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What’s the best dog food for a golden retriever?
When choosing food for your golden retriever, it’s super important to consider your dog’s age.
That’s because goldens are considered large breed dogs.
Which means even though adult goldens benefit from eating better quality brands… choosing the right food for your puppy can be absolutely critical.
That’s because…
Golden retriever puppies have a greater risk of developing a crippling form of hip disease… if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium. They must eat a food that’s specifically designed to be safe for large breed puppies.1
Keep in mind…
Golden retriever puppies don’t stop growing until they reach 12 to 24 months of age. So, to keep the risk of diet-related hip disease low, avoid switching to an adult recipe too soon.2
Our Top Recommendations
To help you choose the best food for your dog’s age and preferences, the Dog Food Advisor recommends the following brands below. Each contains an amount of calcium and other nutrients3 considered safe for golden retrievers.
In addition, we’ll also answer the 5 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding golden retrievers.
Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers November 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Golden Retrievers for November 2024.
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1. Best Overall Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine
Chicken Cuisine is one of four fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine gets the bulk of its meat protein from fresh diced chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 37% protein, 26% fat and 29% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
All four Nom Nom fresh recipes are human-grade and designed by board certified veterinary nutritionists (DACVN4). A rare finding.
Each formula meets AAFCO5 nutrient profiles for both adults and puppies… including those of larger breeds.
Nom Nom is an outstanding grain-free option that’s ideal for those who’d like to feed a science-based diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get…. without all the fuss and time-consuming kitchen work.
Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
For more fresh options see our Best Fresh Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Human-grade
- Vet-formulated
- Fresh
Main Ingredients Diced chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water, spinach, sunflower oil Texture Fresh/wet Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Golden Retriever adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Jones is a rescue and he came to us with a *very* sensitive stomach. Since starting Nom Nom, his stomach has been doing well, and I didn't think his fur could get any softer."
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2. Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers: Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy
Golden Retriever Puppy is one of 16 dry recipes rated in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
We also note the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid supplement believed to help prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs.6
A time-proven formula containing just the right amount of calcium considered safe for golden retriever puppies. Recommended with confidence.
For more choices, see our Best Puppy Foods page.
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Contains taurine
- Formulated for specific breed
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat gluten, chicken fat, wheat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Golden retriever puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My golden retriever absolutely loves this food, the previous food he ate he didn't like very much but once I got this puppy food the first time I opened the bag he got excited just by the smell. Every time he eats now he jumps around and moves his tail like crazy. Great food I will definitely buy the adult food when he grows!!!!"
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3. Best Dog Food for Adult Golden Retrievers: Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
This particular recipe derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat and 50% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
The classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design contains no meat by-products and no BHA or other cancer-causing synthetic preservatives. Easily recommended for adult goldens.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- No meat by products
- No BHA
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, barley, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adut goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our dog had developed a bit of a gas issue with another leading brand that featured mostly red meat, so I wanted to go back to a food with mostly chicken. After a lot of research, I settled on Wellness Complete, and we’ve been very happy with it. Our dog readily goes for the food, and for the first time with any kibble, she will eat a few pieces out of our hand as a treat. I am impressed by the nutritional balance and the glucosamine and chondroitin since she is 80+ pounds, and it seems to have eliminated the gas problems."
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4. Best Dog Food for Senior Golden Retrievers: Holistic Select Senior Health
Senior Health is one of five dry recipes covered in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
This recipe obtains the better part of its meat protein from chicken fat. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 13% fat and 48% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
We also note this dog food contains no generic animal by-products, artificial colors or chemical preservatives. The recipe’s below-average fat content combined with its inclusion of both chondroitin and glucosamine make it an ideal option for senior goldens. Highly recommended.
More Choices: Best Dog Food for Seniors
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- No animal by products
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, chickpeas, peas, lentils, dried ground potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Senior goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Good quality food. Good quality ingredients. Right balance of protein and fat for my senior dog, plus extra joint and digestive support. Most importantly, my senior loves it! I would recommend this brand and formula!"
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5. Best Dry Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: American Journey Large Breed Chicken and Sweet Potato
Large Breed Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of 17 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the American Journey product line.
American Journey Large Breed Chicken acquires the majority of its meat protein from poultry. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
This large breed formula also contains a prebiotic. Prebiotics can help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine for better digestion. An exceptional, budget-friendly option. Easily recommended.
