The best ways to give our pooch a healthy and fulfilling life is by caring for their diet. When we are seeking out the best dog food brands for Golden Retrievers, we want only top-quality products.
To help you source the food that is right for your Goldie, we have scoured the internet and identified the optimal diets and kibbles. Keep reading to learn more from this Golden Retriever food guide.
You want your canine to have everything they need and the best way to do this is understanding the nuances of your Golden Retriever’s nutritional needs.
In this article, we’re going to review the following foods for Golden Retriever dog:
- Royal Canin Breed Health Golden Retriever
- Eukanuba Breed Specific Adult Retriever Dog Food
- Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Dog Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Recipe
- Weruva Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend with Probiotics
- Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food
- Wag Dry Dog Food
- Sojos Complete Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
- Vital Essentials Limited Ingredient Entrée
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Dog Food
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Puppy Food
- Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Food with Small Bites
- Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe
- Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Recipe
- Natural Ultramix Grain Free Red Meat Recipe
Popular reads: 45 Easiest Homemade Frozen Dog Treats
Why Specific Feeding Requirements Are Necessary For Golden Retrievers?
Before you learn what to feed your adult Golden Retriever or the puppy, make sure you also know the specific feeding requirements as well. An optimum diet can save your Golden Retriever from lots of common health problems. A proper dog food helps to avoid hip or elbow dysplasia, as well as other joint-related issues.
For Goldies, cataracts and retinal failure frequently occur, along with heart issues. Slow metabolisms caused by a lagging thyroid, as well as several sarcomas (cancer types) are often seen with these dogs as well.
Proper feeding addresses these concerns prophylactically (ahead of time) and lets the Golden Retriever parents know we are doing everything we can to promote healthfulness.
What Are The Main Nutritional Needs Of The Golden Retriever?
Golden Retrievers (like all other canines) require a high protein diet– complemented with healthful fats and the right kind of carbs. We discussed those below:
Moderate To High Protein
Protein is a composite of amino acids. There are nine amino acids which mammals are unable to produce our own (and therefore need to eat). Golden Retrievers get benefit from meat sourced proteins.
Each meat has different values. Red meats are generally higher in iron, but also have a higher saturated fat content. White meat has less fat altogether, though in breaking down the proteins in chicken, many canine constitutions are upset. Fish typically boasts a lot of unsaturated fat and high protein, with a different set of minerals than other meats.
Find the best protein source that your Golden Retriever prefers. Integrate it into your dog’s food as much as possible.
You may also learn: What Is a Good Source Of Protein For Dogs?
Moderate To Healthy Fats
A quick test to identify saturated fats in your dog food is checking whether they are solid at room temperature. If they are, you have a saturated fat in your large breed dog food. These fats are tricky for the body to digest and tend to clog blood vessels.
Unsaturated fats are fluid at room temperature and drastically easier for your adult dog to metabolize. A dog’s diet that focuses on these ‘healthy fats’ will improve cardiovascular function (simply by giving the heart less work to do).
Complex Carbohydrates
Simple carbs (also known as sugars) process quickly, resulting in a fast spike in blood sugar (followed promptly by a crash).
Complex carbohydrates in your dog food, do not cause this effect. They groups of sugars. It takes more effort and time to break them down. This results in longer lasting energy that keeps your Golden Retriever full between meals.
Vitamins and Minerals
You need very little of them in your Golden Retriever dog’s food. Nonetheless these are key factors in mammalian health. Our canine companions will likely not seek out salad, so it is up to us to source them the supplements they need.
Vitamin A is important for Golden Retrievers for their eye functions. Whereas, Vitamin K needs for heart functions. Minerals of particular significance include calcium and phosphorous for bone health.
You may also know: What Is The Best Dog Food For Labrador?
Fruits and Vegetables
While supplements help fill in gaps in our doggy diets, it is always best to provide nutrition as close to its natural form as possible. Bodies take in resources best when they are recognizable, and food-based nutriments are great examples.
Eating a carrot is preferable to consuming a powder containing 10000 IUS of Vitamin A. Since our Golden Retrievers will not reach for fruit, finding a dog food that incorporates these materials is very beneficial to their health.
How Much to Feed Your Golden Retriever Daily?
