It is essential to consider the type of food you give to your beloved pooch. One of the factors you need to keep in mind is if the food you give your dog meets the requirements of its specific breed. If you have a golden retriever, then you need to provide a diet that caters to its lifestyle needs, including its high activity levels.
Golden retrievers are easy to train and make great family dogs. Their personality thrives more in the outdoors running around and playing with toys. This points out to show that the best dog food for golden retriever should cater to its energy requirements. Being a large breed, this dog needs to maintain a healthy weight while ensuring it has an adequate supply of essential nutrients for normal functions of body systems.
If you are looking for the best dog food for a golden retriever, then this article can help you through the selection process. Here are some of the best foods that have proven to work well for golden retrievers. For those who have just welcomed a Golden Retriever puppy to their family, we’ve dedicated an entire post to the best puppy food for this breed.
Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever
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1. Merrick – Texas Beef
Merrick - Texas Beef
Features
- #1 INGREDIENT: DEBONED MEAT, FISH OR POULTRY: Merrick Grain Free dog food recipes contain leading levels of high quality proteins for healthy energy levels, building muscle mass and a great taste your dog will love.
- HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT, HIPS AND JOINTS: These grain free dog food recipes contain leading levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat plus leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain your dog's hip and joint function.
- REAL WHOLE FOODS FOR OPTIMAL NATURAL NUTRITION: Merrick Grain Free dog food recipes include real, whole foods like sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries and contain zero preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, soy or gluten.Calorie content:3,585 kcal per kilogram or 380 kcal per cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis (calculated)
- A VARIETY FOR EVERY BREED AND NEED: Merrick Grain Free dog food offers a range of specially crafted recipes to nourish all types of dogs, offering: puppy food, senior dog food, large breed dog food, and an option for those dogs needing a little help to maintain a healthy weight.
- At Merrick, we promise your pet will not only love the taste of our natural dog food, they’ll be happier and healthier, too. That’s why if you (or your pet) are not 100%, absolutely, totally, completely satisfied with Merrick Grain Free dog food, return it for your money back. We don’t just make the best food ever. We stand behind it.
If you are looking for an appropriate high-protein diet for your golden retriever, this recipe from Merricks is an ideal choice.
Key Features
- Texas beef
- Grain-free recipe
- Real whole foods
- Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
This dog food contains high-quality proteins that ensure healthy energy level while ensuring strong and lean muscle development. It has real beef as the first ingredient to satisfy your dog’s love for meat. The diet is enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which promote the health of the skin and coat. It is wholesome and balanced to meet the nutritional requirements of your dog.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Promotes a healthy coat
- Balanced and complete
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Cause runny stools at first
The diet is recommended for its high-quality ingredients and the balanced formula for active dogs.
2. Royal Canin – Puppy
Royal Canin- Puppy
Free shipping
Features
- 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 Retriever’s straight muzzle and scissor bite to encourage chewing
- Helps protect a puppy’s 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
Royal Canin for your golden retriever puppy ensures it gets all the essential nutrients it needs for proper growth and development.
Key Features
- For puppies from 8 weeks to 15 months old
- Small kibble
- Antioxidants added
- High-quality proteins
- Prebiotics added
The diet is specially formulated to suit your golden retriever puppy and ensure optimal health. The food is balanced and comes with a high level of protein to support lean muscle development. Also, it has an antioxidant blend that includes vitamin E to help protect your puppy’s immune system. It has added prebiotics to aid in digestion and improve bowel movements.
Pros
- Balanced and complete
- Easy to digest
- Small kibble for easy biting
- Enriched with vitamins and minerals
- High-quality ingredients
Cons
- Might cause diarrhea for the first few days
This golden retriever food works well for puppies and is formulated to meet their daily nutritional requirements.
3. PEDIGREE
Features
- Contains one 50 lb. bag of PEDIGREE High Protein Dog Food – Beef and Lamb Flavor
- Made with real red meat and 25% more protein than PEDIGREE Adult Complete Nutrition
- 100% complete and balanced dry food for adult dogs
- No added sugar, no artificial flavors, and no high fructose corn syrup
- Active dogs of every breed go wild for the high-protein recipe and great taste
This diet is one of the best retriever high protein dog foods. It comes as a balanced formula and provides all the essential nutrients.
