is salmon dog food good for golden retrievers

10 Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers for 2024

When you close your eyes and think of the term mans best friend, theres a strong chance the dog you see in your mind is a beautiful, fluffy Golden retriever (or even a Mini Golden).

These gentle giants are some of the most popular and well-loved dogs in the world. Their sunny disposition and fun-loving personalities make them an ideal pet for any family.

Now, you have a Golden, do you know what's the best dog food for Golden Retrievers? No? Read on!

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Fast Facts

Golden retrievers usually weigh within the 55-75 pound range and reach a height between 22 and 24 inches.

As youd imagine, female goldens are on the lower side of that range while their male counterparts tend to be on the higher side. That said, this is simply a rough guide, and its not uncommon for some goldens to grow larger and taller than the average.

The typical golden retriever lives to age 11, which is about the average age of most large dog breeds.

Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food
2. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Formula
3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
4. Wellness CORE Original Recipe Dog Food
5. Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe
6. True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe
7. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe
8. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken
9. Horizon Legacy Puppy Grain-Free Formula
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Senior Recipe

Now that weve covered what youll need to know about your dogs diet, and what you should look for in food for them, were going to take a closer look at some of the best options on the market today.

1. Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food Delivery

First five ingredients (Turkey Fare): Turkey, Brown Rice, Carrots, Spinach, Eggs

If you want to feed your dog a raw diet, but you dont want to be responsible for it, you can outsource that responsibility to a company like Nom Nom. It produces excellent raw meals for your dog that can help clear up pickiness and skin issues your dog may be experiencing.

Whole veggies and fruits help with antioxidants and vitamins to promote bone health, coat health, and proper brain function.

You can design your dogs meal plan directly on the website, and the meals are delivered to you to be frozen or refrigerated until you need them. Theyre easy to do, and if youve got the budget, you may transform your dogs mealtime.

Nom Nom teams up with canine nutritionists to help create the most fulfilling raw food diet for your pet. You have meals delivered, making everything simple, and you can fill out a questionnaire to find the right dog food for your Golden.

Pros

• Easy raw food
• Fresh, organic ingredients
• Limited ingredient formula
• Delivery is convenient
• Whole protein options

Cons

• Requires refrigeration
• Takes time for dogs to get used to it

2. Taste of the Wild Wetlands Formula

First five ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas

For the dog with a discerning palate, this duck dog food from Taste of the Wild may be a perfect choice.

This is a protein and fat-packed food that delivers wholesome nutrition with a tasty blend of poultry, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

The primary ingredients are duck, duck meal and chicken meal. This food also contains roast quail, roast duck, smoked turkey, and ocean fish meal.

Beyond proteins, this food is also packed with the fruits and vegetables your dog needs to thrive, including peas, potatoes, blueberries, and raspberries.

Taste of the Wild is also packed with the vitamins and minerals your dog needs, such as vitamin C, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Taste of the Wild also includes a prebiotic and probiotic blend designed to promote a healthy digestive tract and immune system. Chelated minerals are also included to help your pup better absorb the proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in the food.

Pros

• Packed with protein from real ingredients
• Includes prebiotics and probiotics
• Ideal for active dogs
• Affordable

Cons

• May be too high in fat for a heavier dog

3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned lamb, Chicken meal, Turkey meal, Peas, Chickpeas

When it comes to dog food, you can feel good about giving your golden, American Journey checks off every important box. While there are tons of different options on the market, this may be the best dog food for golden retrievers that are currently available.

First, well start with the ingredients. All of the major ingredients in this food are whole proteins and tasty vegetables. Lamb, chicken, and turkey represent the three top ingredients. From there, youll find things like peas, sweet potatoes, blueberries, carrots, dried kelp, and beet pulp.

All of these ingredients work in concert to deliver food thats high in protein and fat, with the right amount of fiber and carbohydrates to keep your dog at their best.

Most importantly, American Journeys foods are free of grain such as wheat, soy or corn, making it an ideal choice for dogs with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

American Journey also loads their food with other important vitamins and nutrients. Its rich in antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system.

This food is also loaded with omega fatty acids which support healthy skin and coat. DHA is also included to support healthy brain and vision development.