Golden Retrievers meet all the requirements of a medium to large dog breed. Their size and metabolism match the criteria of both categories.
Adult dogs of this breed require anywhere from 1 ½ to 3 cups of dog food a day. The higher amount is for dogs of a healthy weight who undergo frequent exertion. The lower end of the spectrum is for pups who have slower thyroid function and are less exercised.
Feedings should split into two meals. Generally, we like to serve the first meal in the morning and the second in late afternoon/early evening. Always follow the feeding guidelines of your fido’s kibble.
Learn: What Is The Difference Between Giant Breed Dog Food and Regular?
What Makes A Good Golden Retriever Dog Food?
When it comes to picking a good food for your Golden Retriever, it is important to understand the criteria that must be met. Firstly, we must consider the quality of the food. This means high quality ingredients that are reliably sourced.
Next, ensure that the food has sufficient inclusion of necessary nutrition. Check out :
- Is the dog food balanced?
- Is the calorie count appropriate in your dog food?
- Are there added benefits like probiotics and antioxidants?
- Is the dog food accessible over the long term?
There are many things you need to factor in so as to find the right food. We have broken down these necessities here:
A Sufficient Amount Of Meat-Based Protein
All protein has value, so long as it is complete (a full set of necessary amino acids). The best way to ensure this is to feed your Golden Retriever meat as a protein source. This guarantees a ‘perfect protein’.
Since canines evolved eating meat, it stands to reason that they do best when we keep meat in their diets.
Reasonable Carbohydrate Content
Carbohydrates have significant value in keeping creatures full. They create an energy reserve that can process via insulin throughout the day. That said, there is such a thing as too much starch.
Since Golden Retrievers are prone to slow thyroids, foods high on the glycemic index can be problematic. Stick to high fiber, nominal starch materials while avoiding grain and corn whenever possible.
No Controversial Chemicals
Chemicals are controversial for a reason- usually because they offer no nutrition and pose a number of health risks. These range from preservatives to flavoring agents. Usually, these chemicals are towards the end of the ingredient lists.
Food science innovations have given us things like freeze-drying and dehydration technology. These mitigate the need for additives in our food.
You may also know: What Food Should You Feed Your Doberman?
No Artificial Colors
Coloring ingredients are especially problematic, since they offer no value at all (I know my canines don’t care about the hue of their food– just the flavor).
Avoiding unnecessary ingredients keeps Golden Retrievers strong and stops their systems from being bogged down. If you are looking for vibrant food, try natural coloring agents like those found in beets.
Fat to Protein Ratio >75%
Since food needs vary from pup to pup, one of our best tools for assessing nutrition requirements is by ratio. Fats and proteins are both caloric powerhouses with which canines are well acquainted.
While both are useful- moderation is key. To achieve this moderate intake, make sure that the ratio of fat to protein never exceeds 75%.
For Golden Retriever with slower metabolisms, the ratio should be as little as possible.
No Generic Animal Fats
When ingredients are a specific, I tend to assume the worst. The best dog foods are proud of their contents and do not try to hide them behind generalities.
Fats tend to store toxins, so when fat comes in, it is better to be safe than sorry. Seek out unsaturated fats and omegas with a specific animal of origin.
It is always best to know the source of your Golden Retrievers food’s ingredients.
No Unidentified Meats or Other Ingredients
Though generally an ingredient list will not list material as unidentified- the phrase ‘by-product’ is in effect the same. By-products are a culmination of offal, bones, and meat scraps. These are typically poor-quality ingredients used as filling agents.
Though they may test as having the same amount of protein/fat, the quality of those macronutrients are significantly less than of meat itself.
Ingredients To Avoid While Feeding A Golden Retriever Puppy
Problem ingredients contain any food stuff (or chemical) that does not actively help the Golden Retrievers. At best, this matter takes up space that would be better filled with healthful ingredients. At worst, they cause health problems for the dogs.
To keep your Goldie safe, steer clear of anything that does not add clear value to their diet.
Learn how to: Serve Edamame To Your Dog
Troublesome and Toxic Ingredients
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)- often added as preserving agents for fats though are known to cause renal and hepatic damage.
