The 12 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles to Buy in 2024

The 12 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles to Buy in 2024

Though they’re not officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club, Goldendoodles have become increasingly popular among dog owners, particularly because they are less prone to shedding than other breeds. Or maybe it’s because those golden curls are just so irresistible.

Whatever the case may be, picking the best food for your Goldendoodle means striking a balance between a variety of factors related to food options, your individual dog, and your personal preferences.

Most Important Factors in Choosing Dog Food for Goldendoodles

Unlike humans, dogs don’t get to just eat what sounds good that day, and as a conscientious Goldendoodle owner, you want to be sure you’re feeding them healthy food that will keep them around for many happy, healthy years.

Several factors go into this choice, and it’s always wise to consult your vet, who can help you weigh the various options in the ever-expanding dog food market.

Type of Food

Most dog foods consist of dry kibble, but you may choose to feed canned, wet food, mix the two together, or even give supplements or food toppers to provide a nutritional boost. In most cases, Goldendoodles don’t need an incentive to eat their food, so flavor-based food toppers don’t really make the cut here. Dietary supplements can be helpful, particularly if the parents or grandparents of your Goldendoodle (the canine, that is) have had some of the health issues to which either Poodles or Golden Retrievers are prone.

Grain-Free or Grain-Inclusive

There are many proponents out there of grain-free diets, but the truth is that not every dog should eat an entirely grain-free diet. The inclusion of other ingredients like grains may be just as important as meat components.

Ingredients

Almost all commercial dog foods contain one or more types of protein as their main ingredient but use other ingredients to add calories and balance nutrition. Unless your Goldendoodle has a food allergy, in most cases, these ingredients are perfectly healthy for your dog to eat. On the other hand, avoiding some supplemental ingredients may help your dog avoid health problems to which Goldendoodles are prone, such as heart and vision disorders.

Life Stage

Young Goldendoodles should be fed food specially formulated for puppies, as dog food does not provide the proper nutrition that puppies need to support healthy growth. As they grow, you should switch your Goldendoodle to an food.

Price

Inexpensive dog food isn’t necessarily bad dog food. In fact, many mass-market brands have introduced food with wholesome ingredients at a reasonable price. If you have many dogs, an especially economical option may be important, while other Goldendoodle owners may be able to devote their entire dog food budget to one fluffy friend.

Top 12 Best Dog Food for Goldendoodles 2024

1. Best Overall Goldendoodle Dog Food: Merrick With Healthy Grains

Merrick With Healthy Grains


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Merrick’s healthy grains version provides the best all-around nutritional and health-boosting content for the average Goldendoodle, which could be an incentive for Goldendoodle owners leery of grain-inclusive diets.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Chicken (beef and lamb flavors available)
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Brown rice, barley, carrots, apples
  • Price: $$

Why You’ll Like It

In addition to about 28% of the content coming from protein sources, which is important for any dog, Merrick’s health grains formulation includes glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and antioxidants (learn more about why these ingredients matter here). That’s the most expansive range of health-related content for Goldendoodles, and while it does have relatively high-fat content (16%), there aren’t any fats in the first four listed ingredients, which means it shouldn’t raise the specter of bloat, a serious condition to which Goldendoodles are prone.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

The first listed ingredient is deboned chicken, so your Goldendoodle will be drawn to the strong chicken flavor, while the whole grains included will help support digestion, though we’ll grant that may be more of a plus in your column than your dog’s. Other versions include either beef or lamb, and both are flavorful.

Good to Know

It’s more expensive than some other options that also include multiple health-related ingredients (like this feed from Blue Buffalo that’s ideal for multi-dog households), and the fact that it’s grain-inclusive may be a deal-breaker for some Goldendoodle owners. But healthy proteins and fat make up more than half the ingredient set, so Merrick’s grain-inclusive version is anything but run-of-the-mill.

