Last Updated: 05/06/2025

Vet Picks: Best Food for Golden Retrievers

See our vets selection of premium foods to suit your Goldie's needs.

Author: Dr Brittany Ward BVSc

Reading Time: 50 minutes - long read

There is nothing quite like the majestic and loveable Golden Retriever. They are an ever popular breed known for their sweet disposition and glowing smiles. They are often full of energy, and love outdoor play, the water, and, of course, their food! While it might be easy to find a diet your Golden likes, you also need to ensure you are offering a premium quality diet that keeps the smile on their face and the spring in their step throughout their lifetime.

While owning a breed that loves food can have it benefits for training, it also means they can be prone to weight gain. So it is important to ensure your Golden Retriever is getting the right food to nourish them and satisfy their hunger without packing on the pounds.

As a large breed dog, choosing the right food can ensure they grow at the correct rate to avoid joint problems developing, and support their joints in adulthood and their senior years. Large breeds especially need a balanced and complete diet that is tailored for the nutritional requirement of their size, particularly for ingredients like calcium and phosphorus. The Golden retriever also has a gorgeous coat that benefits from a diet that offers nutritional supplements for their skin and coat.

Health Conditions: When choosing a diet, it is essential to ensure you have considered any health conditions your pet may have been diagnosed with. If your Golden Retriever does have a health condition, then your veterinarian should be your first point of call for dietary recommendations. In some cases, there may be a prescription diet that is most suited to manage your dog's condition. For health support, there are a range of non-prescription, therapeutic options designed to prevent certain conditions or accommodate your Golden Retriever's specific needs.
Complete and Balanced: After considering health conditions, the most important factor in deciding on the right diet is choosing an option that is nutritionally balanced and complete for your Golden Retriever's age. Ensuring that it meets AAFCO or FEDIAF pet food control guidelines is crucial to ensure that your dog receives all the nutrients they require in the correct ratios.
Age: Dogs of different ages have very different nutritional requirements. Golden Retriever puppies require a high protein and energy diet with a carefully balanced calcium: phosphorus ratio to allow controlled growth and prevent joint development abnormalities. Senior Golden Retrievers are often less active, have a slower metabolism and are prone to joint disease, which means that they require fewer calories and less fat, but an easily digestible diet, to help them maintain good body condition alongside a good joint supplement.
Quality: An essential factor to consider should be the quality of the ingredients and the digestibility of the nutrients provided by the diet. Premium diets are designed to be highly digestible (which means smaller, firmer stools) and do not change ingredients batch to batch like supermarket type brands, which means less tummy upsets. They also tend to contain higher levels of added beneficial nutrients, such as omega fatty acids for joint and coat health, and some are backed by testing to ensure they deliver the results they promise. Learning how to read pet food labels and knowing the ingredients in your dog's food is a crucial part of knowing what is the best food for them.

How we review our products

Our Vet team use their health and husbandry knowledge, along with their own personal and clinical experiences to evaluate each product and provide detailed, informative reviews, free of any commercial bias. We then collate this information into our 'best of' recommendations.

Top Golden Retriever food in Australia [Vet Reviewed]

Best overall range

Royal Canin Golden Retriever

Pros

Uniquely tailored breed-specific diet with both puppy and adult formulations available
High content of omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA to support healthy skin and coat
Inclusion of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joints
Adapted calorie content to prevent weight gain and support for cardiac function
Exclusive kibble shape and size that encourages dogs to chew their food and slow down eating

Cons

More expensive option than a large breed dry food
Currently no senior diet or wet food option available

Why we love it

The Royal Canin Golden Retriever range is tailored to the specific nutritional needs of Golden Retrievers. It takes into consideration the most common health conditions seen in the breed and the support their diet needs to provide to keep them looking their best. It utilises multiple sources of omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA to support the skin barrier, add shine to the coat and support joints, alongside glucosamine and chondroitin. Omega fatty acids, along with taurine, also provide support for cardiac function. They even considered the tendency of Goldens to guzzle their food and their propensity towards Bloat and GDV by designing a kibble shape and size that slows down their eating.

The Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy food has the added benefit of ingredients like beet pulp for healthy digestion and anti-oxidants for immune system support. The addition of Yucca extract is also included and beneficial for reducing faecal odour while improving consistency. The combination of both the puppy and adult foods allows for an easy transition and convenience of a diet range from birth to senior.

What our customers say

"My two goldies love this food and we love knowing we're feeding them the best nutrition. Nothing is more important than our pets' health. A small price to keep them happy and bouncy. We have it on auto repeat."

Best adult food

ADVANCE Adult Retrievers

Pros

Tailored diet for adult Retrievers and large breed dogs including Goldens and Labradors
Green lipped mussel powder included for joint support
Adapted calorie content and L-carnitine to support a healthy weight
Sodium tripolyphosphate and unique kibble shape to reduce plaque and tartar buildup
Enhanced Zinc and Linoleic Acid levels to nourish skin and coat
Australian made and source chicken and salmon based diet

Cons

Inclusion of chicken means it may not be suitable for dogs with food allergies
Cheaper breed specific diet option

Why we love it

The ADVANCE Breed Group Diets are a great diet option that tailors it's nutrition to the health requirements of a specific breed, while allowing the flexibility of application to similar breeds and crossbreeds. They use science based nutrition to provide support for a wide range of health conditions seen in Golden Retrievers and similar breeds, including joint support, healthy skin and coat and sensitive digestion. It even addresses less common health concerns like dental disease and heart disease. It also offers owners the reassurance of being an Australian made and sourced diet option.

What our customers say

"As a breeder of Golden Retrievers I highly recommend this product to my puppy buyers for when their puppy has reached adulthood, they don't get overweight and grow the most beautiful healthy gleaming coats"

Best grain free adult food

Wellness Core Grain Free Large Breed

Pros

High quality, high meat content diet for large breed dogs
Hypoallergenic diet option using natural ingredients
No artificial preservatives, colours or flavours
Omega fatty acids and Vitamin E included to nourish skin and coat
Naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Provides Probiotics to support a healthy digestive tract

Cons

Bag isn't re-sealable
Expensive diet option compared to other large breed diets
Turkey and chicken based, so may not be suitable for pets with allergies

Why we love it

Wellness Core is a naturally sourced, premium quality diet that uses a high animal protein, primal diet as the basis of their recipes. They provide nutritional balance through other natural ingredients like fresh fruit and vegetables, vitamins and minerals, but meat is always the first ingredient. To tailor their diet to larger breeds, like the Golden Retriever, there is added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support, L-carnitine and lower fat for lean body mass and omega fatty acids, Zinc and Vitamin E for nourishing the skin and coat. As a somewhat uncommon inclusion, this diet has probiotics as well as prebiotics, helping to boost a healthy gut microbiome and improve overall digestive health.

What our customers say

"My dog has never looked better and he has tons of energy. You can see how much he gets out of this food. Also it looks expensive but I need to feed less kibble and he maintains a great weight."

Best puppy food

Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed

Pros

Highly digestible, quality ingredients tailored to the nutritional needs of large breed puppies
Glucosamine and omega fatty acids for joint and skin health
Live probiotics included for healthy digestive system and less tummy upsets
Inclusion of colostrum and proven antioxidants for immune system support
More cost effective premium quality brand

Cons

Only available in one bag size (15kg)

Why we love it

Pro Plan is the premium nutrition, science backed food range from Purina. These diets are a cut above with premium quality, traceable ingredients and tailored nutrition for breed sizes and health conditions. The Large Breed puppy food uses chicken as the number one ingredient with the inclusion of Glucosamine and omega fatty acid for joint health, a carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus ratio for controlled bone growth and omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Pro Plan places a heavy focus on digestive health, knowing that puppies are prone to gut upsets, with easily digestible ingredients and live probiotics to boost the microbiome. Pro Plan also includes colostrum to boost your growing puppy's immune system.

What our customers say

"My 32kg puppy seems to be thriving on Pro Plan large puppy. He is very healthy and happy and his coat is shining. I loved the prompt delivery service and the price was very competitive. Much easier than buying from a pet shop."

