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Goldendoodles are an incredibly popular mixed breed, perhaps the most popular of all the Doodles. Since they first appeared in the United States in the 1990s, the mixed breed of Poodle and Golden Retriever has only risen in popularity. Owners immediately fall in love with these furry, adorable fluff balls and devote themselves to providing the best care. One of the best ways owners provide for their Goldendoodles (also called Groodles) is by ensuring they have a balanced, nutritious diet throughout every phase of life.
Finding the best food for Goldendoodles is a challenge, as the sheer volume of choices is intimidating. This is especially true because this mixed breed has some common food allergies, which can impact what food works best. Poodle mixes like the Groodle are also prone to sensitive stomachs, which is common among Poodle hybrids. Finding the right chow for these lovable dogs is a big priority for owners. Luckily, we have found the best dog food for Goldendoodles to help you choose the best and healthiest meals for your sweet pup.
At A Glance: Our Top Picks
Contents
Note: All of the dog foods we’ve included in our reviews meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines, are made in North America, and contain no fillers, by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.
Nutritional Needs For Goldendoodles
Goldendoodles reach between 60 and 90 more pounds on average and stand 17 to 22+ inches at the shoulder. Males are slightly larger. However, much of a Groodle’s size depends on the type of Poodle parent they have. Because the mixed breed has at least one large-sized parent breed, protein is vital to a healthy diet. This breed should eat high-quality animal protein, such as chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, and beef. They should have a diet that includes both dry and wet foods. Stay away from foods with fillers and those that boost with plant protein.
Goldendoodles are prone to have sensitive stomachs. They often develop bloat and food sensitivities that cause digestive concerns. Not all their health issues are diet-related, but top-quality nutrition is key to this breed’s overall health and well-being. Here are some ways a healthy diet benefits your Goldendoodle’s health throughout his lifetime. Keep this in mind with any Poodle mix.
Healthy Weight
Keeping your Goldendoodle at a healthy weight is incredibly important. This mixed breed is not prone to obesity but can become overweight if they overeat or eat a diet high in bad fats. Additionally, the Golden Retriever is a breed that is at the top of the list for excess eating, weight gain, and obesity. Both parent breeds can be prone to developing hip dysplasia, so a diet rich in high-quality, healthy ingredients can lower the risk of this condition developing. Healthy nutrition also lowers the risk of other diseases like cancer, heart disease, arthritis, allergies, and skin conditions.
Heart Disease
Unfortunately, Groodles are genetically predisposed to heart diseases. Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is a common condition affecting the breed. Affected canines are born with an extremely narrow aortic valve, which leads to heart obstruction. This means the heart must work overtime.
Allergies
Goldendoodles are prone to some food allergies, especially dairy, wheat, and grains. Though they need animal proteins, some, like beef, can be problematic. Soy, eggs, lamb, and chicken are also on the list of foods this mixed pup is prone to have a sensitivity or allergy to. Food allergies can present as gastrointestinal symptoms, skin irritation, weakness, seizures, and aggressiveness, among other behaviors. Additionally, food allergies can cause common symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, coughing, snoring, restlessness, and anxiety.
Gastric Torsion – Bloat
This trait comes from her Golden Retriever parent. When dogs eat or drink a large amount very quickly, the stomach becomes too full and can push on other organs causing canine bloat. It can also cause tears in the stomach, respiratory distress, and in severe cases, cause the stomach to twist, which can be fatal.
Beyond Basic Ingredients
Dog food should always include protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, omega fatty acids, taurine, and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Along with the basic building blocks, many commercial dog foods add additional components that boost their nutritional content and support canine health in different ways. We have included some below. Keep an eye out for these on product labels.
- Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients that support immune and digestive health.
- Fish and flaxseed oil provide omega-3 and 6 fatty acids that help skin and coat health, eye development, immune system health, and brain development and health.
- Taurine is important, as it promotes overall health, specifically cardiovascular, eye, and brain health and immune system function.
Meat meals are added to provide protein, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate, which strengthen healthy muscles and joints. Meals are often made from organ meats which provide protein, fat, vitamins, and iron. Things like chia seeds are added to boost protein, fiber, potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, and more.
Best Dog Food For Goldendoodles
Understanding your Goldendoodle’s nutritional needs helps you make informed and healthier choices for your pet’s diet.