Pros

  • High protein
  • Glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and antioxidants
  • Multiple flavor options
  • No oils in first four ingredients

Cons

  • Mid-range price
  • Grain-inclusive

2. Best Premium Goldendoodle Dog Food: Orijen Original

Orijen Original


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Orijen’s Original formulation includes a variety of protein-heavy ingredients from real animal products, and while it’s not for the budget-conscious, for Goldendoodle owners who want to feed their dogs something akin to a wild diet, this is about as close as you can get.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Chicken, turkey, fish (flavor options include beef and seafood)
  • Grain: Grain-free
  • Major ingredients: Lentils, pinto beans, peas
  • Price: $$$

Why You’ll Like It

More than three-quarters of the content in Orijen Original is from animals, including responsibly sourced chicken, turkey, eggs, and fish. The secondary ingredients, all grain-free, include wholesome fruits and vegetables that include pinto beans, green peas, and whole carrots and apples.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

Few foods will make your fluffy Goldendoodle feel more like a wolf, as Orijen is made from fresh and raw animal ingredients, which includes meat but also cartilage and bone to give the kibble a deep, rich meat flavor. Other flavor options include beef or seafood for dogs who don’t love chicken flavors.

Good to Know

The fat and protein content are adequate for a puppy, but because it’s so expensive, the added calories needed to properly feed a puppy wouldn’t be compatible for very many budgets (got a new Goldendoodle? Consider this Orijen food specifically for pups). Vitamins and nutritional supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin are included, though not in as ample concentrations as some other options, so if your Goldendoodle is likely to experience hip dysplasia, you may be advised to consider a supplement.

Pros

  • High protein
  • Whole animal products
  • Grain-free
  • Wholesome vegetable ingredients

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Low in joint-health ingredients

3. Best Budget Goldendoodle Dog Food: IAMS Minichunks

IAMS Minichunks


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: It’s the cheapest food that made the cut, but that doesn’t mean IAMS Minichunks skimps on the nutritional impact. It’s grain-inclusive, but it’s protein-rich and includes important nutritional boosts for Goldendoodles like antioxidants.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Chicken
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Corn, sorghum, eggs
  • Price: $

Why You’ll Like It

Your wallet will certainly love this food, but you can also rest assured that you’re feeding your Goldendoodle good quality food. That’s because farm-raised chicken is the first ingredient and all grains included are whole grains. IAMS also includes antioxidants, which are important for staving off some of the eye health disorders to which Goldendoodles are prone.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

About one-quarter of the caloric content of IAMS Minichunks comes from protein, and while it only comes in one flavor, it packs a punch thanks to the protein-rich formulation.

Good to Know

IAMS Minichunks is designed for small- to medium-sized dogs, which means the kibble is on the smaller side. If you’ve got a scarfer, you may need to use a special bowl to keep him from eating too fast, as that’s a risk factor for bloat.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Wholesome grains
  • High protein
  • Strong flavor

Cons

  • Grain-inclusive
  • Only one flavor option

4. Best for Homes With Multiple Goldendoodles: Blue Buffalo Natural Adult

Blue Buffalo Natural Adult


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Blue Buffalo’s Natural Adult formulation provides substantial nutritional benefits, including a protein-rich kibble with many health benefits for Goldendoodles, at a price that’s low enough to feed multiple dogs.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Chicken (other flavors include fish and lamb)
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Brown rice, oatmeal, pea starch
  • Price: $

Why You’ll Like It

Blue Buffalo’s Natural Adult formula has a good amount of protein at 24%, though there are foods that offer more. Still, with the low price, it’s ideal for homes with multiple Goldendoodles or dogs of other breeds, making it an excellent option for most medium-sized dogs. Blue’s LifeSource bits provide antioxidants and taurine, which helps eye and heart health for Goldendoodles, while glucosamine boosts joint health

Why Your Dog Will Like It

The strong chicken flavor will entice the average dog, and other options include the flavors of fish or lamb for the snooty Goldendoodles among us. Blue’s LifeSource bits provide concentrated flavor that can entice especially picky Goldendoodles (if there are any).

