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What are the 8 Best Puppy Foods for Goldendoodles? A Buyer’s Guide

Best Puppy Foods for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle Puppy Food

Did you know that the best puppy food for Goldendoodles varies according to their life stage?

As a hybrid dog, Goldendoodles have some unique nutritional requirements that you need to know if you plan to adopt one of these adorable pups. 

Goldendoodles are excellent family dogs and lifelong companions who may provide you with up to 15 years of enjoyment. In this guide, learn about the best puppy food for Goldendoodles, including the best food for mini Goldendoodles.

Is a Goldendoodle a Large Breed?

The Goldendoodle, often known as the Groodle, comes in various sizes. The Golden Retriever crossing you use determines your breed. The Goldendoodle is a larger version of the popular designer breed called the Cockapoo. It is an outstanding family dog.

You can also use them as working dogs. Guide dogs, service dogs, therapy dogs, and sniffer dogs have a successful experience with Goldendoodles (one study tested their success at sniffing out peanuts in foods for owners with nut allergies). Goldendoodles also perform admirably in agility competitions.

What do Goldendoodles Eat?

Feed your Goldendoodle a well-balanced diet. Because many Goldendoodles have sensitive stomachs, adding human food to their diet can upset their stomachs. Feeding your Goldendoodle commercial dog food is preferable, as any change in protein or diet may create a series of problems.

You can feed two distinct sorts of diets to your Goldendoodle. You can either buy commercial dog food or create your own every day. Most people prefer to feed commercial dog food since it is much easier to ensure that your Goldendoodle is getting a well-balanced diet and takes less time.

Commercial Dog Food

The most balanced commercial diets are the most convenient method to feed your Goldendoodle. You may feed your Goldendoodle a variety of healthy diets. The Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dog Food is one of our favorite brands. When choosing a diet for your Goldendoodle, ensure the first element is a protein source.

The ideal food for your Goldendoodle is usually dry dog kibble. This dry food is not only simple to feed and store in large quantities, but it is also beneficial to your Goldendoodle’s teeth. When your Goldendoodle chews on the dry kibble, it will help to remove any tartar from their teeth.

Homemade Diets

If you don’t want to feed your Goldendoodle a commercial diet, you can prepare a meal for him. You must ensure that the diet you provide for your dog will suit their nutritional requirements.

You can find recipes for your Goldendoodle in a variety of sources. Balanceit.com is a website that many veterinarians use to find meals that are totally balanced and even personalized for any ailment that your Goldendoodle may have. You can choose what food you have on hand, and it will generate a meal plan for your Goldendoodle in no time.

The following foods are nutritious and easy to digest for your Goldendoodle:

These are just a handful of the fruits and vegetables your Goldendoodle’s homemade diet should include. You can also use this list to find human meals that your Goldendoodle will enjoy as a treat. Read our article and find out Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

The Three Nutritional Life Stages of a Goldendoodle

Nutrient Requirements for Goldendoodle Puppies

The Goldendoodle puppy’s parents have Hip and Elbow Dysplasia and other skeletal issues. While diet cannot prevent certain conditions, it can surely assist in reducing the risks of having them. 

The ideal quantities of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fat in puppy formula for large breed puppies will assist in controlling the rate at which their bones expand. Because it is more likely to acquire such issues if its bones grow too quickly, you require a Goldendoodle puppy food for a large breed.

The Goldendoodle is a lively and energetic dog that will require a lot of energy during the day and puppy growth power. Therefore it will need food that contains high-quality protein and whole meats. Protein is necessary for its muscles to grow and maintain their strength. 

The MSD Veterinary Manual recommends that all puppy nutrition contain at least 22 percent protein. Still, because the Goldendoodle is such a large dog, a protein concentration of at least 26 percent is considerably healthier.

Salmon oils, chicken fat, and flaxseed are all good sources of healthy fats that will feed its coat and maintain a healthy cardiovascular system. You should also keep an eye out for various vitamins and minerals, as they will aid in the development of its immune system, ensuring that it remains healthy and strong. 

