Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: Nutrition for a Happy and Healthy Pup

When you close your eyes and think of the term “man’s best friend,” there’s a strong chance the dog you see in your mind is a beautiful, fluffy Golden retriever (or even a Mini Golden).

These gentle giants are some of the most popular and well-loved dogs in the world. Their sunny disposition and fun-loving personalities make them an ideal pet for any family.

Now, you have a Golden, do you know what's the best dog food for Golden Retrievers? No? Read on!

Fast Facts

Golden retrievers usually weigh within the 55-75 pound range and reach a height between 22 and 24 inches.

As you’d imagine, female goldens are on the lower side of that range while their male counterparts tend to be on the higher side. That said, this is simply a rough guide, and it’s not uncommon for some goldens to grow larger and taller than the average.

The typical golden retriever lives to age 11, which is about the average age of most large dog breeds.

Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers

 

1. Nom Nom Pet Food Delivery

First five ingredients (Turkey Fare): Turkey, Brown Rice, Carrots, Spinach, Eggs

If you want to feed your dog a raw diet, but you don’t want to be responsible for it, you can outsource that responsibility to a company like Nom Nom. It produces excellent raw meals for your dog that can help clear up pickiness and skin issues your dog may be experiencing.

Whole veggies and fruits help with antioxidants and vitamins to promote bone health, coat health, and proper brain function.

You can design your dog’s meal plan directly on the website, and the meals are delivered to you to be frozen or refrigerated until you need them. They’re easy to do, and if you’ve got the budget, you may transform your dog’s mealtime.

Nom Nom teams up with canine nutritionists to help create the most fulfilling gently-cooked diet for your pet. You have meals delivered, making everything simple, and you can fill out a questionnaire to find the right dog food for your Golden.

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2. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Formula

First five ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas

For the dog with a discerning palate, this duck dog food from Taste of the Wild may be a perfect choice.

This is a protein and fat-packed food that delivers wholesome nutrition with a tasty blend of poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

The primary ingredients are duck, duck meal and chicken meal. This food also contains roast quail, roast duck, smoked turkey, and ocean fish meal.

Beyond proteins, this food is also packed with the fruits and vegetables your dog needs to thrive, including peas, potatoes, blueberries, and raspberries.

Taste of the Wild is also packed with the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, such as vitamin C, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Taste of the Wild also includes a prebiotic and probiotic blend designed to promote a healthy digestive tract and immune system. Chelated minerals are also included to help your pup better absorb the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in the food.

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3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned lamb, Chicken meal, Turkey meal, Peas, Chickpeas

When it comes to dog food, you can feel good about giving your golden, American Journey checks off every important box. While there are tons of different options on the market, this may be the best dog food for golden retrievers that are currently available.

First, we’ll start with the ingredients. All of the major ingredients in this food are whole proteins and tasty vegetables. Lamb, chicken, and turkey represent the three top ingredients. From there, you’ll find things like peas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, dried kelp, and beet pulp.

All of these ingredients work in concert to deliver food that’s high in protein and fat, with the right amount of fiber and carbohydrates to keep your dog at their best.

Most importantly, American Journey’s foods are free of grain such as wheat, soy or corn, making it an ideal choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

American Journey also loads their food with other important vitamins and nutrients. It’s rich in antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system.

This food is also loaded with omega fatty acids which support healthy skin and coat. DHA is also included to support healthy brain and vision development.

This brand is manufactured in America with all American made ingredients wherever possible. At a price of around $1.66/lb, it’s also one of the most affordable high-end dog foods available.

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4. Wellness CORE Original Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes

This grain-free food from Wellness CORE is packed with the ingredients that are critical to your pup’s health and well-being.

The majority of the protein in this flavor is derived from poultry, namely turkey and chicken. It’s also packed with fruits and vegetables which provide your pup with the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants they need to thrive.

This food is especially well suited to Goldens as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin which promote bone and joint health.

