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This is our review of the best dog food for Goldendoodles in 2023.
Goldendoodles are among my favorite hybrid breeds, they combine the qualities of the Golden Retriever and the Poodle which they come from into one smart fluffy dog.
Unfortunately, as they inherited their beauty, intelligence, and friendliness, they inherited some of their health problems. For instance, like their Golden Retrievers ancestors, Goldendoodles are prone to hip problems which can be worse if they are overweight.
Also, if Goldendoodle puppies are fed a diet high in calcium, they are more likely to develop a severe and irreversible crippling form of hip disease.
With that being said, you’ll need to be very careful with what you feed your fluffy friend. That’s why I used my veterinary background to research the best dog food for Goldendoodles that are available in the market and chose the ones that will be the best fit for your dog.
As a qualified vet, my favorite dog food and the one I always recommend for most Goldendoodles is Wellness Large Breed Adult Complete Health Dog Food.
But, hybrid dogs’ needs and conditions may vary significantly, that’s why I’ve included 7 more dog foods that I believe can be the best pick for a Goldendoodle.
Keep reading.
Our Pick for The Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles
- Wellness Large Breed Adult Complete Health Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles Overall)
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles With Sensitive Stomach)
- Ziwi Peak Lamb Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles to Build Muscles)
- VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles With Allergies)
- Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy Dog Food (Best Dry Food for Goldendoodle Puppy)
- Diamond Naturals Large Breed Dry Dog Food (Best Affordable Dog Food for Goldendoodles)
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food for Senior Goldendoodles)
- Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Wet Dog Food (Best Wet Food for Goldendoodles)
The 8 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles Reviewed
Before we dive in, I want to tell you that all the dog food I included in this list meets the standard AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines for dogs. So rest assured that your dog will get safe dog food.
Also, we always recommend that you consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your Goldendoodle’s diet.
Wellness Large Breed Adult Complete Health Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Barley, Peas
- Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 12% Fat, 5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain
- Best for: Adult Goldendoodles
I always recommend Wellness Large Breed Adult Complete Health Dog Food as the best dog food for Goldendoodles. It is specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for your large breed dog.
The recipe is crafted using high-quality ingredients like premium meats and wholesome grains, and it is developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives which ensures that your Goldendoodle will get the high-quality nutrition he needs, no less no more.
This formula is high in omega fatty acids that will help your furry friend develop and maintain a shiny thick coat, along with antioxidants that support the immune system’s health, and glucosamine to support the hips and joints’ health.
Also, this formula contains Taurine which helps with nerve development, heart health, and brain function.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
- Nutrient Content: 23% Protein, 12% Fat, 4.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Grain-inclusive, gluten-free
- Best for: Adult Goldendoodles
This recipe from Natural Balance is great for Goldendoodles with sensitive stomachs, it provides a limited ingredient formula that minimizes your dog’s exposure to ingredients that they might be sensitive to.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food features a USA farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, which is great because it provides your canine with high-quality protein to grow, develop strong muscles, and be energetic.
This formula is grain-inclusive, it contains brown rice that provides digestible carbohydrates for energy while the essential amino acids help your four-legged friend maintain strong muscle.
Plus, it’s made in the USA which means that your dog will get safe and high-quality nutrition.
Ziwi Peak Lamb Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Heart, Lamb Tripe, Lamb Liver, Lamb Kidney
- Nutrient Content: 35% Protein, 33% Fat, 2% Fiber, 14% Moisture
- Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Non-GMO, High-Protein, Natural
- Best for: Adult Goldendoodles
Ziwi Peak Lamb Grain-Free Air-Dried Dog Food features 5 protein sources as their key ingredients, it contains whole-prey meat, organs, and bone, which ensures that your Goldie will get high-quality protein to develop lean and strong muscles, just like he would eat in the wild.
This high protein recipe by Ziwi is air-dried, this means that it almost preserves all the nutritional benefits of its ingredients, and it contains more moisture than dry kibble which means that there is no need to rehydrate the dog food and still, your dog will be hydrated.
This formula contains New Zealand green mussels, a natural source of chondroitin and glucosamine which are the key components that help support your dog’s joint health. It also contains high levels of taurine which help support heart health.
