10 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles in 2024

About Goldendoodles

The Goldendoodle, a stellar combo of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, has rocketed in popularity lately. Though their looks can differ a ton, these big, fluffy buddies usually don’t leave fur everywhere. Keep reading to find out why snagging one of these pups might just be the best move for dog lovers.

It is a great family dog for the family that likes to be active and have fun, but there are a few things to think about before you go ahead and get one of these joyful dream dogs. The Goldendoodle’s diet is one example, as what you are feeding your Goldendoodle could have a direct impact on your new dog’s life length and average health. These are some of the best Goldendoodle foods currently available.

Our team has spent hours researching products to find the best dog food for Goldendoodles, read our in-depth reviews below. Learn more about our 10 point inspection checklist.

10 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

1. Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Recipe

Instinct by Nature’s Variety offers a selection of high-quality natural dry dog food. Perhaps the best that there is, and this Raw Boost recipe makes a luxury meal for dogs of all ages. It combines premium grain-free kibble with freeze-dried raw and deboned chicken, and it is a grain-free puppy food unlike any other.

The mix of dry and raw provides an explosion of flavor and nutrients – suitable for both puppies and adult Goldendoodles, which will help balance their activity levels and boost their health.

There are no fillers like corn or wheat, and instead, you get 100% nutrition tailored for the active dog. Instinct Nature’s Variety is suitable for dogs of all ages, including small- and medium-breed puppies.

Why We Like It – There is no other dog food company that mixes the top-rated dry dog kibble with the best raw dog food. While this is among the more expensive dry dog foods, it is also the absolute best dog food for Goldendoodles and other puppy breeds, and one you can’t go wrong with.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	4,427 kcal/kg (508 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	37.0% min
Crude Fat	20.5% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.35% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	3.2% min
Moisture	9.0% max
Selenium	0.6 mg/kg min
Vitamin E	120 IU/kg min

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2. Merrick Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Recipe

Merrick grain-free dog food contains leading levels of Glucosamine and Chondroitin, which both help promote bone health and pain-free joints. Many dog owners make the mistake of worrying about this only as symptoms present themselves, but with a natural grain-free quality dog food such as this product – you work to prevent issues instead of having to treat them later.

It is a Texas beef and sweet potato recipe that will keep your pup feeling full and satisfied for hours. It has fatty acids to keep that classic Goldendoodle coat looking shiny and feeling soft. The taste is so delicious that you can even use it for dog training, as treat rewards!

Merrick recipes are all made in the USA and follow the FDA standard. Their real Texas Beef and Sweet Potato recipe provides the perfect support for your dog’s overall health. With natural whole food ingredients like apples and blueberries that give balanced nutrition and easily digestible carbohydrates, this recipe is perfect for grain-sensitive pups.

Why We Like It – This is a great food for Goldendoodles thanks to promoting healthy skin and a shiny coat, something long-haired dogs may sometimes struggle with. The sweet potato adds a nice flavor twist that will appeal even to a picky eater.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,579 kcal/kg (379 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	34.0% min
Crude Fat	15.0% min
Crude Fiber	3.5% max
Taurine	0.17% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.7% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.8% min
Moisture	11.0% max
Glucosamine	800 mg/kg min

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3. Taste of the Wild Ancient Praire Recipe

Taste of the Wild is one of the dog food brands that offers several high-quality products for dogs. This one is slightly different, as the company decided to make a product that contains grains for dogs that don’t do well on a grain-free diet. This recipe will serve wonders for your Goldendoodle’s immune and overall health, all the while enjoying the scrumptious and rich flavor of pasture-raised bison and venison.

The difference here is that this product contains the same high-quality ingredients as Taste of the Wild High Prairie and other variations. But with ancient grains that will provide your furry friend vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients known to keep canines healthy and strong. Taste of the Wild Ancient Praire recipe contains ancient grains such as grain sorghum, millet, quinoa, and chia seeds which are fiber-rich and protein-rich.

Why We Like It – If you want your Goldendoodle to continue with grains in their diet, this is your obvious choice thanks to the decision to include ancient grains that are high quality and nutritious.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,719 kcal/kg (370 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	32.0 % min
Crude Fat	18.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Taurine	0.12% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.8% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.3% min
Moisture	10.0% max
Vitamin E	150 IU/kg min min

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4. Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat

This Diamond Naturals dog food for Goldendoodles is made especially to promote skin and coat health. It is an excellent option for dogs with dry coats or skin allergies. Also, it contains real salmon, healthy potatoes, and vegetables, and vitamins and minerals. All these ingredients are to make sure this kibble provides your dog with a 100% balanced and complete diet.

