Show Contents
Hide Contents
Golden retrievers are highly intelligent dogs. They are energetic, easy to train, and can solve problems. Their beautiful coat and unconditional love make them great pets. A healthy diet is crucial in maintaining these lovely and playful characteristics in your golden retriever. Hence, we discuss the ingredients to look out for in dog food and the best food in the market.
Things to Look Out For In Golden Retriever Food
The best food for your golden retriever should meet their basic nutritional needs. When purchasing dog food for your golden retriever, it should contain;
- High-quality protein sources like meat, chicken, or fish; Proteins are ideal for building healthy muscles and body tissue.
- Wholesome and natural ingredients. Avoid foods that contain fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives.
- Essential vitamins, including calcium and phosphorus. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for strengthening the teeth and bones and keeping the coat healthy.
- Optimal levels of fats. Fats are necessary for the energy and development of body tissues and muscles.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients are ideal for promoting healthy joints
Common Health Problems in Golden Retrievers
Although golden retrievers are playful dogs, certain health problems are more prevalent to this breed. Common health problems in golden retrievers include;
- Hip Dysplasia: golden retrievers’ hips have a ball and socket joint just like humans. Deformation in the socket causes pain and stress. Symptoms of hip dysplasia include inflammation, stiffness, and pain. You should visit a vet immediately if your dog finds it difficult to carry out simple tasks like climbing the stairs or jumping on a chair.
- Skin conditions: due to their dense coats, harmful bacteria can thrive on golden retrievers, causing allergic skin reactions. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly bathe and groom your golden retriever to reduce the risk of skin conditions.
- Cardio and respiratory problems: often, golden retrievers are at risk of developing conditions that affect blood circulation, heart, and lungs. These conditions have severe effects, including death. Visit a vet if your dog has difficulty breathing or shows signs of lethargy or weakness.
- Bloating occurs when there is a buildup of gas or fluid in your dog’s stomach, thus applying pressure on other organs. You should visit a vet if your dog has a swollen abdomen, is restless, or drools excessively.
- Cataracts: is a yellow or white film that clouds the eyes, impairing vision. Visit a vet if your dog is clumsy, has difficulty seeing in dimly lit rooms, or rubs the eyes frequently.
- Other common health problems in golden retrievers are cancer, ear infections, and hypothyroidism.
Worst Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
Generally, human food is bad for your pet. It can cause diarrhea, stomach upset, and severe health conditions for your pet. The worst dog food for golden retrievers includes chocolate, macadamia nut, artificial sweeteners, grapes, and raisins. Also, walnuts, onions, garlic, caffeine, tea, and energy drinks are bad for your golden retriever.
Homemade Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
Homemade food helps you manage your golden retrievers’ diet, reduce food intolerance, and appease picky eaters. Since golden retrievers are prone to developing food allergies, homemade food allows you to monitor the ingredients and calories you give your pets. You can also avoid additives and preservatives. When feeding your pet, you should look at the weight, activity level, age, and size. You can also discuss with a vet nutritionist for more information on the best diet for your golden retriever.
The best diet for a golden retriever should contain proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water. Healthy protein sources include chicken, lamb, beef, fish, and yogurt, while healthy carbohydrates include oats, brown rice, and potatoes. Fats can be from olive oil, sunflower oil, flaxseed oil, and canola oil. Minerals such as calcium, sodium, iron, and zinc should be present in your golden retriever diet. Vitamin A, C, and E are also essential.
Tips that can help with homemade dog food include;
- Creating a feeding schedule
- Monthly or weekly meal preparation
- Prepare food in bulk and separate it into portions
- Measuring and controlling portion sizes depending on your golden retrievers’ calorie requirement
- Refrigerate the cooked meals
- Prepare a new batch when the current supply is getting low.
- Discuss the most appropriate number of meals your pet requires with your vet
You may be interested in the following articles;
The 7 Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers are Reviewed Below
This section discusses the seven best dog foods for your golden retriever, noting their key and important info. Kindly read along!
1
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food
The Royal Canin dog food is a specially formulated formula by vets and experts to suit golden retriever’s lifestyle and health needs. The dog food has an exclusive kibble shape that fits retrievers’ facial and jaw structures. There are antioxidants and vitamin E present for improving dogs’ skin and coat, and taurine promotes a healthy heart.