Best Overall: (For All Life Stages and Sizes) The Farmer’s Dog
For many reasons, The Farmer’s Dog is our top pick overall for Goldendoodles. First, it is made from the highest quality, fresh, human-grade ingredients. Recipes use whole food protein, fruits, and vegetables and contain no fillers or artificial elements. No grains, corn, soy, or preservatives are used. Along with the high quality of ingredients, The Farmer’s Dog will personalize your dog’s meal plan for her specific life stage and dietary needs. Owners create a personalized profile, and the company takes it from there to create a specialized meal plan. This is very helpful as they take the hard work out of it to ensure Goldendoodles of any age and life stage get the ideal nutrition and portion size.
The Farmer’s Dog uses recipes developed by board-certified American College of veterinary nutritionists, and all meals meet AAFCO guidelines for all life stages. All meals are prepared in USDA-certified kitchens and are made fresh to maintain whole food and nutritional integrity. Recipes come in beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. The chicken recipe is a top choice for Goldendoodles.
First five ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
Formula highlights: developed by board-certified American College of Veterinary Nutrition experts, the dog profile takes 15+ different health issues into account, personalized plans,
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 11.5% (min); crude fat 8.5% (min); crude fiber 1.5% (max)
Calories: 590 calories per pound
Price: starting at $2.00 per day
Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link, and the discount will be applied! You can also visit our dedicated The Farmer’s Dog coupons page.
Full Review Of The Farmer’s Dog
Best Goldendoodle Puppy Food
Your Goldendoodle puppy needs a diet high in animal protein and plenty of healthy fats. Puppies need more calories to support their rapid growth. Because Groodles reach medium to large size, a large breed puppy formula is best. Your pup will need to stay on puppy chow until she reaches about 15 to 18 months old.
Orijen Puppy Large
Orijen Large Breed Puppy is a top choice because every recipe has fresh or raw animal proteins as the first five ingredients. The company also uses Wholeprey animal ingredients such as meat, organs, cartilage, and bone. The recipe is formulated after a canine’s ancestral diet. Puppy food contains 85% premium animal ingredients. The inclusion of fish protein means it is packed with omega fatty acids.
This is a grain-free formula, making it easier to digest. It is full of lean proteins and omega fatty acids. It is also gluten-free and high in fiber. The recipe includes whole pinto beans, lentils, whole peas, navy beans, chickpeas, and dehydrated pumpkin instead of hard-to-digest grains. Orijen makes another premium large breed kibble, High Protein, Amazing Grains Large Breed Puppy for pet parents who want grain-inclusive.
First five ingredients: chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver (also includes turkey giblets, whole herring, eggs, and dehydrated proteins)
Formula highlights: 15 fresh or raw elements, Wholeprey diet, grain-free with omega fatty acids (from the salmon meal and flaxseed), glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and probiotics
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 38% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
Calories: 340 kcal/cup
Price: $99.99 25 lb. bag
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is a grain-inclusive recipe. Uses no GMOs, meat by-products, artificial preservatives, or fillers. Formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support. Recipes include fresh proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Wellness works to support five signs of well-being in dogs: energy, skin & coat, immunity, digestive health, eyes, teeth, and gums.
This is a recipe formulated to support whole-body health and provide proteins from three high-quality sources. Formulated to support muscle growth without any fillers, corn, wheat, or soy. Includes spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and other high-quality fruits and vegetables. A great, affordable kibble choice for your Groodle pup.
First five ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, ground brown rice, salmon meal.
Formula highlights: natural ingredients and super nutrients, fresh meat is always the first ingredient. Five signs of well-being include omega fatty acids, DHA, antioxidants, beta carotene, glucosamine, probiotics, and more.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 29% (min); crude fat 13% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
Calories: 367 kcal/cup
Price: $79.99 30 lb. bag
Stella & Chewy’s Puppy Prairie Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble
Stella & Chewy’s Puppy Prairie Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble is an exceptional choice for Goldendoodle puppies. The protein-rich backed kibble is made with cage-free chicken and covered in a freeze-dried raw coating. Kibble is gently oven baked for less processing. Adds the power and taste of raw meals to your puppy’s diet.
The recipe is low in carbohydrates with no fillers. Includes six animal protein sources: cage-free chicken and turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck. Smaller bites, so it is easy for puppies to chew. Grain-free, very easy to digest, and packed with real meat flavor. Includes fiber and probiotics for digestion and taurine for heart health. Natural ingredients are blended together to help support whole body health without comparing nutritional value or taste.
First five ingredients: chicken, turkey, chicken meal, barley, oatmeal
Formula highlights: raw coated kibble, nutrient-dense, whole prey ingredients. 82% animal proteins from animal sources, salmon oil for DHA
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 36% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
Calories: 447 kcal/cup
Price:
Check Amazon for availability
21 lb. bag
Best Dog Food For Mini Goldendoodles
A Mini Goldendoodle is smaller than the standard. They have a Miniature Poodle parent and weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. These pups need top-quality nutrition but do not need the extra boost of fat, proteins, and calories from large-breed kibbles.