American Journey is manufactured in America with all American made ingredients wherever possible. At a price of around $1.66/lb, its also one of the most affordable high-end dog foods available.

Pros

• Loaded with premium animal proteins
• Completely grain-free
• Ideal for active dogs
• Contains beneficial nutrients vital to your dogs health
• Affordable

Cons

• May be too high in fat for a heavier dog

4. Wellness CORE Original Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes

This grain-free food from Wellness CORE is packed with the ingredients that are critical to your pups health and well-being.

The majority of the protein in this flavor is derived from poultry, namely turkey and chicken. Its also packed with fruits and vegetables which provide your pup with the vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants they need to thrive.

This food is especially well suited to Goldens as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin which promote bone and joint health.

Wellness also includes omega-3s to promote healthy skin and coat, probiotics to promote healthy digestion and immune health and a litany of different fruits and vegetables which provide vitamins and nutrients.

Wellness CORE is free of meat by-products, grain, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives. Its certainly food you can feel good about giving your dog.

In this case, quality comes at a steep price, and Wellness CORE will set you back about $2.42/lb, which is much more expensive than some of the other foods weve covered thus far.

Pros

• Packed with protein
• Ideal for active dogs
• Gluten free
• Contains probiotics

5. Go! Solutions Carnivore Chicken, Turkey & Duck Recipe

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, De-Boned Chicken, De-Boned Turkey

Go! Is a newer dog food company that places a serious emphasis on animal-based proteins. Theyre owned by the Canadian manufacturer Petcurean, and theyre one of the only manufacturers that dont source a single ingredient from China.

When you take a look at the ingredients in this food, youll notice that there are tons of animal proteins listed. Beyond the first five we mentioned above, theres also trout and duck in this blend, as well.

This food also contains tons of complex carbs from delicious fruit and vegetable sources. Youll find pumpkin, squash, broccoli, blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, alfalfa sprouts.

These provide your pup with plenty of energy sources, while also feeding them the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need for optimal performance.

Prebiotics and probiotics are also included to support your dogs immune system and help them maintain their gastrointestinal health.

We love that this food is packed with so many great sources of protein and complex carbs. While there are plenty of antioxidants to support joint health, we would have also liked to see glucosamine and chondroitin, which are unfortunately missing. The only other knock against Go! Fit is its a bit on the pricey side. The per pound price of this food is about $2.84.

Pros

• Packed with protein from animal sources
• Tons of complex carbs from fruits and vegetables
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics

Cons

• Expensive
• Doesnt contain chondroitin or glucosamine

6. True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe

First five ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal, Canola Meal

Using beef as its main protein source, True Acre Foods have created a reasonable dog food formula that gives quite a lot of value for money.

The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids present within the formula will also work to ensure your dog's coat and skin remain healthy and vibrant.

All of True Acre's dog foods are made with ingredients sourced from trusted farms, and without grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Whilst peas are listed as one of the ingredients, it will be difficult to escape this ingredient within this price bracket.

Pros

• Affordable
• USA-raised beef is the first ingredient
• Crafted with farm-grown fruits and veggies
• Free of any grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors or flavors
• Contains natural fibers

Cons

• Has Peas (may trigger sensitive dogs)

7. Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Chicken Fat

Nulo Freestyle Turkey & Sweet Potato Recipe is a grain-free adult dog food. This recipe uses a single animal protein source for 33% crude protein in every bowl.

This recipe features essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals to keep your Golden healthy and energetic.

This formula is also made with probiotics to help support immune and digestive health. This recipe is free from fillers, grains, and artificial colors or ingredients.

Nulo has several lines of dog and cat foods as well as meal mixers. Their mission is to provide high-quality food made with real ingredients.

They chose quality animal-based proteins to help build muscle and help your active Dalmatian maintain a healthy weight. This Texas-based company caters to athletic breeds which makes them a great choice for energetic Golden Retrievers.

Pros

• Nice sized kibble for all size breeds
• Great for Goldens with dairy, grain, or soy allergies
• Available in a variety of proteins
• Plenty of non-chicken recipes for dogs with chicken allergies

Cons

• Expensive
• Certain proteins such as salmon have a strong smell

8. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken

First five ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp

Gentle Giants have produced a chicken-based dry budget dog food that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It uses twelve whole fruits and vegetables including beets, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, celery, and apples.