Wellness also includes omega-3s to promote healthy skin and coat, probiotics to promote healthy digestion and immune health and a litany of different fruits and vegetables which provide vitamins and nutrients.

Wellness CORE is free of meat by-products, grain, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives. It’s certainly food you can feel good about giving your dog.

In this case, quality comes at a steep price, and Wellness CORE will set you back about $2.42/lb, which is much more expensive than some of the other foods we’ve covered thus far.

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5. Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, De-Boned Chicken, De-Boned Turkey

Go! Is a newer dog food company that places a serious emphasis on animal-based proteins. They’re owned by the Canadian manufacturer Petcurean, and they’re one of the only manufacturers that don’t source a single ingredient from China.

When you take a look at the ingredients in this food, you’ll notice that there are tons of animal proteins listed. Beyond the first five we mentioned above, there’s also trout and duck in this blend, as well.

This food also contains tons of complex carbs from delicious fruit and vegetable sources. You’ll find pumpkin, squash, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, alfalfa sprouts.

These provide your pup with plenty of energy sources, while also feeding them the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need for optimal performance.

Prebiotics and probiotics are also included to support your dog’s immune system and help them maintain their gastrointestinal health.

We love that this food is packed with so many great sources of protein and complex carbs. While there are plenty of antioxidants to support joint health, we would have also liked to see glucosamine and chondroitin, which are unfortunately missing.

The only other knock against Go! Fit is it’s a bit on the pricey side. The per pound price of this food is about $2.84.

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6. We Feed Raw Duck Patty

First five ingredients: Duck, Turkey Gizzards, Turkey Tails, Turkey Liver, WFR vitamin + mineral mix

This is a protein-rich meal designed to provide your dog with the nutritional benefits of a raw diet in a convenient, easy-to-serve form.

Crafted with cage-free duck as the primary ingredient, this patty delivers high-quality, easily digestible protein while supporting muscle development and overall vitality.

The duck is responsibly sourced, ensuring that your pet receives a meal free from antibiotics and hormones, making it a clean and ethical choice for conscientious pet owners.

Each recipe is expertly formulated by a PhD nutritionist, guaranteeing a balanced and complete diet tailored to meet your dog's specific nutritional needs.

The patties include a perfect blend of organ meats, bones and natural vitamins and minerals, mirroring the ancestral diet that dogs thrive on. This ensures support for healthy digestion, a robust immune system, and vibrant skin and coat.

Free from grains, fillers and artificial additives, it is ideal for dogs with food sensitivities or those following a species-appropriate diet. With its commitment to quality, nutrition, and ethical sourcing, We Feed Raw delivers a meal that dogs love and owners can trust.

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7. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat

This is a grain-free adult dog food. This recipe uses a single animal protein source for 33% crude protein in every bowl.

This recipe features essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to keep your Golden healthy and energetic.

This formula is also made with probiotics to help support immune and digestive health. This recipe is free from fillers, grains, and artificial colors or ingredients.

Nulo has several lines of dog and cat foods as well as meal mixers. Their mission is to provide high-quality food made with real ingredients.

They chose quality animal-based proteins to help build muscle and help your active Dalmatian maintain a healthy weight. This Texas-based company caters to athletic breeds which makes them a great choice for energetic Golden Retrievers.

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8. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Bison Meal & Vegetables

First five ingredients: Bison Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Canola Oil, Beef Meal

This kibble is a thoughtfully crafted recipe designed to nourish your dog while supporting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Featuring premium bison meal as the primary ingredient, this grain-free formula delivers high-quality protein to support lean muscle development and sustained energy for dogs of all breeds and life stages.

The addition of wholesome vegetables such as peas and sweet potatoes provides a digestible source of carbohydrates, while essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants contribute to overall health and vitality.