Because these are naturally contained in mothers’ milk and are important for healthy brain and eye development, many high-quality goods will also list docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and arachidonic acid (ARA).

Nutrient Requirements for Adult Goldendoodles

From 18 months, your Goldendoodle is an adult, and you should start looking for its new adult food. You must pick a brand that caters to the special nutritional demands of large breeds, just as it was when he was a puppy. You must maintain its bones and joints because it is a large dog with a lot of muscle.

Adult dogs require a product with a protein concentration of at least 18 percent, according to the MSD Veterinary Manual. Still, because your dog is lively, muscular, and athletic, it is advisable to get a protein value of at least 23 percent.

Unless it has a physical problem necessitating specific nourishment, its bowl should focus on overall wellness during adulthood. Ingredients like fish oils and flaxseed will help its brain function. 

Golden curls and a range of garden veggies and fruit will offer him vitamins and minerals. Healthy carbs will give it the energy it requires while preventing it from becoming porky.

Nutrient Requirements for Senior Goldendoodles

You can consider the Goldendoodle a senior dog between the ages of seven and eight. You’ll notice that it’ll begin to slow down, implying that it requires less energy. As a result, you should transfer him to a senior meal formulated for large senior breeds that will meet its changing demands.

Because less movement equals less energy, its senior formulas should be lower in calories and more in fiber components. There will be less fat and fewer calories, as its weakening digestive system will struggle to break it down efficiently.

As they age, their joints weaken, and elements like meat meals and pills will offer them vital senior ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin. Ingredients like taurine, in addition to extra vitamins and minerals to support their weak immune system, will look after their cardiac health and cognitive function, so check out for these.

Our top Pick for Goldendoodle Puppy Food

Our best food for a Goldendoodle puppy is Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food. It is a dry food formulated with key nutrients for medium-breed puppies.

An Overview of the Best Puppy Food for Goldendoodles

  1. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food: Best overall
  2. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Large Breeds: Best for large breeds
  3. Royal Canin Poodle Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 2.5 lb bag: Best for small breeds
  4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food: Best for all breed sizes
  5. Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food, 35% Protein, No Added Grains (Beef, Salmon, Turkey, Lamb, Chicken): Best for dry food
  6. Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food with Real Meat Protein, Superfoods, Probiotics, and Antioxidants: Best for real protein
  7. ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food, Grain-Free OR with Grains, High Protein, Fresh and Raw Animal Ingredients: Best quality
  8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food: Best wet puppy food

A Goldendoodle Puppy Food Buyers Guide

Regardless of age, all dogs have the same fundamental nutritional requirements. The only thing that varies from puppyhood to senior years is the balance of those nutrients. Take a look at the ingredient list on the food packaging. The ingredients listings are in the order they appear in the dish. Ensure your dog gets the following nutrients from the dog food you purchase.

Protein

Protein is the most important nutrient in Goldendoodle dog food, as it is a requirement for healthy growth.

Dog food should ideally contain two or three proteins derived from whole meat, fish, or meat meal, and these proteins should be the first few items on the label. Vegetables may also be a source of protein. That’s fine as long as there’s more meat than plant protein in the dish.

Fiber

Fiber is necessary for your dog’s digestion to remain healthy. Even though meat and meat meals include some fiber, most dog meals contain vegetables or grains to bulk up the food. However, stay away from foods that are high in grains. Cereals typically work as fillers since they have little nutritional value. 

Fat

The fat in your dog’s food provides a significant portion of their energy requirements. Flaxseed, chicken fat, and canola oil are all good fat sources for dogs. In high-quality diets, you can find Omega-3 fatty acids, vital for optimal skin and coat maintenance and brain and eye development.

Carbohydrate

Regulate carbohydrates in your dog’s diet because they can induce blood sugar abnormalities. A few low-glycemic carbohydrates, such as sweet potatoes, are okay.

