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The Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

What’s the best dog food for a goldendoodle?

The answer to that important question depends on the AGE of YOUR particular dog.

That’s because…

Goldendoodle puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional needs.

For example…

Adult goldendoodles can thrive on ANY top-rated dog food… wet or dry.

But…

Because they’re the offspring of AT LEAST ONE large-breed parent…

Goldendoodle puppies have an increased risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease… if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium… while they’re still growing.1

Like the tragic bone and joint damage seen in this x-ray.

X-ray of large breed dog with bilateral hip disease
Large Breed Dog with Bilateral Hip Disease

And there are other age-related nutritional differences, too.

For example…

Older goldendoodles require more protein… and fewer calories… than younger animals.

Here’s the point…

Since there are no official nutrient guidelines for ANY specific breed…

It’s important to choose a dog food that’s designed to match the nutritional life stage of YOUR goldendoodle.

The 3 Nutritional Life Stages of a Goldendoodle

Since dog breeds age at different rates, the life stages below can be used as a guide to help you find the best possible food for your goldendoodle.

Life Stage Age
Puppy Under 15 to 18 months2
Adult Over 15 to 18 months3
Senior Over 8 years4

Our Top Recommendations

On this page…

We’ll share The Dog Food Advisor’s safest and most recommended brandseach optimized for the age of your particular goldendoodle.

We’ll also answer the 6 most frequently asked questions we get about feeding goldendoodles.


Editors Choice Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles page

Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles
March 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food brands for goldendoodles for March 2024.



Merrick Classic Beef and Healthy Grain Dog Food

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains

Rating:

Real Beef and Brown Rice is one of 13 dry recipes rated in our review of the Merrick Classic Healthy Grains product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, pork meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
  • Type: With grain (brown rice, barley, oatmeal)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults

This classic Merrick kibble derives most of its meat protein from fresh deboned beef and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 17% fat and 46% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 58%.

The formula contains no peas, legumes or other plant-based protein boosters.

It’s also fortified with taurine, an amino acid many veterinary professionals believe may help reduce the risk of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a type of heart disease found in certain breeds.

Merrick Classic is a quality, grain-inclusive dog food ideal for larger breeds. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “After adopting animals that had been dropped off at my property I thought it was easy to buy cheap dogfood to keep them all nourished. Bad deal! I was contributing to poor health and obesity. I switched over to Merrick and within weeks noticed a change in weight and energy in all my pets.”

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Ollie Beef Recipe Fresh Made Wet Dog Food

Ollie Fresh Dog Food

Rating:

Ollie Beef is one of 5 fresh recipes analyzed in our review of the Ollie fresh product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Beef, beef heart, sweet potato, peas, potato
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies and adults

Ollie Beef takes the majority of its meat protein from fresh beef and beef hearts. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 38% protein, 31% fat and 23% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 83%.

A fresh, human-grade dog food that’s also nutritionally complete and balanced. A great way to offer your pet a home-made meal… without all the fuss.

Customized, pre-measured packaging to keep your dog at optimal weight. Multiple flavors and recipes, ideal for rotational feeding. A bit pricey… but worth the slightly higher cost. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “Leia has a sensitive tummy and used to not eat (or throw up) her dry kibble. She literally jumps for joy when we pull Ollie out of the fridge. What a huge difference Ollie has made in our dog’s life.”

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Whole Earth Farms Grain Free Chicken Dry Dog Food

Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free

Rating:

Chicken and Turkey is one of 3 dry recipes included in our review of the Whole Earth Farms product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken meal, potatoes, canola meal, peas, chicken fat
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults (may not be suitable for puppies)

This Whole Earth Farms recipe receives the better part of its animal protein from chicken meal and turkey meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs… which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Produced by top-rated Merrick Pet Care. Contains no corn, wheat, soy or artificial preservatives. Also rich in zinc, copper and other costly, chelated minerals… for superior nutrition

Reasonably priced and one of The Dog Food Advisor’s most recommended budget-friendly dog foods.

Sample buyer review… “My dog is allergic to rice, brewers yeast, and fish, and unfortunately, prescription science diet is like $80 for a small bag that only lasts him a week and a half. I was so glad to have found Whole Earth Farms, which is totally reasonably priced and truly seems like a great quality dog food. I have it on autoship and my dog seems to love it too!”