Good to Know

This line of Blue Buffalo foods also includes options for healthy weight maintenance and small-breed dogs.

Pros

  • Wholesome ingredients
  • Real chicken first ingredient
  • Glucosamine, antioxidants, taurine
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Medium protein content
  • Grain-inclusive

5. Most Affordable Grain-Free Goldendoodle Food: Taste of the Wild High Prairie

Taste of the Wild High Prairie


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Taste of the Wild High Prairie is a protein-rich but affordable grain-free food that will have your Goldendoodle feeling like one of the pack in no time.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Bison and venison
  • Grain: Grain-free
  • Major ingredients: Egg, tomato, potato protein, pea protein
  • Price: $

Why You’ll Like It

It’s a super high-protein food (32%) and grain-free, though it’s a bit high in fat at about 18% of the content. Still, no fats are listed in the first four ingredients, do you shouldn’t worry about increasing your Goldendoodle’s chances of experiencing bloat. It’s also inexpensive relative to other high-protein options, and includes both taurine and antioxidants, making it ideal for Goldendoodles who are prone to vision and heart problems. The inclusion of multiple health-related ingredients helps set it apart from other grain-free options like Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

The protein and fat combine to make Taste of the Wild’s High Prairie formulation irresistible, and other versions in the Taste of the Wild line offer a variety of flavors, including fish and lamb.

Good to Know

High Prairie offers enough fat and protein to support healthy growth for puppies, but Taste of the Wild also makes a puppy version of this food.

Pros

  • High protein
  • Grain-free
  • Inexpensive
  • Antioxidants, taurine

Cons

  • High fat
  • No other flavor options in High Prairie

6. Best for Small Goldendoodle Puppies: Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy

Purina One SmartBlend Healthy Puppy


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Purina One’s SmartBlend Healthy Puppy version supplies ample amounts of both fat and protein, as well as including DHA for brain and eye health, which is critical to young Goldendoodles.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Puppy
  • Main protein(s): Chicken
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Rice flour, corn gluten meal, soybean meal
  • Price: $

Why You’ll Like It

Purina One’s SmartBlend includes 28% protein and 17% fat, an ideal blend for growing puppies. It also includes DHA, which stimulates both neural and visual development, which could help put your small Goldendoodle puppy on the path toward avoiding some of the vision conditions to which their breed is prone.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

Puppies will eat basically anything, so your small Goldendoodle pup will be happy that this is food, but the chicken flavor will appeal, and the high-calorie count will have her zooming around after every meal. No other flavor options are available with this version, but the small kibble is perfect for toy, mini and medium Goldendoodles.

Good to Know

This version is also offered in canned versions and for large-breed puppies.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • High protein
  • High fat
  • DHA

Cons

  • Only one flavor
  • Grain-inclusive

7. Best for Small Adult Goldendoodles: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small & Toy

Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small & Toy


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Nutro Wholesome Essentials Small & Toy formulation offers a protein punch in a tiny package — just like a petite Goldendoodle ball of fluff.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Chicken
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Brown rice, sweet potato
  • Price: $

Why You’ll Like It

Nutro Wholesome Essentials mix for small and toy breeds is grain-inclusive, but its protein content is about average compared to other foods, though it’s cheaper than most others.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

With farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient and small kibble designed for petite Goldendoodles, your dog will keep coming back for more.

