12 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles [2022]

For a breed as goofy as Goofy, choosing a Goldendoodle’s food sure is serious business. The best dog food for your Goldendoodle requires a delicate balance. Moreover, Goldendoodles can be large or very small, depending on the parents. Their diet depends on their size and activity. This is why finding the best dog food for Goldendoodles among so many brands can be difficult.

Bred between Poodles and Golden Retrievers, Goldendoodles are among the cutest hybrid dogs. The lifetimes of Goldendoodles range from 10 to 15 years, and owners can lengthen this by ensuring their dog is taken care of and receives the best nutrition.

We scoured the market in search of the best dog food for Goldendoodles and their needs.

1. ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food
2. Nutro Natural Choice
3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
4. Rachael Ray Nutrish
5. Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
6. Wag Dry Dog Food
7. Acana Adult Dry Dog Food
8. Whole Earth Farms Dog Food
9. Diamond Naturals Senior Dog
10. Canidae Pure Dry Dog Food
11. Solid Gold Adult Dog Food
12.  Taste of the Wild

Nutritional Requirements for Goldendoodles

The dietary requirements for dogs are alike for all breeds, so most dog food manufacturers don’t produce products for a specific breed only.

However, Goldendoodles can be either poodle-sized or as large as any retriever. Most other breeds stay within the same size range.

Since individual Goldendoodles’ size varies, so do their nutritional requirements and how much protein and other components they require.

Puppy Goldendoodles require large amounts of protein to support their growth. These proteins provide adequate nutrition for the dog’s body to develop. Similarly, adult dogs also need sufficient quantities to sustain muscle growth and build ligaments.

While humans avoid fats in our foods, Goldendoodles need ample proportions to allow muscles to function. These are the primary sources of energy for your dog. Without them, soon, you might have a listless pup on your hands. Hence, dog food for Goldendoodles containing chicken meals is a plus since your dog will get the necessary supply of chicken fat.

Goldendoodles do not require excessive carbohydrates. They serve only a few functions, and a low concentration of carbs in your dog’s diet will suffice. However, this doesn’t mean you should completely overlook them. Carbohydrates are essential in your dog’s diet to help digest food by providing fiber. Consequently, some dog food for Goldendoodles contains sweet potatoes.

Many owners prefer preparing food for their Goldendoodles at home, but experts do not advise doing so. While this may help reduce your daily expenditure on pet food, it may also contain excessive amounts of nutrients that your dog does not require.

For example, a large calcium intake may result in hip disease in Goldendoodles, and this disorder is particularly prevalent when your dog is still a puppy. In other cases, your dog may experience food allergies. Hence, ensure you prepare a proper diet to keep your pet healthy and from illnesses.

How Many Calories Does Your Goldendoodle Need?

Calories have a significant role in your dog’s diet. They help maintain body mass and provide your pet with energy.

The number of calories needed can vary from dog to dog and depends on multiple factors. Since Goldendoodles are hybrids, they can come in several sizes, from large to small. The caloric intake also differs for each size.

Puppies require the greatest amount of calories as they grow, and they need plenty of energy to continue developing. The activity level of your Goldendoodle is another determinant of their calorie needs. The more active your dog is, the higher his calorie requirement. Most senior dogs aren’t as energetic as their younger kin and don’t require the same amount of calories.

This difference in intake is why the best puppy food for Goldendoodles is not the same as it is for an adult dog.

However, even when we consider all the above factors, there isn’t a set amount of calories for puppies or adult Goldendoodles. Experts have resolved this by providing a calculation you can carry out to determine the calorie requirement of your particular dog.

The calculation required to work this out is complex. However, some organizations provide a calculator for this purpose. Here’s a brief guide on how you can use this.

1. Enter your dog’s weight in either pounds or kilograms
2. Select whether the dog has been spayed or neutered
3. Enter the current calorie intake of your dog (optional)
4. Slide the Body Condition Score bar to the score which best fits your dog
5. Input the ideal weight of your dog’s breed (50-70 Pounds for standard adult Goldendoodles)

The tool will automatically calculate the average amount of calories for your dog. Then you can choose between chicken meal, lamb meal, turkey meal, or a grain-free diet, based on the needs of your pet.