This means that your dog will not only be enjoying a flavor sensation, they will also be absorbing Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin C from natural sources. These aim to foster good immune health in your dog. We are a little disappointed in this formula's protein and fat content.

Containing only 22% protein, this dog food falls below the average amount in this price bracket. Still, this will adequately meet the nutritional needs of your dog and support their muscles and bones.

This formula has been designed for dog's with sensitive stomachs, so it might be a good idea to try this if your pet is having digestive trouble with standard dog food.

Whilst, it isn't really competitive with premium dog food, Gentle Giants will be more than adequate for dog owners on a tight budget.

Pros

• A great natural formula
• Made with twelve whole fruits and vegetables
• With added prebiotics and probiotics
• Contains vitamins and antioxidants

Cons

• Kibble is too big for puppies
• May not be a hit for finicky eaters

9. Horizon Legacy Grain-Free Puppy Food

First five ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Pea Starch

If youre looking for a protein-packed food for your golden puppy, Horizon has you covered with their Legacy brand of food.

This food is designed to provide your puppy everything it needs to grow and thrive. Horizon uses ingredients that pet owners can feel good about giving to their dog, and they source most of their ingredients locally.

This food derives most of its protein from chicken, chicken meal and turkey. Beyond that, its also packed with the kind of fruits and vegetables that provide your pup with the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need.

Beyond protein, youll find a healthy dose of omega III fatty acids in the form of salmon oil, as well as carrots, apples, broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, and blueberries. Theres also a probiotic blend designed to promote healthy digestion and immune support.

This is a truly premium dog food down to the price tag, and it will run you about $2.84/lb which is significantly more than some of the other foods weve covered. But, if youre looking for the best possible option for your puppy, this may be it.

Pros

• Packed with protein
• Rich in omega III and antioxidants
• Contains a probiotic blend
• Provides balanced nutrition for growing goldens

10. Blue Buffalo Rocky Mountain SeniorRecipe

First five ingredients: Deboned Beef, Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca Starch, Pea Starch

As your dog gets older, their needs change, and its up to you to provide them with food thats going to keep them thriving at an advanced age. Blue Buffalos Rocky Mountain Recipe for senior dogs may be a good choice for your senior golden.

Most of the protein in this food is derived from beef and chicken, although it also gets a protein boost from peas, pea starch, and pea fiber.

Its packed with omega IIIs to promote healthy skin and coat, and vegetables and fruits like spinach, pumpkin, apples, and blueberries.

This food also includes Blue Buffalos patented LifeSource bits, which promote immune system health while providing older dogs with the vitamins and antioxidants they need to thrive.

Minerals like calcium and phosphorus help to promote healthy bones while glucosamine and chondroitin help promote healthy joint and hip function. All of the ingredients work together to provide your pup with the energy they need to stay active as they get older.

Like all of the other foods weve discussed, Blue Buffalo is also grain free. At just over $2 per pound, this food falls in the middle of the pack when it comes to premium dog food price.

Pros

• Promotes healthy bones and joints for older dogs
• Promotes heart health
• Loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Cons

• Derives some of its protein from peas instead of whole meats

A Goldens Caloric Needs

Golden retrievers run the gamut from incredibly energetic and active to more docile and subdued, so each dog's caloric requirements are going to vary based on their personality and activity level.

An average-sized golden thats not very active will need anywhere between 1,000-1,300 calories a day. Meanwhile, a very active golden retriever will need somewhere in the 1,350-1,750 calorie range.

Not only will you need to adjust your goldens caloric intake based on their activity level, but youll also need to adjust it based on their size as well. If your golden is big for the breed, extra calories are in order. If theyre small for the breed, they should be eating less. Finally, whether or not your dog has been spayed or neutered also plays a small role in their ideal caloric intake.

A calorie calculator, like this handy one from the Pet Nutrition Alliance, can help you pinpoint your dogs caloric requirements. This calculator is also helpful if your dog is a bit overweight and youre looking to reduce their food intake to help them lose weight.

Nutrition Recommendations for Goldens

AAFCO, the regulatory organization that establishes regulations for pet food and animal feed places the greatest emphasis on protein.

