14 Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers In 2023

Golden Retrievers are known for being one of the best breeds of dogs for companionship. They are loyal, friendly, and love spending time with their families. As a responsible dog owner, you want to ensure that you are feeding your Golden Retriever the best food possible to ensure their health and well-being. 

This blog post will discuss the best dog food for Golden Retrievers and provide you with a list of recommended brands. 

Keep reading for more information!

The Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

Here are some of the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers!

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult

Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

As a responsible pet parent, you want to ensure your furry friend is getting the best possible nutrition. 

But it can be hard to know which dog food is right for your large breed adult dog. There are so many options on the market, and it’s tough to know which ones are healthy and which ones are just full of empty calories.

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult Dog Food is an excellent option for big buddies who need extra nutritional support. This natural dry food is made with premium proteins and wholesome grains, plus omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. It provides balanced whole-body nutrition for your large-breed adult dog.

Key Features:

  • Feeding your Golden Retriever the best natural food
  • Promoting a healthy, happy dog lifestyle
  • Vet recommended and 100% all-natural formula 
  • Antioxidants to promote the health of your large breed dog 
  • Ingredients are chosen with care to encourage whole-body nutritional support

Hills Science Diet Large Breed 

Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

Large breed dogs are prone to several health problems, including joint pain, obesity, and skin allergies. 

A poor diet is often the root cause of these problems. But unfortunately, many commercial dog foods are loaded with fillers and artificial ingredients that can do more harm than good over time.

Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is specifically designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of large breed dogs. It features real chicken as the first ingredient, along with other essential nutrients that can help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Powerfully strong with real chicken as the very first ingredient
  • Formulated to reduce joint pain
  • Complete and balanced nutrition that’s tailored to deliver a visible difference in large breed dogs   
  • Naturally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids

Halo Holistic Chicken Recipe Large-Breed Dog Food

Many dog foods are made with low-quality ingredients that can lead to health problems for your pet. 

Some of the most common health problems in dogs are caused by diet, including obesity, skin issues, and allergies. 

Halo’s Adult Dog Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Recipe is a high-quality food made with only the best ingredients. The recipe features whole meat from cage-free chickens and non-GMO fruits and vegetables. The wholesome chicken helps canines maintain their strength and energy, while fatty acids give them a healthier coat and skin.

Key Features:

  • Cage-free chicken and non-GMO fruits and vegetables
  • It helps maintain strength and energy
  • Healthier coat and skin
  • Large breed formula

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed 

Your large breed dog needs the best nutrition to stay healthy and happy.

That’s why Purina Pro Plan makes Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula. It has all the nutrients your dog needs to grow big and strong.

This kibble is crafted with real chicken as the first ingredient, so your dog will love the taste. In addition, it contains 26% protein and 12% fat to help him maintain a healthy weight.

Key Features:

  • 26% protein and 12% fat for large breed dogs
  • Features real chicken as the #1 ingredient
  • Crafted for golden retrievers over 50 pounds
  • Complete and balanced nutrition

Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon

Your dog deserves the best, and Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is just that.

This recipe is formulated with novel proteins like wild boar, delivering a balanced diet that nature intended. The grain-free recipe also includes nutrient-rich legumes for your active pup’s high-energy needs.

This food helps support your dog’s immune system with antioxidants from fruits and vegetables. Plus, they’ll love the taste!

Key Features:

  • The grain-free recipe includes novel proteins like wild boar
  • Formulated with nutrient-rich legumes like peas and garbanzo beans
  • Delivers the highly-digestible energy your active pup needs
  • It contains natural antioxidants to support immune health

Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Large-Breed Recipe Dry Food

Merrick Backcountry is the best dry dog food for golden retrievers. This grain and gluten-free formula contain real deboned chicken as the first ingredient, combined with duck and lamb, into a protein-rich and highly-digestible formula. Freeze-dried raw pieces are added to this recipe to provide your large breed with an abundance of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, and antioxidants that will help keep him healthy all year long. The freeze-dried raw pieces in this recipe also add whole-animal nutrition, so your pup gets more out of every bowl!

