Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles : Our 2024 Picks

A complete and balanced diet is essential for all dogs, including Goldendoodles. Goldendoodles are a mix of two very different breeds of dogs (Poodle & Golden Retriever), which can sometimes make them susceptible to health problems.

That’s why it’s so important to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients from their food.

But what is the best dog food for Goldendoodles? In this article, we will discuss the 9 best dog foods for Goldendoodles, as recommended by our experts.

Understanding your Goldendoodles Nutritional Requirements

In general, a healthy diet for dogs require six nutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins.

• Proteins are essential for muscle growth and development. High-quality foods will consist of animal-based proteins such as chicken, beef, lamb, or fish.
• Fats provide energy and help support the immune system. Quality sources of Fats include chicken fat, salmon oil, and flaxseed oil.
• Carbohydrates are a source of energy for dogs. DogFoodAdvisor.com makes note that, “natural carbohydrate consumption for a dog’s ancestors at around 14 percent of total diet”.
• Minerals are needed for proper bone development and joint function.
• Vitamins support the immune system, skin and coat, and nervous system.

While all of these nutrients are important, each dog has different nutritional needs based on age, activity level, and health condition.

Scientific studies show a dog’s daily diet can contain up to 50% carbohydrates by weight while including 2.5-4.5% from fiber, 5.5% from fats, and 10% from protein.

Nutritional Life Stages of a Goldendoodle

Picking a life stage-appropriate food is essential for all dogs, and Goldendoodles are no different. Puppies need more calories than adults because they’re growing.

Senior dogs need different nutrients to support their joint health. And all dogs, no matter their age, need a complete and balanced diet.

Use the following as guidance to understand which life stage your Goldendoodle is in:

• Puppies are typically under 15 and 18 months old.
• Adult dogs are typically over 15 and 18 months old.
• Senior dogs are typically eight years or older.

Now that we’ve gone over the importance of feeding your Goldendoodle a complete and balanced diet, let’s discuss some common health issues Goldendoodles may face and how the best dog food for Goldendoodles can help.

Health Issues Common in Goldendoodles

As noted earlier, Goldendoodles are a mix of two very different breeds of dogs, which can sometimes make them susceptible to health problems. That’s why it’s so important to make sure they’re getting the right nutrients from their food.

Some common health issues Goldendoodles may face include:

• Allergies: Goldendoodles are prone to allergies, which can be triggered by environmental factors such as pollen or dust mites, or by food allergies. The best dog food for Goldendoodles with allergies will be hypoallergenic and free from common allergens such as orn, wheat, soy, and dairy.
• Skin problems: Goldendoodles are also prone to skin problems, such as allergies, hot spots, and seborrhea. The best food for a Goldendoodle with skin problems will be rich in omega-fatty acids and other nutrients that support healthy skin and coat.
• Joint problems: Goldendoodles are also susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. The best food for a Goldendoodle with joint problems will be rich in glucosamine and chondroitin, which help support healthy joints.
• Digestive problems: Goldendoodles can also be prone to digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. A high quality dog food for a Goldendoodle with digestive problems will be easy to digest and free from common allergens that can trigger digestive issues.

Goldendoodles are also susceptible to a condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus, or bloat. Bloat is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Several scientific studies have been published over the years that have evaluated risk factors for bloat.

One of the most important findings is that dogs who are fed one large meal per day are at a significantly higher risk for developing bloat than dogs who are fed two or more smaller meals per day.

This is why we recommend feeding your Goldendoodle two or three small meals per day instead of one large meal.

Some other factors include:

• Dogs who eat from raised food bowls
• Dogs who have a deep chest
• Dogs who are older
• Related to other dogs that have had the condition

Now that we’ve discussed some of the health issues Goldendoodles may face, let’s talk about the best dog food for Goldendoodles.

Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

NomNom Fresh Pet Food

• Our Favorite Recipe: Chicken Cruisine
• First Five Ingredients: Diced chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, spinach, water sufficient for processing
• Food Form: Fresh Dog Food
• Life stage: All stages
• Best for: All Goldendoodles (especially picky eaters or doodles with sensitive stomachs)

Overall Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles: NomNomNow is a subscription-based dog food delivery service that offers fresh, whole ingredient meals, customized to your dog’s unique nutritional needs.

Their team of pet health experts, including Board Certified Veterinary Nutritionists, work tirelessly to perfect each recipe and ensure that it is packed with the nutrients your dog needs to thrive.

Plus, NomNom offers a 50% off trial so you can see for yourself how much your dog loves their food!

Simply choose the perfect recipe for your dog’s diet based on their history and they will deliver it right to your door.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Food Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

• First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
• Food Form: Dry
• Life stage: Puppies
• Best for: Goldendoodle puppy under the age of 15 to 18 months

Overall Best Dog Food for Goldendoodle Puppies: This puppy food is formulated to provide your pup with all the nutrients they need to grow into a strong and healthy dog.

The key components are calcium, phosphorus and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth, DHA and ARA for healthy brain and eye development, and high-quality protein for healthy muscle growth.

This puppy food also contains omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as vitamins, chelated minerals and antioxidants for immune system health.

This recipe is free of corn, wheat, soy, and chicken (or poultry) by-product meals.

American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First Five Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
• Food Form: Dry
• Life stage: Adult Dogs
• Best for: Adult Goldendoodles: Small, Medium, or Large sized

Overall Best Affordable Goldendoodle Dog Food: American Journey Dog Food is an affordable, grain-free food. It is also full of nutritious fruits and vegetables like blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp.

This high-protein food with real, deboned salmon is not only delicious for your doodle but full of amino acids that help maintain lean muscle mass. Salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA, which helps support your dog’s skin and coat health and brain and eye development.