- Ethoxyquin- a common fat preservative that is also used as a pesticide
- Propylene Glycol- added for sweetness but is, in fact, the active chemical in antifreeze
- Tertiary Butylhydroquinone (TBHQ)- adds to shelf life though is fatal when ingested in large doses
- Propyl Gallate- prevents oxidation of fatty acids though also has carcinogenic properties
Best recommended Dry And Wet Dog Foods for Golden Retriever (Adults & Seniors)
#1 Royal Canin Breed Health Golden Retriever
This food is a great option for Golden Retriever-parents. It is reassuring for us to know that the exact needs of our dogs receive the care of their kibble. This food is for adult Golden Retrievers; which, for this breed, means fifteen months and older.
A great example of breed-related nuances is in the shape of the jaw. The kernels of this kibble are specifically for the shape of the Golden Retriever’s mouth.
I really like this food because, it contains DHA and Taurine. These supplements mimic ingredients found in canine breast milk. It is more often seen in canine food. Nonetheless, Golden Retrievers’ healthiness does not stop after puppyhood. Adult Goldies can get benefit from these ingredients to help their heart.
Another key factor in choosing food specific to Golden Retrievers is the caloric specificity. Not dog breeds are alike, and the calorie count on this food acknowledges just that.
Pros:
- Specific to Golden Retrievers in their adult years
- Has DHA and Taurine for cardiovascular health
- Ideal bite size for this breed’s jaw and digestion
Cons:
- Lacks probiotics for internal flora
- Does not avoid GMO ingredients
#2 Eukanuba Breed Specific Adult Retriever Dog Food
This food contains quality proteins that come from animals. This facilitates strong muscles and keeps the lab in fighting fit shape. The main reason I am choosing Eukanuba’s dog foods for golden retrievers is that it adds a great deal of calcium. Since Golden Retrievers are so prone to bone-related illnesses, combining this mineral in their daily diet lets me know that I am doing all I can to keep their skeleton strong.
For Golden Retriever-parents whose concern is dentistry, this is an ideal choice as a dietary staple. This kibble adds value through the structured tartar removal system. The food itself (through its porous shape) abrades the tartar from the teeth.
Pros:
- Keeps the Golden Retriever’s teeth strong
- Uses animal-based protein for strong muscle
- Works to keep bones and joints in good shape
Cons:
- Small vitamin count compared to other foods
- Does not include probiotics or antioxidants
#3 Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Recipe
This food works to keep your Golden Retriever in fighting fit shape through its weight management system. The focus is on high quality ingredients, so when your dog is eating, it is only things that are needed for health.
Thankfully, the recipe steers clear of by-products (troublesome filling agents). Instead, it focuses on nutritious, diverse protein sources (from meat). These include salmon, lamb, and chicken. Lamb is great for iron, chicken is a wonderful low-fat protein, and salmon has a lot of omega fatty acids.
The Hill’s Science dog foods cover all the essential and nutritional needs for adult Golden Retrievers.
Pros:
- Diverse source of proteins (coming from meat)
- Avoids filling agents and by-products
- Focus on keeping a healthy weight
Cons:
- Does not include pro or prebiotics
- Relatively poor in fiber count
#4 Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Wet Dog Food
While it is critical to find a staple that suits the needs of your Retriever dog, it is also important to provide ‘comfort food’. I believe wet dog foods are best for Golden Retrievers when it is a supplementary source of calories. It is a great addition to add taste, texture, and keep the fido’s interest.
The food itself avoids all troublesome filling agents. These include wheat (and its propensity towards gluten), corn (sugary filler), and soy (phytoestrogen). In their stead, this food features chicken and chicken liver as primary protein sources. In addition, it boasts cranberries which are ideal for the urinary tract system and overall renal function.
Blueberrie’s antioxidants are recognized for preventing cancer (by facilitating normal cell growth). Since Golden Retrievers have higher levels of sarcomas (a type of cancer) than other dogs, they stand to benefit from the addition these free-radical fighters.
It also provides dietary sources of nutrition. While there is value to supplements, there is more benefit when micronutrients can be reached dietarily.
Pros:
- Flavorful food that holds the dog’s dietary interest
- Well-balanced nutrition featuring vitamin E
- Supplements included with food to cover mineral bases
Cons:
- Added salt content (ensure hydration when giving this food)
#5 Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Dog Food
Iams Proactive can be an ideal doggy fooding option to meet the specifics for Golden Retrievers. It’s design focuses on keeping the Labrador’s health in optimum balance. One of the reasons we adore this food is its inclusion of prebiotics.