In addition, the Royal Canin dog food is fortified with essential nutrients that reinforce the skin barrier to give your golden retriever a beautiful coat. Also, there are high-quality proteins and prebiotics present in the dog food for improved digestive health.
This dog food is suitable for puppies between eight weeks and 15 months old. Feeding requirements are dependent on the age, weight, and activity level of dogs.
For two months old puppies: give cups of food to puppies weighing 55 pounds, cups to puppies weighing 66 pounds and cups to puppies weighing 77 pounds.
For three months old puppies: cups of food are necessary for puppies weighing 55 pounds, and 3 cups are suitable for dogs weighing 66 pounds. cups are ideal for 77 pounds puppies
For four months old puppies: 55 pounds weight puppies should get cups, 66 pounds puppies should get cups and 77 pounds puppies should get cups of dog food.
For five months old puppies: cups of food is ideal for 55 pounds puppies, cups for 66 pounds, and 4 cups of dog food for 77 pounds puppies.
For six months old puppies: give cups of dog food to dogs weighing 55 pounds and cups for dogs weighing 66 pounds and cups of dog food to dogs weighing 77 pounds.
For eight months old puppies: give dogs that weigh 55 pounds cups and dogs that weigh 66 pounds cups. Also, dogs weighing 77 pounds should get cups of Royal Canin dog food
For ten months old puppies: cups of food is ideal for 55 pounds and cups are ideal for dogs weighing 66 pounds. For dogs weighing 77 pounds, 4 cups of food are ideal.
For 12 months old puppies: puppies weighing 55 pounds require 3 cups of food, while puppies weighing 66 pounds need cups of food. For puppies weighing 77 pounds, give 4 cups of food.
Key Features:
- Exclusive kibble shape
- Antioxidants
- Vitamin E
- Essential nutrients
- High-quality protein
- Prebiotics
- Taurine, EPA, and DHA
Specification:
- Brand: Royal Canin
- Flavor: Chicken
- Dimensions: 5.5 × 31.32 × 2.3 in
- Weight: 30 lbs.
Pros
- The kibble shape is exclusive, making it suitable for the jaw and facial structure of golden retrievers
- The antioxidants and vitamin E present protects the developing immune system of puppies
- There are essential nutrients present that nourish the skin barrier and supports healthy skin and coat
- The high-quality proteins and prebiotics aids digestive health
- Royal canin dog food is ideal for supporting a dog’s heart health. It contains taurine, EPA, and DHA
Cons
- The food contains corn and wheat, which is not suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies
- It contains chicken by-product meal
2
Purina Pro Plan Shredded Blend Dry Dog Food
The Purina pro plan dog food gives golden retrievers an ideal body condition because of its optimal protein to fat ratio. The food contains probiotics for the immune system and digestive health. Also, the first ingredient is real meat from rich protein sources like beef, lamb, salmon, or poultry. The kibble is crunchy, with a delicious taste and texture.
In addition, this dog food nourishes intestinal bacteria to promote digestive health, and it provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition. Purina pro plan dog food is rich in omega-6 and vitamin A to give golden retrievers beautiful skin and coat. Its source of carbohydrates is rice, and there is a 60 days product satisfaction guarantee on the product
Key Features:
- Protein and fat
- Live probiotics
- Real meat
- Crunchy kibble
- Natural prebiotic fiber
- Omega-6 fatty acid
- Vitamin A
- Rice
Specification:
- Brand: Purina pro plan
- Flavor: chicken and rice
- Dimensions: 4.7 × 24 × 16 in
- Weight: 18 lbs.
Pros
- Purina pro plan has an optimal amount of fats and proteins that give golden retrievers an ideal body condition
- The live probiotics support the digestive and immune system health
- The first ingredient is real meat from high-quality protein sources
- The dog food has crunchy kibble, and it contains tender shredded pieces for a delicious texture and taste.