Good to Know

Nutro Wholesome Essentials for small dogs does include omega fatty acids that can help maintain skin and coat health, but it lacks some of the other nutritional content of some foods, like Blue Buffalo Grain Free, that offer glucosamine, taurine, and antioxidants.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Small kibble
  • Strong chicken flavor
  • Protein first ingredient

Cons

  • Grain-inclusive
  • Low additional nutrient content

8. Best for Senior Goldendoodles: Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity

Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Purina One SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity boosts both the protein and joint-health ingredients, which can help senior Goldendoodles stay ahead of some of the health problems common to older-aged dogs.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Senior
  • Main protein(s): Chicken
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Rice flour, corn gluten meal, whole grain wheat, pea fiber
  • Price: $$

Why You’ll Like It

Glucosamine is one of the biggest ingredients, while chicken is the star of the show. It’s grain-inclusive, but protein accounts for about 28% of the ingredients, which is above average for other foods on the list. Extra protein can help senior dogs stave off muscle loss.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

The chicken flavor is strong, and the kibble is made with a mix of sizes and textures, which may help motivate older dogs who’d rather just lie around.

Good to Know

Fish oil is one of the ingredients, but it’s not among the first four listed, which studies have found can increase the risk of bloat in dogs. It is a bit on the expensive side, so those looking for a budget option could consider another high-protein food like IAMS Minichunks and joint health supplements.

Pros

  • Glucosamine
  • Strong chicken flavor
  • Kibble variable size and shape
  • Limited oil content

Cons

  • Grain-inclusive
  • A bit pricey

9. Best Goldendoodle Food for Skin Health: Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat

Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: While Goldendoodles aren’t prone to skin and coat health disorders, because of their Poodle origins, they do need to be brushed and groomed regularly, and this process can be made easier by foods like Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat formulation.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Salmon
  • Grain: Grain-free
  • Major ingredients: Potato, lentils, peas, pea flour
  • Price: $

Why You’ll Like It

It’s grain-free and packed with protein (about 25% of the content is protein), while it also includes antioxidants, which can help support vision health, and fatty acids, which are good for skin and coat health. It also includes taurine, which can boost heart health, and it’s less expensive than some of the other protein-packed foods on the list.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

Goldendoodles will be enticed by the strong salmon flavor, though only that one flavor is available for this formulation.

Good to Know

The fatty acids that support coat health are major ingredients, but no oils are listed among the first four ingredients. Still, the fat content is slightly high at nearly 15%, so that could be an issue for dogs who are carrying extra weight.

Pros

  • Grain-free
  • High protein
  • Antioxidants
  • Taurine

Cons

  • High fat
  • One flavor option

10. Best Goldendoodle Food for Food Allergies: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Goldendoodles aren’t more prone to food allergies than other breeds, but they still can occur, and Hills Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Coat helps ensure healthy and normal gut function.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage:
  • Main protein(s): Chicken
  • Grain: Grain-inclusive
  • Major ingredients: Brewers rice, yellow peas, barley, sorghum
  • Price: $$

Why You’ll Like It

It’s formulated for sensitive stomachs, which can be helpful for dogs with documented food allergies (depending on their specific allergies). This version does include grain, but there’s also a version that’s made without grain, and both versions are high in protein — about 26%. Hills Science Diet also includes both taurine and antioxidants, which can help improve vision and heart health.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

The ingredient list includes a lot of easily digestible foods, which will make your dog feel good, and the strong chicken flavor will excite him. Not sure how to introduce a new food without causing a disaster? Learn more about making the switch.

Good to Know

That strong flavor comes with a trade-off, as Hills Science Diet does tend to be stinky, and the high-fat content (about 16%) could be an issue for pudgy Goldendoodles.

Pros

  • Taurine
  • Antioxidants
  • High protein
  • Strong flavor

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Grain-inclusive

11. Best Grain-Free Goldendoodle Dog Food: Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free

Blue Buffalo Freedom Grain-Free


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Blue Buffalo’s Blue Freedom Grain-Free food drops the grains and amps up the protein content as well as adding antioxidants, glucosamine, and taurine to boot.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Adult
  • Main protein(s): Chicken (versions with beef and lamb)
  • Grain: Grain-free
  • Major ingredients: Potatoes, peas, flaxseed
  • Price: $$

Why You’ll Like It

Blue Freedom Grain-Free adult recipe contains about 24% protein, which is about average, as well as adding a wider range of nutrient boosts than some other, less-expensive grain-free options, like Taste of the Wild.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

Dogs will dig the strong chicken flavor or beef/lamb, which are also options, and Blue’s LifeSource bits will feel like special treats in the middle of their food.

