Top 10 Best Dog Food for Golden Retriever Puppy

Golden retriever puppies are playful and friendly, they make great pets and companions. Their friendly nature makes them a great choice for homes with children. A proper and balanced diet is important to keep your golden retriever puppies healthy and happy. Dog food for golden retriever puppy that has fats, protein, and vital minerals and vitamins can help your golden retriever puppy grow into a strong and healthy adult.

Protein is important for your puppy’s muscle growth and development. Food with high protein levels is very important for puppies since they need to build muscles. The best dog food for golden retrievers should also contain fat to provide your puppy with enough energy to remain active. Puppies are playful and very active thus they need food that will provide them with enough energy.

Things to Consider when Selecting the Best Dog Food for Golden Retriever Puppy

When shopping for the best dog food for a golden retriever puppy, there are several factors you need to consider. Small dogs and puppies tend to have a fast metabolism thus they need dog food with a higher concentration of calories. However golden retrievers are prone to bone and joint problems thus they need to maintain a healthy weight. Here are other things you need to consider when buying food for golden retriever puppies.

Additional Nutrients

Different dog food have different ingredients depending on the brand. Some dog foods contain additional vitamins and minerals to help boost the immunity and health of your dog. To help alienate joints and bone problems that golden retrievers are prone to, you can consider getting dog food with chondroitin and glucosamine. Chondroitin and glucosamine help to ensure strong bones and healthy joints.

Natural Ingredients

The best dog food for golden retriever puppy should contain all natural ingredients. Refrain from dog food that contain fillers, additives or preservatives. Fillers have no nutritional value thus they are not useful to your puppy’s health. Look for dog foods that use natural protein sources such as beef, chicken or lamb and avoid dog foods that use by-products.

Protein Rich Diet

Quality dog food for golden retriever puppies should have a decent amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Protein is very important in your puppy’s diet. A rich source of protein will provide your puppy with the calories he needs to grow strong and healthy. Foods rich in animal protein such as beef, chicken and fish are a great choice for your golden retriever puppy.

AAFCO Nutrient Profile

The best dog food for golden retriever puppy often come with an AAFCO nutrient profile. The profile lets you know the nutrients present in the dog food so as to know if the food provides your puppy with all the nutrients he needs. Looking at the AAFCO nutrient profile can help you know if the dog food is suitable for your dog’s nutritional needs or not.

Kibble Size

If you opt to feed your puppy dry food, it is important to consider the size of the kibbles. Dry dog foods intended for puppies often come in small kibbles to make it easier for your puppy to chew and swallow. Dog food that come in large kibbles can be nutritional to your puppy but may be difficult for your puppy to chew and can often cause bloating and indigestion.

Top 10 Best Dog Food for Golden Retriever Puppy

There are so many dog food brands that claim to be suitable for puppies but they may not be ideal for your golden retriever puppy. Identifying the best dog food for your golden retriever puppy can be challenging especially if it is your first pet. The market is full of so many dog food brands which make it even more challenging for first timers to find dog food that suits their puppy’s nutritional needs.

To make it easier for you, we have provided you with reviews of some of the quality dog foods that are suitable for golden retriever puppies. Here are reviews for the 10 best dog foods for golden retriever puppies.

#1) Ollie Dog Food

Ollie Dog Food is a quality dog food that gives your puppy a good start in life. It is a fresh, slow-cooked dog food that is made with real, human-grade ingredients gotten from America and Australia. The dog food is shipped to your door once per week. The dog food is designed for all life stages. It provides you with several recipes that you can choose from including chicken, lamb, beef, and more.

The dog food formula is grain-free thus it is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. The dog food does not have any questionable ingredients that might harm your puppy. It contains healthy carbohydrates from veggies like squash, sweet potatoes, peas, carrots and kale.  You can also get a recipe with tempting berries for added antioxidant level and to give the food a more interesting flavor. It contains added vitamins, minerals, and tasty, healthy extras like natural fish oil to boost the immunity of your dog.

