5 Best Dog Foods For Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are a well-known breed known for their energy, even temperament, intelligence, and ability to be trained. They were originally bred for hunting, but now are commonly kept as beloved family pets.

To ensure that your golden retriever grows up healthy and strong with a beautiful coat, it is important to provide them with high-quality dog food. While golden retrievers are generally easy to care for, paying attention to their diet can go a long way in promoting their overall well-being.

Special Considerations When Feeding Golden Retrievers

When feeding a golden retriever, it is important to pay attention to both the amount and frequency of their meals. Golden retrievers do not have the same ravenous appetite as some other breeds, but it is still important to monitor their food intake to ensure they are getting the proper nutrition.

Puppy golden retrievers should be fed four times a day to prevent digestive issues. Large, infrequent feedings can lead to diarrhea, which can be difficult to manage.

Caloric Intake

To determine the appropriate amount of food for your golden retriever, you can use their activity level and weight as a guideline. Active golden retrievers typically require around 40 calories per kilogram of body weight. If your golden retriever is mainly a house dog and has a lower activity level, it may be more appropriate to calculate their resting energy requirements (RER) to determine their food needs.

The equation for RER is relatively simple:

Weight in Kg * 30 + 70 = RER in Calories

It is important to monitor your golden retriever’s weight and ensure that they do not gain too much body fat, as this can lead to health problems.

To ensure proper growth and development, puppies should be fed around four times their resting energy requirements. Moderately active golden retrievers typically require about twice their resting energy requirements.

Do Golden Retrievers Have Special Nutritional Requirements?

There are many brands of dog food specifically formulated for golden retrievers, as they are a very popular breed.

As high-energy dogs, golden retrievers generally benefit from a diet that is high in protein and fat. This is especially important for working dogs, as they need extra fuel to support their active lifestyle.

Golden retrievers are prone to a number of health issues, so many brands of dog food formulated for this breed include supplements to help support their overall health. If you are concerned about any specific health problems your golden retriever may be prone to, you may want to consider a food that includes targeted supplements to help support their health.

Nutrient Distribution

When choosing a dog food, the protein content is an important factor to consider. Protein is a major source of energy for dogs, and it is especially important for growing puppies to help them develop muscle mass.

As with most dogs, 20%-30% is pretty much ideal. Perhaps a bit higher when your canine is still young.

In addition to protein, the fat content of a dog food is also important to consider. Golden retrievers have a high energy level and were originally bred as working dogs, so they have a large appetite. However, if your golden retriever is primarily a house dog and has a lower activity level, it may be important to choose a food with a lower fat content to help prevent obesity.

Something in the range of 10%-15% is good, although up to 20% is the way to go if your Golden regularly works out.

Carbohydrates can be a useful source of energy for dogs, but it is important to choose a food that has a balanced amount of carbohydrates. Dogs metabolize carbohydrates differently than humans, and a diet that is high in carbs can contribute to weight gain.

So, an ideal food for an adult Golden retriever would have the following macronutrient distribution:

• 20-30% protein
• 10-15% fat
• Less than 30% carbohydrates

It’s not too hard to find foods that meet that range, but they’ll generally cost more than a bag of Purina dry chow from Walmart.

Older dogs may benefit from a food with a lower protein and fat content, while puppies may require a food with a higher protein and fat content to support their growth and development.

Micronutrients

When selecting a dog food for a large breed puppy like a golden retriever, it is important to pay attention to the calcium content. Too much calcium can be harmful to growing puppies and can lead to developmental issues. A calcium content of 1%-1.5% is generally considered ideal for large breed puppies.

This is actually to keep the bones from growing too quickly. This can cause a lot of issues with larger dogs and hurt them in the long run.

Fiber should remain at roughly 4% until the dog is a senior, at which point 5%-9% is better to ease their bowel movements.

It is a good idea to look for a dog food that includes added glucosamine and chondroitin, as these supplements can help support the health of a golden retriever’s joints. Golden retrievers are prone to joint issues, so it is important to take steps to protect their joint health. While you can find dog foods that include these supplements, you may also want to consider adding a separate supplement to your dog’s diet to ensure they are getting adequate amounts.