Best natural puppy food

Ivory Coat Grain Free Puppy Large Breed

Pros

All natural, grain free diet with Lamb as the primary ingredient
NZ Green Lipped Mussel to support joints
Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
Highly digestible ingredients with the inclusion of pre-biotics and fibre for health digestion
Provides immune support through antioxidants
Australian-made and sourced diet

Cons

Contains chicken fat so may not be suitable for pups with allergies
Relatively small kibble size for a large breed food

Why we love it

Ivory Coat Large Breed puppy strives to provide an all natural, Australian made, nutritionally balanced and complete, grain free diet that is free from preservatives, artificial colours and flavours. It contains a high volume of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, as well as brain development. Antioxidants from superfoods like Kale and Blueberries are used to boost the immune system, while natural prebiotics and fibres, alongside high quality ingredients promote healthy digestion. Being a Large Breed Puppy food, it also includes Green Lipped Mussel to support joints. As an added bonus Yucca extract was incorporated to control that all important faecal odour!

Ivory Coat also offers a natural, holistic diet option that is not grain free: Large Breed Puppy Turkey and Brown Rice and a Puppy Lamb and Brown Rice Loaf wet food.

What our customers say

"My puppy Billie loves this food! We made the switch to Ivory Coat as she had really itchy skin, after a few weeks the itching has reduced, her coat is shiny and healthy, and she's happy and healthy! She's growing nicely and loves her meal times (but she's a lab so that's not surprising). Would definitely recommend this food."

Best senior diet

Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+

Pros

Highly digestible ingredients and added fibre support for healthy digestion
Sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
EPA, DHA and antioxidants to fight ageing
Unique kibble shape and flavour to tempt fussy eaters

Cons

A more expensive food
Only one packaging size
Not made in Australia

Why we love it

This is a premium quality, highly digestible diet specifically designed for large breed seniors. It has added ingredients to support joint health, a healthy skin and coat and the inclusion of antioxidants to back the immune system and fight cognitive decline in ageing dogs. The kibble shape is uniquely designed to encourage larger breeds to chew and the texture and flavour are designed to tempt even the fussiest eaters. The high digestibility and increased fibre levels are designed to support the slower metabolism in senior pets.

The Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8 Plus is preceded by the Royal Canin Maxi Adult 5 Plus to offer a better range of diets suitable for large breed dogs, who may start to show signs of ageing sooner. Large breed dogs are often considered senior after 5 years of age, and Royal Canin has broken this senior phase into two diets to tailor to their needs throughout their life. Royal Canin Adult 5 Plus includes joint support, omega fatty acids and high fibre content like Ageing 8 Plus, but also has added ingredients for dental health by binding salivary calcium to prevent tartar.

What our customers say

"My girl absolutely loves it! And I love the kibble size, she was always choking on the smaller nibbles cause she wasn't chewing. But with these she has to chew it! 10/10 would recommend"

Best joint support diet

Hill's Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed

Pros

Includes multiple joint support ingredients: Omega Fatty Acids, Glucosamine, Chondroitin
Balanced minerals for bone strength
L-carnitine to aid with lean muscle mass
Antioxidants for immune support
Lower fat option to support weight loss

Cons

A more expensive food
Velcro seal may not be reliable
Limited packaging sizes

Why we love it

The Hills Science Diet Healthy Mobility Large Breed is designed specifically for joint support and has been proven in clinical trials to improve mobility in 30 days. Hills back all their diets and ingredients with scientific testing to assure the food is achieving exactly what it claims to do. This diet is packed with multiple joint supplements, including omega fatty acids for inflammation reduction, glucosamine and chondroitin as the building blocks of healthy cartilage and balanced minerals, like calcium to keep bones strong. Knowing that obesity is linked to joint problems and the two are commonly seen together, the formula is also low in fat and contains L-carnitine to boost metabolism and promote lean muscle mass. This is all bundled up with premium quality ingredients in a nutritionally balanced and complete diet.