Key Features
- Beef and lamb
- 25 % more protein
- Complete and balanced
- Omega 6 fatty acids and zinc
The diet is formulated in a simple recipe that makes it easily digestible for adult golden retrievers. It has high protein content from lamb and beef to support the dog’s muscle health.
On this note, this food provides 25% more protein than other large breed dog foods. It has omega 6 fatty acids and zinc that promote the health of the skin and coat.
Pros
- High-quality protein
- Easily digestible
- Promotes a shiny coat
- It provides balanced nutrition.
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs
The food has high protein levels and is recommended for adult golden retrievers to help maintain a healthy weight.
4. CANIDAE
CANIDAE
Free shipping
Features
- OPTIMAL PROTEIN FOR ALL DOGS: All Life Stages is crafted from turkey meal and rice providing an optimal level of nutrition for all breeds and sizes.
- CREATED WITHOUT ANY WHEAT, CORN, or SOY: There’s nothing questionable in a bowl of Canidae All Life Stages.
- HEALTHPLUS SOLUTIONS IN EVERY BITE: Probiotics added to every kibble after cooking to support healthy digestion, antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, and omega 6 & 3 fatty acids to support beautiful skin and coat.
- FLAVORS & TYPES: With 5 different varieties there’s a Canidae All Life Stages product that your dogs will love.
- WE MAKE PET FOOD SIMPLE: Canidae All Life Stages dog food uses simple, whole-food recipes made right here in our Texas facility. Because pet food shouldn’t be complicated.
This diet is specially made for large breed adult dogs hence suitable for golden retrievers.
Key Features
- High-quality protein
- Turkey and brown rice
- Calcium and phosphorous
- Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids
This food provides complete nutrition for your adult dog. It has turkey as the first ingredient and the primary source of protein. This helps to promote muscle health. The food is enriched with brown rice, which provides energy to match your dog’s active lifestyle. The diet also has calcium and phosphorous to ensure healthy bones for your aging dog.
Pros
- Ideal for multiple dogs
- Balanced and complete
- High-quality ingredients
- Promotes a shiny coat
- Enriched with essential minerals
Cons
- Some kibbles are too small
The food by pedigree is recommended for families with multiple dogs. It provides balanced nutrition to support the immune system and promote health.
5. Diamond Naturals
Features
- High quality protein made with real cage free chicken; tailored for a large breed dog with optimal amino acid profile for LEAN, STRONG MUSCLES
- Premium ingredients with added vitamins & minerals; superfoods for antioxidants; fatty acids for skin & coat; levels of glucosamine & Chondroitin
- Nutrient rich and HIGHLY digestible with PROPRIETARY PROBIOTICS that survive and thrive in the GI tract; at levels
- Family owned & run, MADE in the USA choosing ingredients from TRUSTED, SUSTAINABLE sources around the world; Call with questions 800 442 0402
- No corn, wheat, filler; NO ARTIFICIAL flavors, colors, or preservatives; Made with the most scientifically advanced food safety protocols.Caloric Content: 3,518 kcal/kg, 329 kcal/cup
The quality of ingredients affects the nutritional components of dog food. This diet from Diamond Naturals is made from high-quality, natural ingredients for a wholesome formula.
Key Features
- Chicken
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Fatty acids
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Proprietary probiotics
The diet has chicken as the first ingredient which has a high amino acid profile for lean and strong muscles. The food has added vitamins and minerals which support the immune system. With the fatty acids, this food helps to promote the skin and coat appearance. More to this, it has glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential for hip and joint health.
Pros
- Wholesome and balanced
- Quality ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Enhances the coat and skin appearance
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
It is the best food for golden retriever; thanks to the quality ingredients and the balanced formula.
6. Fromm
Features
- Large Breed 50+
- Added cartilage to support joint health.
