What is the best dog food for Golden Doodles?
I have tested top market products and found Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula Dry Dog Food to be the best dog food for Golden Doodles overall.
As a canine Nutritionist and pet owner, I have tested various types of foods. My main concern always was and is my dog’s health as they would get older.
The type of food that your Golden Doodle eats has a direct connection to his health. Providing your pet with quality food can prevent a wide range of health issues. Additionally, a healthy diet can help to extend your dog’s lifespan.
Golden Doodle is bred from Golden Retriever and Poodle. This will mean that there is no dog food made just for Golden Doodle specifically.
This also means that Golden Doodle can be a miniature, medium and large dog in size.
This article will look into a medium-size Golden Doodle for the best food, health issues, and vital information to look after your best friend.
Many families favor these mixed breed dogs as they are friendly with other pets and children. They are active dogs, so some outdoor space is needed.
Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles
Because different life stages lead to different needs for your pup, we select the best food for Golden Doodles from when they are puppies to when entering old age.
Have a look!
Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult (Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles Overall)
VICTOR Purpose Active Dog & Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles Puppy Formula)
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles Adult Formula)
Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food (Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles Senior Formula)
American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food (Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles Wet Formula)
Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles Review
All best dog food for Golden Doodles inclusive in this list is within the standard of AAFCO and AAHA guidelines. It is advisable to speak with your dog’s veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet.
Best Overall: Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult
Top 5 ingredients
Chicken, Rice Flour, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal
Key Features
Hight natural source of Glucosamine, High in Omega-6, 0% Fillers
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 26.0%, Crude Fat 16.0%, Crude Fiber 3.0%, Moisture 12.0%
Calories
383 kcal/cup
Perfect for
Overall
The Benefits
- High chicken and another high-quality protein source, which help support strong muscles and a healthy heart.
- Essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6. Our bodies use these fatty acids (both omega-3 and omega-6) to make compounds that are involved with our response to injury and infection. (1) In addition, it makes your dog’s coat radiant and skin healthy.
- Glucosamine: high amount of naturally occurring glucosamine helps to support healthy joints.
- Dietary Fibres: for easier digestion and stomach function.
Customer Reviews
Destiny, Read More
This stuff smells like fried chicken and now I have to measure out his food instead of free feeding him because he will scarf it down in one sitting! So far so good!
SandyMac, Read More
We originally tried this food trying to find a kibble that our old dog would eat. The other dogs found this food beyond yummy,, so we continued with it.
The only slightly negative thing is that the food tastes so good, you really have to be careful not to overfeed and encounter unwanted weight gain.
Morgan, Read More
Wow is all I have to say. We opened the bag and gave each of our dogs some in their dish and they were hooked! We no longer have to give canned food in the AM breakfast feeding!
Note: Dog 1: age 7 Mastiff/Boxer mix Dog 2: age 1 border collie/bulldog mix.
Best for puppy: VICTOR Purpose Active Dog & Puppy Formula Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Top 5 ingredients
Beef Meal, Peas, Sweet Potato, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Menhaden Fish Meal (source of DHA-Docosahexaenoic Acid)
Key Features
Gluten-Free, Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Grain-Free
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 33.0% min, Crude Fat 16.0% min, Crude Fiber 3.8% max, Moisture 9.0% min
Calories
384 kcal/cup
Perfect for
Puppies
The Benefits
- Sourced and Made in the USA.
- Composed of 77% meat protein with premium-quality beef, fish, and pork meals.
- Ideal for growing puppies and dogs with high physical demands.
- Grain-free recipe for pups with allergies or sensitivity to the grain.
- Fortified with vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, protein, and amino acids.
- Unique Blend promotes superior digestibility and immune system function.
Customer Reviews
JennELKAP, Read More
This is a high-quality food that I can give both my 6-month old 50-pound male puppy and my 1 1/2-year-old 32-pound female puppy! This makes my life easier! I
Maii, Read More
My two pups (GSD & American bully) love this food. We tried everything from Purina pro plan, science diet, wellness core, and Acana and they gave the dogs loose stool.
We finally switched to Victor and their stools were finally solid. It keeps them full and their coats are super shiny and healthy.
100% recommend this food!
Honey, Read More
Food is fresh from Chewy. It’s food my 11 yr old diabetic dog and my 7-month-old puppy can both eat.
Highly recommend Chewy and all of Victor foods.