Pros

• The dog food is made using human-grade ingredients from America and Australia.
• The food formula is freshly cooked in New Jersey and delivered weekly to your door step.
• It comes with portion scoop to ensure that your puppy gets the right amount of nutrients at every meal.
• The food can be taken by dogs at all life stages thus you will not need to change your puppy’s food when he turns into an adult.
• It is grain-free thus it is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• The dog food does not contain any harmful chemicals or ingredients that can harm your golden retriever.
• It comes in several recipes to let you choose the recipe that your puppy loves.

Cons

• It is an expensive dog food.
• You need a subscription to get the dog food.

#2) Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy Chicken Recipe is a quality dog food for large breed puppies. It is from a reputable brand that is known to produce quality pet food. The dog food is rich in protein to help in muscle growth and development. It is a grain-free food formula that does not contain any harmful ingredients that can harm your pet.

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dry Dog Food contains added DHA for healthy brain development. It is formulated with phosphorus and calcium to help in healthy bone development. The dog food contains premium deboned chicken and turkey meal protein and a blend of cranberries, blackberries, and blueberries to help support your puppy’s developing immune system. The food contains complex carbohydrates from potatoes and sweet potatoes, along with carrots that provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals needed by your dog’s body to stay healthy.

Pros

• The food formula is supplemented with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to keep your puppy’s skin healthy and ensure a shiny and healthy coat.
• The dog food comes in small, puppy-sized kibble chunks that are easy for puppies to chew.
• It is a grain-free dog food that is suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• The dry dog food contains complex carbohydrates that are easy to digest.
• It has deboned chicken and turkey meal protein to help in muscle growth and development.
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food has DHA for healthy brain development.
• It contains phosphorus and calcium to aid in healthy bone development.

Cons

• The food kibbles may need to be moistened for smaller puppies to handle
• The dog food’s protein source comes from chicken and turkey meal, not whole meat.

#3) Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Large Breed Puppy Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food is a unique dog food formula that features a combination of dry kibble with freeze-dried raw meat. It provides your dog with a unique blend of nutrients to improve the health and immunity of your dog. The dog food has healthy ingredients such as carrots, apples, cranberries, blueberries, and salmon oil that provide your puppy with vital vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

The dry dog food is grain free thus it is suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs and those that are allergic to grains. The food formula is free from GMO ingredients and any other harmful ingredients. It is suitable for all life stages thus you do not need to change the food when your puppy turns into an adult. The Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Boost Dog Food contains probiotics for healthy digestion and absorption of food.

Pros

• It contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and biotin to help support healthy skin and coat development.
• The dog food contains grain-free carbohydrates to provide your puppy with energy without causing stomach problems.
• It does not contain any GMO or artificial ingredients.
• The food formula is made in the USA by a reputable pet food company.
• It is designed for all life stages.
• The dry dog food has a combination of dry kibble with freeze-dried raw meat.
• It has probiotics for healthy digestion and absorption of food.
• The food formula provides your dog with vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that your golden retriever to grow strong and healthy.

Cons

• It is an expensive dog food formula.

#4) Dr. Tim’s Premium Grain-Free Dog Food

Dr. Tim’s premium grain-free dog food is an all life stages dog food formula that can be taken by puppies, adult and senior dogs. The dog food contains a blend of fat, fiber, protein, and carbohydrates to support healthy digestion and provide your dog with energy. The recipe does not contain corn, soy, wheat, and other grains thus it is a great food formula for puppies with sensitive stomachs.

The food formula contains Omega-3 fatty acids sourced from natural fish oils to provide your puppy with EPA and DHA for cognitive function and a shiny, smooth coat. It contains a patented BC30 probiotic that helps boosts your dog’s digestive health. The dog food has a blend of vegetables including carrots, celery, beets, spinach, and other veggies that provides a well-rounded blend of vitamins and minerals for total well-being of your pet.

Pros

• The food is made using all natural ingredients and does not contain additives or preservatives.
• It is a protein-rich food formula that is suitable for dogs.
• The dog food has high fiber for easy digestion.
• It is a grain-free dog food that is ideal for puppies with grain allergy.
• Tim’s premium grain-free dog food has Omega-3 fatty acids from natural fish oils to boost cognitive function and ensure a shiny, smooth coat.
• It has a blend of vegetables including carrots, celery, beets, spinach, and other veggies that provide antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to boost the health of your dog.

