Hello! My name is Gloria, and I’m a Goldendoodle. That means I’m a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle.
Not to brag, but we Goldendoodles are pretty special. We were initially bred to be companion dogs, but as humans soon found out, we’re capable of much more.
Not only are we absolutely gorgeous (and obviously very humble), but we have a lot of energy and love to play.
We’re easy to train and really loyal, so we make great service dogs! I came to my human as a therapy dog, and I just love my job!
However, because we like to be quite active and some of us even have full-time jobs looking after our humans, we need a little bit of extra love in return.
Many people know that our coats need more care than some other breeds, but special attention also needs to be paid to our diets to make sure we’re getting everything we need to keep us fit and healthy.
Today, I’m going to be telling you all about the 5 best kinds of dog food for Goldendoodles like myself.
Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles
1. Best Overall: ORIJEN Regional Red Dry Dog Food
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My absolute favorite food is Orijen’s Regional Red Dry Dog Food.
Origen Regional Red is made with a mouth-watering selection of regional meats, including beef, lamb, goat, pork, mackerel, and even wild boar!
In fact, natural meat products make up a massive 85% of the ingredients in this food. Kibble with this much meat and fish packs a huge punch of protein, which is exactly what I need to keep my energy up all day long.
Plus, all meat and fish ingredients are sourced sustainably, from the ranch-raised beef to the wild-caught fish. Snacking on other animals may be a natural part of the circle of life for us dogs, but that doesn’t mean we don’t care about the welfare of our fellow creatures.
Because this food contains fish as well as meat, it’s also high in omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 is great for maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Because we Goldendoodles are at higher risk for cataracts and aortic stenosis than some other breeds, especially as we get older, this is super important for us.
Additionally, the formula is completely grain-free. This means it’s ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs. Because of our deep-chested builds, Goldendoodles like me can be more sensitive in the tummy area than some other dogs, and we might find grain more difficult to digest as a result.
Unfortunately, any of my Goldendoodle guys and gals with kidney problems may not be able to have this food. Because it’s so high in protein, researchers think it might actually be too much for fragile kidneys to handle.
Pros
- Combination of regional meats – Very high in protein
- Ranch-raised and wild-caught ingredients – Sustainably sourced
- High in Omega 3 – Preserves eye and heart health
- Grain-free – Suitable for sensitive dogs
Cons
- Not for dogs with kidney failure – Protein levels may be too high for damaged kidneys to process
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2. Best for Sensitive Goldendoodles: Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
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Going back to the subject of stomach sensitivity in Goldendoodles, I know that some of my friends need a special, grain-free diet. I once tried Merrick’s Grain-Free Dry Dog Food for myself, and even though Orijen’s Regional Red is still my favorite, I enjoyed every bite!
Merrick’s Grain-Free Chicken and Sweet Potato recipe is delicious and nutritious all at the same time. It contains lots of real chicken, of course, so it’s got all the protein a Goldendoodle like me needs for a long day of playing or working.
By using sweet potato as a fibrous substitute for grain, Merrick has introduced plenty of essential nutrients into this food. Many humans don’t know this, but sweet potato is an excellent source of iron, potassium, and calcium. All of these are crucial for keeping our energy levels up and our bones strong.
Plus, sweet potatoes have lots of vitamin A, C, and B12. These vitamins are vital for maintaining all parts of our bodies, from our blood cells and nerves to our brains, muscles, and immune systems.
This formula contains impressive levels of Omega 3 and 6, too, so this comprehensively nutritious food promotes repair and growth while supporting our immune systems.
Another huge bonus of the Merrick Grain-Free food is that it’s now available in a massive 22 lb bag! Nothing makes us Goldendoodles happier than a big supply of food – except maybe cuddling with our humans.
The downside here is that the new 22 lb bag is not resealable, which gave my human a headache trying to work out how to store it.
Pros
- Real chicken meat – High-quality protein
- Sweet potato – Packed with essential nutrients
- Grain-free – Suitable for allergic dogs
- High in Omega 3 and 6 – Growth, repair, and immune function
- Available in 22 lb bags – Ideal for bulk buying
Cons
- Bag not resealable – Not ideal for storage
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3. Best for Active Goldendoodles: VICTOR Purpose – Performance, Dry Dog Food
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As a therapy dog, I go wherever my human goes. This can take a lot of energy, depending on what her schedule looks like.