By including useful bacteria, it gives the intestinal tract a chance to maintain an ideal environment for digestion. Fiber is another major draw of this food. Fiber (or roughage) is a major necessity to keeping the pooch’s water supply where it should be. This food gears towards dogs with sensitive metabolisms.
Since Golden Retrievers are so prone to hypothyroidism, if you suspect your tail-wagger may be suffering from a slowing digestive system, this is a great kibble to consider. It avoids filling agents like wheat and soy. It allows the kibble to contain only beneficial ingredients- particularly white meat chicken for a high protein count.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for the Labrador breed
- Features quality meat as the primary ingredient
- Covers prebiotics and fiber content
Cons:
- Chicken has been known to irritate sensitive stomachs
- Does not feature significant vitamins and minerals
#6 Sojos Complete Natural Grain-Free Dog Food
Sojos’ dog foods can be one favorite option for picky Golden Retrievers. The kibble option comes in a variety of protein choices from chicken to goat. I favor it because it uses freeze-drying techniques to include raw source meat kernels. In addition to the easily accessed meat sources, it features a number of vegetables and fruits for fiber and vitamins.
Coconut adds healthy fat and fiber. Kale incorporates iron and magnesium. Kelp promotes selenium. And cranberries improve renal function. Taken altogether, this food provides balanced caloric intake with high quality nutritive value.
Pros:
- High in vitamin and mineral content
- Features raw protein bites for easy access to amino acids
- Avoids by-products and filling agents
Cons:
- Relatively high on the caloric spectrum
#7 Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food
Canidae features healthful ingredients like lamb, fish, and poultry. Lean meat sources balance with fattier inclusions (like salmon). The red meat provides easy access to dietary iron. Iron itself facilitates the uptake of oxygen from the bloodstream. It is essential for every function from breathing to thinking. Salmon features omega fatty acids, which improve mental function as well as providing a glowing coat for the dog.
Another benefit of these unsaturated fats are the draws they feature for the dog’s eyes. Golden Retrievers, especially as they age, face a number of challenges to their ocular systems.
This dog food recipe helps best to keep ideal eye-health for your Golden Retrievers over time.
Pros:
- Balanced sources of protein
- Avoids additives and by-products
- Healthy inclusion of vitamins and minerals
Cons:
- Not specific to life phase of the dog
#8 Weruva Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Weruva’s grain free dry dog food is a great choice for Golden Retrievers to avoid any negative ingredients and replacing them with more beneficial food sources.
This food has a well-rounded set of nutrition that focuses equally on protein and vegetable sources. I favor this kibble since it features diverse protein without neglecting fiber and vitamins.
In fact, the choice of meat and veggies matches perfectly with the needs of the Labrador Retrievers. Turkey, chicken, and salmon feature as protein sources in this food.
Each meat adds value in its own way. Chicken is a lean source of protein. Turkey is also lean, though it favors the amino acid tryptophan (one of the essential amino acids to consume.
It facilitates the creation of serotonin, a neurochemical that helps induce a state of calm (great for temperament). Salmon promotes hearty fats by its natural inclusion of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Pumpkin is the vegetable of choice in this recipe.
The value is that this gourd adds complex carbohydrates for energy without forgoing fiber content. In addition, this vegetable is a naturally powerful source of Vitamin A (great for retrievers who are prone to eye troubles).
Pros:
- Combines turkey, chicken, and salmon for balanced protein
- Features pumpkin as a healthy vegetable source
- High in fiber and necessary vitamins
Cons:
- Chicken is a possible irritant to some pooch’s digestive system
#9 Wag Dry Dog Food
This food features American salmon as the primary ingredient. Not only does this add flavor that our furry friends love, but it adds nutrition in the way of unsaturated fatty acids and high-powered protein. It is important to know the source of ingredients, and this food has the added value of oversight (being made entirely in California).
Another great value is that the food incorporates DHA in its recipe. DHA improves cardiac function and cognition while still being suitable for all life stages.