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Acana Grasslands grain free Dry Dog Food

Acana Regionals Grassland

Rating:

Grasslands is one of 6 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Acana product line.

  • First 5 ingredients:Deboned lamb, deboned duck, eggs, lamb meal, goat meal
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies and adults

This Acana Regionals recipe receives most of its meat protein from deboned lamb, deboned duck, lamb meal, and goat meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 19% fat and 35% estimated carbs…delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.

Produced by Champion Petfoods, the respected maker of Orijen. The company is known for advocating a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” diet.

A complete and balanced design that makes this recipe a top option for either adult or still-growing goldendoodle puppies.

Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “Cash, our 3-year old Goldendoodle loves this food. We recently switched from Lotus on a recommendation from my Vet-tech daughter, and he loves it. So much so, that we can even use it as training treats.”

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Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Chicken Dry Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan

Rating:

Shredded Chicken and Rice is one of 19 dry recipes included in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal (source of glucosamine), soybean meal
  • Type: With grain (rice, wheat)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults

The Purina Pro Plan recipe with Shredded Chicken obtains the majority of its meat protein from fresh chicken and poultry by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 18% fat and 44% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 62%.

We note this and all other Pro Plan adult recipes in this product line are fortified with zinc proteinate and other more costly chelated minerals… which provide superior nutrition.

A classic, field-tested, grain-inclusive design favored by veterinarians and professional breeders. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “This Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is a dog food that our 2 dogs LOVED. They would sit by the bag and beg for it between mealtimes. This is a dog food that smells like real food instead of dog food. I was happy to be feeding our dogs with real ingredients and food that isn’t highly processed. It has real, quality ingredients that are actually healthy for dogs. Both of our dogs loved it and they had good energy while eating it. It is a food that I would definitley purchase for my dogs.”

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Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain Red Meat Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe

Rating:

Rocky Mountain is one of 8 dry recipes discussed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, beef meal, pea protein, pea starch, tapioca starch
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults

Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain derives the better part of its animal protein from deboned beef and beef meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 17% fat and 42% estimated carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.

Fortified with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat.

Sample buyer review… “This is my first time feeding my 2.5 yr old a BEEF based kibble. I had moved away from grain free and found that she gained (unwanted)weight quickly on grain inclusive kibble. When looking for a grain free to get her back on I happened to see a TV ad for this food. I read reviews and went ahead and ordered . She loves it ! She has only been transitioned onto it for 3 weeks now but she looks really great.”

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Diamond Naturals Senior Dog

Diamond Naturals Senior Dog

Rating:

Senior Dog is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, ground white rice, egg
  • Type: With grain (brown rice, white rice)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults

Diamond Naturals Senior Dog gets the majority portion of its animal protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 12% fat and 52% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.

Contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives, synthetic additives that may be linked to an increased risk of cancer in older pets. Also rich in glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.

A complete and fully balanced, grain-inclusive senior recipe that’s also low in fat. Plus the formula contains only 318 kcal (calories) per cup, which can help maintain optimal weight in senior dogs. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “The Diamond Naturals Senior is without a doubt the best Senior food I’ve come across in my 25+ years as a Veterinary technician, a breeder of Boxers & Wildlife rehabilitator. I’ve been using it for the past couple of generations of my Dogs beginning at 7 yrs of age & with the added glucosamine it has helped maintain my Senior Dog’s health, wellbeing & all around comfort as they age. For those with arthritis it is an integral component of their long term treatment for pain management & quality of life. I recommend this diet for all Seniors.”

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Canidae Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food

Canidae Grain Free Pure

Rating:

Canidae Real Salmon and Sweet Potato is one of 10 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Canidae product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults

This Canidae formula gets most of its animal protein from fresh salmon, salmon meal, and menhaden fish meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% estimated carbs… which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.

We also note this nutrient-balanced formula contains iron and other chelated minerals, supplements typically found in more costly kibbles. Another top pick. Reasonably priced. Easily recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My dogs get so excited & gobble this Canidae Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe up every time! They love it so much that I can even use them as training treats. It just never gets old for them. Even better, there have been NO tummy issues. Coats are looking great. Poops are solid and a healthy color. Plus, no weird ingredients. It’s high quality stuff! The only minor downside I would say is probably the slightly smaller quantity & smell. I reorder more frequently, now & if you really hate fish smells it could be a pretty rough 10 mins for you at feeding times. Other than that though, two thumbs up! Would definitely recommend!”