Some of my fellow Goldendoodles lead even more active lives than I do since we make great sporting dogs.
Super-active Goldendoodles, even more so than the average Goldendoodle, need an energy-fueled diet packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. For me and some of my sportier friends, Victor’s Purpose Performance dog food is the perfect sustenance at the beginning and end of a long day.
This food is suitable for dogs in all stages of life, especially those with high-intensity physical demands. It’s absolutely packed with animal proteins from pork, beef, and chicken meal and has added glucosamine and chondroitin to make sure our joints are always up for new challenges.
The Victor Performance formula is made using Victor’s unique VPRO ingredient blend. This consists of prebiotics and probiotics for healthy digestive and immune systems, selenium yeast for cell repair, metabolism and immune response, and mineral complexes for fur and skin.
However, the formula isn’t grain-free, so it’s not suitable for Goldendoodles with allergies or intolerances.
With that being said, the grains are gluten-free, so Goldendoodles who are specifically sensitive to gluten as opposed to grains, in general, can still try it.
Pros
- All life stages – Suitable for dogs of all ages
- Contains chicken, pork, and beef meal – High in animal protein
- Added glucosamine and chondroitin – Maintains joint health
- Unique VPRO blend – Promotes healthy skin, cell repair, immunity, and digestive health
- Gluten-free – Suitable for gluten-sensitive dogs
Cons
- Not grain-free – Not for dogs with grain allergies or intolerances
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4. Best for Goldendoodle Puppies: Nulo Freestyle Grain-Free Puppy Food
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I remember when I was a puppy! It was a simpler time – partly because my human fed me Nulo Freestyle’s Grain-Free Puppy Food!
The turkey flavor is my personal favorite, but the blend also comes in salmon flavor.
This food is formulated with everything a growing Goldendoodle puppy needs to thrive. It’s made from 80% real animal protein, which is perfect because puppies need to build up lean muscle from an early age.
The grain-free formula also contains Nulo’s patented BC30 probiotic, which promotes healthy bacteria in the digestive system while building metabolism and immune response.
Meanwhile, the added DHA supplement in this blend facilitates brain development when it matters most.
Additionally, Nulo’s puppy food is high in calcium and phosphorus for bone, blood, and nerve development.
However, this puppy food is admittedly on the expensive side. I think my human was secretly relieved when I got too old for it because the cost can add up over time, but I know she thought it was worth it – and I agree!
Pros
- Grain-free – Safe for sensitive puppies
- 80% animal protein – Promotes lean muscle development
- Patented BC30 probiotic – Promotes gut health, immune response, and metabolism
- Contains DHA supplement – Helps with brain development
- High in phosphorus and calcium – Important for bone, blood, and nerve development
Cons
- Relatively expensive – Not a budget brand
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5. Best for Senior Goldendoodles: Nutro Natural Choice Senior Dry Dog Food
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We all know you should never ask a lady’s age, but since we’re friends now, I don’t mind telling you that I’m 9 years old in human years.
That makes me about 60 in dog years (though I don’t feel a day over 30!) Anyway, because of my age, my human has started talking about switching me over to a senior diet.
Recently, we tried Nutro’s Natural Choice Senior Dry dog food, and I have to say, I was impressed!
This senior food blend is appropriate for dogs over the age of 7 years. The chicken and rice recipe contains high-quality chicken meat and meal, delivering plenty of lean protein.
Maintaining lean muscle gets even more important for Goldendoodles with age so that we can keep our strength up.
Another nutrient we Goldendoodles need a lot of as we mature is calcium. Goldendoodles are prone to arthritis, and hip dysplasia as we get older, and high-calcium food like this one can help to prevent this.
Senior Goldendoodles may also need some extra immune support. That’s why I love that this food is full of antioxidants that boost our immune systems and keep us fighting fit for longer.
Unfortunately, since this food does contain brown rice, it won’t be suitable for seniors with grain allergies.
Dogs who haven’t had any problems with grains before should be fine with this food, but humans should be aware that food sensitivities can come on at any stage in life, including old age.
Pros
- Senior blend – Suitable for dogs 7 years and over
- High-quality chicken – Lots of lean protein
- High in calcium – Maintains bone and joint health
- Optimal antioxidant content
Cons
- Not grain-free – Watch out for increased stomach sensitivity with age
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Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles Buyer’s Guide
As with any food for any dog, proper nutrition for Goldendoodles like me is key.