Diamond Naturals has guaranteed levels of probiotics and prebiotics to aid with digestion, amino acids that improve muscle strength, and a taste that has most dogs convinced in seconds. You won’t have to worry about any artificial additives, as – just like the brand name indicates, it comprises only natural ingredients.

Why We Like It – A premium dog food will always be better for skin and coat than a low-quality brand, but Diamonds has taken this a step further by providing dog owners with this kibble designed to make your dog both look good on the outside, and feel good on the inside.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,600 kcal/kg (337 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	25.0% min
Crude Fat	14.0% min
Crude Fiber	5.0% max
Taurine	0.12% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.5% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.4% min
Moisture	10.0% max
Vitamin E	150 IU/kg min

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5. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog

Wellness Core is probably a name you have heard before, and the quality of their products speaks for itself. This is a kibble packed with real turkey and chicken meal, making it extremely rich in healthy protein and natural antioxidants. It is made with ingredients that are also considered fit for human consumption, with no growth hormones, and no unnecessary fillers or artificial preservatives.

There is a feeding guide on the back of the packaging to help you know how much food your dog needs, and it suits all adult dogs including those who may gain weight easily. If you want nutritious dog food for an active Goldendoodle – Wellness has got you covered.

Why We Like It – The quality of the ingredients is important, and Wellness Core guarantees that each of their components lives up to the standards of food fit for human consumption. It is probably one of the best food for Goldendoodles, especially if yours is a picky eater, for their fiber-rich and probiotics that promote good digestive health.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,698 kcal/kg (417 kcal/cup ME)
Crude Protein	34.00% min
Crude Fat	16.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Taurine	0.12% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	3.25% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.5% min
Moisture	10.0% max
Vitamin E	400 IU/kg min

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6. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe

Products manufactured by Blue Buffalo are known for their premium quality, and regardless of whether you go with the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain, their Mountain recipe, or any of the other grain-free puppy or adult recipes – your Goldendoodle is likely to love it!

It contains small LifeSource bits packed with antioxidants, other vitamins, and minerals, and the food is completely free from gluten, fillers, and grain. It is tasty, nutritious, and packed with deboned beef, venison and lamb, and this particular variety has n chicken or poultry which is ideal for dogs that are sensitive or allergic.

Why We Like It – The LifeSource bits give this dog food a boost you won’t find in many other products, and it is a grain-free dog food that has it all.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,641 kcal/kg (393 kcal/cup)
Phosphorus	0.9 % Min
Calcium	1.4 % Min
Moisture	10.0 % Max
Glucosamine	400 mg/kg Min

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7. ACANA Regionals Protein-Rich, Real Meat

How do bones, organs, cartilage, and meat sound? Not so great? Your Goldendoodle will surely think so! This grain-free dog food is one of the best grain-free dry kibble available. It is Orijen’s somewhat more affordable sister brand (owned by the same company).

Acana dog food uses no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, no fillers, and animal by-products. All their ingredients are human grade and high in quality. Your dog gets to enjoy the benefits of delicious protein-rich meat, berries, vegetables, and fruit, with added vitamins and minerals.

It is considered a biologically appropriate diet for dogs of all ages and sizes, which is the perfect dog food for a Goldendoodle since they all are very physically different.

Why We Like It – Doog foods like this will make an almost instant difference for your Goldendoodle’s coat, skin, and overall health, and the flavor is unbeatable. More than that, this product offers nutritious and rich in fiber fresh, and raw vegetables which is beneficial dog food for a Goldendoodle.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3440 kcal/kg (392 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	33.00% min
Crude Fat	17.0% min
Crude Fiber	6.0% max
Calcium	1.4% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.5% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.6% min
Moisture	12.0% max
Glucosamine	500mg/kg min

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8. Kirkland Signature Nature’s Domain Puppy

Looking for Goldendoodle puppy food? Kirkland has created this grain-free recipe with the fatty acid DHA, which young puppies are used to getting from their mother’s milk, and it also has Omega-3 to support proper eye development and brain function in a growing young dog. You also get selenium and vitamin E – two essential antioxidants – which sets your new furry family member up for a healthy and long life.

