Are you the proud owner of a gorgeous Golden? If so, you already know that choosing the best dog food for Golden Retrievers isn’t just about filling their bowl—it’s about giving them the energy, nourishment, and support they need to thrive. These sweet, loyal, and ever-popular pups deserve nothing less.
A healthy, balanced diet lays the groundwork for a long, active life. But what exactly does that look like for a Golden Retriever? Keep reading for a quick breakdown, plus our top picks for the best dog food to keep your Golden happy and healthy. If you wanna read more about your favorite breed, check out our 50 fun facts about Golden Retrievers, too!
Nutritional Needs of Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers should eat nutritionally complete and balanced foods that are high in protein (22-30%) and low fat (8-9%), powered by natural, high-quality ingredients like chicken, fish, whole grains, and yummy fruits and vegetables.
Omegas and minerals like taurine, chondroitin, and glucosamine, are also crucial to support healthy hearts and strong joints in large dogs as they age. Omegas are also good for maintaining those luscious golden locks and keeping the skin healthy, as well as the mind, as larger breeds age faster.
If your Golden has a sensitive stomach, we recommend looking for high-fiber formulas with added probiotics to aid their digestion. Always avoid foods with artificial additives and fillers and tailor your Golden’s food to their age group to ensure they get the nutrients they need.
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Best Overall
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Best Raw
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Best Organic Pick
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Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh. ⭐ LIMITED TIME OFFER⭐ SAVE 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX + GET A FREE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST HURRY! OFFER ENDS 6/25/25 |
Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving. ⭐ GUARANTEED BEST PRICE ⭐ SAVE 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER |
ButcherBox for Pets offers humanely raised, high-quality meat-based dog food made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s grain-free, filler-free, and crafted to support your dog’s overall health and vitality. |
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
⭐ LIMITED TIME OFFER⭐
SAVE 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX +
GET A FREE EMBARK DOG DNA TEST
HURRY! OFFER ENDS 6/25/25
Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving.
⭐ GUARANTEED BEST PRICE ⭐
SAVE 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER
ButcherBox for Pets offers humanely raised, high-quality meat-based dog food made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s grain-free, filler-free, and crafted to support your dog’s overall health and vitality.
Top Picks for the Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
- Best Overall: Ollie
- Best Raw Food – Maev
- Best Organic Kibble – ButcherBox For Pets Premium Nutrition Dog Food
- Best Chicken-Free Dry Food– Sundays for Dogs (Beef Recipe)
- Best Subscription Plan – The Pets Table
- Best Wholegrain – Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice
- Best Wet Food – Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod Salmon & Sweet Potato Canned Food
- Best For Puppies – Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy
- Best For Seniors – Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe
- Best Fresh Food – The Farmer’s Dog Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food Delivery
Best Overall: Ollie
Ollie Fresh Dog Food is our top overall pick for Golden Retrievers thanks to its high-protein, human-grade recipes that are customized to your dog’s exact needs. This fresh food subscription is ideal for active, intelligent breeds like Goldens that need optimal nutrition to support strong muscles, joint health, and long-term vitality. Every meal is gently cooked, portioned just for your pup, and delivered right to your door.
Key features:
- Human-grade fresh food
- Personalized meal plans based on breed, age, weight & activity level
- High-protein recipes: beef, turkey, lamb, or chicken
- Vet-formulated & AAFCO-compliant
- Rich in omega-3s and antioxidants for joint, heart & brain health
- No fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
- Free from corn, soy, and wheat
- Pre-portioned and ready to serve
- Made in the USA
- Delivered via subscription (pause or cancel anytime)
What we like:
Ollie is a smart choice for Golden Retrievers because it covers all the bases this breed needs: high-quality animal protein for muscle maintenance, omega-3 fatty acids for joint comfort and coat health, and gut-friendly ingredients for smooth digestion. Goldens are known for their sensitive skin and tendency toward allergies, and Ollie’s limited-ingredient, fresh recipes help minimize those issues with clean, easy-to-digest meals.
