Best dog food for Golden Retrievers in 2022 – reviews and buying guide

If you are in a hurry and want to know right away:

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is the best dog food for Golden Retrievers. 

But there is a lot of useful information in my article. So you should read the full article. 

Golden Retrievers are extremely popular dogs. It’s no coincidence that they are beautiful, intelligent, and good family members. It is very important that you provide them with the right diet. This will be discussed in my article. I reviewed the best Golden Retriever foods on the market. You will also find a buying guide in it, so you may want to read the full article.

Let’s start!

Product table for the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers

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Do Golden Retrievers have special dietary needs?

Experts agree that adult dogs need at least 18% and puppies at least 22% protein. This is important so that puppies can build muscle properly. And adults can maintain muscle. In most cases, high protein content is a positive thing in a dog’s diet.

Fats are important sources of nutrients and energy. Because they are very concentrated, dogs need less of them than other macronutrients. Goldy puppies generally need 8% fat in their diet and adults 5% in their diet. So it’s a little different from the needs of other breeds.

Smaller breeds metabolize much faster, so their food may contain more fat. Golden Retrievers are large dogs, so more fat can mean excessive calorie intake. This can lead to obesity and other health problems. Examples include bone and joint problems. It’s best if your Golden Retriever’s diet is high in protein and moderate in fat.

What about Golden Retriever puppies?

Usually, puppies need more protein and calories. However, in large breeds, great care must be taken to avoid too many calories. This way we can avoid growing too fast. The phosphorus and calcium content of foods should also be reduced. This can further reduce the risk of developing joint problems. So overall, it’s worth looking for food for Golden Retrievers.

What are the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers?

I will list the top five products below. Of course, after that, I choose the one I like best. You can find a detailed buying guide later in this article. Come with me!

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This high protein dog food has been specifically developed for active dogs.

So it will also be a good choice for your Golden Retriever. 

Protein sources are very sympathetic and high quality. In addition to duck meat, it contains chicken and Menhaden fish. Peas are also a good ingredient as they are high in vitamins, fiber, and protein.

In addition to the 34% protein content, the recipe also provides all the important amino acids and omega fatty acids. The latter is responsible for the health of the skin, coat, and nervous system.

The product also contains probiotics and glucosamine. The former is useful for proper digestion, the latter for further support of joints. This is a very good choice for Golden Retrievers.

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Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food

This high quality dog ​​food contains 276 calories per cups. This is one of the lowest calorie products on my list.

The primary protein source is brown rice protein. Don’t be intimidated. Royal Canin takes great care to produce the best quality of food. 

The product is a perfect match for Golden Retrievers. The EPA and DHA content of Omega-3 fatty acids supports skin, fur, and brain health. Dogs with irritability can also eat this food.

It is worth noting that Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food is not suitable for puppies.

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Merrick Real Bison, Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

I like this dog food because it provides a perfectly balanced diet.

It is high in protein and low in fat and contains 30% carbohydrates. This makes this product a really good choice.

In addition to those listed so far, it contains added vitamins, nutraceuticals, and minerals. All this from the best and highest quality raw materials possible.

Merrick’s product is great for large breeds. The recipe contains just the right amount of calories and protein for growth. By the way, the taste is also very good.

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Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets

As the name suggests, Natural Balance food is made up of a few ingredients. These are sweet potatoes, salmon, and Menhaden fish.

Thus, this dog food is perfect for Golden Retrievers who have some kind of sensitivity or allergy.

The ingredients listed above are less allergic. In addition, the recipe provides the right amount of EPA and DHA. That way, you don’t have to worry about allergies. You’ll be at ease to provide your Golden Retriever with a healthy diet.

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Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw Large Breed Recipe

Ingredients include deboned chicken. In addition, duck and lamb are other sources of protein.

This makes the recipe high in protein and easy to digest.

The food is grain and gluten free. It contains freeze-dried raw-coated kibble and freeze-dried raw bites. The high omega-3 content ensures the health of the skin, brain, and fur. The added glucosamine and chondroitin are responsible for joint health.