It is a chicken recipe your Goldendoodle dog won’t be able to resist, and not only is it one of the best food for Goldendoodle puppies, but also one of the more affordable food brands. Starting your pup off right when it comes to nutrition could potentially help prevent health conditions such as hip dysplasia and autoimmune diseases.

Why We Like It – This grain-free recipe is one of the best puppy food that contains real chicken, omega fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, and it is rich in DHA from salmon oil, to boost the puppy’s defenses.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,650 kcals/kg (340 kcals/cup)
Crude Protein	27.00% min
Crude Fat	15.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.5% max
Calcium	1.2% min
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.80% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.50% min
Moisture	10.0% max
Phosphorus	1.0%

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9. WholeHearted Grain-Free Limited Ingredient

For Goldendoodles with allergies or other health issues, this limited ingredient formula could be what makes your Goldendoodle’s feeding a pleasant experience again. It contains probiotics and prebiotics known to promote improved digestion, and the ingredient list is short to make sure your pup is not exposed to any unnecessary components.

Each ingredient has been carefully chosen to serve a purpose, to make sure your fur friend gets all the nutrition he or she needs, despite being on a restricted diet. There are no grains, wheat, soy, artificial preservatives, or tapioca used in this delicious Goldendoodle dog food.

Why We Like It – What is so great about this natural dry dog food is that it has everything you can ask for in a limited ingredient recipe, yet the price is accessible and ideal for a dog owner on a budget.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3,600 kcal/kg (388 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	30.0% min
Crude Fat	15.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.5% max
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	2.5% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.4% min
Moisture	10.0% max
Vitamin E	150 IU/kg

10. Zignature Kangaroo Dry Dog Food

The best dog food for Goldendoodles will obviously be something that provides these furry lovable dogs with enough nutrients to stay healthy, and this kibble is rich in protein from exotic kangaroo (rich in vitamin B12) and pork, which helps your fur friend stay energized throughout the day.

How much protein natural dry dog food has affected everything from energy level, to coat quality and immune systems, making this an excellent source of nutrition for both puppies and Goldendoodle adults.

The limited ingredient formula helps treat and combat food allergies, and to restore the natural balances in the canine body to protect sensitive doggy stomachs. There are no potatoes and no grains and it is suitable for all life stages.

Why We Like It – You won’t find many foods for your Goldendoodle that contains kangaroo meat, but it could be the ideal source of protein for your furry family members, thanks to it being lean and nutritious meat that is gentle on sensitive stomachs, prevents weight gain and boosts both skin and coat.

Nutrition Information:

Caloric Content	3868 kcal/kg (396 kcal/cup)
Crude Protein	28.0% min
Crude Fat	15.0% min
Crude Fiber	4.0% max
Omega-6 Fatty Acids	5.5% min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	0.9% min
Moisture	10.0% max
Taurine	0.2% min

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BONUS: Nutro Wholesome Essentials

Another viable option for one of the best dog foods for your Goldendoodle is the NUTRO Wholesome Essentials Natural Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe. This product contains essential antioxidants and natural fiber ready to support your dog’s immune and digestive system. Its #1 ingredient is real chicken, a high-quality source of meat protein and omega fatty acids for the skin and coat health of your furry best friend.

What’s great about this pet food is that it’s made in the USA with quality ingredients from trusted farmers and suppliers. Also, this chicken and brown rice recipe do not contain any filler ingredients or chicken by-products. The quality control of NUTRO ensures that your Goldendoodle receives the proper nutrition they need to boost their overall health.

For more information, check out their product here.

Buyers Guide in Picking the Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles

Dog food is an important subject no matter what type of dog you have, as proper nutrition is crucial for a dog’s development and overall health. All dogs deserve premium dog food, and while you can easily learn which brands are good and which are less good – it gets a little more complicated.

Since not all dogs do well on the same food, no matter how good it is. A French Bulldog may need different nutrients than German Shepherds, as size, energy level and coat type all play a role in finding the ideal dog food for your fur friend.