What sets this dog food apart is Earthborn Holistic's dedication to environmental responsibility. The brand partners with TerraCycle, offering innovative recycling solutions for pet food packaging, ensuring less waste ends up in landfills.

The product also comes in recycled packaging, reflecting the brand's commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Furthermore, as part of their eco-friendly initiatives, Earthborn Holistic has planted over 1 million trees worldwide, contributing to reforestation and the fight against climate change.

With a balance of superior nutrition and eco-conscious values, the company supports not only your dog's well-being but also a healthier planet for future generations.

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9. Purina Pro Plan Puppy Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula

First five ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Beef Fat

If you’re looking for a protein-packed food for your golden puppy, this one has you covered.

This is a high-quality, thoughtfully crafted recipe designed to support the healthy growth and development of puppies.

Featuring real chicken as the primary ingredient, this formula provides the essential protein needed to build strong muscles and fuel your puppy’s active lifestyle. The inclusion of wholesome rice offers a gentle source of carbohydrates for sustained energy, making it easy on sensitive tummies.

What makes this formula stand out is its unique shredded texture, combining crunchy kibble and tender, shredded pieces to create a delightful eating experience that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Fortified with live probiotics, it supports digestive health and a strong immune system, crucial during the early stages of life. Enriched with DHA from fish oil, this food promotes healthy brain and vision development, setting the foundation for lifelong learning and growth.

Formulated with a veterinarian-recommended blend of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, this food ensures a complete and balanced diet tailored for puppies. With no artificial colors or flavors, it’s a wholesome choice for your growing companion.

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10. Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Senior Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch

As your dog gets older, their needs change, and it’s up to you to provide them with food that’s going to keep them thriving at an advanced age. This recipe for senior dogs may be a good choice for your senior golden.

Most of the protein in this food is derived from beef and chicken, although it also gets a protein boost from peas, pea starch, and pea fiber.

It’s packed with omega III’s to promote healthy skin and coat, and vegetables and fruits like spinach, pumpkin, apples, and blueberries.

This food also includes Blue Buffalo’s patented LifeSource bits, which promote immune system health while providing older dogs with the vitamins and antioxidants they need to thrive.

Minerals like calcium and phosphorus help to promote healthy bones while glucosamine and chondroitin help promote healthy joint and hip function. All of the ingredients work together to provide your pup with the energy they need to stay active as they get older.

Like all of the other foods we’ve discussed, Blue Buffalo is also grain free. At just over $2 per pound, this food falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to premium dog food price.

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A Golden’s Caloric Needs

Golden retrievers run the gamut from incredibly energetic and active to more docile and subdued, so each dog's caloric requirements are going to vary based on their personality and activity level.

An average-sized golden that’s not very active will need anywhere between 1,000-1,300 calories a day. Meanwhile, a very active golden retriever will need somewhere in the 1,350-1,750 calorie range.

Not only will you need to adjust your golden’s caloric intake based on their activity level, but you’ll also need to adjust it based on their size as well. If your golden is big for the breed, extra calories are in order. If they’re small for the breed, they should be eating less. Finally, whether or not your dog has been spayed or neutered also plays a small role in their ideal caloric intake.

A calorie calculator, like this handy one from the Pet Nutrition Alliance, can help you pinpoint your dog’s caloric requirements. This calculator is also helpful if your dog is a bit overweight and you’re looking to reduce their food intake to help them lose weight.

Nutrition Recommendations

AAFCO, the regulatory organization that establishes regulations for pet food and animal feed places the greatest emphasis on protein.

They suggest that puppies maintain a diet of at least 22% protein, while older dogs need a diet of at least 18% protein. AAFCO also suggests a diet that contains around 8% fat for puppies and 5% for adult dogs.

These figures are treated as a benchmark, and most quality pet food manufacturers exceed these figures. Beyond fat and protein, there are some other important ingredients to look for when shopping for dog food.

 

What’s in a Good Food for a Golden?