How Often Should Goldendoodles Be Fed?

The number of times you have to feed your Goldendoodle in a day is also dependent on the same factors – age, size, and level of activity.

Not all brands of dog food include the same amount of nutrients. Goldendoodles may require more food when fed from a particular brand and vice versa.

Goldendoodle puppies who have not been weaned need food at least three to four times a day. However, you may need to feed puppies who are very energetic more frequently. Once the dog reaches above 12 months of age, you can reduce their meals to twice a day.

Moreover, you should not add excessive amounts of food to your dog’s eating bowl at a time. While most Goldendoodles will stop eating when they are full, some may not. Overconsumption can lead to obesity or the dog throwing up.

Here is a chart with the recommended dog food for Goldendoodles intake based on their age.

What to Look for When Buying Food for Your Goldendoodle?

While every pet owner knows not all brands of dog foods are the same, the difference between them isn’t as commonly known.

One of the primary factors to look out for is if the brand claims to follow AAFCO standards. The American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), a voluntary organization, regulate pet foods’ nutrients. They have set base standards for the minimum amount of specific ingredients required in dog food for Goldendoodles.

AAFCO recommends brands include at least 8% fat and 22% protein in puppy foods. Similarly, adult dogs, they advise at least 5% fat and 18% protein. It’s important to note these quantities are the minimum requirements and aren’t the maximum intakes for a dog. Your dog may need a higher amount of protein and fat.

Furthermore, the primary ingredient is another essential component you must consider when choosing the best dog food for Goldendoodles. Ensure the first product mentioned in the ingredients list is meat. Goldendoodles and other dogs require the protein provided by animals. Dog foods often contain chicken meal, which is high in protein and recommended by veterinarians.

Also, make sure the brand of food you go with doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients. Flavors, preservatives, and colors that aren’t natural may cause adverse health effects in dogs.

Here are some other factors you should avoid:

• Minimal amounts of carbohydrates (vegetables or fruits)
• Limited synthetic ingredients added (dogs do well with all-natural products)
• Grain-free dog food (Goldendoodles are allergic to these)

Wet Food or Dry Food: Which Should You Feed to Your Goldendoodle?

If you are a new pet owner, you may notice foods come in two forms, wet and dry. While both are perfectly healthy and nutritious for Goldendoodles, wet foods may have several added benefits.

Dogs only need a limited amount of carbohydrates in their diet. Carbs help provide energy to your Goldendoodle and help with digestion. Wet dog food for Goldendoodles generally contains less of these than dry foods.

Most packaged dry foods for dogs are packed with up to 60% carbohydrates. Furthermore, an amount this high can result in obesity, digestive issues, and immune problems.

Also, young dogs who have trouble adjusting to a new diet will have an easier time eating wet foods. They are easy to chew and considered the best dog food for Goldendoodles in their puppy stage.

Likewise, the benefits of wet foods aren’t lost on older dogs either. Many brands specializing in adult dog food for Goldendoodles provide both wet and dry variants.

Moreover, dogs who need to lose weight can take advantage of the large quantity of water in wet foods. This allows them to be full faster and avoid eating more than needed.

However, mixing wet food with dry food is another option you can go for, and many picky Goldendoodles may find this combination appealing.

The Top 12 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

We looked into the top dog food brands for Goldendoodles and listed the best from the crowd. Each product has its unique specialty and may benefit some dogs more than others. Here is a detailed review of each.

1. ZIWI Peak Air-Dried Dog Food

ZIWI’s dog food is one of the most popular and well-liked brands in the market. While the brand does not target any particular dog breed, their food is excellent for Goldendoodles. You can choose between four variants, lamb meal, chicken meal, beef, and a combination of mackerel with lamb.

Buying from ZIWI is relatively expensive and will affect your budget when buying long term. Each 2.2-pound bag costs $46.78. However, buyers have applauded ZIWI for providing dog food for Goldendoodles that even picky dogs readily eat.

What sets ZIWI apart from other brands is how the food is air-dried. Removing moisture through this method leaves some water in the product, allowing the product not to be rehydrated.

