The loveable Golden Retriever is one of the most well-known breeds, so he deserves the best dog food for Golden Retriever. You should figure out the nutritional requirements of this specific breed before bringing one home.
As with many other dogs, he also needs a balanced diet that consists of mainly protein since it’s an essential building block for muscles. The amount of calories consumed varies depending on the activity levels and age. Younger puppies need to consume more calories per pound of weight because they are still growing.
Active dogs also need to eat more to compensate for the burned calories. If you don’t feed him the right amount, he would lose weight, which may also result in malnourishment.
Any dog regardless of the size needs a diet focused on protein, but it doesn’t mean you have to feed him only protein. Protein should make up 20-30 percent of his diet. Anything below this threshold will be considered too low. Dogs need this nutrient to build strong muscles and maintain bodily functions.
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The Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers in 2022
1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food
Royal Canin’s products are among the best you can find on the market. If you’re overwhelmed by the choices, Royal Canin is a brand to rely upon. It makes foods for specific breeds, including the Golden Retriever. This food will help meet his daily nutrient requirements.
It’s specially formulated for dogs over 15 months of age. If yours is still young, then choose the one for puppies. Just like many products in the lineup, this kibble is also made for this breed. As a result, your dog would have no problem chewing his food.
There is an array of nutrients to improve coat quality. Keep in mind that a healthy dog can also be observed through his shiny coat. Besides protein, other nutrients in this food include DHA, EPA, and taurin. The last one has been proven to be beneficial for heart health.
Feeding this food won’t make your dog gain weight because the calories are tailored to his needs. As long as you feed him the right amount, he won’t become overweight, or even worse obese.
2. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food
For pet owners with golden puppies, they can choose this variety in place of the previous one. Royal Canin not only makes products for specific breeds but also for dogs of different life stages.
As we know, puppies have different needs than full-grown dogs. If you’re raising a newborn, then you should try this. However, it’s worth noting that this food is for dogs that are at least 8 weeks old.
The kibble is perfectly made for his straight muzzle, so he can chew it easily. Of all the nutrients, antioxidants are the highlight because they’re vital for strengthening the immune system.
It also contains a host of other nutrients to keep your puppy’s coat rich and shiny. Well, the Golden Retriever is famous for having a lustrous golden coat, so when he doesn’t have it, something is seriously lacking.
3. Pedigree Adult Dry Dog Food – Roasted Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Flavor
This food is great for taste buds because it has a rich flavor from rice, chicken, and vegetables. It contains a list of essential nutrients to maintain skin health as well as the coat. To enrich the mixture, the manufacturer also adds vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to this product.
They are substances that the body needs to function normally. The thing is your dog may not be able to meet the needs for these nutrients if he only eats one type of food.
Commercial dog foods are the answer to this problem. They don’t just have an awesome taste but also balanced nutrients to ensure that dogs don’t suffer from deficiencies.
4. Metabolite Weight Management Dr. Tim’s Premium All Natural Pet Food
Some dogs eat like there’s no tomorrow. They will chew anything they can find. What’s about this food makes it ideal for weight loss?
It contains a good amount of protein but also has a low-calorie count. Besides, it helps by speeding up metabolism. Higher metabolism leads to a caloric deficit.
And when he can maintain it steadily, he will be able to cut down a few pounds. Your goal should be to help him reach an ideal weight. Another way this food aids in weight loss is by containing a lot of complex fiber.
Fiber has a satiating effect, which keeps him full for longer. Thus, you can control his calorie intake. For those wondering about the protein content, this nutrient is derived from various sources, including salmon, eggs, and chicken.
5. AvoDerm Natural Senior Dry Dog Food, Supports Joint Health, Chicken & Brown Rice Formula
Senior dogs need attention just as much as younger dogs. In fact, their nutritional needs have changed a lot compared to their younger years. When a dog has reached old age, he needs a special diet that can preserve its joints and eyes.
Degenerative issues don’t only occur in humans. Dogs also face the same problems. Therefore, if your dog has lived long enough, you can consider giving him this food.
It contains chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine in the right amounts to promote joint health. It’s also free of ingredients that might trigger sensitivity reactions, like corn, soy, and wheat.
Conclusion – Top Rated Dog Food for Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever needs a diet with quality protein. While protein should make up a big percentage of his diet, you can’t put aside other essential nutrients, like vitamins and minerals. The good news is manufacturers know this, so they make sure to include those nutrients in proper amounts.
The goals are not only providing Goldens with balanced nutrients but also making sure they don’t eat too many calories because this can lead to obesity and other unwanted complications. There are steady changes going on in the body as he ages.
From when he’s a puppy, he will need to eat more calories to support his growth. This increases constantly until he reaches an age when you should start giving him less food because his metabolism slows with age. Hence, give him the best dog food for Golden Retriever.