You can rest easy knowing that Merrick Backcountry is made without grains or glutens, which means no fillers like corn or wheat. It’s also free from artificial colors or flavors, so it’s great for dogs who have sensitivities to certain ingredients too! Plus, each bag comes with 3 pounds of FREEZE DRIED RAW INFUSED BITS just like our original recipes, but now they come in larger kibble sizes! So go ahead – spoil them rotten because there’s nothing better than being satisfied by their favorite treat (and yours too)!

Key Features:

  • It contains freeze-dried raw food for dogs for a healthy, protein-rich diet. 
  • Features real deboned chicken as the first ingredient for a high-quality diet 
  • Grain and gluten-free for easy digestion 
  • Suitable for large breed dogs

Royal Canin for Golden Retrievers Puppies

All puppies are different, and they need their specific diet to grow up big and strong. 

Many people think that all puppies are the same and need generic puppy food. But that’s not true! Instead, Golden Retriever puppies have a unique set of needs that must be met to reach their full potential.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy Dog Food is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of your Golden Retriever pup. With tailored kibble shape and texture, this diet helps support optimal growth and development for your large breed puppy.

Key Features:

  • Made for a specific breed of dog
  • Unique formula specifically tailored for the needs of your pup
  • Promotes the health and vitality of your Golden Retriever puppy

Iams ProActive Health Large Breed Dog Food

All dog foods are not created equal. What may be suitable for a small breed dog is not necessarily good for a large breed dog. 

Large breed dogs can have different nutritional needs than smaller breeds. For example, they need more protein to maintain strong muscles.

Iams Adult Large Breed Real Chicken High Protein Dry Dog Food has been specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of your lovable large-breed pup. It features real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient—a powerhouse protein to help your pal maintain strong muscles.

Key Features:

  • Supports strong muscles with real farm-raised chicken as the #1 ingredient
  • It contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep joints healthy
  • Features L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet recipes for easy digestion

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large-Breed Adult Lamb and Rice Recipe

Allergies in dogs are common and can cause many problems for your furry friend. 

It’s tough when your dog continuously scratches and licks himself because you know he’s uncomfortable. You may even feel like you’re constantly playing detective, trying to figure out what food is causing his allergies.

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large-Breed Adult Lamb and Rice Recipe Dog Food is an excellent option for large breed adults dogs with allergies. This recipe is made with lamb as the first ingredient, and it’s also free from grains, gluten, soy, dairy, and artificial additives.

Key Features:

  • A tailored blend of protein and fiber to help large breed adult dogs feel strong
  • Made with lamb as the first ingredient for a high-quality protein source
  • No grain, gluten, or corn
  • Fortified with essential nutrients to support overall health

Purina One Smart Blend Natural Large Breed 

The best dog foods for golden retrievers seem to be so expensive. 

It’s hard enough to afford to feed your dog a good diet, but it’s even harder when you have to break the bank every time you go to the pet store.

Purina O.N.E. Smart Blend Natural Large Breed Formula is not only affordable, but it is also a high-quality food that will help your dog stay healthy and strong. This large breed dry dog food will help keep your pup looking and feeling his best

  •  with added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
  • Key Features:
  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • Added vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
  • Large breed-specific kibble

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken

All dog foods are not created equal. 

Just as we wouldn’t eat the same food every day, our dogs need a variety of healthy foods to stay fit and strong. 

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken is a premium dry dog food packed with protein to help build lean muscle mass and contains LifeSource Bits for added antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

Key Features:

  • Grain-free for optimal health
  • Made with real chicken as the first ingredient for lean muscle mass
  • Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits for a healthy immune system
  • Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients provide a well-rounded diet

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed

Do you have a large breed dog?

Eukanuba Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food is the best food for golden retrievers. It’s packed with animal proteins, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to keep your pup’s muscles lean and joints limber and strong. In addition, D.H.A. and vitamin E help support healthy brain function and eyesight. This formula also helps maintain your dog’s natural defenses against disease-causing organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, etc., so he can stay happy and healthy all year long!