Each plan is tailored specifically to your dog’s size, age, and lifestyle, so whether your Golden is an energetic puppy or a chilled-out senior, Ollie makes it simple to meet their evolving nutritional needs. Pet parents often report noticeable improvements in energy, digestion, and skin health within weeks of switching.
What to consider:
As with any fresh food subscription, Ollie requires freezer space and costs more than traditional kibble. But for Golden Retriever owners who want to feed real, vet-approved food without guessing about labels or portion sizes, it’s an outstanding value—and a real time-saver.
Fresh, human-grade food made from real ingredients for a healthier pup today and tomorrow. Recipes made from whole food ingredients, slow cooked for nutrition and flavor and always fresh.
⭐ LIMITED TIME OFFER⭐
SAVE 60% OFF YOUR FIRST BOX
Best Raw Food: Maev
If you’re exploring raw feeding for your Golden Retriever, Maev is one of the best and most convenient ways to do it right. Maev offers nutritionally complete, human-grade raw meals formulated with input from veterinary nutritionists. Their recipes are flash-frozen and delivered in pre-portioned bags—just scoop, serve, and watch your pup devour every bite. It’s raw feeding made simple, safe, and science backed.
Key features:
- Human-grade raw dog food
- Flash-frozen and scoopable—no thawing required
- Developed by veterinary nutritionists
- Single-source protein options (beef, chicken)
- Includes functional ingredients like turmeric, blueberries, and fish oil
- No fillers, grains, or artificial additives
- Designed to support digestion, skin/coat health & mobility
- Optional supplement bars for targeted wellness (calming, joint, multivitamin)
- High in protein and essential nutrients
- AAFCO-compliant and made in the USA
- Ships frozen via subscription
What we like:
Maev makes raw feeding accessible without compromising on quality. Their beef and chicken recipes are thoughtfully formulated with whole, real ingredients—including muscle meat, organs, and bone—plus functional superfoods like turmeric and fish oil to naturally support joint health, inflammation, and digestion. This is especially helpful for Golden Retrievers, who often struggle with joint issues and skin sensitivities.
The scoopable format is also a game-changer. Unlike traditional raw patties that need to be thawed and portioned, Maev’s flash-frozen meals are ready to serve right from the bag—perfect for busy pet parents who still want to feed raw. And for dogs who need a little extra support, you can pair meals with their targeted frozen supplement bars (like calming or multivitamin formulas).
What to consider:
Like most raw options, Maev is a subscription-based service and comes with a higher price tag than kibble or lightly cooked food. However, the convenience, quality, and targeted health support make it a worthy upgrade for Golden Retriever owners who want the benefits of raw feeding without the mess or guesswork.
Maev, along with a team of PhD Veterinary Nutritionists, formulated their protein-rich Raw Food with 11 core ingredients including lean Beef or Chicken (plus Liver, Gizzard, and Sweetbreads), fresh vegetables and fruits, and functional supplements in every serving.
⭐ GUARANTEED BEST PRICE ⭐
SAVE 15% OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE
Best Organic Kibble: ButcherBox For Pets Premium Nutrition Dog Food
ButcherBox For Pets Premium Nutrition Dog Food is certified organic and sustainably sourced. It’s not specifically designed for large breeds, but it’s nutrient-dense enough to nourish dogs of all sizes. It’s a subscription-based brand that offers customized meal plans, with all-natural food, treats, toppers, and supplements.
Key features:
- Certified organic dry food
- Developed and tested by vets
- Sustainably sourced
- Human-grade ingredients
- Free-range chicken
- High-fiber sweet potato
- Ancient grains like quinoa
- Hormone and antibiotic-free
- No artificial additives or fillers
- Produced with minimal waste
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 1.8 kg bags
- Subscription service
What we like:
The brand’s adult kibble offers premium nutrition, with human-grade ingredients like upcycled, bioavailable meat. Organic free-range chicken is the first listed ingredient, with wholesome grains like quinoa and digestive superfoods like sweet potato for healthy metabolism, blood sugar levels, and cognition.
Their dry formula was carefully developed and tested by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and made in the USA using minimal waste. It contains no artificial additives or fillers and all of the meat is free from hormones and antibiotics.