Cons

• Picky eaters may dislike the taste of the dog food.

#5) Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food is a quality dog food formula that contains real lamb as its first ingredient. It contains a blend of real vegetables, fruits, legumes, and coconut which give the food a great flavor that puppies love. The dog food provides your pet with a blend of essential vitamins and minerals for a healthy lifestyle. The food formula is made in the USA by a family owned and operated facility.

The puppy food does not contain corn, wheat, artificial colors, preservatives and flavorings. It contains added probiotics to help support healthy digestion and absorption of food. The dog food contains kale, pumpkin and spinach to provide your pet with vital vitamins for a healthy lifestyle. It is formulated with omega oils to ensure healthy skin and coat development. The food formula is a great choice for dog owners who need a healthy recipe that is pocket friendly.

Pros

• The dog food is made in the USA at a family owned and operated facility.
• It is made with natural ingredients and does not contain corn, wheat, artificial colors, preservatives and flavor.
• The dog food contains probiotics to help support healthy digestion.
• The food formula contain omega oils for a healthy skin and coat.
• It is suitable for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
• The dog food is very affordable.
• It contains a blend of vegetables that are rich in vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy lifestyle.
• The Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food contains real lamb as its first ingredient for muscle growth and development.

 Cons

• It contains rice and barley.
• The food kibbles are harder thus they may need to be moistened for some puppies.

#6) Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dog Food

The Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dog Food is a protein-rich dog food that contains real deboned chicken as its first ingredient. It has salmon oil, chicken and turkey meal, a vitamin E supplement, and a blend of vitamins and minerals to support the overall health of you golden retriever puppy. The food formula has a variety of fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, kale, sweet potatoes, broccoli, and bananas to provide your pet with important vitamins and minerals.

The dog food has probiotics to support healthy digestion. It contains added DHA to support healthy eye and brain development. The food also has a blend of antioxidants to helps keep your puppy’s immune system working right. The food formula does not contain fillers, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients, nor are there any unidentifiable animal products. It has flaxseed which is a source of Omega-3 for healthy skin and coat.

Pros

• The dog food has chelated minerals that help in food digestion and abortion of nutrients.
• It contains calcium and phosphorus for healthy skeletal growth.
• The food formula has salmon oil and vitamin E supplement that ensure your puppy has a healthy skin and shiny coat.
• It has fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to boost the health and immunity of your pet.
• The food is formulated with probiotic to support healthy digestion.
• Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dog Food has added DHA to support healthy eye and brain development.
• It does not contain fillers, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial ingredients.

Cons

• Some puppies may have gas when they start using this dog food.

#7) NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food

The NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food is a fresh diet that is ideal for all life stages. The dog food comes in several recipes to choose from. All the recipes have been developed by veterinary nutritionists and cooked at Nom Nom Now’s on-site kitchen using fresh, restaurant-quality whole-food ingredients. The food formula is portioned based on your dog’s unique profile such as age, weight, and any goals such as weight loss.

Dog owners can get a free consultation with a veterinary nutritionist when they make an order to ensure that your pet gets the right nutrients. Weekly menu is delivered to your door step under refrigeration for optimal freshness. The food formula has healthy meat-based protein and does not contain byproducts or questionable preservatives and additives. It uses healthy carbohydrates that are easy to digest.

Pros

• It contains potatoes, sweet potatoes, brown rice, carrots, green beans, and other healthy veggies that provide your puppy with vital minerals and vitamins.
• The dog food is ideal for all life stages from puppies to senior dogs.
• The food formula has been developed by veterinary nutritionists and cooked at Nom Nom Now’s on-site kitchen.
• It is made with quality ingredients and does not contain byproducts, preservatives or additives.
• NomNomNow Fresh Dog Food has healthy meat-based protein to help in muscle growth and development.
• It contains easily digestible carbohydrates to provide your puppy with enough energy to remain active.
• The food is available in several recipes to choose from.