Ollie Fresh
Ollie is another fresh, human-grade meal option. Owners are given four recipes to choose from. Recipes are all-natural, using fresh ingredients with no preservatives or fillers. Meal plans are formulated based on a dog’s age, breed, activity levels, allergy, and ideal weight. All human-grade meals are made in the United States and contain no soy, corn, or wheat. Meats are sourced from family-run farms in the U.S. and Australia. Meets are sourced from family-run farms located in Australia and the U.S., and all recipes meet the guidelines set by the AAFCO.
Ollie offers four protein-packed fresh recipes: beef, chicken, turkey, and lamb. The fresh turkey recipe includes blueberries, kale, carrots, and pumpkin. The recipe is full of meat, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, including beta-carotene, potassium, and more. Ollie also offers baked kibble, so owners can create a fully personalized plan just for their pup.
First five ingredients: turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, turkey liver, oats
Formula highlights: nutrient recipes made with organ meat, all-natural, boost digestion, energy, immunity, skin and coat, and overall health.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 11% (min); crude fat 7% (min); crude fiber 2% (max)
Calories: 590 kcal per lb.
Price: varies, starts at $8.00 per day
Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Raw Coated Salmon
Merrick is a favorite brand for premium kibble. This raw-coated salmon kibble offers balanced nutrition and appealing raw flavor. Deboned salmon is the first ingredient, making it protein rich and easy to digest. No peas, potatoes, or lentils. Freeze-dried raw coating, high-quality protein, healthy grains, and top-quality ingredients. A balanced kibble that offers support for whole body health.
Chow is made in the U.S. and is packed with flavor. The extra boost of raw keeps dogs happy and ready for more. Raw taste in the convenience of kibble. A great choice for all ages and those with sensitive stomachs.
First five ingredients: deboned salmon, salmon meal, brown rice, chicken meal, barley
Formula highlights: a unique blend of whole grains to aid digestion, freeze-dried, raw coating, omega-3 and -6 fatty acids for skin health, and a glossy coat, glucosamine, and chondroitin to promote joint health.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 28% (min); crude fat 15% (min); crude fiber 3.5% (max)
Calories: 392 kcal/cup
Price: $82.00 22 lb. bag
Canidae Grain Free Pure
Canidae makes several offerings. This one with salmon and sweet potatoes is a top choice for Goldendoodles and mini Groodles. This recipe is especially good for the mini Goldendoodle as it is easy to digest and has limited ingredients. Grain-free and includes no corn, wheat, soy, or fillers. This recipe contains only 8 whole-food ingredients. Canidae focuses on using premium sustainable ingredients and works closely with regenerative farmers.
This formula uses simple whole foods. Includes a blend of probiotics, antibiotic students, and omega-3 fatty acids. Free of soy, corn, wheat, and fillers, this is perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs and digestive problems. This is a protein-packed, flavor-intensive, easy-to-digest kibble. This is best for adults and is designed to support skin and coat, immune system, heart health, healthy joints, and digestion.
First five ingredients: salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, sweet potatoes, peas
Formula highlights: fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 32% (min); crude fat 14% (min); crude fiber 4.5% (max)
Calories: 459 kcal/cup
Price: $72.00 24 lb. bag
Best Affordable Food For Goldendoodle
Budget is a significant factor in the type and brand of dog food owners buy. The good news is that there are plenty of high-quality, very affordable options for owners who are looking for budget-conscious foods for their Goldendoodle.
Nature’s Recipe
Nature’s Recipe is a top-of-the-line, very affordable choice. This recipe gets its protein from real salmon, chicken meal, and chicken fat. Salmon is a high-quality animal source that supports optimal muscle strength, brain development, and skin and code health. Full of omega-3 and Omega six fatty acids from the fish, as well as antioxidants and vitamin E supporting healthy immune systems. This recipe also includes taurine for healthy hearts. This grain-free recipe uses no wheat, soy, or corn. Recipes are simple, use real ingredients, and get real flavor. The company also makes savory stews and gravy-laden entrees to add extra moisture and flavor. Uses no artificial colors, preservatives, fake flavors, or poultry by-products. This kibble does come in a chicken option for pets who prefer that. It also features sweet potato and pumpkin to boost healthy digestion.