What to consider:
Again, subscription services aren’t right for everyone, but Butcher Box is fantastic value for money and offers regular deals and discounts for their customers.
Full review: Read our full review here.
ButcherBox for Pets offers humanely raised, high-quality meat-based dog food made with simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s grain-free, filler-free, and crafted to support your dog’s overall health and vitality.
Best Chicken-Free Dry Food: Sundays for Dogs (Beef or Turkey Recipe)
If your pup can’t stomach poultry products, try Sundays for Dogs (go with the beef recipe). This air-dried dog food skips the chicken entirely and uses high-quality, human-grade beef as its star ingredient—perfect for sensitive Golden Retriever tummies.
You may also like: 10 Best Chicken-Free Dog Food Brands for Pups with Allergies
Key features:
- 100% all-natural beef as the first ingredient
- Air-dried for maximum nutrition and convenience
- Human-grade, gently cooked ingredients
- No poultry, legumes, or potatoes
- Includes quinoa, pumpkin, kale, and wild salmon oil
- Naturally rich in joint and heart-supportive nutrients
- Probiotics and digestive enzymes
- Made in the USA
What we like:
Sundays for Dogs takes a unique approach to feeding, offering the convenience of kibble with the nutrition of fresh or raw diets. It’s especially great for Golden Retrievers with chicken allergies or sensitivities, as it’s completely poultry-free and made with real beef, organs, and nutrient-packed superfoods like pumpkin and kale.
We also love that it’s air-dried, not extruded, which helps preserve nutrients while being gentle on digestion. Bonus: it smells like real food, and even picky dogs love it.
Side note: If your dog is just allergic to chicken but can handle other poultry, they have a Turkey recipe, too.
What to consider:
Sundays does come with a higher price tag, but the premium ingredients and nutritional quality back it up. You’re not paying for fillers or by-products—just clean, whole food that supports your dog’s overall wellness. The subscription option helps cut down costs, and their money-back guarantee lets you try it risk-free.
Sundays for Dogs is an air-dried, human-grade dog food made with real beef and superfoods. It’s grain-free, chicken-free, and perfect for picky eaters or dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Subscription Plan: The Pets Table
The Pets Table is our top pick for lovers of subscription services that deliver your dog’s meals straight to your door. Although there are a few on the list, The Pets Table offers a wide variety of plans and recipes, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Key features:
- Variety of plans and recipes
- Wholegrain, grain-free, and allergy-friendly meals
- Developed with board-certified vet nutritionists
- Complete and balanced nutrition
- Real human-grade ingredients
- High in fiber
- Made with superfoods
- Enriched with vitamin A
- Postbiotics
- Minimally processed
- Picky-eater friendly
- Free from fillers
- AAFCO compliant
- Made in the USA
What we like:
The brand not only offers a variety of plans including fresh, air-dried, mixed, and half-fresh plans, all of which are prepared in the USA, but a variety of recipes within each plan. There are different meat, fruit, and veggie combinations to choose from, as well as wholesome grains or grain-free, allergen-friendly meals. They’re all free from fillers and minimally processed, with real, human-grade ingredients.
All of the meals are also developed with board-certified vet nutritionists to ensure they meet AAFCO industry requirements, and they’re designed to please even the fussiest of eaters. They offer complete and balanced nutrition for all breeds and age groups and high fiber content for easy digestion. They’re also made with superfoods and enriched with vitamin A and postbiotics for healthy vision, a strong immune system, and good gut health.
What to consider:
Subscription services aren’t right for everyone, but The Pets Table offers a diverse and thoughtful range of plans, including the half-fresh plan, which sends you fresh toppers to mix with your dog’s existing food, so they can experience the benefits of some fresh food without the price tag of a completely fresh diet.
Every plan provided by The Pets Table ensures a balanced diet for your dog, packed with ingredients they will adore, all reviewed by their Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionist.
Best Wholegrain: Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice
The Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice is specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for large-breed dogs like Golden Retrievers, with premium deboned chicken and wholesome brown rice.