Cons

• It is an expensive dog food formula.

#8) Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a quality dog food from a reputable brand. The dog food is designed to provide your pet with all the nutrients he need to remain strong and healthy. It contains deboned chicken as the first ingredient to provide your puppy with enough protein for muscle growth and development. It also contains chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal and barley among other ingredients.

The food formula is made with high-quality ingredients without fillers, by-products or additives. It provides your golden retriever puppy with the right amount of calories without increasing mass. Blue Buffalo Life Protection dog food has glucosamine and chondroitin for joints and bone health. It contains calcium, and phosphorus for teeth and bones development. The formula is supplemented with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthier coat and skin.

Pros

• It is a protein-rich dog food that contains deboned chicken as the first ingredient.
• The food formula does not contain fillers, by-products, additives or chemicals that can harm your puppy.
• It is formulated with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints health.
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection dog food contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for healthier coat and skin.
• It offers your pet with vital nutrients that he needs to grow healthy and strong.
• The dog food includes calcium, and phosphorus for teeth and bones health and development.
• All the ingredients used to make dog food are quality and natural.

Cons

• It contains brown rice, oatmeal, and barley which can cause stomach problems for puppies with sensitive stomachs.

#9) Royal Canin Dog Food

Royal Canin Dog Food is a quality dog food formula that is popular amongst Golden retriever dog owners. The food is designed with a specific focus on your Golden Retriever’s dietary needs. It provides your golden retriever puppy with all the nutrients he needs to grow strong and healthy. All the ingredients used to make the food formula are quality and natural.

It is rich in omega oils to ensure that your puppy has a shiny and healthy coat and skin. The food formula has taurine and DHA for your pet’s cognitive and visual development. It contains brown rice, chicken by-product meal, oat groats, brewers rice and wheat among other natural ingredients. The dog food keeps your puppy full and provides him with enough energy to remain active. It offers your pet vitamins, minerals and other important nutrients while helping manage and maintain a healthy weight.

Pros

• It contains Taurine, DHA and EPA for cognitive and visual development.
• The dog food does not contain additives, preservatives or harmful chemicals.
• It is from a reputable brand.
• The food formula is made with natural and quality ingredients that are all safe for your puppy.
• The dog food contains omega oils to keep the coat and skin of your pet healthy and shiny.
• It provides your pet with energy to remain active.
• The food formula contains vital minerals and vitamins your golden retriever puppy needs to have a healthy lifestyle.

Cons

• It is not a grain-free formula thus puppies with a sensitive stomach may develop stomach problems.

#10) Nutro Wholesome Essentials Lamb & Rice Recipe

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Lamb & Rice Recipe is a great food formula for picky eaters. It has a great taste that most puppies will love. The dog food does not contain additives, preservatives, fillers, by-products or GMO ingredients. It is a great choice for dogs that have allergies. The food is rich in Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for a healthy skin and shiny coat.

It contains deboned lamb as the first ingredient to provide your puppy with enough protein for muscle growth and development. The dog food contains deboned lamb, chicken meal, brewers rice, whole brown rice and split peas among other ingredients. It is designed to provide your puppy with important nutrients he requires to grow healthy and strong.

Pros

• It is formulated with Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat.
• The food formula does not contain additives, preservatives or by-products.
• It has a great taste which makes it suitable for picky eaters.
• The dog food contains real meat as the first ingredient to provide your golden retriever with enough protein for muscle growth and development.
• It provides your pet with enough energy to keep him active.

Cons

• It is not grain-free since it contains rice.

Conclusion

The best dog food for a golden retriever puppy should provide your puppy with all the nutrients he needs for a healthy lifestyle. The food should be free of chemicals, additives, and preservatives which can harm your dog. The health and well-being of your golden retriever puppy should always be a priority when choosing their dog food.

We have provides you with reviews of some of the quality and healthy dog food formulas available in the market that are suitable for your golden retriever puppy. We hope that you will find a food formula that meets all your puppy’s nutritional needs from our top 10 best dog foods for golden retriever puppies review.  Feel free to let us know which food from our list your golden retriever puppy loves most.

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