Minerals And Vitamins

Most high-quality Goldendoodle food contains extra vitamins and minerals to maintain your dog’s peak shape. That’s fantastic since it eliminates the need for you to purchase a separate vitamin supplement for your pet.

Because water is important to your dog’s nutrition, ensure that you keep their water bowl full throughout the day.

The popular Association of American Feed Control Officials has basic nutritional standards for dogs, recommended for all commercial dog food makers. 

Puppies and lactating females require a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8% fat, according to AAFCO dietary nutritional profiles. Adult dogs need at least 18% protein and 5% fat in their diet to stay healthy. Food that passes these requirements will have a nutritional adequacy label statement. 

However, remember that sufficiency is not the same as quality. These are the absolute minimums; depending on the dog’s energy needs, your dog may benefit from significantly higher quantities of protein and require more fat.

Goldendoodle Puppy Food – Our Top Reviews

Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food: Best Overall

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Royal Canin

Brand: Royal Canin

Flavor: Vegetable

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Dry

Breed Recommendation: Medium breeds

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating: 4.3/5

First five ingredients: Chicken fat, corn, wheat, corn gluten meal,brewers rice.

Type: Contains grains

Profile: Growth

Prescription required: No

Crude protein content: 25%

Item weight: 30 pounds (13.62 kilograms)

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Pros 

Cons

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Large Breeds: Best for Large Breeds

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Hill’s Science Diet

Brand: Hill’s Science Diet

Flavor: Chicken

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Pellet

Breed Recommendation: Large breeds

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating: 4.2/5

First five ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain wheat, oats, sorghum, corn gluten meal

Type: Contains grains

Profile: All life stages

Prescription required: Yes

Crude fat content: 16%

Crude protein content: 30.1%

Item weight: 15.5 pounds (7.03 kilograms)

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Pros 

Cons

Royal Canin Poodle Puppy Breed Specific Dry Dog Food, 2.5 lb bag: Best For Small Breeds

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Royal Canin

Brand: Royal Canin

Flavor: Chicken

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Pellet

Breed Recommendation: Small breeds

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating: 4.5/5

First five ingredients: Wheat gluten,chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, corn, corn gluten meal, chicken fat,

Type: Contains grain

Profile: Growth

Prescription required: No

Crude fat content: 13%

Crude protein content: 23%

Item weight: 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms)

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Pros

Cons 

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food: Best For All Breed Sizes

Brand: Blue Buffalo

Flavor: Chicken and brown rice

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Pellet

Breed Recommendation: Medium breeds, all-breed sizes

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating: 4.3/5 

First 5 ingredients: Beef, fish, peas, pea starch, tapioca starch

Type: Grain-free

Profile: Maintenance

Prescription required: No

Crude fat content:16%

Crude protein content: 27%

Item weight: 30.28 pounds (13.74 kilograms)

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Pros

Cons

Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog/Puppy Food, 35% Protein, No Added Grains (Beef, Salmon, Turkey, Lamb, Chicken): Best Dry Food

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by WAG

Brand: WAG

Flavor: Puppy formula

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Pellet

Breed Recommendation: Small breed

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating: 4.0/5

First five ingredients: Chicken meal, Chicken, lentils, peas, pea protein

Type: Grain free

Profile: Growth

Prescription required: Yes

Crude fat content: 15%

Crude protein content: 35%

Item weight: 15 pounds (6.81 kilograms)

About This Item

Pro

Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Formulas Dry Dog Food with Real Meat Protein, Superfoods, Probiotics, and Antioxidants: Best Real Protein

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by DIAMOND NATURALS

Brand: DIAMOND NATURALS

Flavor: Puppy-lamb

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Pellet

Breed Recommendation: Large breeds

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating:4.1/5

First five ingredients: Ground white rice, lamb, lamb meal,, peas, pea flour, cracked pearled barley, chicken fat