Overall, this dish is a perfect choice for large breeds.

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My pick

All the recipes have an advantage, for me, they were all sympathetic. However, if I have to choose one, it’s the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Duck Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. In addition to excellent protein sources, the added vitamins and minerals are very positive.

Click here to get one for your Golden Retriever.

What to look for when choosing food for your Golden Retriever?

As with humans, individual differences can occur in dogs. It matters a lot about the breed, age, gender, and different health situations. These considerations will be examined now.

Dietary needs for Golden Retriever puppies

Puppies have clearly different nutritional needs. As I wrote earlier, large breeds don’t need as much calcium and phosphorus. Because too much of these minerals cause the bones to grow excessively. Don’t want to stick to foods developed for other breeds. It is also not recommended to give your puppy adult food. Choose wisely and purchase dog food for Golden Retriever puppies.

Dietary needs for adult Golden Retrievers

For adult Goldies, the situation is less complicated. Generally, a normal adult dog food is adequate. Of course, you need to pay attention to low or moderated fat content. In addition, you need to consider the individual needs of your dog. For example, which protein sources he prefers. Or which one is better for him. Small or big kibbles?

Dietary needs for senior Golden Retrievers

You should discuss this with your veterinarian. Usually, the diet of senior dogs is about prevention. The high protein content is clearly important. The fiber content can be changed individually. Different supplements may be needed to support the immune system and joints.

Wet food or dry food?

Wet food is not necessarily better than dry. Your dog may prefer wet, but it often has a similar nutrient composition. It is usually more expensive and difficult to store. Of course, in some cases  (e.g. dental issues), wet food is recommended.

The same is true with home-made foods. Of course, I’m not against this thing, but it’s worth paying attention to the quality of the ingredients.

Is a grain-free diet good for Golden Retrievers?

Experience has shown this to be ideal if your dog is allergic to grains. The various fillers that replace grains are nutrient deficient in many cases. Experts debate a lot about the usefulness of legumes. It is best to consult your veterinarian, especially if your puppy is allergic to grains.

Can Golden Retrievers be allergic?

Yes, unfortunately, this is the case. Dogs are just as prone to allergies as humans. In this case, the dog’s immune system responds to the proteins in the food. It is either a vegetable or an animal protein source. If you notice any signs of allergy in your dog, consult your veterinarian immediately. It is worth doing a test and eliminating the ingredients in question from your dog’s diet.

Allergies can have the following symptoms:

• Itchy skin
  
  
• Ear infections
  
  
• Vomiting
  
  
• Red underbelly
  
  
• Dull coat
  
  
• Diarrhea
  
  
• Itchy and watery eyes
  
  
• Swollen ears
  
  
• Hives

Other diet-related health issues in Golden Retrievers

Yes, experience has shown that there are other diseases in Golden Retrievers that can be well treated or prevented with diet. The most common of these are hypothyroidism, eye disorders, lymphoma, and skin problems.

These are often revealed by the mandatory annual inspection. But it is very important that if you notice something out of the ordinary in your dog, do not wait for the one-year examination date.

Hip and elbow dysplasia are very common in large breeds. Diabetes caused by obesity is also a serious threat. In many cases, they do not cause symptoms or problems, but be sure to try to avoid them. It is very important to monitor your dog’s weight and adjust his calorie intake properly. After all, with a proper healthy diet, the chances of obesity and joint problems can be reduced.

How many times and how much does a Golden Retriever eat?

This is usually variable, but puppies tend to eat more times until they are six months old than as adults. In adulthood, the number of meals drops to 1-2. Actually, the whole daily amount, i.e. the number of calories, really matters.

The right amount of calories, of course, depends on a lot of things. It’s important how active your dog is during the day. Otherwise, it can generally be said that a dog weighing 60 to 70 pounds needs about 1,500 calories a day. 

Try to find a healthy amount. Monitor your dog’s weight. If necessary, talk to your veterinarian to see if your dog is obese.

Frequently asked questions about Golden Retriever foods

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