Pros:
- Healthy diet suitable to all life phases
- Quality protein source focussing on salmon
- Sufficient inclusion of micronutrients
Cons:
- No probiotics or prebiotics featured
- Lacks taurine to balance DHA supplementation
best dog food for senior golden retrievers
#10 Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend with Probiotics
This cost-effective choice lets us health conscious canine-parents provide a quality diet on a budget.
I favor this dog food for your Golden Retrievers because of its unique inclusion of rice as a carbohydrate source. This high in fiber, yet low on the glycemic index, carb option provides long-lasting energy for your tail-wagger friend.
Keeping energy sustained is key in weight management.
The food also features probiotics (healthy bacteria) to promote easy digestion. Dogs favor this choice for its texture, since the kernels are crunchy yet also contain tender, shredded components.
The food provides easy to access nutrients. That said, comparably to other Golden Retriever diets, it is relatively high on the caloric spectrum.
To ensure proper weight management of your doggy, always check the feeding chart. This food is one of the options that is suited to both early adult and senior-aged retrievers.
Glucosamine and chondroitin feature as ingredients to help joint health. A plethora of other vitamins and minerals are supplemented into the diet, while the overall food remains low in sodium.
As an option to cover all bases and sure up overall health, this is a great choice.
Pros:
- Features rice as a carbohydrate source for long-lasting energy
- Combines significant vitamin and mineral supplements
- Features probiotics for healthy internal flora
Cons:
- Chicken is a protein source (possible irritant)
- Holds soybean oil (a potential allergen)
best dog food for golden retrievers with skin or other allergies
#11 Vital Essentials Limited Ingredient Entrée
Sometimes the best way to avoid trouble is to avoid troublesome ingredients from your dog foods. This food limits the ingredients in the recipe to promote health through dietary exclusion.
Through freeze-drying technology, the sole ingredient remains in its purest form. When protein cooks, it undergoes a process called naturation. This fundamentally alters the chemical presentation of the meat itself (much like boiling an egg changes the nature of the whites).
Freeze drying lets the pooch eat the protein in its original form (much like their ancestors ate).
Salmon is the only ingredient in this food, making it a great choice for pups who are sensitive to carbohydrates altogether. It is naturally small in sodium and high in micronutrients like B vitamins and zinc.
Especially for dogs with allergies, this food source is a great option since it avoids entirely all problem ingredients. Salmon is an ideal protein choice since it is generally friendly towards canines with allergic tendencies.
By using this food, it adds a factor of control over the doggy diet; so, even though it is likely to need to be supplemented, it gives the pup-parent full knowledge of their furry friend’s food.
Pros:
- Features salmon as the sole ingredients
- Free of all by-products, additives, and filling agents
Cons:
- Off balance unless specified by a veterinary professional
- Requires supplementation with other ingredients to achieve balance
best dog food for golden retrievers with sensitive stomach
#12 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Dog Food
For pup-parents who are looking for a kibble to serve as a dietary staple that requires minimal (if any) supplementation, this is a great choice.
The first value is that the recipe entirely avoids additives and by-products. These filling agents can cause a number of digestive problems and allergic issues.
The recipe contains instead brown rice as a binding agent in the kibble. It serves to incorporate fiber and provide a carb that is low on the glycemic index. By including vegetables and fruits as key ingredients, the food makes accessing vitamins easier for the dog.
Another key draw is that it features kernels made specifically to be supplements. We’ve all experienced the cumbersome task of trying to give our dogs medicine or brush their teeth.
So the idea of them taking a one-a-day vitamin is unrealistic. Nonetheless, we want out mutts to have the benefit of any added nutrition we can offer them.
By including kernels fortified for immune success, we can offer our dogs the same benefit of a vitamin without the tedium of the task.
Pros:
- Contains antioxidants and digestible vitamins/minerals
- Avoids problem ingredients like additives and preservatives
- Great for chicken-sensitive stomachs
Cons:
- Does not include probiotic ingredients
When the Diet is Right and your Golden Retriever is Thriving?
As a devoted pet parent, you want to provide the building blocks to your Golden Retriever. From puppy life to adulthood you want them to be their best self.
The goal of feeding healthy eats to your mutt is simple. You want to provide the building blocks to your Golden Retriever. From puppy to adulthood. You want them to be their best self.
- Do they have enough energy?
- Are they full between meals?