Key features:
- Formulated for whole-body health of large dogs
- Premium deboned chicken
- Wholesome brown rice
- Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids
- Calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin
- Dietary fibers, prebiotics, and probiotics
- Taurine for heart health
- Free from GMOs, by-products, fillers, and preservatives
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 15 and 30 lbs bags
What we like:
The special formula contains skin and coat-nourishing Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, with calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to maintain strong bones and joints. It also utilizes prebiotics, probiotics, and dietary fibers for good gut health and taurine for a healthy heart, without GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial additives.
What to consider:
It’s unsuitable for dogs with sensitivities to grains and/or poultry.
This natural dry food is specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for your large breed dog. It is crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine. This balanced, healthy dry dog food is designed to encourage a strong immune system, optimize energy levels and ensure a healthy skin and coat while promoting whole body health.
Best Canned Food: Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod, Salmon & Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food
Purina Beyond Alaskan Cod, Salmon & Sweet Potato Canned Dog Food is our top wet food pick, with a low-fat, high-protein recipe that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
Key features:
- Line-caught Alaskan cod and salmon
- Digestive superfood sweet potato
- High-quality natural formula
- Limited ingredients
- High protein and low fat
- Essential nutrients
- Delicious flavor
- Whole body health
- Daily immune support
- No grains, soy, additives, or poultry by-products
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 13 oz cans and cases of 4, 6, or 12
What we like:
The limited ingredient formula is simple yet delicious, with line-caught fish from trusted sources and sweet potato for easy digestion. It’s all-natural and high quality, with no grains, soy, or artificial additives, and it’s chock full of essential vitamins and minerals for a daily dose of immune system support that nourishes the whole body.
What to consider:
Whilst its main flavor and protein source is fish, it also contains chicken, so it’s not suitable for dogs with poultry allergies.
Made with natural ingredients, this wet food features line-caught Alaskan cod as the first ingredient, along with salmon and sweet potato for a wholesome and delicious flavor. It’s high in protein and free of any bad stuff like poultry by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. MADE IN THE USA.
Best For Puppies: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Breed Specific Puppy Dog Dry Food
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Breed Specific Puppy Dog Dry Food is tailor-made to nurture growing Golden Retriever puppies aged 2-15 months.
Key features:
- For 2-15-month-old puppies
- Breed-specific
- High-quality protein
- Essential nutrients
- Exclusive complex of antioxidants
- Omega fatty acids EPA & DHA
- Added probiotics
- Aids healthy growth
- Whole body support
- Cognitive development
- Sustained energy levels
- Designed for Golden mouths
- Soft for puppy teeth
- Comes in 30 lb bags
What we like:
The special formula promotes the healthy growth and development of your precious pup from head to toe, with essential nutrients and an exclusive complex of antioxidants including vitamin E for a strong immune system. It also supports sustained energy levels and a healthy digestive system, with high-quality proteins and added probiotics.
The kibble itself is specially designed for the mouths and bites of Golden Retrievers, with a soft, chewable texture for puppy teeth. It’s enriched with Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA to promote clever cognition for learning and training, as well as strong joints and bones, and healthy skin and coat.
What to consider:
It’s on the pricey side, but if you want to start your Golden pup off on the right paw, this food couldn’t be more tailored to them!
Shop now: Check it out here!
ROYAL CANIN Breed Health Nutrition Golden Retriever Puppy Food supports optimal development of the immune system, bones and joints, skin and coat, and gastrointestinal system, while the customized kibble encourages chewing to satisfy appetite and improve digestion. Designed exclusively for purebred Golden Retriever puppies from 8 weeks to 15 months.
Best For Seniors: Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food
Holistic Select Senior Health Chicken Meal & Lentils Recipe Dry Dog Food is our top pick for Golden oldies. It’s made in the USA with high-quality ingredients from around the world, and it’s carefully crafted for superior senior support.
