Best Dog Food For Golden Retrievers

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the country.

In this article, we’ll discuss the best dog food for Golden Retrievers for optimal health and happiness.

Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the country and it’s easy to see why. These dogs are intelligent, friendly, loyal—they basically possess all the best canine qualities!

Whether you’re adopting your Golden as a puppy, adult, or senior, you want to make sure they remain a part of your family for a long time. And the best way to ensure they stay healthy is through their diet.

All dog breeds have slightly different nutritional needs, which can make it tricky when you have multiple breeds in your home. Luckily, we have answers for you!

Keep reading to learn about the best dog food for Golden Retrievers and how you can keep them happy and healthy for years to come.

Common Ailments

That thick, luxurious coat may be gorgeous, but it can also lead to some problematic skin conditions.

Golden Retrievers have a double coat, which can trap bacteria, fungus, moisture, and environmental allergens close to the skin, causing irritation. Proper grooming is crucial to remove these irritants and keep your dog’s coat shiny and manageable.

Other common ailments include:

Obesity
Joint problems, such as dysplasia and dislocated kneecaps
Cancer (about 60% of Goldens die of cancer, about twice the rate of other breeds)
Allergies
Intestinal Bloat
Heart disease
Cataracts

If you’ve ever had a pitbull, you may recognize that the two breeds share a lot of the same health issues due to their similar sizes.

What To Feed Your Golden Retriever

One of the best ways to support your Golden’s health is through their diet.

In addition to regular grooming, the addition of fatty acids in your dog’s diet will help them maintain a shiny coat. The best sources of fatty acids for Golden Retrievers are low in calories to combat the breed’s tendency to be obese.

For this same reason, we recommend limiting your dog’s intake of beef in favor of lean proteins, such as chicken.

Grain-free diets are not necessary (for any breed), but wheat and potato are especially beneficial in Golden Retrievers, as these would have been popular ingredients where the breed originated (Russia, then England).

What You Don’t Want To See On the Label

As with any dog breed, it’s best to avoid commercially processed dog food, as it’s packed with inferior sources of protein, fillers, by-products, and even toxins. Remember, cheap dog food is no different than cheap human food—it’s often high in calories and low in nutritional value.

Wholesome, natural meals made from USDA-inspected ingredients will support your dog’s health and give them the vitamins and minerals they need to live a long, happy life.

Because Goldens are prone to obesity, you also want to pay close attention to how much and how often you’re feeding them. Feed them twice a day and avoid processed dog treats between meals. If you really want to reward them for being such a good boy or girl, try a healthy option such as carrots, green beans, or bell pepper.