Type: Contains grains

Profile: Maintenance

Prescription required: No

Crude fat content: 15.0%

Crude protein content: 27.0%

Item weight: 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms)

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Pros 

Cons

ORIJEN Puppy Dog Food, Grain-Free OR with Grains, High Protein, Fresh and Raw Animal Ingredients: Best Quality

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Orijen

Brand: Orijen

Flavor: Chicken

Target Species: Fish

Item Form: Dry

Breed Recommendation: All breed sizes

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating: 4.0/5

First 5 ingredients: Deboned turkey, deboned chicken, flounder, whole Atlantic mackerel,eggs

Type: Grain-free

Profile: All life stages

Prescription required: No

Crude protein content: 59%

Item weight: 4.4 pounds (1.99 kilograms)

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Pros 

Con

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein, Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food: Best Wet Puppy Food

Amazon’s Choice in Dry Dog Food by Blue Buffalo

Brand: Blue Buffalo

Flavor: Chicken, grain-free

Target Species: Dog

Item Form: Dry

Breed Recommendation: Medium breeds, all breed sizes

Vet-Approved: Yes

Star rating:4.3/5

First 5 ingredients: Deboned beef, fish meal, peas, pea starch, tapioca starch

Type: Grain-free

Profile: Maintenance

Prescription required: No

Crude fat content: 16.0%

Crude protein content: 36.0%

Item weight: 11.14 pounds (5.05 kilograms)

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Pros

Cons

FAQs on Goldendoodle Puppy Food

When Should I Switch to Adult Goldendoodle Food?

Puppy, adult, and senior: these are all critical stages in your dog’s life when consulting with your veterinarian regarding their food.

Growth feeds, which you require during the puppy stage, have greater protein and calorie counts to suit your puppy’s developmental requirements. However, its requirements shift after your puppy reaches the age of six to twelve months.

When your puppy reaches an adult height and is ready to transfer to adult food, this is the time to do so. Spaying or neutering is also common at this age, which reduces your dog’s demand for extra energy, making it a good time to convert from puppy to adult dog food. Consider the following points as you plan to switch:

The Size of the Breed is Important

Switching to adult food corresponds to maturity, but individual dogs mature at various speeds due to the wide range of breeds. Smaller breeds grow faster than larger dogs:

Based on your dog’s needs, your veterinarian can advise you on the optimum time to switch to adult food. Because obesity is the most prevalent nutrition-related disease in dogs, mature dogs must stop eating puppy chow, which can lead to orthopedic problems in older dogs. Instead, provide your best friend with high-quality adult-maintenance meals.

There Will be No More Three Squares Every day

Growing puppies with stronger metabolisms and energy requirements eat on average three times daily. When you transition your dog to adult food, you’re not only reducing the amount of protein-dense, calorie-dense food your dog consumes but also reducing the number of meals your dog consumes.

When dogs are over a year old, most pet parents feed two half-portions of adult food. When determining portion sizes, look at your dog’s body rather than its bowl. The problem isn’t with the food they eat without a trace or left behind. Unique metabolism and body type determine your dog’s nutritional needs, not by a set amount of adult food.

If your dog begins to skip meals or picks at the food he normally consumes, it may be time to transition from a puppy to an adult diet. Puppy food has more calories, which may make him feel fuller and reduce its desire to eat.

If you’ve already moved to an adult formula, your dog could only require fewer daily servings or less food at each meal.

Be Slow in Making the Switch

The key to a good food shift is to take it slowly. Mix a tiny quantity of adult food with your dog’s preferred puppy food for Goldendoodle and gradually raise the amount over a week while reducing the puppy food.

You should only give your dog adult food by the conclusion of that week. It’s less probable to have gastrointestinal problems if it gradually changes its diet.

How do I Switch Puppy Food Brands Without Making My Dog Sick?

Implement dietary changes for your dog gradually. Mixing increasing amounts of the new brand of dog food with diminishing amounts of the old brand for five to seven days minimizes the odds of your dog developing an upset stomach or refusing to eat. 