Good to Know

Also included are ingredients like carrots, which can boost vision health, glucosamine (important for joint health), and taurine (helpful to heart health). The fat content is about 14%, and no oils are included in the top four listed ingredients, though it is a bit expensive and high in calories.

Pros

  • Grain-free
  • High protein
  • Glucosamine, antioxidants, taurine
  • Multiple flavor options

Cons

  • Expensive
  • High calorie

12. Best Food for Standard Goldendoodle Puppies: Orijen Puppy

Orijen Puppy


Editor’s Rating:

Why we like it: Orijen’s formulation for puppies is ideal for standard Goldendoodles, who are likely to exceed 50 pounds when fully grown, thanks to well above-average fat and protein content.

At a Glance:

  • Life stage: Puppy
  • Main protein(s): Chicken and turkey
  • Grain: Grain-free
  • Major ingredients: Egg, whole lentils, whole pinto beans
  • Price: $$$

Why You’ll Like It

It’s high in fat and protein (combined, they make up nearly 60% of the content of this food), which is similar to adult Orijen food. And like Orijen’s adult formulation, the puppy food includes multiple meat sources, including organ meat and cartilage, and the puppy version includes DHA for neural development.

Why Your Dog Will Like It

The high-fat content and intense meat flavor will appeal to medium to large Goldendoodle puppies, though there is only one flavor option.

Good to Know

It’s the most expensive food on the list, but with both glucosamine and chondroitin, the high-calorie content will have large Goldendoodle pups growing into their paws before you know it.

Pros

  • High protein
  • DHA
  • Glucosamine, chondroitin
  • Strong meat flavor

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Only one flavor

Complete Guide to Dog Food for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodle puppy chewing on stick

Picking the best food for your Goldendoodle is a matter of balancing several factors that have to do with the food options, as well as your dog and her unique makeup.

Every Dog Is Different

Because Goldendoodles are a blend of two distinct breeds — the Poodle and the Golden Retriever — they often carry many of the dominant traits of each breed. But their hybrid nature also means that each individual Goldendoodle has its own special blend of traits and characteristics drawn from its ancestors.

What that means is that while there may be some traits that tend to be universal for Goldendoodles, they are all truly unique, and deciding which food is best for them is a matter of balancing those unique traits.

Size

Generally, the larger the dog, the more calories it needs to consume to stay healthy. Goldendoodles range in size from toy (about 15 pounds or less) to standard (50+ pounds), and their full size and weight depend mostly on their parentage.

To maintain a healthy weight, a Goldendoodle should consume about 25 to 30 calories per pound of their body weight every day. This means that a miniature or toy-sized Goldendoodle could need as little as 375 calories per day, while the biggest Goldendoodles would need to consume about 1,200 calories per day.

Activity Level

Just as with people, those who are highly active need to consume more calories to keep their physical and mental health well-balanced. That could mean that if your Goldendoodle is a couch potato, even if he’s large, you may want to consider feeding a slight caloric deficit to keep him from putting on weight.

The opposite is true as well. If your dog is accustomed to a high level of daily activity, whether from walks with you or playing out in the yard, she may need to eat a higher number of calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Not sure how to tell if your dog is overweight? Your first call should be to your veterinarian, who can provide a proper weigh-in, but there also are some visual cues to consider. Learn more about healthy dog weight here.

Age

Another important consideration is the age of your dog. When it comes to their dietary needs, there are three major phases you need to be concerned about — puppyhood, adulthood, and old age, and each comes with its own unique set of needs.