Pros

• Manufacturers source livestock from free-range farms
• You can pick between four variants
• Air-dried food
• Well-liked by dogs of all breeds

Cons

• Product may not be fresh when ordering online
• Expensive when buying long-term

2. Nutro Natural Choice

Nutro is another popular option you can pick for your Goldendoodle. The brand provides two different options, one for senior pets and another for adult dogs. The dog food for Goldendoodles is also very affordable, and each 30-pound bag costs only $51.98

Customers especially like the 100% natural chicken meal used as the primary protein source. The chicken fat also provides Omega 6, an organic Vitamin E that improves your dog’s coat. In addition, Nutro does not contain any by-products, such as corn, wheat, or soy.

Nutro Natural Choice is unique in its transparency of the ingredients used and a non-GMO final product.

Pros

• Very affordable
• 100% natural chicken
• No by-products
• Non-GMO

Cons

• May cause diarrhea in some dogs

3. Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food

Another favorite among Goldendoodle owners is Merrick Classic dog food. As with most top-tier pet foods, Merricks products are completely natural and free of genetic modifications.

You can pick between chicken, lamb, beef, and salmon as the primary ingredient. The most popular 25-pound bag comes for $59.99, slightly more expensive than other brands.

Many pet owners prefer Merrick due to the grains present in the brand’s foods, one of these is quinoa, which helps with digestion.

Pros

• Four options of the primary ingredient
• Not a grain-free diet
• High levels of glucosamine and chondroitin

Cons

• May cause stomach issues in senior dogs

4. Rachael Ray Nutrish

Rachel Ray Nutrish comes from a brand founded by a dog owner to provide the safest and best dog food for Goldendoodles.

The primary ingredients are beef, venison, and lamb. As a result of this combination, Rachel Ray Nutrish has 30% protein in each bag.

The largest, 23-pound bag costs $39.98. Owners who have bought Rachel Ray Nutrish claim it has had several benefits for dogs who weren’t doing well with other foods. However, you may receive crushed kibble and badly-handled packages when ordering online.

Pros

• Three different primary ingredients
• 30% protein in each bag
• Farm-raised beef
• Suitable for puppies and senior dogs alike

Cons

• Kibble may arrive crushed when ordering online

5. Iams Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

One of the most affordable and famed brands on our list is Iams Dog Food. They have a range of reviews from many customers on Amazon.

A 40-pound bag only comes for $51.19 and won’t have a significant impact on your expenses in the long run.

Buyers have expressed how well Iams dog food works for dogs with weak bones and trouble walking. However, its best feature is its lack of filler ingredients many other manufacturers include.

Pros

• Come in chicken meal and lamb variants
• Strengthens bones in dogs
• Inexpensive and reliable long-term
• No filler ingredients

Cons

• Some packages may be old and have mold

6. Wag Dry Dog Food

Wag is another reputable brand that produces one of the best dog food for Goldendoodles. Their dry dog food allows customers to choose the primary ingredient themselves.

You can pick between lamb, salmon, beef, and turkey. Furthermore, the food is pellet-shaped, and your Goldendoodle can gulp them down with no effort. The pricing is less than many other brands, and each 30-pound pack comes for $32.19.

Wag develops grain-free dog food. To give the food more nutritious value, it has some vegetables such as lentils and peas. In addition, salmon oil and flax seeds present in Wag provide your Goldendoodle with much-needed fatty acids.

Pros

• Choose between lamb, beef, salmon, and turkey
• Pellet shaped and easy to consume
• The 30-pound pack costs only $32.19

Cons

• Vegetables may be sources of excessive carbs

7. Acana Adult Dry Dog Food

Acana boasts of manufacturing natural products that fulfill your dog’s nutritional needs. Their tagline “Go beyond the first ingredient” hints at how the brand carefully formulated their dog food.

Moreover, a rare quality we don’t see in other foods is that 60% of Acana dog food contains animal ingredients, which provide protein and other essential nutrients. The only setback is the product’s price range. Each 25-pound pack comes for a substantial $67.99.

However, Acana makes dog food suitable for all breeds and ages by producing a grain-free diet without gluten, potatoes, and tapioca ingredients. Also, buyers have praised the brand for providing fresh dog food which contains ingredients derived from natural sources.