Key features:
- Designed for senior dogs
- Optimal levels of protein and healthy fats
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich in antioxidants
- Glucosamine and taurine
- Natural fibers, live yogurt cultures, and digestive enzymes
- Pre and probiotics for good gut health
- Grain-free and gluten-free
- Made in the USA
- Comes in 24 lb bags
What we like:
This senior blend combines natural fibers with digestive enzymes, live yogurt cultures, prebiotics, and probiotics to stabilize slowing metabolisms. It’s grain-free and gluten-free for sensitive tummies, with optimal levels of protein and healthy fats, like Omega-3 fatty acids, for strong joints and beautiful skin and coat. It’s also rich in antioxidants, with guaranteed levels of glucosamine, and a daily dose of taurine for a healthy heart.
What to consider:
The only consideration with this product is the price, but it’s worth it to give your dog the best. You can also get it cheaper with autoship!
Formulated with your dog’s golden years in mind, Holistic Select Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food, Senior Chicken Meal and Rice Recipe is a delicious canine palate pleaser. Grain-free, with the right amount of protein, fat, and fiber to support a slowing metabolism, you can be confident you’re giving him the best.
Best Fresh Food: The Farmer’s Dog Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food Delivery
The Farmer’s Dog Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food Delivery is our top pick for lovers of fresh food. Develop your personalized plan in just three minutes using their online quiz and have your dog’s food delivered in days.
Key features:
- Pre-portioned fresh meals
- Real meat and veggies
- Human-grade quality
- Increased health and vitality
- Gently cooked to lock in taste and nutrition
- Developed by board-certified nutritionists
- Exceeds AAFCO standards
- Personalized subscription plan
- Delivery within days
- Two-week trial period
What we like:
The meals come in easy pre-portioned packs that you just pour and serve. They’re developed by board-certified nutritionists that exceed industry standards, with real human-grade meat and veggies and human-grade safety precautions. All of their food is gently cooked at a low temperature to lock in nutrients and flavor, with no artificial preservatives for a healthier, more vibrant dog. You can expect a shinier, nicer-smelling coat, increased vitality, healthier skin, and better digestion with a subscription to The Farmer’s Dog!
What to consider:
Subscription services aren’t right for everyone, but the brand offers a two-week trial to test it out before you commit.
The Farmer’s Dog is a fresh, human-grade dog food delivery service that customizes meals based on your dog’s age, breed, weight, and activity level. Made with real meat, vegetables, and essential nutrients, their vet-formulated recipes support overall health and digestion. Meals are pre-portioned and delivered straight to your door.
FAQs
How much should I feed my Golden Retriever?
Generally, adult Golden Retrievers should eat 3-4 cups of food per day split between two meals. Puppies should eat smaller more frequent meals until they’re fully grown, and seniors should eat fewer calories as they slow down to avoid gaining weight.
Are Golden Retrievers picky eaters?
Golden Retrievers are not generally considered to be picky eaters, but every dog is different and some are pickier than others. If your dog is picky, mix things up, try wet or fresh food, an air-dried kibble, or mixing a topper in their their dry food.
Do Golden Retrievers have sensitive stomachs?
Like most breeds, Golden Retrievers can have sensitive stomachs, so if you notice your dog’s digestive system is easily reactive, keep their diet as clean as possible and buy food with added pre and probiotics.
Are Golden Retrievers allergy-prone?
Golden Retrievers are somewhat allergy-prone. If you notice a change in their skin, coat, energy, or digestion, talk to your vet about their diet. They can help you get to the bottom of the cause or suggest an alternative food to try.
Is wet or dry food better for Golden Retrievers?
Generally speaking, dry food is a better long-term choice for large breeds like Goldens because wet foods tend to be higher in fat. However, there are some great quality wet foods out there like the one on our list, as well as raw and fresh foods. It all depends on your dog’s activity levels, and there’s also nothing wrong with a bit of variety!
Final Thoughts
We’re so happy you trust us to help you step up your pup’s diet! Which of our best dog foods for Golden Retrievers are you going to try? Let us know in the comments below, and remember to transition your dog gradually to their new food if you’re drastically changing their diet. For more cool stuff for Goldens, check out our list of the best dog beds for Golden Retrievers.