You won’t find another brand of food that will give your golden retriever everything she needs in one bag – but we guarantee it! 

Key Features:

  • Supports your dog’s brain function
  • It keeps their joints solid and limber
  • Made for all large breeds of dogs 
  • Prevents muscle loss in older dogs

Holistic Select Large + Giant Breed Adult Health Recipe.

Do you own a large or giant breed dog?

If so, you know how important it is to feed your pup the best food possible. Large and Giant Breed Adult Chicken and Oatmeal Recipe from Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food has all the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that your dog needs to stay healthy. Plus, it’s made with real chicken as the first ingredient!

You can feel good about feeding this dry dog food to your furry friend because it contains no corn, wheat, or soy — just high-quality ingredients like oatmeal for digestive health. It also includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. This recipe is perfect for dogs who are over 50 pounds in weight. This natural dry dog food will keep your big boy happy with an easy-to-digest formula that helps maintain lean muscle mass while supporting heart health and immune system function; this natural dry dog food will keep your big boy happy!

Key Features:

  • Nutritionally dense for large and giant breed dogs
  • Supports digestive health with probiotics, fiber, and enzymes
  • Fortified with vitamins and minerals
  • Grain-free recipe

Holistic Select Senior Health

Your dog is your best friend, and you want to make sure they live a long and healthy life.

Holistic Select Senior Health Dog Food is specially formulated with your senior pup’s health in mind. It’s grain-free, has the right amount of protein, fat, and fiber to support a slowing metabolism, and tastes great too!

You want what’s best for your furry friend, and that includes their diet. With Holistic Select Senior Health Dog Food, you can feel confident knowing your dog needs the nutrients they need to stay healthy as they age.

Head over to our website now to purchase Holistic Select Senior Health Dog Food for your beloved senior pup!

Key Features:

  • Grain-free and easy to digest, with the proper nutrients for senior dogs
  • Slow metabolism? No problem! This food is perfect for those pups
  • Delicious flavor that all dogs love
  • Keep your senior dog healthy and happy with proper nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions F.A.Q.s

Here are some of the frequently asked questions by Golden Retriever lovers! 

How can I change my dog’s diet without making him sick?

You can gradually switch to a new food, mixing in the fresh food with the old food over a week or two. This will help your dog get used to the latest food and minimize any stomach trouble.

If your dog has a sensitive stomach, you might want to try a grain-free diet. Grain-free diets often have fewer ingredients and are easier for dogs to digest. There are also many different grain-free foods available, so you can find one that your dog likes.

Or you could try a raw diet. Raw diets consist of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. They provide dogs with all the nutrients they need and are more digestible than cooked diets.

Do golden retrievers need exceptional dog food?

It depends on the dog’s age. Puppies need a diet specifically formulated for growing dogs, while older dogs can generally eat adult dog food. However, it’s essential to check with your veterinarian to ensure that your golden retriever gets the proper nutrients for their age and health condition.

There are many different dog food brands and types on the market, so it can be tricky to choose the right one. The best way to find out which food is best for your golden retriever is to ask your vet for a recommendation. They will likely have some good advice based on your dog’s individual needs.

It depends on the golden retriever’s age. Puppies require food heavy in protein, fat, and calcium to help them develop, but adult dogs need a diet low in calories and high in fiber to help them maintain their weight. In addition, older dogs may require a higher-in antioxidants diet to protect against age-related health problems. Talk to your veterinarian about what kind of food is best for your golden retriever.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best diet for a golden retriever may vary depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and health condition. However, most experts agree that it is essential to feed high-quality commercial dog food to golden retrievers to ensure they get the nutrients they need.

Some owners supplement their dog’s diet with homemade meals or raw food diets. Still, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian before making sure that the dog is getting all of the vital nutrients. In general, it is best not to change a dog’s diet too often, as this can lead to digestive problems.

How much food should you feed a golden retriever?