Golden retrievers are prone to eye issues such as cataracts, so it is important to ensure they are getting adequate amounts of nutrients like DHA and taurine in their diet. These nutrients can help support eye health and may help prevent or mitigate certain eye problems.

Calories

With some breeds, it’s rather important to make sure that calories remain low.

If your golden retriever is not a working dog and does not get regular exercise, they may benefit from a low-calorie diet to help prevent weight gain. In this case, it is important to choose a food that is not overly high in nutrients, as this can contribute to weight gain.

Top Foods for Your Golden

We have done the research to identify dog foods that provide the necessary nutrients for golden retrievers of all ages and activity levels. In this list, you will find some of the best options for feeding your beloved pet.

The Best Food for Golden Retriever Puppies

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food

The food that is suitable for small, playful Golden Retrievers must meet certain requirements. It should contain 21% protein and 0.85% calcium, which are essential for the healthy growth and development of young dogs.

This food is not particularly high in nutrients, with 293 calories per cup. The donut-shaped kibble can also help to prevent your Golden Retriever from overeating, which is a consideration that is not often thought of by manufacturers.

The nutrients in this food are formulated to support the overall health and well-being of your Golden Retriever. This includes maintaining strong eyesight, a healthy coat, and well-developed muscles.

When it comes to puppy food, it is often beneficial to choose a formula that is tailored to the specific needs of the breed. Royal Canin is a well-respected brand that offers a puppy food specifically designed for Golden Retrievers. This brand is widely recognized as one of the best for Golden Retrievers and is available worldwide.

If you want to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the best possible nutrition, then you may want to consider Royal Canin’s puppy food. This formula is nutritionally balanced and has been carefully developed with the specific needs of Golden Retrievers in mind. It is a high-quality option that can help support the overall health and well-being of your puppy.

Pros:

• A well-balanced nutrient profile
• Lowered calcium for puppies
• Uniquely shaped kibble to prevent overeating
• Formulated to support the growth and overall health of dogs.

Cons:

• Fairly Expensive
• Could be higher in protein

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The Best Food for Senior Goldens

Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior

Blue Buffalo is a highly recommended pet food brand by veterinarians. It has a reputation for being on the higher end of the price range, but this chicken and rice-based formula is a great option for senior Golden Retrievers. With 22% protein and 10% fat, it is suitable for dogs with slower metabolisms. It also contains added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, which is especially important for older Goldens.

The fiber content of 7% can also be beneficial for older dogs with digestive issues. One potential downside is that the food contains rice, which some dogs may not tolerate. However, rice is generally well-tolerated and Golden Retrievers do not often have food allergies.

If you are willing to consider a food with rice and are willing to pay a higher price, then you may be satisfied with Blue Buffalo’s large breed formula for senior dogs. This food is highly regarded as one of the best options for older Golden Retrievers on the market and may help improve your older dog’s health.

Pros:

• Nutrient profile that is suitable for senior dogs
• Added joint health supplements
• Made with real chicken and does not contain by-products
• Specifically formulated for the needs of older, large breed dogs.

Cons:

• Contains rice, which is a problem for allergic dogs
• Fairly expensive

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The Best Food for Working Goldens

BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food

If you have a working Golden Retriever, it is important to choose a food that can meet their high energy needs. Blue Wilderness is an excellent choice because it has a high protein content, around 32%, and is grain-free. It also includes taurine and EPA for eye health and joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine.

With 420 calories per cup, this food may be too calorie-dense for inactive dogs, but it is a great option for working Goldens or other large working breeds. The grain-free formula sets it apart from other options and makes it a top choice for not just Goldens, but for any large working dog breed.

If your Golden Retriever is an active working dog, such as a hunting companion or athlete, then Blue Wilderness may be the best food choice for them. While it is on the pricier side and may be too calorie-dense for a typical Golden Retriever, it is an excellent option for dogs who have high energy needs.

Pros:

• Nutrient profile that is suitable for working dogs
• Higher calorie content per cup
• Grain-free formula
• Extra supplemental nutrients

Cons:

• Very expensive
• Not good for house pets

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The Best Budget Food for Golden Retrievers

Purina Beneful Originals Adult Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for an affordable food option for your Golden Retriever, Purina is a good choice to consider.