- The natural prebiotic fiber present nourishes gut bacteria for improved digestion
- The food nourishes the dog’s skin and coat. It has omega-6 fatty acid and vitamin A
- Purina pro plan dog food gives energy. It contains rice as a source of carbohydrate
- It provides balanced and complete nutrition necessary for the overall health of dogs
Cons
- The dog food may not be suitable for dogs with stomach sensitivities
3
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food
The Blue Buffalo dog food is especially suitable for golden retrievers. It has a high-quality protein source that builds strong and healthy muscles in dogs. The food has real fruits and vegetables. It also contains healthy complex carbohydrates from brown rice and sweet potatoes. This dog food is suitable for building a dog’s immune health due to essential vitamins and vital minerals.
Blue buffalo dog food is especially suitable for strengthening teeth and bones, supporting joint function and mobility, and developing lean muscles. The food contains fish oil, a source of omega fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and coat. Furthermore, there is glucosamine and chondroitin present. The dog food has a compact design, and it requires less packaging.
When introducing blue buffalo dog food to your golden retriever, transition your dog slowly to prevent stomach upset. For days one to four, give your dog 25% of new dog food and 75% of old dog food. Days 5 to 8 should be 50% of both new dog food and old dog food. Give your dog 75% of blue buffalo dog food between days 9 and 11, and from day 12 to 14, transition completely.
Feeding requirements for dogs are subject to their weight, age, and activity level. For dogs that are between 50 and 70 pounds of weight, give cups of food. Dogs that are between 71 and 100 pounds should get between cups of food. Dogs that are over 100 pounds in weight should get cups of food plus cup for every additional 20 pounds of weight.
Key Features:
- Real fruits and vegetables
- Healthy complex carbohydrates
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients
- High-quality protein
- Fish oil
- Compact design
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
Specification:
- Brand: Blue Buffalo
- Flavor: Chicken and brown rice
- Dimensions: 25 × 16 × 5 in
- Weight: 30 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food contains real fruits and vegetables, which gives essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for immune system health
- Brown rice and sweet potatoes provide healthy complex carbohydrates that provide the necessary energy
- The dog food contains antioxidant-rich ingredients for boosting immune health
- The first ingredient is real chicken. It is a high-quality protein source for building strong and lean muscles
- The glucosamine and chondroitin support joints function and mobility
- Blue buffalo dog food is ideal for strengthening teeth and bones
- Fish oil provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for promoting healthy coat and skin
- The dog food comes in a compact that requires less packaging. There is no excess air or water present, thus lowering carbon emissions.
- There is no chicken or poultry by-product meal in the dog food
- The dog food is grain-free. There is no corn, wheat, or soy
- The food is also from natural ingredients. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives
Cons
- The dog food is pretty expensive
4
Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Hill’s science diet dry dog food comes in an easy-to-carry package that protects dog food and reduces waste. The food contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin. Also, there is vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acid present. The dog food has high-quality protein that boosts lean muscles.
Hill’s science diet dog food is vet recommended, and it comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Purchasing this dog food helps Hill’s science diet support and feed shelter pets. Furthermore, when transitioning your dog to the new dog food, mix increasing amounts of the pet’s new food with decreasing amounts of the old food over seven days.
Key Features:
- Great packaging
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Omega-6 fatty acid
- Vitamin E
- High-quality protein
- Vet recommended
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Specification:
- Brand: Hill’s science diet
- Flavor: chicken and barley
- Dimensions: 23.5 × 15.75 × 8.38 in
- Weight: 35 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, which makes it especially suitable for strengthening the joints
- The omega-6 and vitamin E present gives your dog a beautiful, shiny coat
- The dog food is vet recommended
- High-quality protein makes the food especially suitable for building strong and lean muscles
- The package is solid and easy to carry; this reduces wastage and protects the food.
- The dog food is especially suitable for adult dogs between ages 1 and 5
- Purchasing Hill’s Science diet dog foo helps feed shelter pets
Cons
- The kibble size is relatively small
5
Nutro Large Breed Dry Dog Food
The Nutro Large Breed dry dog food is ideal for keeping your golden retriever trim and fit. The food contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin that support the development of healthy joints. The first ingredient is real chicken, which is a high-quality protein source. The kibble is delicious and dry. Also, the dog food contains essential antioxidants that boost immune health
Nutro dog food contains non-GMO ingredients that are real and recognizable. It is important to note that there may be trace amounts of GMO ingredients due to cross-contact during the manufacturing process. Nevertheless, there is no chicken by-product meal, soy, corn, or wheat present.