This dog food review is all about Goldendoodles, and what pet food is best for your Goldendoodle puppy, your senior Goldendoodle, or your adult Goldendoodle. Here are a few things you should consider before making your decision:

Size

The size of your precious Goldendoodle probably depends on whether the Poodle that was thrown into the genetic mix was a Standard Poodle or a Miniature Poodle, so the first thing you will want to do is to look at the size of your own dog. Speaking of Poodles, you may want to take a look at the best dog food list for Poodles. A smaller Goldendoodle might require a smaller kibble size, for example, if chewing large kibble seems to be making them uncomfortable, and a very large Goldendoodle might be best off being fed dog food specifically made for a large breed. Size matters when it comes to dogs, and it can help you narrow down your options.

If your Goldendoodle is a puppy then it might be a little difficult to predict how big he or she will grow, but any high-quality puppy food should be a good option. Make sure you have a look at the ingredient list of the puppy food of your choice, to make sure the first ingredients are real meat and protein.

Coat Type

Here we have the same thing as above – the fact that no two Goldendoodles are generally the same, so take a look at your pup’s coat, as this, too, can help you find the best possible dog food for your fur friend. When you look for dog food for Goldendoodles, you want to make sure it does something for your dog, other than to just fill them up.

Wet food or dry food with the right vitamins and minerals can make or break a dog’s coat – literally, so if your pooch has long hair you will want food with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as these promote soft and healthy skin and a shiny coat. Fatty acids are commonly found in for example fish.

Activity Level

A very active Goldendoodle is even more dependant on high-protein dog food than a dog that prefers to snooze on the couch. This is because an active dog uses all its energy very fast – energy that needs to be replaced, so consider your pup’s activity level before you purchase dog food.

If your dog accompanies you for regular hikes, does dog sports, or works alongside you, then he or she definitely needs a premium kibble or wet food with high-quality meat content.

The first ingredient should be a named meat product, preferably followed by a quality meat meal, as these are very high in protein. There are so many adult foods to choose from, but it is worth the extra time it takes to find the best one.

Age

Puppies should generally be fed dry or wet dog food designed for puppies and young dogs, as this helps regulate their growth and provide them with nutrients to aid brain development and more.

You could also opt for feeding a kibble or canned food for all life stages, but these may not be suitable for a very large Goldendoodle puppy. If unsure, it is generally best to pick a puppy food to feed your youngster.

An adult dog should not be fed puppy dog food unless it is a lactating female or an underweight dog that desperately needs to gain weight. Feed your adult Goldendoodle an adult dog food or food for all life stages, and consider switching to a senior dog food once your Goldendoodle reaches the age of 7-8.

Health Issues

Other aspects to consider when you look for dog food is whether your Goldendoodle has any known health issues, such as allergies or food sensitivities. A Goldendoodle with a sensitive stomach could benefit from being fed a limited ingredient recipe, as these are made with fewer ingredients, to hopefully eliminate whatever it is that is bothering your dog.

Chicken is also a protein known to be an irritant to some dogs, and a dog that has itchy skin or other allergy symptoms could be sensitive to chicken, so try another main protein source to see what happens.

Can I feed my Goldendoodle human food?

Dogs can eat many human foods (but not all), however, it is unwise to replace kibble or wet food with human food, unless you know exactly what and how much to give them, as nutritional deficiencies can be life-threatening. Unless you are an expert, it is better to invest in quality dog food.

Is grain-free dry puppy food good for Goldendoodles?

Experts indicate that a grain-free diet is a better option for many dogs, due to being closer to what a dog would have eaten in the wild, before becoming domesticated. All dogs are different though, and many dog owners prefer to feed some grains. The most important thing is to choose a quality product and to avoid commercial brands.

Conclusion

Sharing your home with a Goldendoodle is quite a blessing, as there are few dog breeds as adorable, loving, fluffy, and soft as a Goldendoodle. If you think this is the dog for you, keep learning more about Goldendoodles. Breed-specific dog food for the Goldendoodle does not yet exist, but there are many fantastic brands like Wellness Core Natural, Blue Buffalo, Solid Gold, American Journeys, and Taste of the Wild to choose from, and knowing what separates a premium food from a commercial dog food will help you get the best for your (very) furry friend.

Expert Tip

Give your dog some time to adjust to his or her new dog food, and don’t be surprised if you don’t see the desired results right away.

Did You Know

Many Goldendoodles have inherited desirable traits from the Poodle, such as no shedding and potentially being hypoallergenic! This, however, is not true for all Goldendoodles.