Plus, it’s completely free of preservatives, sugars, glycerine, added carbs, and fillers, which means that your dog will get safe and clean dog food.
VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Menhaden Fish Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Garbanzo Beans, Dehydrated Salmon
- Nutrient Content: 33% Protein, 16% Fat, 3.8% Fiber, 9% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free
- Best for: Adult Goldendoodles
If your Goldie has a sensitive stomach or has food allergies, then this recipe by Victor Select is your best choice.
VICTOR Select Yukon River Canine Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food features menhaden fish meal and dehydrated salmon as the main sources of protein, these two components provide your dog with high-quality protein to develop lean and strong muscles, and they also provide them with taurine that supports heart health, potassium that helps develop solid bones, and the B vitamins that provides energy and cellular health. Also, menhaden fish meal contains DHA which aids brain function.
This formula is crafted free of common food allergens for Goldendoodles like grains or soy, which means that it is completely friendly for your furry friend’s stomach, and it contains probiotics and prebiotics that support the immune and digestive system.
Plus, it’s made in the USA, so rest assured that your dog will get safe and high-quality dog food.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oats
- Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 14% Fat, 4% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: Non-GMO, Molasses-Free, Natural, Pea-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, High-Protein
- Best for: Goldendoodles puppies
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy dog food contains the perfect balance of high-quality protein and whole grains for your Goldendoodles puppy.
It features chicken as its key ingredient, this provides your little friend with the protein they need to properly grow and develop lean and strong muscles.
This recipe doesn’t include any meat by-products, but it contains chicken meal that offers concentrated protein which is sourced from different parts of the animal.
This recipe is also grain inclusive, it contains whole-grain barley, whole grain brown rice, and whole-grain oats which provide your dog with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for a balanced diet.
Grains are not harmful to your dog in any way, they are a valuable addition to your dog’s diet and are beneficial unless your dog is allergic to grains, which in that case you should avoid.
This formula is completely free of artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives and it is free of corn, wheat, and soy protein which means that your dog will get clean, safe, and high-quality dog food.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Cracked Pearled Barley, White Rice
- Nutrient Content: 26% Protein, 16% Fat, 2.5% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, With Grain
- Best for: Adult Goldendoodles
If you want to get high-quality dog food without breaking the bank, then you should try Diamond Naturals Large Breed dry dog food.
This formula features cage-free chicken and chicken meal as the first ingredients, this provides your canine with the high-quality protein she needs to support bone and joint health, and develop strong, lean muscles.
This formula also includes omega fatty acids that support coat and skin health.
The whole grains added in this formula provide your Goldie with the fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are necessary for a balanced diet.
K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, antioxidants, and prebiotics are also included to support the digestive system health, immune system health, and overall health and wellness.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior Dry Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Dried Ground Potatoes, Peas
- Nutrient Content: 32% Protein, 12% Fat, 6.25% Fiber, 10% Moisture
- Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, High-Protein
- Best for: Senior Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles are an active breed, but they become very vulnerable to genetic diseases and digestive problems as they age. However, you can help your furry friend stay active while diminishing the risk of these health issues on your dog with the right nutrition.
Wellness CORE Grain-Free Senior dry dog food offers the right portions of high-quality protein and high-quality fiber that meet the nutritional requirements of a senior Goldendoodle.
Featuring deboned turkey as the first ingredient, this formula is high in protein that is necessary for seniors to keep their muscle mass and protect their joints’ health.
This recipe also contains antioxidants and probiotics to support your furry friend’s digestive system, along with taurine which is an important vitamin for a healthy heart.
And as I mentioned earlier, senior Goldendoodles are prone to joint and hip problems, that’s why this formula is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin that help improve mobility by easing joint discomfort and supporting hip health.
The only thing I see negative about this dog food is the price, it’s a bit expensive. However, if money is no problem, then it’s a good choice for your senior Goldendoodle and is worth your money.