- Is there behavior where it should be?
- Does their coat shine?
If the answer to these questions are yes, and there are not other current concerns for the pooch’s well being, then your retriever is thriving.
If there is something they are missing, address the concern as soon as possible to maximize time spent in health.
what is the best puppy food for golden retrievers?
#1 Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Puppy Food
Puppyhood is a very impressionable stage in canine development. In order to set the stage for a lifetime of health, it is critical that we provide all the essential nutrients for our young dogs. This recipe covers all bases and is a great staple for the puppy years.
The food avoids all instances of preservatives and artificial additives (there is no need to bog down the dog’s system with these if we can avoid it).
Chicken is the key ingredient in the recipe. Generally, for junior doggies of all breeds, this is a very easy to digest protein that agrees with the system.
The meal came to be with veterinarian consultation- particularly the kernels which feature antioxidants and vitamins for strong immune function.
This food is specifically for puppies, meaning it features all the essential ingredients for this life stage. We favor this option because it kickstarts the doggy diet in a direction that is free from additives and filling agents.
While there is a lot of nutritive value, the food itself is fairly high in calories. Keep to the feeding chart when administering meals to foster a healthy weight.
Pros:
- Avoids additives, by-products and preservatives
- Features meat as the primary ingredient
- Holds antioxidants and balanced vitamins/minerals
Cons:
- Does not feature probiotics or prebiotics
#2 Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Food with Small Bites
It is a joy to watch a pooch grow. Over the first dozen or so months, the size of retrievers skyrockets. This is because most puppy energy and attention goes into gaining size (and play).
Because these dogs haven’t developed fully, their bite size and relative jaw strength have not reached their full potential.
In order to foster healthy dentistry when the dog ages, it is important to set the stage for dental development. The small bite size of this meal is ideal for the puppy jaw and strengthens teeth through healthy chewing habits.
Another reason we favor this option is that, it carries DHA. This ingredient benefits puppies to an extreme degree. It is present in the breast milk of the mothers; though, after the pup weans, it needs supplementation.
The chemical works to keep the dog’s cardiovascular system in strong shape, as well as set the stage for solid eye health. The diet is well-balanced overall. Since the food is simple by design, it is amenable to picky eaters with early dietary sensitivities.
Pros:
- Small bite size ideal for puppies
- Features high quality meat protein
- Recipe made in conjunction with veterinarians
Cons:
- No taurine to balance DHA content
- Does not feature pre or probiotics
#3 Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Recipe
The variety of meat protein options in this food is a huge draw for our family. Retrievers have very strong senses- particularly their sense of smell. This evolved into their genetic blueprint after hundreds of years seeking out waterfowl.
To this day they have very sensitive noses that are perceptive to the nuances in their food. For this reason, our family likes to keep diverse protein options open to our furry family members.
Since it is so tricky to change the diet of dogs (especially switching kibble brands altogether), it is great to find a food where I can stick to the kibble recipe yet still have meat source options.
The different recipes range from lamb to salmon, venison to duck, and other taste choices. We prefer to feed ducks, whenever possible, since it is so written into the pups’ histories.
The food is a well-balanced kibble that provides a firm base for the puppy to grow. It’s grain free design also features the benefits of raw food (without sacrificing storage ability).
Freeze dried meat kernels top off the benefits of this dish.
Pros:
- Features freeze-dried raw meat bites
- Covers diverse protein options
- Suitable for puppies of this breed
- Contains probiotics for healthy flora
Cons:
- Though raw boost lasts it has a comparably short shelf life
#4 Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Food
This food is especially suited to those living in warm climates. An often-neglected part of the puppy diet is adequate hydration.
It is easy to assume that the pup will drink when thirsty, but young dogs tend to forget. Meal Mixers provide a unique opportunity to rectify any potential dehydration. Since they require reconstitution with water, it is easy to adjust the texture and water inclusion.
Another benefit of dehydration is that it provides all the benefits of the food without excessive processing. The recipe includes organic vegetables and fruits for easy access to vitamins and minerals.
By featuring beef as a key ingredient, any iron-related worries abate.
I like this food, especially due to its maximizing storage space. Pup parents know how space-consuming having puppies actually is. Anywhere we can add on an extra couple of square feet is a win.