It depends on the dog’s age, weight, and activity level. You should start by feeding the amount recommended on the package.

If your dog is overweight, you’ll need to cut back on the amount of food you’re feeding him. You can do this by measuring how much food he eats instead of just filling up his bowl. This way, you can ensure that he’s not getting too many calories.

On the other hand, if your dog is underweight, you may need to increase the amount of food you’re feeding him until he gains some weight. Just be careful not to overfeed him, or he’ll become overweight again.

When is a golden retriever considered a senior?

A golden retriever is considered a senior at 5 to 6 years of age. As dog’s age, they experience a gradual decrease in muscle mass, joint stiffness, and a decline in their overall physical activity. This can lead to obesity and other health problems. Therefore, owners should adjust their dog’s diet and exercise routine accordingly as they get older.

When can you safely switch a golden retriever to adult food?

You can switch a golden retriever to adult food when 12 to 24 months old. Puppy food is specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of young dogs and has more of the nutrients they need for growth and development. However, adult dog food has fewer calories and protein than puppy food, so it’s not suitable for growing puppies. It’s also important to continue feeding your dog puppy food until they reach their full adult size, as this will help sustain their growth rate and prevent them from becoming overweight.

Are Grain-Free Diets Safe For Golden Retrievers?

It depends. A grain-free diet can be a healthy option for some dogs, but it’s not always safe.

Some dogs have health problems that are made worse by eating grain-free diets. For example, golden retrievers can develop zinc deficiencies if they don’t eat enough animal protein.

Yes, grain-free diets are safe for Golden Retrievers. In addition, many vets recommend grain-free diets for dogs with food allergies or sensitivities because they’re less likely to contain ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction.

That said, it’s essential to make sure that your dog’s grain-free diet is nutritionally balanced and contains all the vital vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. So if you’re switching your dog to a grain-free diet, be sure to talk to your vet about what foods are best for them.

On the other hand, grain-free diets are not safe for Golden Retrievers. A low in grains diet can lead to deficiencies in key nutrients, including protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. This can cause several health problems in Golden Retrievers, including growth problems, skin and coat problems, and seizures.

What Should You Look For When Buying Dog Food?

Protein

Look for a dog food that is high in protein. Protein is essential for dogs and helps maintain muscle mass. It also helps with tissue repair and growth. 

Carbohydrates

When looking for a portion of good dog food, you’ll want to make sure to avoid foods that are high in carbohydrates. This is because dogs are not designed to process large amounts of carbohydrates and can develop health problems as a result. Look for a dog food high in protein and low in carbs instead.

Vitamins

It is essential to look for dog food that has plenty of vitamins. This is because dogs need all the nutrients to stay healthy and grow properly.

Some good vitamins to look for in dog food include A, B, C, D, and E. You should also ensure that the food has plenty of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc. These are all essential minerals for dogs. Finally, you should also check to see if the food includes probiotics. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep your dog’s gut healthy.

Healthy Fats

Good dog food will have a balance of healthy fats. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cognitive development and joint health, while omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for skin and coat health. It’s also required to look for a high-quality protein source for dog food. Dogs need ten essential amino acids found in animal proteins.

What is the healthiest Golden Retriever diet?

The healthiest diet for a Golden Retriever is a diet that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This type of diet will help maintain the dog’s muscle mass and prevent them from becoming overweight. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the dog has plenty of freshwaters to drink and that they are getting enough exercise.

Is Purina suitable for Golden Retrievers?

Yes, Purina is good food for Golden Retrievers. It is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs and has been proven to help them stay healthy and active.

Purina offers a wide variety of dog food products, so you can find one that best suits your pet’s individual needs. Plus, their foods are available in both wet and dry formulations, making it easy to feed your dog what they need no matter where you are.

How much should a Golden Retriever eat a day?

Adult Golden Retrievers should eat around 3-5 cups of food per day. This may vary depending on the dog’s activity level and age. For example, puppies will need to eat more food than adults, and pregnant or nursing dogs will need more. Owners should always consult with a veterinarian to determine how much their dog should be eating.

