glucosamine and chondroitin in this dog food, which supports joint and bone health.
Be sure to check with your vet before switching your dog to a grain-free diet, though.
Pros
- Rich in nutrients
- No fillers
- Formulated with large dogs in mind
Cons
- A grain-free diet isn’t suitable for all dogs; you’ll want to consult your vet first
- May contain too much protein for less energetic goldens
5. PEDIGREE Complete Nutrition Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
This budget-friendly dog food leaves out fillers like high fructose corn syrup and keeps your dog’s teeth clean and healthy.
Key Notes
Steak and Vegetable Flavor, No Sugar or High Fructose Corn Syrup, Contains Zinc and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
PEDIGREE guarantees that their dog food contains zero high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavors, added sugar, and preservatives like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). However, it should be noted that this food contains some filler ingredients.
The unique and crunchy texture of this dog food supports your dog’s oral care by cleaning tartar off their teeth with each bite. Key macronutrients like omega-6 fatty acids and zinc help maintain your dog’s skin health and coat shine. Plus, this dog food includes whole grains and fiber to promote smooth digestion, and it’s inexpensive compared to other brands.
Pros
- Keeps teeth clean
- No high fructose corn syrup
- Budget-friendly and easy to find
Cons
- Not tailored specifically for goldens
- Not as nutrient-dense as other brands
6. Acana Highest Protein Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: ★★★★★ 4 out of 5
Why we like it
Acana Highest Protein is a fantastic option for golden retrievers who have problems processing gluten.
Key Notes
Fish-Based, Gluten Free, No Fillers, No Artificial Flavors
This dog food is specially formulated for gluten-resistant golden retrievers, being 100% gluten, corn, wheat, and soy-free. It includes whole pumpkin, butternut squash, apples, and pears for essential nutrients from botanical, fruit, and vegetable sources.
The recipe excludes artificial flavors, added sugars, tapioca, or preservatives. Protein from mackerel, herring, and redfish supports bone and muscle development, plus Acana sources their meat thoughtfully and ethically. The kibble is also freeze-dried and coated to enhance taste.
It should be noted that not all golden retrievers belong on a gluten free diet, so be sure to check with your vet before eliminating gluten from your pup’s food. This food also tends to run on the pricier side.
Pros
- No fillers or artificial flavors
- Tasty formula
- Thoughtfully sourced
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs who aren’t on gluten-free diets
- More expensive than other brands
- Not formulated for large dog breeds
Your Guide to Buying Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
Below, we’ll dig into some of the most frequently asked questions about food for golden retrievers.
What Makes a High-Quality Food for Golden Retrievers?
Dog food is scientifically designed and formulated to provide balanced nutrients, making sure all your dog’s needs are met. Different dog foods are made for different purposes, but a dog food that provides complete nutrition for goldens includes the following:
- Proteins: Proteins are an energy source that supports muscle growth and function.
- Fats: Fats serve as an energy source, regulate brain function, and help your dog maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
- Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates help your dog maintain energy and activity levels by providing a quick source of fuel.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Minerals and vitamins are essential for overall growth, development, and various physiological functions, such as supporting the immune system and metabolism.
What Are the Benefits of High-Quality Golden Retriever Food?
Here are some benefits of adding quality dog food to your golden retriever’s daily nutrition:
- Digestive and Dental Health: High-quality, tailored dog foods not only support digestive system and gut health but also promote your dog’s dental health. Many goldens experience issues like constipation or diarrhea from consuming spoiled or nutritionally deficient diets lacking essential fiber.
- Coat and Skin Health: Premium dog foods include all the nutrients that improve your golden’s coat health, making it shinier and healthier. These vital nutrients are often overlooked by owners when planning a diet.
- Weight Management: Many golden retrievers suffer from obesity, especially in their later years. High-quality dog food will be rich in nutrients without adding too many calories, making it easier to manage your dog’s weight.
Should I Get Input From My Vet Before Choosing My Golden Retriever’s New Food?
Before planning to invest in any dog food, you must talk to your vet. They will analyze your dog’s nutrition requirements based on several different aspects, like life stage, allergies, and your dog’s activity level.
While these points might seem manageable on your own, it’s essential to consult a trained and certified veterinarian to accurately assess your dog’s dietary needs. Vets have specialized knowledge to determine the right quantity and balance of nutrients necessary for your dog’s health.
Making these decisions independently could result in an imbalanced diet lacking essential nutrients, potentially harming your dog’s well-being.
Only the Best Dog Food for Your Golden Retriever!
Choosing the right dog food for your golden can be tricky, especially when food labels make so many claims about quality. After a chat with your vet and our guidance, though, you’ll be able to select your golden retriever’s next favorite!