This kibble is compact thanks to being dehydrated and so stores for a long time and with ease. It accounts for all health aspects and provides a well-rounded diet.
That said, the food is best when prepared ahead of time, so the kibble choice requires an added investment the evening in advance of feeding.
Pros:
- Stores excellently and not space consuming
- Well rounded nutrition for pups
- Allows control of hydration and texture
- Combines fruits and vegetables
Cons:
- Time consuming in preparation
- A higher up-front investment for kibble
#5 Natural Ultramix Grain Free Red Meat Recipe
The two key features of this dietary option are the raw bites and the healthy balance. The raw features keeps the meat supply as close to its evolutionarily familiar source as is possible.
Dogs did not evolve eating cooked meat, so it is best to keep their protein source as close to raw as possible (while being safe and healthy).
The balance comes from a high fiber content (necessary for hydration and nutritional uptake). It supports healthy digestion in the dog, setting the stage for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
By including antioxidants, we can give the dog the best chance at overall health- starting as early as possible.
Fatty acids are supplemented into the food in order to promote cognitive function. The effects of these unsaturated fats are easiest seen by the sheen of the dog’s coat.
Because of the fur on retrievers, it is particularly noticeable when there is a significant amount of these fats in the diet. When you see the shiny fur, you can know that you are doing what you can for the brain as well.
The food is great for worried pet parents, since it is so easy to see the fruit and vegetable inclusion in the kibble itself.
Pros:
- High in quality meat protein
- Avoids fillers like corn, wheat and soy
- Supports digestion with high fiber content
Cons:
- Includes peas (a potentially problematic ingredient in large doses)
FAQs on Golden Retriever Dog Food
# Should You Go Grain-Free for Your Golden Retriever?
If you are raising your dog from puppyhood, there is no harm in steering away from grains. It sets them up for a healthy system over time.
Otherwise, if your pup is eating grains and showing no issues, consider the possible stress of changing kibbles before making the jump.
# What Should You Do If You Want to Switch Foods for your Golden Retriever?
Titration is key when adjusting foods for your pup. A sudden change can shock the system and lead to stomach upset.
Avoid this by slowly adding the new food to the old. Increase the new food and decrease the old food slightly with each meal.
When you finally make the switch, the system can thrive.
Learn: How To Help Your Dog Gain Weight?
# What Vegetables Can Golden Retrievers Eat?
Golden Retrievers do not have trouble with vegetables in general (though don’t expect them to enjoy them on their own). That said, there are some veggies that can pose issues.
Peas are a great example. While they may be high in protein, they also include theobromine in trace amounts.
That is the same chemical present in chocolate that causes issues with canines.
# How Long Should I Feed a Golden Retriever Puppy Food?
Golden Retrievers can technically be classed as puppies until they reach fifteen months of age. During the last few weeks, it is a good idea to titrate in adult food.
This helps their systems adjust to the change. Always consult sizing charts when portioning out your pup’s food.
Did You Get The Best food for golden retrievers Yet?
Now that we’ve checked out some best dog food brands for our Golden Retrievers, we know exactly what our furry friends need. From high protein to weight control, vitamin content to meat quality, the clear winner is Hill’s Science Diet Weight Management Recipe.
The calorie count balances and the food itself serves as a great dietary staple for pups of this breed. The goal of a quality diet is to maximize health and happiness.
You know your dog better than anyone; so, when finding the right food for your Golden, focus on their needs and rest assured that there are a lot of great options.
Other Dog Food-Related Topics
1. 26 Super Easy Bacon Treat Recipes Will Make Your Dog Slobber
2. Best Dog Foods For Border Collies
3. Best Eats For German Shepherd Dogs
4. Best Dog Foods To Reduce Pooping
5. Best Food Brands For American Bully Dogs
6. Best Dry And Wet Dog Foods For Great Dane Puppies & Adults
7. Best Food For Pomeranian Puppies
8. Top 21 Best Dog Foods For Labradoodles
9. Can Dogs Eat Chickpeas?
10. Can Dogs Eat Sunflower Seeds?
11. Can Dogs Eat All Types Of Radishes? What You Need To Know!
We have partnered with HungryBark.com to offer the best deal on high quality dog food to our readers. If you click on the button below, we will take you to their exclusive discount page.