It has a decent level of protein, around 23%, and fat, around 13%, which can support the health of adult Goldens. It also has a moderate level of fiber, around 4%, which is suitable for younger to middle-aged dogs. However, it may not have some of the additional joint-supporting nutrients, like glucosamine, that can help maintain the health of senior dogs.

This food is also more budget-friendly compared to some other high-quality options on the market.

If you are looking for a high-quality food for your Golden Retriever but are on a tight budget, Purina is a good option to consider. It provides a good level of nutrition at a more affordable price compared to some other brands.

Pros:

• Balanced nutrient profile
• More affordable price compared to other high-quality brands
• Optimal fiber content
• Available in two different flavors.

Cons:

• No glucosamine or chondroitin
• No taurine or EPA

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 Related: The Best Dog Bed for Golden Retrievers

Your Golden Retriever’s Diet and Health Issues

Even if you are feeding your Golden Retriever the best quality food, it may be necessary to provide additional supplements as they get older or if they have specific health concerns, such as hip problems. A good diet and appropriate supplements can help to prevent or manage many of the health issues that are commonly seen in this breed.

The following health issues are all fairly common in Goldens:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Knee problems
• Eye problems

While Golden Retrievers are generally at lower risk for joint problems compared to other large breeds, it is still important to provide supplements and have regular check-ups with a veterinarian. One particular health concern for Goldens is obesity, as they are more prone to carrying excess weight due to a genetic mutation.

This can worsen any joint issues and it is important to monitor your dog’s weight and calorie intake to avoid obesity. While measuring calories can be tedious, if you choose one brand of food and get the right portion sizes from the start, it will become a routine part of your dog’s care.

Supplements for Golden Retrievers

Certain supplements can be helpful in maintaining the joint and eye health of Golden Retrievers. While some rarer health issues may not be preventable, starting puppies on vitamins and supplements early on may help to reduce their risk of developing these problems.

Best Supplement for Your Golden’s Joints

FURALAND Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs

Hip and joint supplements are important for the long-term health of Golden Retrievers. FURALAND’s formula provides a range of nutrients to support healthy cartilage and may help to prevent common issues like hip dysplasia and knee problems in larger dogs.

It also contains MSM, which has anti-inflammatory properties and may help to reduce pain. To further support a Golden Retriever with joint problems, you may want to consider providing dog steps or a ramp to make it easier for them to access high areas or get into a car.

Joint supplements are an important consideration for Golden Retrievers, and this high-strength formula is a good option that includes extra ingredients to support health and reduce pain in dogs that may already be experiencing joint issues.

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Best Supplement for Your Golden’s Eyes

Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Animal Necessity

Cataracts and other serious eye problems that can lead to blindness are unfortunately common in Golden Retrievers as they age. Ocu-GLO’s multivitamin is formulated with 25 balanced nutrients that support overall health, with a focus on eye health.

Many dog foods and even other multivitamins do not contain the right ingredients or sufficient amounts to support eye health, but this supplement includes nutrients that are specifically designed to maintain the eye health of Goldens.

If you’re worried about your Golden’s eyes as they age, this is a fantastic supplement to pick up. Get it now and start adding it to your Golden’s diet for the best effects.

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Best Multivitamin for Your Golden

Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine

Pet Honesty’s multivitamins are a convenient and cost-effective way to ensure that your Golden Retriever is getting all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy. These chewable vitamins are formulated for specific breeds, including Golden Retrievers, and come in a liver flavor that is generally well-liked by dogs.

They provide a range of vital nutrients that may not be present in sufficient quantities in your dog’s regular food. These multivitamins are an excellent choice for supporting skin and coat health and can be given once daily.

For overall health, these multivitamins are a great way to ensure that you’re able to cover all of the bases which your food might be missing.

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Conclusion

Golden Retrievers have some specific nutritional needs that should be taken into consideration to ensure their health and well-being. By choosing the right dog food and supplements, you can help prevent or manage common health issues such as obesity, eye problems, and joint problems.

This can improve your dog’s quality of life and help them stay healthy for many years to come.