Golden Retrievers are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States. These loyal and friendly pups are known for their intelligence, athleticism and beautiful coats. As a Golden Retriever owner, you want to provide the best possible care for your pet and that includes their diet.
Nutritional Requirements for Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers have unique nutritional requirements. They need a specific protein, fat, carbohydrate, vitamin and mineral balance to support optimal health.
When selecting dog food for your Golden Retriever, you need food specifically formulated for your Golden Retriever’s life stage to ensure they are getting the proper nutrients. Puppies have different nutritional requirements than adult or senior dogs.
Protein
Protein helps build and repair muscle tissue, supports a healthy immune system and provides energy. The best dog food for Golden Retrievers should contain at least 30 percent protein for adults, 22 percent for puppies and 18 percent for seniors.
Fat
Fat is a dense energy source for Golden Retrievers and helps maintain healthy skin and coat, supports the immune system and provides insulation. Look for dog food that contains at least 12 to 18 percent omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for adult Golden Retrievers.
Carbohydrates
The right dog food for your pup should contain high-quality carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, peas and brown rice. These carbohydrates offer slow-release energy and help your dog feel fuller, preventing overeating and obesity. Avoid dog foods that contain fillers, such as corn and wheat, as they provide little nutritional value.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are essential for your Golden Retriever’s overall health. Dog foods fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin E, vitamin C and selenium, help prevent oxidative damage and maintain healthy bones and teeth.
Unfortunately, Golden Retrievers are vulnerable to some debilitating diseases, including hip dysplasia. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the socket, causing pain and arthritis. This condition can be exacerbated by poor nutrition and over supplementation with calcium and vitamin D.
Golden Retrievers are also prone to obesity, cancer and taurine-deficient dilated cardiomyopathy. Feeding your Golden Retriever a nutritionally balanced diet can help reduce the risk of these illnesses.
Recommended Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
The best dog food for Golden Retrievers is made from high-quality, sustainable ingredients. Open Farm’s Golden Retriever dog food options include wet stews, gently cooked kibble and raw freeze dried options.
High protein dog food
Our high-protein kibble gives your dog the nutrients they need to stay healthy. For example, the Grass-Fed Beef & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food is packed with protein from 100% grass-fed beef, steel-cut oats, chia seeds and quinoa.
Wet dog food
Our rustic stews are 100% human-grade, ethically-sourced food options for your Golden Retriever. Try our Homestead Turkey Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food, the perfect meal topper for your pup. This mix contains humanely raised turkey, carrots, pumpkin, green beans, red lentils and chickpeas.
Cooked dog food Our gently cooked dog food is ideal for Golden Retrievers with sensitive digestive systems. The Harvest Chicken Gently Cooked Recipe is an excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids, chicken-based protein, carrots, kale and butternut squash and comes in proportion pouches, making it easy to serve.
Freeze dried dog food
Our freeze dried raw dog food is made of 85% meat, bones and organs for a nutritious, easily storable food option. The Surf & Turf Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food contains organic veggies like blueberries and squash and wild-caught Pacific Salmon.
Give Your Golden Retriever the Nutrition They Need
Providing your Golden Retriever with the right nutrition is essential to its well-being. Open Farm’s dog food options, including raw freeze dried food, dry kibble and wet dog food toppers, are made with high-quality ingredients and are formulated to meet your pet’s nutritional needs.
With our selection of ethically-sourced, human-grade food, you can feel confident that you are giving your Golden Retriever a nutritious and balanced diet.
Every dog has unique dietary needs, so don’t hesitate to contact our helpful representatives or consult your vet to determine the best dog food for your Golden Retriever.