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Iams Proactive Health Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Iams ProActive Health Adult Large Breed

Rating:

Adult Large Breed is one of 12 dry recipes rated in our review of the Iams product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal
  • Type: With grain (barley, sorghum)
  • Profile: Maintenance
  • Best for: Goldendoodle adults

This Adult Large Breed formula gets the lions share of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken by-product meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 13% fat and 54% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 53%.

This classic, grain-inclusive design contains ample amounts of essential protein with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. We like the fact it’s also fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to help support healthy bones and joints.

A long-time recommendation. Reasonable priced. A nutritious recommendation for large breed dogs.

Sample buyer review… “We are transitioning our Goldendoodle puppy from the puppy version of this product to this product. Our Goldendoodle has not noticed a difference in the two types. The kibble in this type is a bit larger than the puppy counterpart. It is a good quality food for a great price.”

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American Journey Active Life Chicken. Brown Rice, and Vegetables Dry Recipe

American Journey Active Life

Rating:

Active Life is one of 16 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the American Journey product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, rice bran, peas
  • Type: With grain (brown rice, rice bran)
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies and adults

American Journey Active Life draws the greatest portion of its animal protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 17% fat and 48% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 60%.

We also note this recipe contains fish oil. Fish 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.

A classic, grain-inclusive recipe that’s ideal for larger breeds. Highly recommended.

Depending on its level of freshness and purity, fish oil should be considered a commendable addition.

Sample buyer review… “Great food. My dog loves the taste and the small sized round flat kibble is easy for him to chew. He had SEVERAL issues with other dog foods as he has very sensitive stomach and this food is great and gives him no issues.”

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Editors Choice -- Best Food for Goldendoodle Puppy

Best Food for a Goldendoodle Puppy
March 2024

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best puppy foods for a goldendoodle for March 2024.



Orijen Puppy Large Grain Free Dry Dog Food

Orijen Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Large Breed Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Orijen product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, deboned turkey, flounder, eggs, whole Atlantic mackerel
  • Type: Grain-free
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies and adults

Orijen Large Breed Puppy gets the majority of its animal protein from fresh chicken and turkey, flounder as well as whole Atlantic mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 43% protein, 18% fat and 31% estimated carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 42%.

The formula features 85% poultry and fish ingredients. So, it’s naturally rich in essential protein, vitamins and minerals. We note each piece of kibble is coated with freeze-dried liver for the optimal flavor of meat dogs crave.

Made by Champion Petfoods. The company has always been known for its dedication to a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” canine diet.

A complete and balanced design. One of our top picks for goldendoodle puppies (as well as adults). Enthusiastically recommended.

Sample buyer review… “We weaned our puppy off of Eukanuba puppy food which the breeder recommended and have been using Orijen for seven months. The results are fantastic and our dog loves the food. He coat is shiny and healthy. The cost is definitely higher and we tried buying other cheaper brands (small bag to try) which had good recommendations but with no success. So far our dog has actually been eating around the other food.”

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Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Large Breed Puppy is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Nutro Ultra product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain barley, whole grain brown rice, whole grain oats
  • Type: Contains grain (barley, brown rice, oats)
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies and adults

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy derives the better part of its meat protein from fresh chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 16% fat and 48% estimated carbs… delivering a fat-to-protein ratio of about 54%.

The formula is 100% free of BHA and other high-risk chemical preservatives. It’s also worth noting the balanced recipe contains iron and 2 more chelated minerals… quality nutrients typically found in better brands.

Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “My golden doodle absolutely loves this food! Takes him 2 minutes to empty his food bowl. He has wonderful energy and a beautiful shiny coat. I would recommend this food to any dog/puppy owner.”

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Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Large Breed Puppy is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal
  • Type: Contains grain (brown rice)
  • Profile: Growth
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy acquires much of its animal protein from fresh debonded chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 14% fat and 45% estimated carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 45%.