When feeding your golden retriever with Nutro dry dog food, note that dietary requirements vary with weight, age, and activity level. For dogs weighing 50 pounds, give between cups of food. Dogs that are weighing 60 pounds should get between cups. Feeding requirements for dogs weighing 80 pounds is 4 to cups of food and dogs weighing 100 pounds should get cups of food. Dogs weighing 120 pounds should get between cups of food and dogs weighing 160 pounds should get between cups of food. For dogs that weigh 200 pounds, give between 8 and cups of Nutro dry dog food.
Key Features:
- High-quality protein source
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- Antioxidants
- Non-GMO ingredients
- No chicken by-product meal
Specification:
- Brand: Nutro
- Flavor: Chicken
- Dimensions: 23 × 16.5 × 6 in
- Weight: 30 lbs.
Pros
- The first ingredient is real chicken; this is a high-quality protein source suitable for building healthy and strong muscles in dogs
- The dog food is ideal for keeping dogs trim and fit
- Glucosamine and chondroitin are from natural sources, and they improve the health of the joints
- The antioxidants present boosts the immune system
- The dog food is from non-GMO ingredients. The ingredients are real and recognizable
- There’s no chicken by-product meal
- The dog food does not contain wheat, corn, or soy
- The kibble is dry and delicious
Cons
- The dog food is expensive
6
Wellness Core Grain-free Dry Dog Food
The wellness core dry dog food is suitable for improving the joints and coat health in golden retrievers. The first ingredient is real chicken, and it helps build strong and lean muscles. The dog food is crafted to improve its whole body health; it contains taurine, probiotics, glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants. Flaxseed and salmon oil improves skin and coat health in dogs.
Wellness Core dry food is suitable for improving digestive health. The kibble is rich in protein and is from natural Non-GMO ingredients. The food is 100% grain-free. There are no fillers, meat by-products, or artificial preservatives present. Carbohydrates, fats, and protein are present at optimal levels, and the food has a crave-worthy taste.
When trying combination feeding, reduce dry food by for every 6 ounces of wet food. Feeding requirements vary with the weight, age, and activity level of dogs. If your dog is between 50 and 60 pounds in weight, give 3 to cups of dog food. For dogs between 61 and 70 pounds, give between cups of food. Dogs between 71 and 80 pounds require 4 to cups of food and dogs between 81 and 90 pounds need cups of food. For dogs that are between 101 and 110 pounds, give cups of food daily.
Dogs that are between 111 and 120 pounds should get cups of food, and dogs that weigh between 121 and 140 pounds should get between cups of food. For dogs that are between 141 and 160 pounds, give between cups of food and dogs that are between 161 and 180 pounds should get between cups of food.
Key Features:
- Real chicken
- Taurine
- Probiotics and prebiotics
- Glucosamine
- Omega fatty acids
- Antioxidants
- 100% grain-free dog food
- High-protein kibble
- Non-GMO ingredients
Specification:
- Brand: Wellness natural pet food
- Flavor: chicken
- Dimensions: 27.5 × 15 × 4.5 in
- Weight: 26 lbs.
Pros
- The dog food has a high-quality protein source which is real chicken
- Wellness core dog food is ideal for joints and coat health
- The dog food has an optimal taurine level that is suitable for improving heart health
- Probiotics and prebiotics boost digestive health
- The glucosamine helps in strengthening the joints
- The dog food contains flaxseed and salmon oil which are a source of omega fatty acids. The omega fatty acids give your golden retriever a beautiful coat
- The wellness dog food improves the overall body health of dogs
- The dog food provides balanced nutrition for dogs. There are optimal carbohydrates, protein, and fat levels on the food
- The kibble is from natural, non-GMO ingredients
- There’s no meat by-products or fillers present in the food
- The dog food does not contain artificial preservatives and flavors
- Wellness dog food is ideal for building leaner body mass and toned muscles
Cons
- The dog food is expensive
7
Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog Food
For over ten years, Holistic Select had focused on using the finest natural ingredients such as fruits and vegetables to improve digestion in dogs. The dog food has probiotics and prebiotics that stimulate the growth of bacteria that helps in breaking down and absorption of nutrients. There is a love yogurt culture present in the dog food that increases the variety of good bacteria in the gut and enhances digestion. Another key ingredient in this dog food is the natural fiber that helps move food through the digestive tract to maintain a healthy output.