More choices: Best Dry Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains prebiotics
- Affordable
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Golden retriever adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have four furry children from small to extra large, all picky in their own way : Treats, bones, & obviously food. All four of em' absolutely loved this brand! They've been on it for only a week, & I can already tell how healthier their coats look, & a bit of needed weight loss."
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6. Best Wet Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: Open Farm Harvest Chicken
Open Farm Harvest Chicken recipe is one of five wet formulas included in our review of Open Farm wet product line.
This recipe derives most of its animal protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 23% fat and 33% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
Open Farm provides high-quality and ethically sourced ingredients. Each recipe is protein-packed with non-GMO vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach to provide a highly nutritious meal.
For more choices: See our Best Wet Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Pate Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Non GMO vegetables
- Fiber rich
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, chicken liver, sweet potatoes Texture Wet Type Canned Pate Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adults and senior goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Openfarmpet.com"We made the switch from Iams to Open Farm and my dogs are loving it, and so am I! The food doesn't smell horrible when you open the can and there's not all kinds of jelly around it. Its looks and smells much more appealing!!! Yay!"
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7. Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers with Allergies: IAMS ProActive Health Large Breed Dog Food
ProActive Health Large Breed is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
IAMS ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design has been offered by Iams for many years. It’s especially popular with professional breeders. We like the fact that it’s also 100% free of BHA and other high-risk chemical preservatives. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Iams Proactive Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 25% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"All the pets in the household love IAMs. My puppies just switched to adult food and this has been a quick an easy switch. Would recommend Iam's to anyone."
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8. Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers with a Sensitve Stomach: Merrick LID with Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
When your dog has a sensitive stomach, it is a good idea to give them a food with limited ingredients and this particular recipe by Merrick is highly recommended by the Dog Food Advisor.
It is made from a single source of protein and includes easily digestible oatmeal.
This Healthy Grains Chicken & Brown Rice gets all of its protein from chicken, which is also rich in the 10 amino acids a dog needs to sustain life. Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 36.4% protein, 22.7% fat and 32.9% estimated carbs. . . with a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
For more choices: See our Best Limited Ingredient Dog Food page.
Read our review of the full Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Fiber rich
- High in protein
- Limited ingredients
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, brown rice, oatmeal Texture Wet Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult and senior goldens Sample buyer review...
"My dog has allergies- no beef, pork, eggs, peanut butter. I feel that this is a good quality product and he really enjoys it."
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9. Best Grain-Free Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon
Southwest Canyon is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
It acquires the bulk of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs… which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Southwest Canyon also contains salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs. They help deliver better joint health and a lustrous skin and coat. A super popular brand. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Things we like
- Fish oil
- High in protein
- Popular brand
Main Ingredients Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Golden Retriever adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Taste of the Wild makes both me and my dogs very happy. I have a pack of three that all love it and have beautiful coats that I can only attribute to their diet. As for me, it’s cost-efficient and doesn’t stink like other dog foods. I’d recommend it to any of my friends."
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10. Best Grain-Inclusive Dog Food for Golden Retrievers: Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breen Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice is one of 11 recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
This particular acquires the better part of its animal protein from poultry. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 13% fat and 53% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
This dry formula also derives its antioxidants naturally from fruits and vegetables for healthy immunity… which supports greater resistance to disease. A top pick for golden retrievers and other breeds weighing more than 50 pounds at maturity.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Natural antioxidants
- Packed with fruit and vegetables
- Ideal for larger breeds
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Both my dogs seem to like this flavor. Great price for quantity and good quality"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food... without making my dog sick?
In this video…
Dr. Gary Richter shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your golden retriever’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.
Do golden retrievers need special dog food?
That depends on your dog’s age. Adult golden retrievers can eat almost ANY brand of quality kibble. But to lower the risk of permanent hip disease, puppies should eat a diet that’s specially designed to be safe for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.
How much food should you feed a golden retriever?
Since every animal is unique, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “perfect” for every golden retriever. So, start with the feeding amount printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that quantity up or down to reach and maintain your dogs ideal weight.
When is a golden retriever considered a senior?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds and are often considered senior when they reach 5 to 6 years of age. If your golden retriever is over 6, you may wish to visit our best senior dog foods page here.
When can you safely switch a golden retriever to adult food?
Golden retriever puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult food until they reach 12 to 24 months of age.7 Switching your puppy to adult food sooner than that may increase your golden’s risk of developing crippling and permanent hip damage.
Final word
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