To achieve a balanced diet, your pet’s food should include a well-balanced blend of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and fiber. In the best food for golden retrievers, these four components will work together to provide your pup with a nutritious and balanced diet.

Also read: Black Golden Retrievers

High Protein – Just like humans, the centerpiece of your golden’s meals should be protein. As we discussed, your golden will need a minimum of 18-22% protein in their diet. For a particularly large or active golden, that number should be even higher.

As a rule of thumb, when your shopping for dog food, take a look at the first three ingredients on the list. All three of those ingredients should be a protein, and if they aren’t, it’s best to move on to another food. Remember, not all proteins are created equally.

If possible, look for food that uses whole meats, such as beef, poultry or fish. Foods that contain meat digests or meat by-products are low quality and should be avoided. For whatever reasons, goldens seem to really love salmon. Try and incorporate salmon into your Golden’s diet wherever possible.

Fats – While your dog’s food should have far less fat than protein, fat does make up a key component of your dog’s diet. Not only does fat help to give food its taste and texture, but fat is a necessary macro-nutrient that helps your dog thrive.

Fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 help give your pup their signature, lustrous coat and also promote healthy skin and nails. Fats can also improve cardiovascular function, and they help to lower the risk of your dog developing cardiovascular disease. For an adult golden, about 5% of their diet should be made up of fats. For puppies, around 8%.

Complex Carbs – Complex carbs are another part of your dog’s ideal diet, although they’re much less important than fat and protein are. When it comes to carbohydrates, it’s all about knowing what to avoid.

Complex carbs such as carrots, apples and sweet potatoes all make a great addition to your dog’s diet within moderation. Meanwhile, other carbs, such as soy, wheat, corn or excess sugar are far less useful. Those kinds of ingredients are fillers designed to bulk up the bottom line for the manufacturer without adding any sort of value for your dog.

Fiber – Fiber plays several key roles for your pet. It helps to keep them regular, promotes gastrointestinal health and it can also help dog’s feel satiated, which is particularly helpful if your pup is on a weight management diet.

Most of the time, you won’t have to worry about adding additional fiber to your dog’s diet, as they’ll be getting enough from ingredients in their food such as apples and beets. But, there may be times when additional fiber may be helpful for your dog. Check out what Dr. Tim Hunt has to say about fiber for dogs at Chewy.

A Golden’s Unique Needs

While Goldens are known as a relatively healthy dog breed, there are a few medical conditions they’re predisposed to. While some conditions, like hypothyroidism or hip and elbow dysplasia, are difficult to predict or protect against, there are other common conditions which can be prevented through proper diet and eating habits.

Cancer – Nearly 60% of golden retrievers die from cancer. The causes for cancer are many, and in most cases, there’s nothing that could have been done to prevent it, there’s one thing you can control which may help your dog avoid cancer: proper diet.

Lower quality dog foods often contain ingredients which have been linked to cancer, and avoiding them is the best action you can take to help your dog avoid developing cancer. Avoiding foods with artificial ingredients, colors, fillers or preservatives is a great way to limit the likelihood of your golden developing cancer.

Cardiovascular Disease – While goldens are prone to developing cardiovascular disease, you can mitigate this risk tremendously by keeping your dog at a healthy weight that’s in line with your vet’s recommendations.

A healthy dog at the right weight is far less likely to develop a heart condition as they get older. If you notice your dog trending a bit towards the heavier side, don’t wait, consult with your vet about putting them on a diet for weight management.

Allergies – Golden’s are also prone to allergies. Often, their diet is a cause of these allergies. Common signs that your dog has allergies include hair loss, excessive scratching, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Unfortunately, since our dogs can’t tell us what’s bothering them, diagnosing their allergies can be a bit tricky. Most of the times, their allergic reaction can be attributed to one or more of the ingredients in their food. Most often, fillers like corn or wheat are to blame. This is one of the reasons why feeding your dog a quality food that doesn’t contain fillers is important.