There isn’t too much difference between the average Goldendoodle’s diet and the recommended diet for most other dogs. However, we do need more energy on average than many other dog breeds.
For example, my friend Ermintrude the English Bulldog doesn’t need as much food as I do because she prefers to laze in the shade while I play fetch and tag.
Keep reading to find out more about what we Goldendoodles need from our food!
Proteins and Fats
The most important thing in a Goldendoodle’s diet is protein. Wherever possible, this should be natural animal protein, supplemented with meal if necessary.
Poultry like chicken and turkey is ideal for building up lean muscle at all life stages. Red meats like beef or even wild boar contain a lot of protein, too, but they’re also excellent sources of iron and Vitamin B12.
Fish, such as salmon, is also high in protein. In addition to this, it’s an excellent source of omega fatty acids, which are ‘good fats’ and antioxidants at the same time.
As I mentioned earlier, we Goldendoodles are at increased risk for heart disease, which omega fatty acids can help to prevent.
Carbohydrates and Fiber
Carbohydrates and fiber are also an important part of any Goldendoodle’s diet. We need that burst of energy before and after a long, active day.
However, our digestive systems can be quite sensitive, which means that we often need gentle forms of fiber, as opposed to grains, for energy and healthy digestion.
My personal favorite source of fiber is sweet potato. It’s filling, delicious, and has so many nutritional benefits! Every time I get to have sweet potato with my dinner, I know my eyes, nerves, and skin are all benefitting as a result.
Throughout our lives, but especially in early and late life stages, Goldendoodles like myself need plenty of calcium to keep our bones and joints strong.
Supplements
Moreover, Goldendoodle puppies can really benefit from nutritional supplementation. We’re related to both Poodles and Golden Retrievers – two of the smartest breeds in the world! So, to help us achieve our full potential from an early age, DHA supplements can be really helpful.
DHA is a fatty acid that is absolutely crucial for brain development, especially during early life stages. Providing your Goldendoodle puppy with dog food containing DHA is an easy and effective way to ensure that their brain structure develops correctly.
Goldendoodles who are especially active or advancing in age may need additional glucosamine and chondroitin to keep conditions like hip dysplasia in check.
It’s good to introduce these supplements before any potential health conditions make themselves known, but if your Goldendoodle has developed bone or joint problems, it’s never too late to introduce these nutrients!
Probiotics and prebiotics are essential for immune and digestive health and function. Prebiotics are basically microorganisms that keep our gut bacteria alive and healthy for optimal digestion.
Probiotics can actually enhance the number of healthy bacteria in the digestive system. By building up our digestive health, our immune systems are also strengthened, allowing us to live full and healthy lives!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Goldendoodles eat a lot?
Goldendoodles, on average, eat a lot compared to some breeds and not so much compared to others.
It’s also difficult to say for sure that one breed eats more than another because food and calorie intake also depends on age, weight, and build.
Generally speaking, Goldendoodles have healthy appetites because we’re such active dogs. For most Goldendoodles, a quantity of 1 to 4 cups of food per day, divided into 2 meals, should suffice.
How many cups you give us should depend on age and size and be based on a veterinarian’s advice.
Why is my Goldendoodle always hungry?
If you notice that your Goldendoodle seems to be hungry literally all of the time, it might be time to re-examine meal times and nutrition.
It could be the case that your Goldendoodle just really loves food. As long as they don’t seem distressed between mealtimes and aren’t wolfing down their meals at an alarming, you probably don’t have too much to worry about.
However, an excessive appetite can be an early warning sign of serious health conditions such as diabetes, so it’s always best to have any change in appetite checked out by a vet as early as possible.
Once health conditions have been ruled out, if your Goldendoodle is still inhaling their food at an unhealthy rate, there are a few methods you can try. It’s possible that your pup is just expending too much energy between meals and is, therefore, ravenous at dinner time.
You could try spacing food into multiple, smaller meals or using an automatic timer. You could even put obstacles around your dog’s food to force slower consumption.
Don’t give in to your Goldendoodle’s demands for more food. As I said earlier, we tend to have big appetites, and dogs are opportunistic eaters, meaning we will eat whatever is put in front of us. Therefore, it’s easy for us to put on too much weight too fast.
We know we can get grumpy when we don’t get treats, but we need you to be firm with us and keep us healthy.