Best for adults: Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Top 5 ingredients
Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oat Meal, Canola Meal
Key Features
Sensitive Digestion, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Pea-Free, High-Protein, Weight Control
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 26.0% min, Crude Fat 16.0% min, Crude Fiber 4.0% min, Moisture 12.0% max
Calories
467 kcal/cup
Perfect for
Adult
The Benefits
- It is made without corn, wheat, or soy for an easily digestible meal.
- Nutrient-rich salmon for high protein count.
- Includes omega-6 fatty acids to help support healthy skin and coat.
- Live probiotics and prebiotic fiber for digestive and immune health.
Customer Reviews
EJ97, Read More
Wow! I really don’t know what I would have done without this food.
His coat on this food feels like a plush teddy bear and is glossy. Not itchy, no flakes, no gas.
Lolo, Read More
I have 2 very picky eaters. My boxer has the most sensitive stomach and everything gives him diarrhea.
Tried prescription food, raw food, grain-free food, super expensive foods, probiotics, prebiotics, you name it we’ve tried it.
Decided to give this food a try and not only does he love it and eat it right up but best of all his belly likes it! No more messy poop to pick up!
So glad we gave it a try.
BrunoAMBMar, Read More
Had been suggested by our Veterinary to purchase this food for grinding his teeth. So far it’s working.
Best for Senior: Nulo Freestyle Senior Grain-Free Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Top 5 ingredients
Deboned Trout, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Yellow Peas, Sweet Potato
Key Features
Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low Glycemic
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 30.0% min, Crude Fat 12.0% min, Crude Fiber 5.0% max, Moisture 10.0% max
Calories
396 kcal/cup
Perfect for
Seniors
The Benefits
- Chicken and egg proteins- ideal for canines with sensitive stomachs
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint health
- Includes L-Carnitine to support an older dog’s metabolism
- It contains pure probiotic strains to aid in proper digestion
- Calcium and phosphorus help your dog maintain strong bones
- Vegetables and fruits support immune health
Customer Reviews
VTgal, Read More
I have a senior dog who was having gastro issues. She transitioned to this food easily and her poop is in good shape now.
Leis, Read More
I recommend this for any senior dog. My Duchess who is an 11yr old collie retriever cross simply loves this.
Best Canned Food: American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Top 5 ingredients
Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Sweet Potatoes, Flaxseed
Key Features
Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Limited Ingredient Diet, Pea-Free, Sensitive Digestion, High-Protein
Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein 9.0% min, Crude Fat 6.0% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% max, Moisture 78.0% max
Calories
407 kcal/12.5oz can
Perfect for
Overall
The Benefits
- It is made for food-sensitive dogs with a limited number of high-quality ingredients.
- Real chicken is the first ingredient to give your pup the taste of real meat and the protein for an energy boost and build of lean muscle.
- The grain-free meal is ideal for dogs that can’t tolerate certain ingredients because it’s made with no corn, soy, or wheat;
- Packed in BPA non-intent cans for safety.
- There’s only one source of animal protein from premium chicken to help avoid food sensitivities to other proteins.
- Manufactured in the USA.
Customer Reviews
ESBUDDY, Read More
This food smells good, my dog loves it and he is content after eating it.
Stevie, Read More
We have a picky fox hound mix. we tried all kinds of things to get him to eat like a dog. Since starting him on chicken and sweet potato he is so much better.
CatahoulaMom, Read More
Love Chewys fast delivery!
Best Dog Food For Golden Doodles: Buying Guide
How much of the best dog food for Golden Doodles should I feed my dog?
Medium Goldendoodles typically weigh between 50 and 100 pounds and love going on long walks, runs, and hikes with their owners. If you like bringing your pup along on outdoor adventures, consider the Goldendoodle for your next dog.
There are simple guides on every dog food pack. However, they are very generous and are aimed at un-neutered or pregnant dogs most of the time.
If in doubt, your local vet practitioner will be able to advise on your dog’s specific food amount needs.
Here are some general feeding guidelines:
Weight Daily Feeding (cup)
5 LBS 1/2
15 LBS 1 1/4
25 LBS 1 1/2
40 LBS 2 1/4
60 LBS 2 3/4
80 LBS 3 1/2
100+ LBS 4 + 1/2 for each additional 20 lbs
For Puppies
Generally, divide the amount of food into four meals during the day. Spreading out is essential as large meals can upset small stomachs.
For Adults and Seniors
Aim feeding two times a day. In the morning and the evening. Some dogs might prefer one big meal per day.
Speak with your dogs veterinarian to see if best dog food for Golden Doodles could benefit your dog.
