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Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
The Golden Retriever stands out as one of the beloved dog breeds in the United States valued for their friendly demeanor and cleverness. These furry companions exude vitality. Eagerly participate in outdoor activities like hiking or a refreshing swim.
They fall under the medium to large breed category and require a well rounded diet to upkeep their muscles, glossy fur and mental well being. Opting for food that aligns with their lifestyle and overall wellness is essential. Selecting the diet for your Golden Retriever plays a pivotal role in supporting their growth, development and warding off illnesses.
With numerous options available, in the market finding food that meets their needs can present a challenge. This guide aims to assist you in comprehending your Golden Retrievers requirements and identifying top notch dog food choices.
Nutritional Needs of Golden Retrievers
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are famous for their size, high energy levels and love of food. To ensure their well being and preserve their golden coat it is essential to provide them with a balanced diet that fulfills their unique nutritional needs. They are usually around 55 to 75 pounds. According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, inactive Golden Retrievers need around 989 to 1,272 calories per day while active ones require about 1,353 to 1,740 calories daily. Older Retrievers with issues might need fewer calories compared to younger and more active counterparts.
Choosing the food for Golden Retrievers can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Golden Retrievers Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Finding the Best Dog Food for Optimal Health of Golden Retrievers
Prioritize high quality animal proteins like chicken, turkey, beef, lamb or fish as the first ingredient. Incorporating whole grains such as oats, barley or brown rice for carbohydrates and fiber is beneficial. Fruits and vegetables can add fiber to their diet. Essential fats from animal or vegetable sources like chicken fat or safflower oil provide energy. Help maintain a shiny coat. Opting for preservatives like mixed tocopherols (vitamin E) is preferred over potentially harmful options like ethoxyquin.
Navigating Allergies and Health Concerns for Golden Retrievers
It's important to be mindful of allergies in Golden Retrievers which can often be triggered by meat proteins or grains such as corn, wheat or soy. Allergic reactions typically manifest as skin issues that require diagnosis by a veterinarian. Utilizing elimination diets, with protein and starch sources can assist in identifying specific allergens. Golden Retrievers have a tendency to experience swelling in their chests, which can be a serious and life threatening issue needing prompt medical care. To lower the risk it is advisable to feed them meals more often instead of one big meal, refrain from intense physical activity before and after eating and ensure they always have access, to fresh water.
Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers July 2024
1. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Ground Brown Rice
- Barley
- Peas
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has deboned chicken and chicken meal as the ingredients offering a healthy protein option for active golden retrievers.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, barley, oats and other whole grains ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat and flaxseed are present in the food benefiting the skin and coat health of golden retrievers with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Joint support: From the guaranteed analysis table, we can see glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for breeds like Golden Retriever.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
Cons
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken could be allergens to your furry friends
Sample Review from buyers
I switched to this product after a terrible go with Blue Buffalo which gave my dog nothing but potty issues and dehydration issues. So I went to this as I have used Wellness brand before with no issues. My dog loves it and has no issues with potty issues or dehydration. Highly recommend this brand!!!!!!! My dog is a 80lb old english bulldogge.
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult High Protein Natural Chicken & Wholesome Grains Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Dried Chicken
- Oatmeal
- Barley
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good sources of protein: This food has deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal as the ingredients offering healthy protein options for active golden retrievers.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, barley, oats, and other whole grains ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat, flaxseed, and salmon meal are present in the food, benefiting the skin and coat health of golden retrievers with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Joint support: From the guaranteed analysis table, we can see glucosamine, which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for breeds like golden retrievers.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains like dried fermentation products in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
Cons
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken and grains could be potential allergens for some golden retrievers.
Sample Review from buyers
I feed my dogs Victor for years but when they had a contamination issue I had to find a substitute quickly because I was out of food the day I found out I could not use what I had. I looked at numerous high end brands but decided on Blue Buffalo. My dogs ate it with no problems with change in diet. Ingredients are much better than most and as of now I think I’ll stick with it.
3. Eagle Pack Chicken & Pork Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, 30-lb bag
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)
- Pork Meal
- Brown Rice
- Oat Groats
- Rice
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken meal, pork meal as the ingredients offering healthy protein options for active golden retrievers.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, oat groats, rice, and barley ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat, flaxseed are present in the food, benefiting the skin and coat health of golden retrievers with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Joint support: From the guaranteed analysis table, we can see glucosamine, which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for breeds like golden retrievers.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains like dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken could be potential allergens for some golden retrievers.
Bosco is a Great Dane rescue. He had Pneumonia when adopted and my vet was able to save him. We were suggested Eagle Pack and he took to it 1st bowl. 2 years later still growing, beautiful coat and vet says he is getting exactly what he needs for a long healthy life.
4. Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Cracked Pearled Barley
- Whole Grain Wheat
- Whole Grain Corn
- Whole Grain Sorghum
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, chicken meal as the ingredients offering healthy protein options for active golden retrievers.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Cracked pearled varley, whole grain wheat, and other grains ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken Fat, Flaxseed are present in the food, benefiting the skin and coat health of golden retrievers with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Joint support: From the guaranteed analysis table, we can see chondroitin Sulfate and glucosamine, which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for breeds like golden retrievers.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains like dried fermentation products in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken could be potential allergens for some golden retrievers.
Sample Review from buyers
Our Vet recommended Hill's Science Diet over 10 years ago. We still feed all of our cats and dogs Science Diet. They have been healthy, great skin and hair, and healthy bowel movements. We never have and never will feed our pets anything but Science Diet!!!
5. Solid Gold Hund-n-Flocken Lamb, Brown Rice & Pearled Barley Recipe Whole Grain Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Lamb
- Lamb Meal
- Brown Rice
- Pearled Barley
- Oatmeal
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has Lamb, Lamb Meal as the ingredients offering healthy protein options for active golden retrievers.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown Rice, Pearled Barley and other whole grains ensure a steady energy and fiber supply to keep these lively dogs going.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken Fat, Flaxseed are present in the food, benefiting the skin and coat health of golden retrievers with both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Probiotics for gut health: Various probiotic strains like Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product in the food help support digestion and immunity in golden retrievers.
- Antioxidants: Ingredients like Blueberries and Cranberries offer natural sources of antioxidants and can protect your pup's body from damage caused by free radicals.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Lamb and Eggs could be potential allergens for some golden retrievers.
Sample Review from buyers
Was recommended this food years ago for a cocker spaniel that would chew his paws. This food resolved the issue completely. Many years later I now feed it to my pibble. This helps with his skin condition and he LOVES it. Will purchase again
6. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Peas
- Ground Brown Rice
- Salmon Meal
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, and salmon meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active goldendoodles.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Ground brown rice and oatmeal provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed, and salmon oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product, and others provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some goldendoodles.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains plant protein sources like peas.
Sample Review from buyers
Our puppy came home on this food and I like the ingredients. He is not having any loose stool, and he gobbles it down. The reviews regarding diarrhea made me nervous, but has not been the case for us. Our vet was happy with the food choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Golden Retriever puppy to adult food?
Between 12 and 24 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
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