Why is my Golden Retriever always hungry?

There are a few reasons why a Golden Retriever might always be hungry. One reason could be that they are simply working off more calories than taking in. Dogs that exercise a lot tend to need more calories to maintain their weight than dogs who don’t get as much exercise. So, if your dog is always active, it may just need more food to keep up its energy level.

Another possibility is that your dog might not be eating enough protein. Dogs need protein for energy and to maintain muscle mass, and if they’re not getting enough of it in their diet, they may become constantly hungry as a way of trying to make up for the lack of protein. 

There are a few reasons why your Golden Retriever might always be hungry. 

One reason could be that they are simply overeating. Dogs will usually eat until they’re full, and then some, so if you’re feeding them more than they need, they’ll always be hungry. 

Another reason could be that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. A lack of exercise will cause dogs to become restless and constantly looking for something to do, which usually leads to them begging for food. 

Finally, if your dog’s diet is low in quality proteins or healthy fats, it can also lead to hunger pangs. So make sure you’re feeding your dog a high-quality diet that consists of plenty of protein and healthy fats.

Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?

Generally, Golden Retrievers are a quiet breed and will bark occasionally. However, because they are bred as hunting dogs, some may tend to bark more than others.

But sometimes, Golden Retrievers bark a lot. This is because they are bred as hunting dogs and are therefore born to be vocal when they encounter something that catches their attention.

Many people mistakenly believe that barking is terrible, but it’s an important way for dogs to communicate with their human companions. A healthy dog will bark at appropriate times, such as when someone is at the door or hears a strange noise outside. However, if your dog barks too much or barks inappropriately, there may be an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Consult your veterinarian if you’re having trouble with your Golden Retriever’s barking.

Which is more brilliant lab or Golden Retriever?

There is no definitive answer as intelligence is relative and can differ depending on the situation or context. However, Labradors are considered one of the most intelligent dog breeds in general terms, while golden retrievers are also regarded as brilliant dogs. Some people might say that labs are more competent because they are more trainable and have a higher obedience rate. In contrast, others might say that golden retrievers are more innovative because they have a better memory and are more persistent when learning new tasks. In the end, it comes down to personal preference and opinion.

Should dogs eat more in the morning or evening?

There is no “best” time for dogs to eat, as each dog is different. However, many people find it best to feed their dog twice a day – once in the morning and the evening. This allows their dog to have plenty of energy throughout the day and keeps them from getting too hungry later on.

Why do Golden Retrievers smile?

It’s impossible to know for sure why Golden Retrievers smile, but one possibility is that they do it as a way of showing happiness or excitement. Another option is that they do it to communicate with their owners.

Studies have shown that dogs use facial expressions as a form of communication with humans and that we’re able to interpret these expressions in ways that other animals can’t. So Golden Retrievers may smile as a way of expressing love and affection for their owners.

Why are Golden Retrievers so sweet?

Golden Retrievers are bred as service dogs, so they are born to be gentle and loving. They are also knowledgeable, so they are easy to train. Lastly, they have a temperament that makes them good with children and other animals.

How do I know if my Golden Retriever is happy?

One way to tell if your Golden Retriever is happy is if they wag their tail a lot. Another way to tell is if your dog seems to be always in a good mood and loves being around people and other animals. For example, if your dog has a healthy appetite, drinks plenty of water, and has no problem with going to the bathroom, then chances are they are pretty content.

Golden Retrievers are one of the happiest breeds of dogs out there, and they love nothing more than spending time with their family. So as long as you provide plenty of exercises, socialization, and interactive playtime, your Golden Retriever will be one contented pup!

Conclusion – Final Verdict! 

No matter what food you choose for your Golden Retriever, always make sure to read the ingredients and ask your veterinarian for their opinion on the best dog food for Golden Retrievers. All of the foods on our list are great options, but you must find the one that works best for your pup. 

Have you tried any of these top dog foods? Let us know in the comments below.

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