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In this guide we’ll take a look at the best dog food for Golden Retrievers.
We’ve compared the quality of ingredients, nutritional information, and value for money.
Our top recommended Golden Retriever dog food is Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch.
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All of our dog food suggestions are carefully selected by professionals. We extensively research the products to check if they’ve been approved by governing bodies before making recommendations. You can read more about our stringent review standards here. And remember, always consult your veterinarian first, before changing your dog’s food.
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch earns top marks as one of the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers available for purchase today. A diet that is well-prized to meet the needs of active dogs, l-carnitine plays a starring role in this diet, providing a boost to the Golden’s metabolism to assist with healthy muscles. The proteins contained in this diet, herring meal, salmon meal, and whitefish meal, are chock full of the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids the Golden Retriever needs for optimal coat and skin health.
Earthborn Holistic Coastal Catch contains no grains or gluten, making it a wonderful selection for dogs suffering from allergies.
Holistic Select Large & Giant Breed Adult is a food designed specifically with the nutritional needs of large breeds in mind. This diet includes a unique supplement blend which lays a foundation for optimal digestion.
Holistic Blend, among the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers, combines whole grains and nutritious fruits and vegetables in their formulation to ensure ease of digestibility and a high concentration of important dietary fiber. Glucosamine has been added to this food to ensure proper support for hips and joints, an important help for this athletic breed.
Halo Holistic Chicken & Chicken Liver Adult Dry Dog Food packs a powerhouse punch when it comes to high-quality nutrition for the Golden Retriever. The basis of this diet is whole chicken and chicken liver, two high-quality protein sources.
This grain-rich food formulation takes its carbohydrates from antioxidant and fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and vegetables such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and blueberries. Halo’s recipe does not include the addition of any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
This diet, rated among the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers, is enriched with a proprietary supplement blend known as DreamCoat to support healthy skin and hair.
Merrick Backcountry Freeze-Dried Raw is a diet that Golden Retrievers love. Its primary protein is derived from lean, deboned beef; a meat which is included in its whole form to provide maximum impact. This food, considered to be one of the best dog foods for Golden Retrievers, is formulated to include both freeze-dried raw meat as well as kibble to increase eating satisfaction.
Merrick Backcountry is grain-free. It is also free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Glucosamine and chondroitin have been included to encourage healthy joints.
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health is a delicious and nutritious food that Goldens love. Well-balanced to support the needs of a large breed with high energy requirements, this diet, praised as one of the best Golden Retriever dog foods, contains the correct ratio of protein and fat to provide excellent nutrition without the fear of weight gain if fed in proper proportions.
The friendly Golden Retriever is one of America’s most beloved breeds. A dog renowned for its loyal, loving, and affectionate ways, the Golden Retriever is an active family companion that requires a high-quality diet to thrive.
Golden Retrievers can be prone to developing bloat, a condition that primarily affects large-chested breeds. Though the causes of this problem aren’t fully understood, experts recommend feeding a kibble that is comprised of large enough pieces to require the Golden to chew rather than gulp its food since bloat is associated with eating too quickly or too large a quantity.
Golden Retrievers love to eat and can be prone to weight gain. To prevent this from occurring, the best dog food for Golden Retrievers should be carefully measured and the dog’s body condition monitored to achieve and maintain an appropriate weight.
The average adult Golden Retriever will require approximately 1300-1600 calories per day. Highly active dogs usually require a slightly higher calorie count and those that are less active a decreased amount. Spayed or neutered dogs also tend to require a lower calorie count that those that are entire or intact. The Pet Nutrition Alliance calorie calculator is an excellent guide but remember to consult your veterinarian for more detailed nutritional information. The dog’s weight and appetite will also serve as helpful guides in determining correct portion sizes.
The best dog foods for Golden Retrievers are nutritionally balanced to support optimal canine wellness.
Golden Retrievers are an active, athletic breed, and thus, require a diet to help fuel their daily energy levels. The recommended amount of protein for the Golden Retriever is at least 18 percent with healthy fat levels comprising at least 5 percent of the diet.
Protein in the Golden Retriever’s diet should come from animal origins. Lean meats in whole form are best; however, meat meals also provide an excellent quality concentrated protein that dogs can easily digest.
Healthy fats also form a critical part of the ideal diet for the Golden Retriever. Animal-based fats such as chicken fat and oils from fish such as salmon and mackerel provide the most benefits. Some vegetable oils can also contribute important omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
There is no evidence to suggest that a grain-free or grain-inclusive diet is preferable for the Golden Retriever. Owners should focus on selecting the best dog food for Golden Retrievers that provides easily digestible carbohydrates, whether they find their basis in fruits and vegetables or whole grains.
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Golden Retriever:
Proteins, preferably in the form of whole lean meats or meat meals, should be one of the first ingredients in any high-quality food suitable for the needs of the active Golden Retriever.
All foods can benefit from the addition of supplements and probiotics to help provide support for the Golden’s development and overall health. Prebiotics and probiotics may assist with optimal digestion.
Chondroitin and glucosamine may also assist with sustaining joint health, which is beneficial for active, athletic breeds such as the Golden Retriever.
All foods appropriate for the Golden Retriever should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.
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