A safe, balanced calcium design from one of the most trusted brands in the pet food indistry. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “I introduced wellness to my Great Dane since I got her at 8 weeks. I feel it provides her with essential needs. She has burst of energy after eating, and her coat is very soft. I believe Wellness will be a part of our fur babies life for good.”

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Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Large Breed Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes rated in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.

  • First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley
  • Type: Contains grain (cracked pearled barley)
  • Profile: All Life Stages
  • Best for: Goldendoodle puppies and adults

Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy gets the major part of its animal protein from fresh chicken and turkey. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 14% fat and 48% estimated carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.

A top-rated, large breed puppy food with an ideal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. And at an affordable price. One of our editor’s long-time favorites. Highly recommended.

Sample buyer review… “Our vet stated our dogs needed to be on a diet with grain for heart health. After trying a few different brands, this has been the most well received. They all love it, including my picky eater.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I switch dog foods… without making my goldendoodle sick?

In the following short video

Veterinary expert, Dr. Gary Richter, shares a simple feeding tip that can help lower your goldendoodle’s risk of getting sick when you switch to a new food.


How much food should I feed my goldendoodle?

A landmark study found that dogs fed an amount of food to maintain them at ideal body condition lived nearly 2 years longer… than other dogs.5

Since every goldendoodle is different, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “ideal” for every animal. So, start with the feeding amount printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that amount up or down… to reach and then maintain your goldendoodle’s ideal weight.


Do goldendoodles need special dog food?

There are no official pet food industry standards established for goldendoodles. However, because the breed’s puppies, adults and seniors EACH have different nutritional needs, it’s important to choose a dog food that’s designed to match the AGE of YOUR particular goldendoodle.


What’s the best dog food for a goldendoodle puppy?

Since they’re genetically related to golden retrievers, goldendoodles should be considered large breed dogs.

This means goldendoodle puppies are at higher risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease… if they’re fed a dog food that contains too much calcium… while they’re still growing.

For this reason, most veterinary experts and professional breeders recommend feeding goldendoodle puppies a dog food that’s safe for large breed puppies. In addition to the brands listed in this article, be sure to check out The Dog Food Advisor’s Best Large Breed Puppy Food page.


What if my goldendoodle is bred from a small or medium size poodle?

Even if your goldendoodle is bred from a smaller size poodle, your dog may still be carrying genetic material (DNA) from a golden retriever… which means your puppy is more likely to develop a diet-related form of canine hip dysplasia (CHD).

Here’s the point… small breed puppies can still thrive on large breed puppy food. But any dog food that contains too much calcium should never be considered safe for large breed puppies… including goldendoodles.


When can I safely switch my goldendoodle puppy to adult dog food?

Goldendoodle puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready for adult food… until they reach 15 to 18 months of age.6 7 8

Because they’re considered large breed dogs, switching your goldendoodle puppy to adult food too soon may increase your pet’s risk of developing a diet-related and crippling form of canine hip disease.

Bottom line… an adult goldendoodle can safely eat large breed puppy food. But a growing puppy must never eat adult dog food.


What’s the best dog food for a senior goldendoodle?

According to VCA Hospitals, large breed dogs tend to age sooner than smaller breeds. So, some goldendoodles may be considered “senior” between 7 and 10 years of age. If your goldendoodle is 7 years (or older), you may wish to visit our best senior dog foods page here.


A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor does not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

However, we do receive a referral fee from online retailers (like Chewy or Amazon) and from sellers of perishable pet food when readers click over to their websites from ours. This helps cover the cost of operation of our free blog. Thanks for your support.

For more information, please visit our Disclaimer and Disclosure page.

References

  1. Lauten SD, Nutritional Risks to Large Breed Dogs: From Weaning to the Geriatric Years, Vet Clin Small Anim 36 (2006) 1345–1359.
  2. Royal Canin, Large breed puppy, When does my puppy become an adult dog?
  3. Royal Canin, Adult large breed, When does my puppy become an adult dog?
  4. Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, VCA Hospitals, How Old Is Old? Comparing Dog Age to Human Age
  5. https://www.avma.org/News/Journals/Collections/Documents/javma_220_9_1315.pdf
  6. IAMS: How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Food, IAMS
  7. Royal Canine: When does my puppy become an adult dog?
  8. Purina: When to Switch to Adult Dog Food?
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