They suggest that puppies maintain a diet of at least 22% protein, while older dogs need a diet of at least 18% protein. AAFCO also suggests a diet that contains around 8% fat for puppies and 5% for adult dogs.

These figures are treated as a benchmark, and most quality pet food manufacturers exceed these figures. Beyond fat and protein, there are some other important ingredients to look for when shopping for dog food.

Whats in a Good Food for a Golden Retriever?

To achieve a balanced diet, your pets food should include a well-balanced blend of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and fiber. In the best food for golden retrievers, these four components will work together to provide your pup with a nutritious and balanced diet.

High Protein Just like humans, the centerpiece of your goldens meals should be protein. As we discussed, your golden will need a minimum of 18-22% protein in their diet. For a particularly large or active golden, that number should be even higher.

As a rule of thumb, when your shopping for dog food, take a look at the first three ingredients on the list. All three of those ingredients should be a protein, and if they arent, its best to move on to another food. Remember, not all proteins are created equally.

If possible, look for food that uses whole meats, such as beef, poultry or fish. Foods that contain meat digests or meat by-products are low quality and should be avoided. For whatever reasons, goldens seem to really love salmon. Try and incorporate salmon into your Goldens diet wherever possible.

Fats While your dogs food should have far less fat than protein, fat does make up a key component of your dogs diet. Not only does fat help to give food its taste and texture, but fat is a necessary macro-nutrient that helps your dog thrive.

Fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 help give your pup their signature, lustrous coat and also promote healthy skin and nails. Fats can also improve cardiovascular function, and they help to lower the risk of your dog developing cardiovascular disease. For an adult golden, about 5% of their diet should be made up of fats. For puppies, around 8%.

Complex Carbs Complex carbs are another part of your dogs ideal diet, although theyre much less important than fat and protein are. When it comes to carbohydrates, its all about knowing what to avoid.

Complex carbs such as carrots, apples and sweet potatoes all make a great addition to your dogs diet within moderation. Meanwhile, other carbs, such as soy, wheat, corn or excess sugar are far less useful. Those kinds of ingredients are fillers designed to bulk up the bottom line for the manufacturer without adding any sort of value for your dog.

Fiber Fiber plays several key roles for your pet. It helps to keep them regular, promotes gastrointestinal health and it can also help dogs feel satiated, which is particularly helpful if your pup is on a weight management diet.

Most of the time, you wont have to worry about adding additional fiber to your dogs diet, as theyll be getting enough from ingredients in their food such as apples and beets. But, there may be times when additional fiber may be helpful for your dog. Check out what Dr. Tim Hunt has to say about fiber for dogs at Chewy.

A Goldens Unique Needs

While Goldens are known as a relatively healthy dog breed, there are a few medical conditions theyre predisposed to. While some conditions, like hypothyroidism or hip and elbow dysplasia, are difficult to predict or protect against, there are other common conditions which can be prevented through proper diet and eating habits.

Cancer Nearly 60% of golden retrievers die from cancer. The causes for cancer are many, and in most cases, theres nothing that could have been done to prevent it, theres one thing you can control which may help your dog avoid cancer: proper diet.

Lower quality dog foods often contain ingredients which have been linked to cancer, and avoiding them is the best action you can take to help your dog avoid developing cancer. Avoiding foods with artificial ingredients, colors, fillers or preservatives is a great way to limit the likelihood of your golden developing cancer.

Cardiovascular Disease While goldens are prone to developing cardiovascular disease, you can mitigate this risk tremendously by keeping your dog at a healthy weight thats in line with your vets recommendations.

A healthy dog at the right weight is far less likely to develop a heart condition as they get older. If you notice your dog trending a bit towards the heavier side, dont wait, consult with your vet about putting them on a diet for weight management.

Allergies Goldens are also prone to allergies. Often, their diet is a cause of these allergies. Common signs that your dog has allergies include hair loss, excessive scratching, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Unfortunately, since our dogs cant tell us whats bothering them, diagnosing their allergies can be a bit tricky. Most of the times, their allergic reaction can be attributed to one or more of the ingredients in their food. Most often, fillers like corn or wheat are to blame. This is one of the reasons why feeding your dog a quality food that doesnt contain fillers is important.