- Real Wisconsin cheese Viable prebiotics & probiotics
- Optimum omega fatty acids ratio Corn, wheat, and by-product free 100% USDA-Inspected Ingredients
- Made in the USA in a USDA-Inspected plant
If you are looking for golden retriever food that supports joint health, this diet is an ideal choice.
Key Features
- High protein diet
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Omega fatty acids
- Natural, wholesome ingredients
This dog food is specially made to support the health of your aging adult dog. It has high protein content from chicken, lamb, whole eggs and cheese. The food is enriched with cartilage, which helps to support joint health. It has added prebiotics and probiotics which make it easy on the dog’s stomach for proper digestion.
Pros
- Nutritious recipe
- Supports joint health
- Easy to digest
- High-quality protein
Cons
- Pricey
This is an ideal retriever high protein dog food that you can get to ensure your dog gets adequate nutrients while maintaining a healthy weight.
7. Natural Balance L.I.D.
Natural Balance L.I.D.
$59.67 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- Contains 1 - 26 Pound Bag of Dry Dog Food
- Limited ingredient diet may help avoid certain food sensitivities
- Salmon is a high-quality protein that helps maintain strong muscles
- Natural fiber promotes healthy digestion
- Grain free recipe with no artificial flavors or colors
This food comes in a simple formula that is easy on your golden retriever’s stomach.
Key Features
- Grain-free recipe
- Sweet potato and fish
- Complete and balanced
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
The food has fish as the primary source of protein to support your dog’s muscle health. Also, it has sweet potato, which is a simple carbohydrate that your dog can easily digest. This provides adequate energy to keep up with your dog’s active lifestyle. The food is rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, which help to maintain healthy skin and a luxurious coat.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Rich and wholesome
- Improves the appearance of the coat
- Ideal for dogs with sensitive tummies
Cons
- It has a strong fishy smell
The food is nutritious and provides all the essential nutrients that your golden retriever needs, especially if it has a sensitive stomach.
8. Merrick – Buffalo
Features
- Grain-Free Nutrition With No Gluten Ingredients For Easier Digestibility
- #1 Ingredient Is Real Deboned Buffalo
- Contains Industry-Leading Levels Of Omega 6 And Omega 3 Fatty Acids To Aid In A Healthy Skin And Coat
- Contains Leading Levels Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin For Healthy Hips And Joints
- Cooked In The Usa.
If you are looking to upgrade your retriever dog food options, this buffalo diet from Merrick is an ideal choice.
Key Features
- Real deboned buffalo
- Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Grain-free recipe
The food provides sufficient protein to support your adult dog’s muscle development. It is formulated using high-quality ingredients to ensure your dog gets nutrients in the most wholesome state. With high levels of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids this aids in healthy skin and coat. It also has high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin that support healthy hips and joints.
Pros
- High protein diet
- Promotes a healthy coat
- Ideal for aging dogs
- Easy to digest
- Complete and balanced
Cons
- Not suitable for dogs with highly-sensitive stomachs
This is a high protein diet that you can choose for your golden retriever.
9. Royal Canin – Adult
Royal Canin Adult
Free shipping
Features
- 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 Retriever’s 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
This diet is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of purebred golden retrievers from 15 months old.
Key Features
- Exclusive kibble shape
- EPA and DHA
- Taurine added
- Balanced and complete
The golden retriever diet is made with high-quality ingredients to ensure it is safe and nutritious for your dog. It comes in a perfectly-shaped kibble that is suited for a golden retriever’s muzzle for easy biting and chewing.
It has Taurine, DHA and EPA, which are essential nutrients to support healthy skin and promote a shiny coat. It provides balanced nutrition while ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Promotes a healthy coat
- Ideal for managing weight
- Perfect kibble for easy chewing
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs with grain allergies
The Royal Canin golden retriever food meets the nutritional requirements of your adult dog to promote overall health.