What to look for in the best dog food for Golden Doodles?
In the latest report by AAFCO, guidelines are set for minimum ingredients in dog food. They have put these guidelines to regulate ingredients lists and their amounts in dog food for optimal health.
Animal proteins are one of the most essential ingredients in dog food. These include meat, fish, poultry, and some plant protein.
Proteins supply amino acids, build hair, skin, nails, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It also plays a central role in hormone production.
Puppy and lactating dogs should have 22.5% as minimum protein. Adult dogs 18% as minimum protein.
Carbohydrates: plants and grains. Starch is sugar from which dogs make their energy. Fiber mainly helps the dog’s digestive system.
Fats fulfill many vital body functions:
- Maintain body temperature,
- Control inflammation
- The primary form of stored energy in the body, providing twice as much energy as carbohydrates or proteins.
- Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for skin and coat maintenance and proper membrane structure.
- Omega-3 fatty acids are important in blood clotting and decreasing inflammation.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins are responsible for promoting:
- Bone growth,
- Blood clotting,
- Energy production,
- Oxidant protection.
Minerals provide skeletal support and aid in nerve transmission and muscle contractions.
What not to feed Golden Doodle?
The strength of your dog’s immune system, disease resistance, and quality of life all depend on the type and quality of food it eats.
It is tempting to give your dog table scraps or “human foods,” but some of this can be harmful and even deadly to your dog.
For more details on which foods dogs should not eat, see our article: 18 human foods that dogs shouldn’t eat
You will be surprised by what those foods are.
What should I know about Golden Doodle’s health?
Energetic and playful, Goldendoodles love to exercise. They’re happy to laze around on the sofa, but agility is where they shine. These dogs are great companions for active families.
Goldendoodle is a crossbreed, created to have the best looks and smarts.
Unfortunately, some genetic health issues can present in Golden Doodle pups.
Health conditions that come from the Poodle side:
- Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition results from the hip socket not forming correctly and becoming dislocated in the end.
- Hypoadrenocorticism: This is a hormonal disease that results from the insufficient production of cortisol and aldosterone.
- Patella Luxation: Closely related to dysplasia, this condition causes the dog’s hip to dislocated.
- Hyperadrenocorticism: A stark opposite of hypoadrenocorticism, this disease – which is also known as the Cushing’s Disease – results from the overproduction of cortisol.
- Epilepsy: they can sometimes experience conditions like seizures, confusion, unresponsiveness, and breathing difficulty.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: As your dog grows, you need to look out for any condition that causes your dog’s eyes to appear weird or different from usual. Common symptoms you need to look out for include night vision difficulty, glassy eyes, and dilated pupils. Usually, retinal atrophy affects the dog’s retina directly, and if not treated in time and properly, it might cause the dog to go blind.
- Bloat: Pray your dog doesn’t ever develop a bloated stomach because if it does, then the most likely mode of treatment will be a surgical operation. Bloat occurs when the dog’s stomach twists and traps air inside.
- Hypoglycemia: This is a condition that results from a sudden drop in sugar levels. It is most prevalent in the toy and miniature Poodle breeds within the first four months after birth. As a result, some Goldendoodle puppies do exhibit similar conditions after birth too. So, don’t be too surprised if you find your miniature Goldendoodle displaying any sign of hypoglycemia in the first few months you brought him home. (2)
Health conditions that come from the Golden Retriever side:
- Patellar Luxation: a luxating patella is a kneecap that moves out of its normal location. Pet owners may notice a skip in their dog’s step or see their dog run on three legs. Then suddenly they will be back on all four legs as if nothing happened.
- Hip dysplasia is a complex condition where the hip joints of a growing puppy develop abnormally. The primary reason for this abnormal development is hip joint laxity ie the joint is too loose; leading to the two articulating parts of the joint of the pelvis – the femoral head and the acetabulum (which form the ball-and-socket of the joint) – moving abnormally relative to one another; the femoral head subluxation (partly dislocating) from the acetabulum. This leads to abnormal stresses and strains on the joint and leads to inflammation and degeneration of the joint tissues. Ultimately, permanent osteoarthritis develops in the joints. These changes produce pain and disability for the dog which may show up in a number of ways, such as lameness, abnormal gait (movement), stiffness, reluctance to get up and move and difficulty in running and playing.