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Wet Dog Food
- 5 Key Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Brown Rice, Oatmeal
- Nutrient Content: 8% Protein, 5% Fat, 1.4% Fiber, 78% Moisture
- Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet, Sensitive Digestion, With Grain
- Best for: Adult Goldendoodles
Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet is the best wet food for Goldendoodles, it features a limited ingredients formula that limits your dog’s exposure to ingredients they might be allergic to.
This recipe features deboned chicken as the first ingredient, which helps your four-legged friend develop strong muscles, as well as essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals for strong immunity and a stronger digestive system.
This formula promotes a complete and balanced diet, it is crafted completely free of soy, potato, corn, dairy, eggs, artificial colors, preservatives, or flavors, which are common allergens for Goldendoodles.
The wholesome grains added in this formula provide your furry friend with the fiber they need for a healthy digestive system.
How to Choose The Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles
Hybrid dogs are amazing, and when it comes to choosing the best dog food for one, let’s say a Goldendoodle, you should consider some factors. For instance, dog food shouldn’t only contain the right macronutrient, but it also should contain high-quality ingredients that your dog needs, and they should be in the right amounts.
Specific Dietary Requirements
Like the majority of large breed dogs, Goldendoodles need high protein content sourced from real meat, and high-quality healthy fats to keep up with their energy levels.
And like all dog breeds, Goldendoodles have specific dietary needs that you should aim to fill, and here are what we recommend to aim for when choosing your Goldendoodle’s dog food.
P.S: All the dog food in our list of best dog food for Goldendoodles meet at least the minimum nutritional requirements for Goldendoodles. We took into account all these portions so rest assured that all the food included in this list can be given to your furry friend without worrying if they meet or not the minimum nutritional requirements for Goldendoodles.
Protein
When choosing dry dog food, Goldendoodles, in general, need at least 20% of crude protein, and puppies need more which is at least 25% percent.
What you should consider is their activity level, if your Goldie is constantly moving around, playing, and running then you should up the protein content to keep up with their energy level to ensure that they grow and thrive properly.
Fats
Fats have a bad reputation among us, but when it comes to dogs, they are beneficial and they must be included in every dog’s diet.
Fats don’t make dogs overweight as we might think, instead they help four-legged stay energetic throughout the day, plus they help your dog not to feel hungry between meals.
Fiber
Fiber is a key component in every diet, especially the ones that are high in protein and fats, it ensures the proper absorption of the nutrients. It nourishes the bacteria that is in your dog’s gut system which is responsible for breaking down the food in her tummy.
Fiber is also important for keeping your dog full throughout the day and regulating their bathroom time.
Omega-fatty Acids
Besides their friendliness and intelligence, Goldendoodles have a thick coat. Do you know what keeps that coat fluffy and shiny? Yes, omega-fatty acids.
Omega-fatty acids are a vital component in a Goldendoodle’s diet, it helps them maintain a fluffy and shiny coat, and it also helps them keep healthy skin. I usually recommend that you aim for a recipe that includes a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids like Salmon oil.
Is dry or wet dog food better for Goldendoodles?
There are two big differences between dry and wet dog food: cost and taste. Dry dog food costs less, while wet dog food tastes better.
In general, dry dog food is cheaper, but the fact that it costs less than wet dog food doesn’t mean that its quality is lower or that you’ll be giving your dog a lower quality dog food. But on the contrary, the majority of dry dog foods are packed with high-quality nutrients, and some of them have a coating that makes them even more delicious and appealing for dogs to eat than wet dog food.
However, wet dog food is a bit expensive, but on the bright side, it is more delicious for dogs to eat, and even the more picky eaters will eat it.
Our Verdict
Hybrid dogs are amazing creatures, and Goldendoodles are no exception.
Goldendoodles in general can thrive on high protein content and healthy fats diet which support their activity level.
But, if you’ve made it this far and are still not sure what dog food to get, you can try Wellness Large Breed Adult Complete Health Dog Food. I always recommend it as the best dog food for Goldendoodles overall, it perfectly combines affordability and quality and it contains all the necessary nutrients a Goldendoodle needs, in the amount she needs, and in the quality that meets our standards.
But, before you make any changes in your Goldendoodle’s diet, please consult with your veterinarian.