When they’re pups, dogs need more fat and protein in their diets to encourage the healthy development of their brains and bodies. So, most foods formulated for puppies will be much higher in these types of ingredients than other foods, as well as an omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, which stimulates neural development. The puppy foods on our list for both large and small Goldendoodles contain DHA

Once they age out of puppyhood, which is usually around 12-15 months of age, it’s safe to feed your Goldendoodle food made for adult dogs for several years. Foods crafted for adult dogs should provide a good balance of nutrients to maintain healthy weight.

Most Goldendoodles can be considered seniors when they’re around age 7 or 8, though since smaller dogs tend to live longer, if your Goldendoodle is a mini or toy size, she may not need a senior food until the age of 9 or 10. Most foods designed for senior dogs are similar to foods for younger adults, but they may boost certain ingredients, such as protein, antioxidants, and health supplements.

Food Sensitivities

Your dog’s unique history is another important factor. Just as there are foods you probably prefer to avoid for one reason or another, there may be ingredients that can trigger certain reactions in your dog that aren’t necessarily allergies.

For example, hundreds of thousands of Americans report having issues with digesting gluten, though far fewer are actually technically allergic to it. Still, even those who aren’t allergic may simply not like the way gluten makes their bodies feel. The same food sensitivities we have, dogs have too.

Pay attention to how your dog behaves and how that may connect to the food he’s eating. If you notice he seems to produce excess gas or is particularly itchy after a meal, his food may be the culprit.

Protein-based ingredients are common triggers for food allergies or sensitivities in dogs, particularly those that come from dairy. But other triggers can include beef, chicken, eggs, soy, and wheat gluten. If you’re concerned that your dog has a food allergy, your vet may recommend an elimination trial or even allergy testing.

Common Goldendoodle Health Issues

Goldendoodles are hearty dogs and tend to be long-lived, but they do have some common health concerns that can be inherited from their two parent breeds, the Poodle and the golden retriever.

Of course, not all dogs will exhibit symptoms of each of these conditions, and your dog may never show any signs of any of these health issues. But it’s important to keep in mind what’s common for other Goldendoodles so you can closely observe your dog’s health and head off any issues before they become serious.

Addison’s Disease

Addison’s disease is another name for hypoadrenocorticism, which occurs when the body’s adrenal glands don’t produce hormones like aldosterone and cortisol. These hormones, which are steroids, are important to regulating the function of organs and bodily systems, and in severe cases, the body can be seriously damaged.

The condition is not curable, and dogs that are diagnosed with cases will usually need to remain on medication for the remainder of their lives. But the good news is that in most cases, if the condition is diagnosed before major damage has been done to systems of the body, treatment means the dog’s lifespan will be normal.

Several breeds are prone to Addison’s disease, including the standard Poodle, which is the primary reason why Goldendoodles may be predisposed to this condition. Symptoms of Addison’s disease in dogs include depression, weight loss, vomiting, hair loss, and increased urination, and diagnosing the condition requires blood tests.

Bloat

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GVD) complex is the technical term for a common-but-often-deadly condition — bloat. Bloat occurs when the stomach feels with air, causing pressure to build and preventing the body from properly circulating blood to extremities and back to the heart. Without treatment, bloat is estimated to lead to death in about 30 percent of cases.

Partially because of their physical build (tall with a deep, narrow chest), several breeds are predisposed to bloat, including the standard Poodle, as well as Setters and giant breeds like Great Danes. Foods that contain oils and fats as the first four ingredients can more than double the risk of bloat, according to one study, and dogs that eat just one meal per day are more likely to experience bloat. Fast-eating dogs also are more prone to bloat, so ensuring your Goldendoodle is unable to scarf her food is important.

If you are concerned about bloat, you should see a vet as soon as possible, but signs of bloat include an enlarged and painful abdo salivation, retching, and restlessness.

Eye Disorders

Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are disproportionately affected by cataracts, a trait they often pass along to their Goldendoodle offspring. Also common in Goldendoodles are glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy.