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Blue Buffalo Wilderness
Free shipping
Features
- PACKED WITH REAL DUCK: A recipe made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat, this high protein dog food features real duck to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD: BLUE Wilderness grain free adult dog food is made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and peas to help fuel your adult dog’s active lifestyle. Plus, it contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is formulated for the health and well-being of your dog and features the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It never contains chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains one (1) 24-lb bag of BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Duck
If you are looking for retriever high protein dog food, you can get this diet from Blue Wilderness.
Key Features
- Real duck recipe
- Grain-free
- Vitamins and minerals
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Sweet potato and peas
This diet comes in a simple but complete formula that ensures your dog gets all the essential nutrients. It has real duck which satisfies your dog’s natural love for meat. This also provides protein which is vital for muscle health.
In addition, the food has sweet potato and peas which provide energy to support your dog’s active lifestyle. With the added vitamins and minerals, this food helps to protect the immune system.
Pros
- Easily digestible
- High-quality components
- High-protein diet
- Supports skin and coat health
Cons
- Has small hard kibbles
Blue Wilderness can work well as part of your dog’s daily diet. It is wholesome and helps to manage weight in adult dogs.
11. WholeHearted
WholeHearted
Features
- Grain Free Large Breed Chicken and Pea Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food from WholeHearted
- Real Chicken is the First Ingredient
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin to Support Joint Health
- Canine Probiotics Help Maintain Digestive Health
- Omega-6 and Omega-3 for Healthy Skin and Coat
This diet can be an ideal retriever dog food; thanks to the wholesome formula.
Key Features
- Real chicken
- Peas
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Canine probiotics
- Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids
This dog food is formulated to provide essential nutrients to your active adult dog. It has chicken as the first ingredient and the primary source of protein to support muscle health. Also, it has peas which are easily digestible. These provide energy to support the lifestyle of your active dog. With the omega 6 and 3 fatty acids, this food helps to promote the health of the skin and coat.
Pros
- High-quality chicken
- Easy to digest
- Supports joint health
- Balanced and complete
Cons
- Couldn’t find any
If you are looking for golden retriever food that provides complete nutrition, especially for older dogs, this is the right bet.
12. Nutro Max
Features
- Contains One (1) 25 Lb. Bag Of Nutro Max Adult Dry Dog Food With Farm Raised Chicken
- Our Great-Tasting, Quality Food For Adult Dogs Is Made With Farm-Raised Chicken, Plus Whole Grains As A Nutritious Source Of Fiber
- Our All Natural, Affordable Dog Food Contains No Artificial Flavors Or Preservatives
- Nutro Max Dog Food Is Responsibly Made In The U.S.A. In Our Own Facilities
It is essential to consider the ingredients used in dog foods to ensure they suit your dog. This dog food is made using natural ingredients to ensure your dog gets the most nutrients out of it.
Key Features
- Real farm raised chicken
- All natural ingredients
- Whole grains
- Vitamins and minerals
This diet has chicken as the first ingredient to provide essential protein. This helps to support lean muscle development. The food is enriched using other wholesome ingredients to balance it out and ensure it meets your dog’s nutritional requirements. Furthermore, it’s made from natural ingredients hence safe for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Soft kibble
- High-quality ingredients
- Easy to digest
- Essential vitamins and minerals
Cons
- Not ideal for dogs with grain allergies
13. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain
Free shipping
Features
- PACKED WITH REAL BEEF: A recipe inspired by the Rocky Mountains, this high protein dog food is now chicken free and features a blend of red meat to satisfy your dog’s wild side while helping build and maintain lean muscle mass.
- GRAIN FREE DOG FOOD: BLUE Wilderness grain free adult dog food is made with healthy carbohydrates including sweet potatoes and peas to help fuel your dog’s active lifestyle. Plus, it contains omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- WITH LIFESOURCE BITS: This formula contains BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.
- NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is formulated for the health and well-being of your dog and features the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals. It never contains chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Contains one (1) 22-lb bag of BLUE Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dry Dog Food, Red Meat
If you are looking for a protein-rich diet for your golden retriever, this food from Blue Buffalo is an ideal choice.