American Journey Dog Food also includes fiber-rich chickpeas and sweet potatoes for energy that lasts throughout every adventure.

Canidae All Life Stages Canned Dog Food

• First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Dried Egg Product
• Food Form: Canned/Wet
• Life stage: All stages
• Best for: Goldendoodles of all ages and sizes

Overall Best Wet Dog Food for Goldendoodles: Canidae All Life Stages canned dog food is a delicious way to fuel your four-legged friend’s adventures.

Formulated by veterinarians, this dog food features real chicken simmered in a mouthwatering broth. Wholesome grains give your pup the energy she needs to explore, while the lack of corn, wheat or soy makes it easy on her tummy.

Additionally, this food is appropriate for canine buddies of all breeds, sizes and ages, so it’s ideal for multi-pooch households.

Sundays for Dogs

• Our favorite Recipe: All-Natural Chicken Recipe
• First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Liver, Eggs, Millet, Oat
• Food Form: Wet Dog Food
• Life stage: All stages
• Best for: All Goldendoodles (especially picky eaters or doodles with  a sensitive stomach)

Sundays is a new company that is shaking up the pet food industry with its innovative and health-conscious products. Sundays is the first company to introduce gently air-dried, human-grade, all-natural dog food that is ready to eat.

Their jerky-like texture is created by a vet and is packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and convenient option for busy pet owners.

Sundays is quickly becoming the go-to dog food brands for health-conscious pet owners who want the best for their furry friends.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First Five Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
• Food Form: Dry
• Life stage: Adult Dog Food
• Best for: Adult Goldendoodles: Small, Medium, or Large sized

Taste of the Wild offers a wide variety of recipes to choose from, all specially crafted to provide your furry friend with the nutrients they need to thrive.

The roasted bison and venison dry dog food is made with real meat as the #1 ingredient, high in protein, and contains vitamins and minerals from real fruits and superfoods.

It also contains species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics, omega fatty acids for skin and coat health, and antioxidants and prebiotics to help support healthy digestion, immune system health, and overall health and wellness.

Made in the USA by a family-owned brand, Taste of the Wild grain-free recipes are specially crafted for canine companions. Choose from a variety of delicious flavors your dog is sure to love!

Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food

• First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas
• Food Form: Dry
• Life stage: All life stages
• Best for: All Goldendoodles

Gentle Giants is a brand of dog food that is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition for all breeds and sizes of dogs, even those with sensitive stomachs. 

The formula is made with twelve whole fruits and vegetables, including beets, blueberries, cranberries and apples, that are not genetically modified. In addition, prebiotics and probiotics are added to increase digestion and help with the absorption of food. 

Vitamins and antioxidants such as vitamin A, vitamin B12 and taurine are also included to ensure optimal health.

Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food

• First Five Ingredients: Whitefish, Ground Barley, Peas, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal
• Food Form: Dry Dog Food
• Life stage: Adult Dog Food
• Best for: All adult Goldendoodles

Wellness Complete Health Dry Dog Food is a nutritious and delicious food that has been specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support.

This food is developed without any GMOs, meat by-products, fillers or artificial preservatives. It is supported by omega fatty acids, antioxidants, glucosamine, probiotics and taurine.

This food is crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins and wholesome grains. It is made in the USA using only the finest globally sourced ingredients.

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula

• First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine), Soybean Meal
• Food Form: Dry Dog Food
• Life stage: All Life Stages
• Best for: All Goldendoodles

This food combines hard kibble with tender, shredded pieces to create a meal that dogs will crave. The high protein formula, with real chicken as the first ingredient, helps fuel your dog’s active lifestyle.

Fortified with guaranteed live probiotics, this food also supports digestive and immune health. Used to be known as SAVOR Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula, this food also contains vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and coat.

Goldendoodle Feeding Tips

As a general rule, goldendoodles should be fed two to three times per day. Goldendoodle puppies under five months old should be fed three times per day and puppies over five months old can be fed twice per day. Adult goldendoodles can be fed once or twice per day, depending on their activity level. T

he best way to determine how much to feed your goldendoodle is to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you a general idea of how much dog food your dog needs based on their age, healthy weight and activity level.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do Goldendoodles really need a Grain Free Diet? – While there is no one definitive answer to this question, many experts agree that goldendoodles do not require a grain free diet.

In fact, some grains can actually be beneficial for dogs, providing them with essential nutrients and fiber. If your dog has a sensitivity to grains or you are simply looking for an alternative diet, there are plenty of grain free options available.

What is the best dog food for a goldendoodle with allergies? – If your goldendoodle has allergies, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action.

They may recommend a hypoallergenic diet or a limited ingredient diet that contains only a few ingredients that are known to be safe for your dog.

As always, when introducing a new food to your dog’s diet, it is important to do so slowly to avoid any gastrointestinal upset. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food in with their current food and gradually increase the amount over the course of a week.

If you notice any adverse reactions, such as vomiting or diarrhea, discontinue use of the new dog food and consult with your veterinarian.

What should I not feed my Goldendoodle? –  There are a few things that you should avoid feeding your goldendoodle, such as chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins. These foods can be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Additionally, you should avoid feeding your dog table scraps as this can lead to obesity.

Conclusion

Choosing a nutrient rich dog food for a goldendoodle is an important decision that you will make as a pet owner. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as your dog’s age, activity level and any allergies they may have.

While there is no one perfect food for every goldendoodle, there are a few things that all good dog foods should have. The best dog food for a goldendoodle should be complete and balanced, contain high-quality ingredients and be appropriate for your dog’s life stage.

With so many great dog foods available, you are sure to find a food that your goldendoodle will love.