Furthermore, the dog food contains digestive enzymes that improve digestion and aids the absorption of key vitamins and minerals. There is an optimal level of calcium and phosphorus for improved bone strength. Holistic Select dog food is suitable for muscle maintenance, balanced nutrition, and promoting healthy joints.
Holistic Select maintains high-quality level standards of food safety. There are no meat by-products, fillers, or wheat present. Also, the food does not have artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors. The dog food is rich in antioxidants, and there’s a satisfaction guarantee on the product.
Feed dogs weighing between 50 and 60 pounds, cups of food and dogs weighing between 70 and 80 pounds, should get 3 to cups of food daily. For dogs weighing between 90 and 100 pounds, give to 4 cups of food, and dogs weighing between 110 and 120 pounds should get between cups of food. Dogs that are between 130 and 140 pounds should get 5 to cups of food and dogs between 150 and 160 pounds, should get cups of Holistic select dog food.
Key Features:
- Prebiotics and probiotics
- Live yogurt cultures
- Natural fiber
- Digestive enzymes
- Balanced nutrition
- Calcium and phosphorus
- Glucosamine and chondroitin
- Satisfaction guarantee.
- Antioxidant-rich dog food
Specification:
- Brand: Holistic Select
- Flavor: chicken and oatmeal
- Dimensions: 30.47 × 15 × 6 in
- Weight: 30 lbs.
Pros
- The prebiotics and probiotics help in the breakdown and absorption of necessary nutrients
- The live yogurt culture increases the variety of gut bacteria that enhances digestion
- The dog food has natural fiber that helps food move through the digestive tract
- The digestive enzymes present aid digestion of food and the absorption of critical vitamins and minerals
- The dog food provides balanced nutrition for golden retrievers supports immune health
- There is an optimal level of phosphorus and calcium present to maintain bone strength
- Glucosamine and chondroitin support the hips and joints health
- The carbohydrates present in the dog food are highly digestible, and they provide energy
- There are no artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors
- The high-quality protein source builds and maintains lean muscles
- The dog food is rich in antioxidants which makes it suitable for boosting my immune health
- There are no meat by-products
Cons
- Some reviewers complain that the dog food gave their dog soft stools
- The kibble size is small
Buying Guide Questions
In this section, we provide answers to frequently asked questions about golden retrievers’ diet and maintenance. Kindly read on for more information.
What foods are bad for golden retrievers?
Diet is critical in your dog’s health. Also, certain foods can affect your golden retriever’s health. Foods bad for golden retrievers include grapes, raisins, excess salt, chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, and coffee and tea.
Are Golden Retrievers picky eaters?
Generally, golden retrievers are not picky eaters. However, suppose you always feed them with varieties of dog food, plenty of treats, or table scraps. In that case, they can become picky eaters.
How often should you bathe golden retrievers?
Proper bathing and grooming help maintain healthy skin and coat for golden retrievers. You may bathe your golden retriever as frequently as every week or less frequently. However, always ensure your golden retriever doesn’t go six weeks without a bath.
Can Golden Retrievers eat boiled eggs?
Yes. Eggs are an excellent source of proteins, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is essential to note that you should feed your dog only boiled or scrambled eggs. Never feed raw eggs to your golden retriever.
What fruit can golden retrievers eat?
Dogs digest food differently from humans. Some fruits can cause health problems for a golden retriever, while some fruits are antioxidant-rich and boost dog immune system health. Healthy fruits you can feed your golden retriever include apples, bananas, blueberries, cranberries, cucumber, mango, and pears.
Are carrots good for golden retrievers?
Yes. Carrots are not only an excellent treat for golden retrievers. They have nutrients that are essential for improving dogs’ eyesight.
Conclusion
Golden retrievers are highly energetic dogs, and they are prone to some health conditions. Thus, they require foods that meet their nutritional requirements and also keeps them healthy. In this article, we compile the best dog food for golden retrievers in 2021. Ensure you note their weight, age, and activity level when feeding your pet.