Though this is a lower-priced option, it is high in quality and flavor. The grain-free recipe and salmon as an animal meat source make it easily digestible, which is very important for the Goldendoodle. It has a high quality, fishy flavor, as well as other nutrients, including taurine, for heart health.
First five ingredients: salmon, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, Canola meal
Formula highlights: grain-free recipe with no corn, wheat, or soy, developed to support the immune system, healthy heart, and muscle strength
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25% (min); crude fat 12% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
Calories: 330 kcal/cup
Price:
24 lb. bag
Rachel Ray Nutrish Real Chicken And Veggies
Rachael Ray Nutrish is another wonderful option at a very affordable price. This recipe uses real chicken as the first ingredient and has been recently revamped to be even more nutritious and delicious. This food is developed to support a healthy mind, body, and energy level. Recipe maintains healthy organs, lean muscle mass, healthy digestion, an active mind, and a healthy body. This food has no fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or unnecessary added elements. The recipe does contain grains but is gluten-free. Works best for adults.
This natural, dry dog food is best for adults and has added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Rachael Ray Foundation to support animals in need. This recipe uses real chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat as sources of protein.
First five ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, soybean meal, grain sorghum, dried peas
Formula highlights: simple recipe, high-quality ingredients, no fillers, developed to support whole body health, gluten-free, with limited grains, added vitamins, and minerals to support a healthy mind and body.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 23% (min); crude fat 13% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
Calories: 355 kcal/cup
Price:
$48.98 ($24.49 / Count)
28 lb. bag
Best Food For Goldendoodles With Sensitive Stomach
Goldendoodles can be prone to sensitive stomachs. They often develop allergies and food sensitivities and are also prone to bloating. A sensitive stomach can include uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas. This sensitive stomach often occurs because they are deep-chested dogs.
If you suspect your Goldendoodle has a food intolerance or is allergic to environmental factors, you may want to consider an at-home dog allergy test to identify the culprit. Owners simply send a saliva or hair sample to the company’s lab, and the results take a few weeks. You can compare these results with your vet to help identify other possible irritants.
Spot & Tango
Spot & Tango offers an option for owners that provides top-quality taste and nutrition, like fresh meals, in a shelf-stable product. Spot & Tango’s Unkibble is made from human-grade meats, veggies, fruits, and fresh starches that are dehydrated under low temperatures. Foods are all sourced from local farms and human food suppliers.
The cod and salmon grain-free recipe contains whole food ingredients, including sweet potatoes, carrots, strawberries, and pumpkins. Recipes are developed by a certified vet nutritionist. Spot & Tango also works on the personalization plan and develops a package based on your dog’s specific age, weight, and health concerns.
Recipes use real meats only, fresh, whole foods, and no artificial additives, colors, or flavors. This is a fantastic option for dogs needing dry food that offers top-quality nutrition without fillers or over-processed elements. Kibble is available in cod and salmon, beef and barley, and chicken and brown rice flavor.
First five ingredients: chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples
Formula highlights: clean, fresh, dry food made with limited ingredients, no additives, artificial preservatives for all life stages, and real food elements in radically simple recipes.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 26.58% (min); crude fat 16.43% (min); crude fiber 2.50% (max)
Calories: 3921 kcal/kg
Price: starts at $1.00 a meal
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Stomach
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a popular, easy-to-digest dog food. This kibble is recommended by many veterinarians for dogs who suffer from food sensitivities. It contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. All recipes contain real animal meats and are fortified with probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
The salmon and rice formula is a fantastic choice of dry kibble for dogs that suffer from sensitive stomachs. It is a high protein formula made with fish oil as well as salmon, providing rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids to support joint health. Sunflower oil provides Omega 6 to support healthy skin and a glossy coat. The kibble is high in antioxidants to support the immune system, as well as includes easily digestible oatmeal to support healthy intestinal bacteria.
First five ingredients: salmon, barley, rice, oatmeal, canola meal
Formula highlights: easy-to-digest ingredients, with real animal protein from nutrient-rich salmon, highly digestible, fortified with prebiotic fiber, Omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and more.
Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 26% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
Calories: 467 kcal/cup
Price:
$91.58 ($2.23 / lb)
30 lb. bag
Should I Consider A Hip & Joint Supplement?
Goldendoodles are prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia. You may want to consider adding a daily joint supplement to your Goldendoodles diet. There are many different supplements to choose from. The best joint supplements for dogs work to help maintain joints and healthy dogs, provide supportive care and work to improve joint health, as well as relieve stiffness, inflammation, and pain. Before adding any supplement, you should discuss with your veterinarian ticket an idea of what specific supplement will work best for your Goldendoodle.
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