Pros

• 60% of the dog food is animal ingredients
• Suitable for all ages
• It doesn’t contain grains or other gluten ingredients

Cons

• Very expensive

8. Whole Earth Farms Dog Food

Whole Earth Farms is a well-known dog food brand you may have heard of.

Their primary ingredients come in pairs, and you can choose between three of these. Pork, beef, and lamb is the most popular variant. Still, you can also pick a chicken meal and turkey meal or salmon and whitefish.

Apart from that, their protein measurements are substantial and will meet all of your Goldendoodles requirements. However, this dog food isn’t made for puppies and is only suitable for adult dogs.

Each pack is reasonably priced, and a 25-pound bag costs $44.98. Moreover, people who have purchased from the brand claim it has a tasteful flavor that dogs love.

Pros

• Primary ingredients come with two different types of meat
• A high amount of protein
• Dogs like the flavor

Cons

• The quality may vary in each package

9. Diamond Naturals Senior Dog

Diamond is a brand you might have heard of from your vet. Its products are legitimate and manufactured in up-to-date facilities which prioritize product quality.

Diamond Naturals have different products suitable for dogs of all age groups. For example, they have a special formula for senior dogs containing chicken, eggs, and oatmeal.

Moreover, their dog food contains several antioxidants to strengthen your dog’s immune system. In addition, fair amounts of Glucosamine and Chondroitin help keep your Goldendoodles bones healthy even in old age. Also, buyers have reviewed the product and told of their dog’s experience with enhanced functionality of their joints.

Pros

• Specially formulated for different age groups
• Contains antioxidants
• Glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen bones

Cons

• Some dogs may not like the flavor

10. Canidae Pure Dry Dog Food

Canidae’s recipe of real salmon and sweet potatoes provides your Goldendoodle with essential nutrients in limited ingredients.

The primary ingredient is lamb, responsible for the 36% protein and 20% fat present in Canidae Pure. In addition, Canidae works great for dogs with sensitive stomachs and allergies. They contain only ten key ingredients which come from natural facilities.

However, a bag weighing 24 pounds costs almost $65. This price range is among some of the highest in dog foods. Buyers praised Canidae for making their picky dogs eat kibble, something they don’t usually do.

Pros

• It contains only ten ingredients
• Good for sensitive dogs
• Dogs who don’t eat kibble may find Canidae appealing

Cons

• Expensive

11. Solid Gold Adult Dog Food

Solid Gold provides food for adult dogs fortified with bison meat, sweet potatoes, and brown rice.

While the bison meat provides the required protein, Solid Gold also has an additional 20 “superfoods,” which help with digestion and maintaining your dog’s muscles.

You can buy the 24-pound pack online for $59.89. Moreover, customers who have tried Solid Gold claimed it to have improved loose stool in their pets.

Pros

• Can improve digestion
• Superfoods provide vitamins and minerals
• May improve stomach problems in dogs

Cons

• Pricier than other competitors

12. Taste of the Wild

Through the use of roasted bison meat and roasted venison, Taste of the Wild has the perfect dog food for Goldendoodles that will meet your requirements.

The brand has made their dog food suitable for puppies, and the small kibble size makes it easier for dogs to chew it. Moreover, Taste of the Wild contains 28% protein, enough to fulfill your pup’s needs.

A 28-pound bag costs almost $53, which is pretty standard among dog food brands. The product reviews are mainly positive and praise the use of non-GMO and farm-raised animals.

Pros

• Small kibble size makes it easier to chew
• Non-GMO ingredients
• 28% protein sourced from roasted bison and venison

Cons

• It may contain harmful ingredients

In Summary

Goldendoodles come in different sizes, from small to large. It may be difficult deciding what kind of food they need and the nutritional requirements of each.

We looked into some commonly asked questions new owners may have and provided detailed answers to each. These included how often you should feed your Goldendoodle and what to look for when choosing a dog food brand.

We then compiled a list of the best dog food for Goldendoodles and reviewed each brand by listing its pros and cons.

You can easily decide upon a dog food brand and pick the best option for your particular dog.