Dogs of all breeds are more likely to experience both cataracts and glaucoma as they get older, but diagnosing each as early as possible is the best way to provide helpful treatments to improve your dog’s vision and overall health.

Research has indicated that antioxidants in foods and/or supplements can improve eye function in dogs, and this can be an excellent way to prevent some of the vision conditions to which your Goldendoodle may be prone.

Hip Dysplasia

While hip dysplasia is most common among large breeds, dogs of all sizes can experience this inherited condition. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint does not properly form, and over time, the hip becomes painful and may cease functioning properly.

Labrador retrievers are more prone than their Golden Retriever cousins, but Goldendoodle owners may want to consider some preventive methods for helping ensure healthy joint function throughout their dog’s life, particularly as she gets older. Glucosamine and chondroitin are both recommended to prevent the onset of early arthritis, which can exacerbate hip dysplasia symptoms.

Aortic Stenosis

Golden retrievers are predisposed to heart disease, aortic stenosis, in which the aortic valve of the heart is narrower than it should be, making it more difficult for the heart to pump an adequate supply of blood throughout the body.

In many cases, no treatment is necessary, but in more serious cases, long-term medications may be needed to ensure proper blood flow.

The dietary implications of aortic stenosis in dogs hasn’t been well-studied, but one heart study in dogs who were found to be deficient in taurine, a key amino acid, indicated that heart function improved with diets that were grain-free and/or legume-rich.

It’s always best to consult your vet before making a long-term decision about what food is best for your Goldendoodle, but if you’re concerned about heart health in your dog, a grain-free diet may help prevent aortic stenosis and other cardiovascular problems down the road.

Most dog foods don’t cover all these areas, though there are a couple that get close. Merrick Healthy Grains has all four of the major health-related supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and antioxidants), while both the Blue Buffalo Natural and Blue Freedom Grain-Free have three.

How to Introduce New Food to Your Goldendoodle

When switching your dog to a new food, it’s important to introduce it gradually. Switching over all at once will probably give your dog gastrointestinal problems that will be problematic for you, too.

But there’s an easy-to-follow schedule to get your Goldendoodle switched over to a new food in a week.

Day 1-2

On the first two days, your dog should eat a 2-1 ratio of old food and new food. So, if you feed, say, 2 cups of food per day, 1½ cups should be old food, while ½ cup should be the new food.

Day 3-4

On the third and fourth days, feed your dog a 50/50 mix of old and new food. So, in our previous example, that’s 1 cup of old food and 1 cup of new food. Remember that you should be feeding your dog smaller meals rather than one big meal, so you’ll need to do some math to get the ratios right. Goldendoodles aren’t known for being picky eaters, but some may be resistant to change.

If they are avoiding the new food and only eating their old food, you may want to pause on one stage for a day or so to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition. But eventually, they will relent since, after all, they’re hungry.

Day 5-6

On the fifth and sixth days, the ratio should switch to 2-1 in favor of the new food, so that you are feeding your dog mostly their new food with just a bit of the old food to supplement it. Again, in our scenario, that would be 1 ½ cups new food and ½ cup old food.

Day 7

On the seventh day and beyond, your dog should be completely switched over to the new food.

Other Products for Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles are a beloved breed for a reason and owners love to take great care of their good boys. Consider purchasing some of the following products to spoil your pup.

  • Dog Food Topper: Whether it’s for nutrition or just to provide a little bonus for your pet, a dog food topper is a nice thing for a pet owner to have on hand.
  • Dog Treats: The right treat doesn’t just make your dog’s life a little better, but it can help with training and properly rewarding your dog.
  • Pooper Scoopers: Goldendoodles are large, and, well, that makes them a bit tricky to clean up after. Make the job a little easier with a sturdy popper scooper.

Goldendoodle puppy in the grass

Goldendoodle Dog Food FAQs

Goldendoodle owners have lots of questions about feeding their dogs the best food, and here are a few of the most common.

How Much Food Should I Feed My Goldendoodle?