- Cancer: The cancer rates of Golden Retrievers are well documented. golden retrievers typically develop four types of cancer — hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma and mast cell tumours — and that the risk for cancer begins to rise when the dogs are six years old. The risk peaks at ages 10 to 12. (3) (4)
- Cataracts: Retrievers are known to suffer from cataracts the most. This condition, which is known to cause poor vision, can lead to blindness if not addressed quickly.
- Ear infections: Goldendoodles take those adorable long hair and cute long floppy ears from their retriever side. Unfortunately, due to these features, they’re also susceptible to ear infections from dirt, bacteria, and fleas.
- Skin conditions: No thanks to their longer outer coat and denser undercoat, retrievers are always susceptible to skin-related diseases such as atopic dermatitis. This disease causes itching at first, but due to the continual scratching and rubbing from the dog, it leads to further skin damage, other infections, irritation, and discomfort.
- Chest-related issues: Don’t ever bet against a retriever developing heart, lungs, and other circulatory systems conditions. A typical chest-related disease common with retrievers is Subvalvular aortic stenosis. (5)
The key to a healthy and happy Goldendoodle puppy is to find a reputable breeder. They will not hesitate to show all their breeding dog records. Usually, all the puppies will also be checked by a Vet.
In Conclusion
Selecting the best dog food for Golden Doodles requires understanding their specific nutritional needs. Here are the essential aspects to consider:
- Animal Proteins: The best dog food for Golden Doodles should have a high content of animal proteins. These proteins, derived from meat, fish, and poultry, provide essential amino acids that support muscle growth and overall health.
- Carbohydrates: The best dog food for Golden Doodles should contain healthy carbohydrates from plants and grains. These provide the energy that these active dogs need.
- Fats: Essential for various bodily functions, the best dog food for Golden Doodles should have a balanced fat content. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are vital for skin and coat health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: To ensure overall health, the best dog food for Golden Doodles should be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals. These support bone growth, blood clotting, energy production, and provide antioxidant protection.
- Avoid Harmful Foods: While searching for the best dog food for Golden Doodles, it’s crucial to be aware of foods that can be harmful to dogs. Some human foods can be toxic and should be avoided.
- Health Considerations: Golden Doodles can inherit health issues from both Golden Retrievers and Poodles. When choosing the best dog food for Golden Doodles, consider any breed-specific health concerns.
- Consultation: Before switching or selecting the best dog food for Golden Doodles, it’s advisable to consult with a veterinarian. They can provide guidance tailored to your dog’s specific needs.
When it comes to selecting the best dog food for Golden Doodles, it’s essential to prioritize their unique nutritional needs. The best dog food for Golden Doodles should offer a balance of high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, and other vital nutrients. After extensive research and analysis, my top recommendation for the best dog food for Golden Doodles is the Purina ONE SmartBlend Chicken & Rice Adult Formula Dry Dog Food.
This choice stands out as the best dog food for Golden Doodles due to its comprehensive ingredient list tailored to meet the needs of this specific breed. The best dog food for Golden Doodles should not only provide sustenance but also support their active lifestyle. With 26% minimum high-quality protein, this product is undoubtedly the best dog food for Golden Doodles.
Furthermore, the inclusion of Omega 3 and 6 in this formula makes it the best dog food for Golden Doodles, especially considering their energetic nature. These essential fatty acids are crucial for maintaining a radiant coat and healthy skin, attributes every Golden Doodle owner cherishes.
Another reason why this product ranks as the best dog food for Golden Doodles is the added Glucosamine. This component ensures that your furry friend’s bones and joints remain strong and ready for any adventure that comes their way.
In the vast market of pet nutrition, finding the best dog food for Golden Doodles can be a daunting task. However, with the right information and guidance, you can make an informed decision. Always remember, the best dog food for Golden Doodles is one that caters to their specific needs while promoting overall health and well-being.
If you would like to know more about Goldendoodles, you can click here.
What’s Next?
What’s Next for Your Furry Friend?
- Are you impressed with our insights? Delve deeper into the world of canine nutrition with our detailed brand comparison reviews.
- Are you curious about specific dog food brands? Please navigate through our comprehensive brand reviews to find the perfect match for your pet.
- Is your dog facing unique dietary challenges? Uncover the ideal solutions with our targeted dog food reviews tailored to specific needs.
- Are you thinking of enhancing your dog’s meals? Elevate their diet with our expertly curated dog food supplement guides.
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At the core of our philosophy is a simple truth: Good Nutrition is the Foundation of a Happy Dog. When our dogs thrive, it brings unparalleled joy and happiness into our lives. Let’s embark on this journey of optimal nutrition and well-being together.