Key Features
- Real beef recipe
- Grain-free
- Antioxidants
- Vitamins and minerals
- Poultry-free diet
This diet is rich in protein and features a blend of red meat to satisfy your dog’s love of meat. It helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass in your adult dog. The food is grain free hence suitable for dogs with sensitive tummies. It is enriched with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are essential in the health of the skin and coat. With the antioxidants, this food supports the immune system of your dog.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Complete and balanced
- Promotes a shiny coat
- Easy to digest
Cons
- Mixed with tiny bits of vitamins
It is the best food for a golden retriever and provides balanced nutrition to support overall health.
14. Eukanuba
Eukanuba
$27.89 out of stock
Features
- Complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs one year and older
- Promotes total body health every day
- No artificial preservatives or fillers
- 3D DentaDefense reduces tartar build-up by up to 80%
This dog food comes in a high-quality formula that is designed for adult dogs from one year old. It is a suitable choice for golden retrievers.
Key Features
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Chicken recipe
- Whole foods
- L-carnitine
- Omega 3 fatty acids
This food from Eukanuba has chicken as the first ingredient to provide your adult dog with essential protein for muscle health. It is further enriched with whole foods to cater to the energy requirements and support your dog’s active lifestyle. It also has omega 3 fatty acids which promote the health of the skin and the coat. More to this, it has 3D DentaDefense, which reduces tartar build-up up to 80%.
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Helps to maintain a healthy weight
- Easy to digest
- Improves the coat’s appearance
Cons
- Pricey
This is the best dog food for golden retriever adult dogs. It helps to maintain a healthy weight while ensuring your dog gets all the nutrients it needs.
15. Purina Pro Plan
Purina Pro Plan
$45.78 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- One (1) 35 pounds Bag Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics Dry Dog Food, SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula
- Made with high quality protein, including real chicken as the first ingredient
- Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics to support digestive & immune health
- Crunchy kibble and tender, meaty pieces create a delightful textural combination
- Vitamin A and linoleic acid, an omega 6 fatty acid, support healthy skin and a shiny coat
This adult food comes in a simple formula that is easy to digest for adult dogs. It is one of the best foods for golden retriever adult dogs.
Key Features
- Shredded blend chicken
- Live probiotics
- Rice
- High-quality ingredients
- Crunchy kibble
The food has shredded chicken as one of the protein sources. The food is rich in protein to support muscle health in your dog. It has rice, which is a simple carbohydrate for easy digestion. It caters to the energy requirements of your adult dog. The food has live probiotics to support digestive health.
Pros
- Wholesome and balanced
- Easily digestible
- High-quality ingredients
- The kibble is easy to bite and chew
- Ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons
- Might cause diarrhea for the first few days
The diet is an ideal retriever food; thanks to the balanced, high-protein formula.
Bottom Line
When looking for appropriate dog food for golden retrievers, it is essential to consider the amount of nutrients it provides. The right diet for this breed should contain a high percentage of animal proteins from sources such as chicken, beef, fish, etc. Protein is essential in supporting their relatively large muscles while ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight.
As much as protein is one of the essential nutrients, you should ensure the diet is balanced and complete. That means it should have considerable levels of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals as well. These cater to the dog’s overall nutritional requirements for optimal health. When it comes to fat, the best food for golden retriever should have low to moderate levels.
If you are a new golden retriever parent, it is advisable to visit your vet to understand what the diet should constitute. That way, you ensure you provide a diet that promotes overall health and supports an active lifestyle. The above foods have proven to work well for golden retrievers, and you can find the best for yours too.
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The Review
Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever
Read through our review of the best dog food for Golden Retriever before heading out and making a purchase.
Review Breakdown
- Merrick - Texas Beef
- Royal Canin - Puppy
- PEDIGREE
- CANIDAE
- Diamond Naturals
- Fromm
- Natural Balance L.I.D.
- Merrick - Buffalo
- Royal Canin - Adult
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- WholeHearted
- Nutro Max
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain
- Eukanuba
- Purina Pro Plan
Best Dog Food For Golden Retriever DEALS
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