Age, size, and activity level are all major factors in deciding how much food your dog needs each day. dogs should be fed twice per day and maybe more if you’re trying to cut their calorie intake but keep them from being hungry.

Goldendoodles tend to get their size from the Poodle size of their ancestry. That means they can range in size from toy to standard, which tends to equate to 15-50 pounds in weight. As you can see, that’s a huge range, so your dog’s weight is the most important factor to consider in setting their food allowance for the day.

A good rule of thumb for weight maintenance of Goldendoodles is that a small dog should eat no more than 350 calories per day, which equates to about ¾ cup of most dry dog foods, while a larger Goldendoodle should eat around 1,200 calories, or roughly 2 ¾ cups of most dry foods.

For dogs that are active (or especially inactive), you can adjust the number of calories they’re getting per day by simply changing the amount of food they get. Because Goldendoodles can overeat, they should not have access to food all day, and it’s best to feed them at set times and in set amounts.

You should also consider any treats, supplements, or other food your dog might get in a typical day. All those calories count.

When Should I Switch My Goldendoodle Puppy to Adult Food?

Puppy foods are high in protein, calories, and fat to meet a pup’s developmental needs. But, bittersweet as it may be, all puppies grow out of the need for this type of food, just as human babies make the shift from milk or formula to solid foods.

As with most considerations regarding your dog’s food, her size is the biggest factor in determining when to make the shift from puppy food to food. As we’ve mentioned, Goldendoodles take their size cues from the Poodle side of the family, and they can range in size from toy to standard.

In general, you want to begin feeding your puppy food when they’re near their height. In toy breeds, this could be as young as 7-9 months, while bigger dogs reach this point at about 10-12 months of age.

Your vet can help you estimate how large they expect your Goldendoodle to grow, and if you know the parentage history of your dog, that can help in that determination. But it’s important to remember that it’s generally better to keep an dog on puppy food than to switch a puppy to food before she’s ready.

How Often Should You Feed a Goldendoodle Puppy?

When to switch a Goldendoodle puppy to food is an important consideration, particularly since it also means the dog will be getting less food overall. That’s because, in addition to having their own special food, puppies need to eat more calories than dogs to meet their nutritional needs.

Most puppies will need to eat about four times per day, and you should follow the feeding recommendations given by the puppy food manufacturer. Puppies tend to be intensely food-obsessed, so you’ll probably need to come up with methods to keep them from scarfing their food.

Why Do Goldendoodles Throw Up?

It’s certainly unpleasant to find piles of puke in your house, but all dogs vomit from time to time. In most cases, there’s nothing to be concerned about, as dogs can vomit from things like eating something that disagreed with their stomachs to eating food too quickly.

However, Goldendoodles are prone to a condition called bloat, which if not treated right away can be fatal. Its scientific term is gastric dilatation volvulus, or GVD, and it occurs when the dog’s stomach becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply and sending the dog into shock.

One of the most common signs of bloat is retching, which is when a dog attempts to vomit but little to nothing is expelled. Another key sign is abdominal swelling and pain, so if you notice your Goldendoodle exhibiting both signs, an emergency vet visit is probably in order.

Final Thoughts

They may not show up in the National Dog Show anytime soon, but Goldendoodles have captured hearts across the world thanks to their cute looks and personable, affectionate behavior. While they have some conditions they can inherit from their parent breeds, the Poodle and the Golden retriever, those issues can be managed for a healthy and happy pet with the right food choice.

Team PetMag

We’re a diverse team of animal lovers with a penchant for pups and a fascination with felines. As pet owners, we know that all pets are part of the family. Whether you live with pooches, pussy cats, rodents, or reptiles, we want to support them in living happy, healthy lives. Nothing tops our unwavering love for animals, but sharing all of our tips and tricks here at Pet Mag is a close second. We’re here to guide you through all of your pet care needs, like fighting fleas, picking grooming gloves, or simply hunting down the tastiest treats available.