There’s so a lot to love about Golden Retrievers. These dogs are known for their soft, long coats, gentle temperaments, and ridiculous personalities. But at the same time, they’re prone to a couple of health concerns, like hip dysplasia, obesity, and skin and hair issues. Feeding a diet rich in nutrients and maintaining a healthy weight might help to decrease the risk of certain health problems. So what’s the best dog food for Golden Retrievers?
However breed-specific dog food formulas may be fine for your little guy, understanding your Golden’s specific nutritional needs is better. From that point, you can settle on an informed choice with your vet. Keeping this in mind, the following are six distinct AAFCO-compliant dog foods that address the overall dietary needs of Golden Retrievers. From kibble to dried-out raw, there are various options to help you find the best dog food for your silly and gorgeous Golden.
1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Recipe
This dry kibble spread the word and trusted brand Hills, is formulated specifically for large adult dogs in their heyday. As a large breed, Golden Retrievers have a higher risk of bloat, which can be exacerbated by eating excessively fast or a lot without a moment’s delay. This kibble features large pieces (14 mm to 15.5 mm) to help slow your Golden down so they get the same sustenance in smaller portions.
At 363 kcal per cup and only 14.7% fat, this dry kibble helps maintain a healthy weight. It also includes natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, omega-6 unsaturated fats, and vitamin E to nourish your Golden’s long, shiny coat. This formula is available in two flavors — chicken and oats and lamb and rice — and comes in a version for Golden seniors.
2. Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin and Stomach Wet Dog Food
Incorporating wet food into your dog’s diet occasionally can spruce up mealtime. It’s also excellent for food puzzles, which can help work your Golden’s vivacious and dynamic mind.
This Purina Pro Plan formula is especially gentle on sensitive digestive systems with ingredients like oatmeal, rice, and salmon. The DHA from the salmon also provides omega-3 unsaturated fats to help with brain capability and vision — an additional variable to consider as Golden Retrievers are prone to eye conditions like cataracts.
3. Stella and Chewy Freeze-Dried Raw Dinner Patties
Some studies have shown that dogs might have the option to digest raw protein more easily and retain its nutrients better than food that undergoes a heating process. Some pet parents also report an improvement in their dog’s energy and coat health. However, with these implied benefits comes the risk of contamination. Golden guardians should always exercise alert while giving it to their pups.
Stella and Chewy help ease some of that worry by ensuring the safety of their raw products. Every one of their recipes goes through a high-pressure process to eliminate pathogens and eliminate microscopic organisms while still keeping the raw nutrients intact
4. Spot and Tango Unkibble
Putting a spin on fresh dog food, Spot and Tango’s “Unkibble” gently dehydrates every raw non-GMO ingredient in the recipe at low temperatures. This process helps preserve natural vitamins and minerals in their natural state.
Every one of Unkibble’s four recipes agrees with AAFCO’s nutritional guidelines and is considered complete and balanced for all life stages. This includes large-breed puppies and adults, making it an incredible dried-out decision for Golden Retrievers at whatever stage in life.
5. Ziwi Peak
Similar to dried-out meals, air-dried dog food takes the moisture out of raw ingredients through a low-temperature dissipation process. This gently dries the food fully intent on preserving nutrients and improving digestibility.
ZIWI Peak’s air-dried dog food meets the nutritional standards set for all life stages (including large dogs) by both the AAFCO and the New Zealand Ministry for Essential Industries. Except a couple of blends, every recipe has one main protein with extraordinary choices like venison and lamb, making it appealing for fussy palates or Goldens with sensitive stomachs.