But what if you need to change your dog’s food rapidly due to a food recall or other unforeseen circumstances, such as a diet-related illness? There are certain critical precautions you must take to reduce the likelihood of your dog having a negative reaction to the sudden diet change:

Find a Dog Food Formula That’s Similar

Choose the best puppy food for Goldendoodles that closely resembles the one you were using. For example, if your dog was eating a lamb and rice food, switch to a different lamb and rice formulation. Look at the list of ingredients. 

The cuisine will be similar if you match the first few ingredients. Examine the analysis on both labels as well. When feasible, keep protein, fat, and fiber percentages as constant as possible.

Gradually Introduce Small Meals

Start by giving your dog a small meal once you buy the new dog food. Offer another small meal a few hours later if it eats it and doesn’t have any stomach problems. Gradually raise the number of your portions while decreasing the frequency until you’re back on track in a day or two. 

If your dog refuses to eat the new food, take it away from it and don’t give it anything (even treats) for at least eight hours. It’s fine to let your pet go hungry as long as you keep offering new food every 6 to 8 hours and picking it up if they don’t eat. 

Carry on in this manner for the next 48 hours. If you can’t convince your dog to eat the new food within this time frame, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a different formulation – but don’t switch flavors too often, as this can lead to fussy eating habits.

Easily Digestible is the Way to Go

If your dog’s stomach is very sensitive and you need to make a quick diet change, start with an easily digestible formula and gradually add small portions of the new, long-term food a few days later. When your dog’s food changes abruptly, probiotic pills can help lessen the likelihood of diarrhea.

Make an Appointment with Your Veterinarian

If you can’t locate a new dog food that your dog enjoys, or if the change in diet caused vomiting, diarrhea, or other indicators of gastrointestinal discomfort despite your precautions, consult your veterinarian. They may be able to recommend different dog food brands that aren’t affected by the dog food recall or are less likely to trigger a diet-related illness in your dog.

How Much Should I Feed my Goldendoodle?

The feeding instructions are usually on the back of the packaging. This may be too much for your Goldendoodle, especially if they aren’t extremely active.

One cup of food for 15 pounds (6.81 kilograms) of body weight each day is a decent rule to follow. As a result, a 45-pound (20.43- kilogram) dog should eat 1.5 cups of food twice a day.

You may also keep track of your dog’s weight to ensure you’re feeding them enough. If your dog appears to be underweight, you should feed it more. You will need to reduce your dog’s diet if they begin to gain weight.

You must also evaluate their physical activity. A few Goldendoodles compete in agility or other sporting competitions.

During their training and competition months, you’ll need to boost their food intake to compensate for the extra energy, while during the off-season, you’ll need to reduce their food consumption to assist them in maintaining a healthy weight.

Do Goldendoodles Need Special Food?

Goldendoodles are large breed dogs because they have a genetic link to golden retrievers.

This means that if Goldendoodle puppies feed on dog food with too much calcium while growing, they’re more likely to develop a devastating and irreversible form of hip illness.

As a result, most veterinary professionals and professional breeders advise feeding Goldendoodle puppies a large breed puppy chow. 

Groomers Land Final Verdict

Is Goldendoodle a large breed? The standard Goldendoodle is a huge dog that requires large breed nutrition to sustain its large muscular mass and additional joint support. The Goldendoodle, like the Bernedoodle and Huskydoodle, needs a special dietary mix to suit its requirements.

It’s a lot of pleasure and excitement to welcome a Goldendoodle puppy into your home. When you have a new dog, you should get the appropriate toys, beds, leashes, bowls, and food. 

Puppies require a different type of nutrition than adult or senior dogs. However, with so many puppy’s feeds on the market today, choosing the right Goldendoodle food can be difficult. Another issue is that Goldendoodles come in three sizes, making a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition ineffective.

You may be sure that whatever you put in your Goldendoodle’s bowl will please and benefit him if you follow our advice and choose our top pick: Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food

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