What our customers say

"Love this product, my two 10 yo golden retrievers have been transformed on this diet. Thank you Hills for this amazing product, my dogs love you for it!"

Best weight management diet

Eukanuba Fit Body Weight Control Large Breed

Pros

Premium quality, highly digestible, more cost effective diet option
Low fat diet with 27% less fat that adult diet
L-Carnitine included to support weight control
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for joint support
Omega fatty acids and DHA for healthy skin and coat
DHA and antioxidants for healthy brain function
Higher fibre content to promote a feeling of satiety

Cons

Only two bag sizes available
Packaging isn't re-sealable

Why we love it

The Eukanuba FIt Body Weight Control Large Breed is science-backed, premium quality diet option for a Golden Retriever prone to weight gain or that is a little bit on the chubby side. They provide opportunity for weight management by offering a low fat, high fibre diet with added L-carnitine for lean body weight. There is added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support knowing that additional weight increases the likelihood of arthritis. They also provide omega fatty acids, DHA and antioxidants for healthy skin, coat and brain. Combined with Eukanuba's DentaDefense kibble design which has Veterinary Oral Health Council approval for tartar prevention makes it a complete food option that covers all bases.

What our customers say

"This food is great. My golden retriever lost weight and she looks great, so lean and healthy. We are so happy to find great food that keeps weight under control. For me, it's a bit expensive but it's worth it at the same time. I give this food 5 stars out of 5. :)"

Ultimately, providing your Golden Retriever with a high-quality, balanced diet is one of the most important aspects of responsible pet ownership. By prioritizing their specific nutritional needs, considering their life stage, and being mindful of potential health concerns like joint issues and weight management, you can help your Golden Retriever live a long, happy, and healthy life. The veterinarian-reviewed recommendations and insights provided in this guide serve as a valuable resource to help you navigate the vast array of dog food options and make an informed decision that will best support your beloved Golden Retriever's well-being.

History

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Fri Mar 7 2025

Edited by Dr Teagan Lever BVSc (Hons)

View less history

About the Author

Dr Brittany Ward BVSc

Veterinarian

Dr. Brittany graduated from James Cook University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and started working in her home town in the Wide Bay-Burnett Region. She has always been excited about working in the veterinary industry, but over the last few years has grown especially fond of dog behaviour and training, surgery and orthopaedic disease.

What to look for

Factors to consider when choosing a diet for your Golden Retriever:

Health Conditions: When choosing a diet, it is essential to ensure you have considered any health conditions your pet may have been diagnosed with. If your Golden Retriever does have a health condition, then your veterinarian should be your first point of call for dietary recommendations. In some cases, there may be a prescription diet that is most suited to manage your dog's condition. For health support, there are a range of non-prescription, therapeutic options designed to prevent certain conditions or accommodate your Golden Retriever's specific needs.
Complete and Balanced: After considering health conditions, the most important factor in deciding on the right diet is choosing an option that is nutritionally balanced and complete for your Golden Retriever's age. Ensuring that it meets AAFCO or FEDIAF pet food control guidelines is crucial to ensure that your dog receives all the nutrients they require in the correct ratios.
Age: Dogs of different ages have very different nutritional requirements. Golden Retriever puppies require a high protein and energy diet with a carefully balanced calcium: phosphorus ratio to allow controlled growth and prevent joint development abnormalities. Senior Golden Retrievers are often less active, have a slower metabolism and are prone to joint disease, which means that they require fewer calories and less fat, but an easily digestible diet, to help them maintain good body condition alongside a good joint supplement.
Quality: An essential factor to consider should be the quality of the ingredients and the digestibility of the nutrients provided by the diet. Premium diets are designed to be highly digestible (which means smaller, firmer stools) and do not change ingredients batch to batch like supermarket type brands, which means less tummy upsets. They also tend to contain higher levels of added beneficial nutrients, such as omega fatty acids for joint and coat health, and some are backed by testing to ensure they deliver the results they promise. Learning how to read pet food labels and knowing the ingredients in your dog's food is a crucial part of knowing what is the best food for them.

Vet Picks: Best Food for Golden Retrievers

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