Looking for the best food for Goldendoodles? You’re in the right place!
Goldendoodles, with their adorable looks, friendly personalities, and curly coats, deserve nothing but the finest nutrition. As responsible pet owners, it’s essential to provide them with the optimal food options.
In this article, we will explore the specific nutritional needs of Goldendoodles at different stages of life and guide you in finding the perfect food choices for your furry friend.
I’ll try to share some of the food choices my wife and I’ve tried for our Goldendoodle – Kobe and tell you everything we wish we knew about dog food on day one!
Whether you have a playful Goldendoodle puppy, an active adult, or a wise senior, understanding their unique dietary requirements is vital for their overall health and happiness.

Nutritional Needs For Goldendoodles
Let’s discover the best food for Goldendoodles, ensuring they thrive at every stage of their lives.
Puppy Stage
During the puppy stage, Goldendoodles experience rapid growth and development. They require a diet that supports their energy levels, bone growth, and overall development.
Here are key considerations for feeding your Goldendoodle puppy:
Balanced Nutrition: Choose a high-quality puppy food that provides a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Look for formulations specifically designed for large breed puppies, as they have different nutritional requirements.
Essential Nutrients: Ensure the food contains essential nutrients like DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) for brain development, calcium for bone growth, and antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
Feeding Frequency: Puppies have small stomachs and need to eat more frequently. Feed your Goldendoodle puppy three to four times a day, gradually reducing the frequency as they grow older.
Pro-Tip: Take this advice with a grain of salt after the first few weeks as some dogs are picky eaters and may not eat every meal.
One way to help with this is by being strict with your routine.
For one avoid leaving the food bowl down all day – your dog (like ours) will get used to 100% access to food.
Instead, set the schedule of when the food will go down and when it will come up.
It may take a few days but your dog will begin to understand and eat on schedule.
Now you can determine if they will need 2 or 3 feeds in a day to get the proper amount of intake.

Adult Stage
Once your Goldendoodle reaches adulthood, its nutritional needs change. Here’s what you should consider when selecting food for your adult Goldendoodle:
High-Quality Protein: Opt for dog food with high-quality animal protein sources like chicken, turkey, or fish. This helps maintain muscle mass and supports their active lifestyle.
Balanced Diet: Ensure the food provides a balanced combination of proteins, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Look for options that contain whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Weight Management: Goldendoodles can be prone to weight gain, so monitor their calorie intake and portion sizes. If your adult Goldendoodle needs to lose or maintain weight, consider a weight management formula.
Pro Tip: Just like the puppy stage – some dogs will love meals. For my wife and I – our goldendoodle would skips meals at time or expect extra treats in his meals.
Continue to be strict with the schedule and avoid trying to add extra goodies to their food – otherwise, they will begin to expect it.
Senior Stage
As your Goldendoodle enters its senior years, its nutritional needs may change due to aging.
Consider the following when choosing food for your senior Goldendoodle:
Joint Support: Look for food with added glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. These ingredients can help manage common age-related joint issues.
Digestive Health: Senior dogs may have more sensitive digestive systems, so choose easily digestible food with added fiber to promote healthy digestion.
Antioxidants and Omega-3s: Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help support cognitive function and promote a healthy coat.
Remember, consult with your veterinarian for specific recommendations based on your Goldendoodle’s age, size, and any individual health considerations.
10 Best Food For Goldendoodles
There are different brands and types of food in the market for your Goldendoodle needs. Here are the top 10 best food for Goldendoodles:
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food

The Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food is a premium option to ensure your furry friend gets the nutrition they need.
It contains a balanced blend of protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables, providing a complete and balanced diet for your dog.
The recipe is free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, making it a healthier choice. Additionally, this dog food is fortified with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your dog’s overall well-being and immune system.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food provides balanced nutrition for adult Goldendoodles, supporting their overall health and vitality. Get it from Amazon.
- PROTEIN RICH ADULT DRY DOG FOOD: Nutritionally dense crunchy kibble with ingredients such as chicken and oatmeal for whole body health.
- ALL NATURAL: Created by nutritionists, veterinarians and animal lovers, our recipes provide an ideal balance of natures finest ingredients, carefully selected to nourish and sustain your dogs wellbeing.
- SUPPORTS DIGESTIVE HEALTH & HEALTHY COAT: Supported by antioxidants for strong immune systems, vitamins for healthy eyes and teeth, glucosamine for strong joints, omega fatty acids ensure healthy skin and coat, and probiotics and taurine for a healthy heart.
- NO CORN, WHEAT, OR SOY: Adult dry dog food doesnt contain poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives.
- MADE IN USA: Using only the finest globally sourced ingredients, we prepare each of our diets in our own state of the art facility; recipes crafted with wholesome, non-GMO ingredients chosen for their nutritional benef
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Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food is a premium dog food option designed for adult Goldendoodles.
It features real chicken as the first ingredient and is packed with high-quality proteins to support your Goldendoodle’s muscle development and energy needs.
This grain-free formula is also enhanced with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for overall health and well-being.
Treat your Goldendoodle to a nutritious meal with Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Dry Dog Food. Shop Now on Amazon and give them the nutrition they deserve!
- REAL MEAT FIRST: Blue Buffalo foods always feature real meat as the first ingredient; High-quality protein from real chicken helps your dog build and maintain healthy muscles; Plus they contain wholesome whole grains, garden veggies and fruit
- WEIGHT MANAGEMENT DOG FOOD: Formulated with reduced calories from fat to help large breed dogs achieve and maintain healthy weight, this dog food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin to help support joint health and mobility
- ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance
- A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog foods are made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals; BLUE contains NO chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives
- Contains one (1) 30 lb. Bag of BLUE Life Protection Formula Healthy Weight Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown R
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Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for Goldendoodle puppies.
It features real deboned chicken as the main ingredient and is grain-free, making it suitable for puppies with food sensitivities.
This formula is protein-rich and contains essential vitamins and minerals to support healthy growth and development.
Give your Goldendoodle puppy a nutritious start with Merrick Grain-Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food.
- #1 INGREDIENT: DEBONED MEAT, FISH OR POULTRY: Merrick Grain Free dog food recipes contain leading levels of high quality proteins for healthy energy levels, building muscle mass and a great taste your dog will love
- HEALTHY SKIN AND COAT, HIPS AND JOINTS: These grain free dog food recipes contain leading levels of Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat plus leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin to maintain your dogs hip and joint function
- REAL WHOLE FOODS FOR OPTIMAL NATURAL NUTRITION: Merrick Grain Free dog food recipes include real, whole foods like sweet potatoes, peas, apples, blueberries and contain zero preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, soy or gluten
- A VARIETY FOR EVERY BREED AND NEED: Merrick Grain Free dog food offers a range of specially crafted recipes to nourish all types of dogs, offering: puppy food, senior dog food, large breed dog food, and an option for those dogs needing a little help to maintain a healthy weight
- At Merrick, we promise your pet will not only love the taste of our natural dog food, theyll be happier and healthier, too. Thats why if you (or your pet) are not 100%, absolutely, totally, completely satisfied with Merrick Grain Free dog food, return it for your money back. We dont just make the best food ever. We stand behind
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Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food

Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food is a well-balanced dog food option for adult Goldendoodles. It features real chicken as the primary ingredient and is formulated to provide essential nutrients for optimal health.
The small-sized kibble is perfect for Goldendoodles and promotes dental health.
Give your adult Goldendoodle the nourishment they need with Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food. Shop Now on Amazon and provide your dog with a balanced meal!
- Adult Dry Dog Food: Give your dog the nutrition they need in the small kibble size they prefer, with real, farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient to promote strong muscles with premium-sourced protein
- Veterinarians Recommend IAMS: This tasty kibble supports healthy digestion with a wholesome blend of fibers and prebiotics, plus antioxidants to support a strong immune system
- Complete and Balanced Nutrition for Adult Dogs: IAMS Dog Food is made with high quality animal protein and no artificial preservatives, flavors or fillers, for complete and balanced nutrition
- Tailored to Your Dog: We carry a full line of foods for your dogs age, size and dietary needs from puppy to adult to mature, small breeds to large, and with recipes to support healthy weight and digestion
- IAMS Super Premium Dog Food: Choose the nutrition that brings out your dogs best, tailored for their unique needs; Our high-quality, premium recipes are made in the USA with the finest ingredients from around the wo
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Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is a premium option for small breed Goldendoodles.
Made with high-quality ingredients, including real chicken, this grain-free formula provides a well-balanced and nutritious meal for your adult Goldendoodle. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health and vitality.
Give your small breed Goldendoodle the quality nutrition they deserve with Nutro Ultra Grain-Free Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food. Get it on Amazon and see the difference it makes in their health!
- Contains one (1) 13 lb; bag of NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food, Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe for small breed dogs ages 1 year and older; real chicken is the no.1 ingredient
- Made with non-GMO ingredients; no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy
- High quality protein source is the no.1 ingredient in the delicious dry kibble
- Crunchy texture helps clean teeth to help control plaque buildup
- Formulated to support healthy immunity with essential antioxidants and healthy digestion with natural fiber
- Cooked in our USA facilit
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Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Wet Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Wet Dog Food is specially formulated for dogs with sensitive digestive systems or skin sensitivities.
It features easily digestible ingredients to promote healthy digestion. It is gentle on the stomach. The added omega fatty acids and vitamin E help nourish the skin and maintain a healthy coat.
With a savory taste, this wet dog food is a palatable option for dogs with specific dietary needs. Treat your Goldendoodle to this specialized formula to support their sensitive stomach and skin.
Elevate your Goldendoodle’s mealtime with Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Wet Dog Food. Buy it on Amazon today!
- This adult dry dog food promotes digestive health while nourishing skin
- A source of prebiotic fiber to support a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
- This dog food is formulated to be highly digestible for optimal nutrient absorption & easier stool pick-up
- Packed with vitamin E & Omega-6 fatty acids to help your grown dog get a lustrous coat and healthy skin
- Made in the USA with global ingredients you can tr
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Canidae PURE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Canidae PURE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is an excellent choice for Goldendoodles with grain sensitivities or food allergies.
This formula is free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy, making it ideal for dogs with dietary restrictions. It is made with limited ingredients, including real meat as the first ingredient, to provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
The carefully selected ingredients ensure easy digestion and promote a healthy coat and skin. This gives your Goldendoodle the nutrition they need without the common allergens found in many dog foods.
Give your Goldendoodle a nutritious meal with Canidae PURE Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Order it now on Amazon!
- Contains 1- 22 Lb. Bag of Canidae Pure Weight Management Real Chicken and Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food
- Real food ingredients for the taste your dog will love. Crafted with real chicken as the first ingredient, paired with whole ingredients like sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans and peas
- Complete and balanced goodness for healthy weight maintenance. This recipe is made using 9 or fewer key ingredients that are easily recognizable, perfect for sensitive dogs
- Formulated with antioxidants and probiotics to support a healthy digestive and immune system, along with a nutritious blend of vitamins and minerals to support healthy joints, skin and coat
- Canidae is creating a world of goodness for pets and the planet. Premium proteins and regeneratively farmed ingredients nourish pets and planet in every bowl, setting a new standard for pet food. Everything we do results in a bowl full of goodn
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Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula

Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs of senior Goldendoodles.
With real chicken as the main ingredient, this dry dog food provides high-quality protein for muscle maintenance and supports overall vitality in aging dogs. It contains a blend of antioxidants to support the immune system and promote healthy aging.
The kibble size and texture are designed to be easily chewed by senior dogs, ensuring they can enjoy their meal comfortably. Give your senior Goldendoodle the nutrition they need to thrive in their golden years with Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula.
Provide your senior Goldendoodle with the nutrition they deserve. Order Purina ONE SmartBlend Vibrant Maturity Adult 7+ Formula from Amazon today!
- One (1) 31.1 lb. Bag - Purina ONE High Protein Dry Senior Dog Food Plus Vibrant Maturity Adult 7 Plus Formula
- Purina dog food for senior dogs with MCT-rich vegetable oil to nourish and promote mental sharpness and shows an increased average activity level of over 20 percent in dogs seven and older
- Dry high protein dog food starts with real chicken as the number 1 ingredient and supports strong muscles, including a healthy heart
- Features omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals to support his shiny coat and healthy skin, plus natural sources of glucosamine for dogs to promote joint health
- Deliciously crunchy bites and tender meaty morsels provide the Purina ONE dry dog food taste and textures dogs love and work with added calcium to support strong teeth and healthy g
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Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe

Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe is a limited-ingredient diet formulated for dogs with sensitivities.
This grain-free formula features real chicken as the main ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein. It is free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, making it suitable for Goldendoodles with food sensitivities or allergies.
The addition of pumpkin helps support healthy digestion and adds natural fiber to the diet. With a balanced blend of nutrients, this dog food promotes overall health and well-being.
Give your Goldendoodle with a sensitive stomach the nourishment they need with Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe.
Order Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Pumpkin Recipe from Amazon today!
- Contains one (1) four-pound bag of Nature′s Recipe grain free dog food formulated by expert pet nutritionists — using only purposefully chosen ingredients
- Number-one ingredient is real chicken, a quality protein source that helps maintain optimal muscle strength
- Fiber from sweet potatoes and pumpkin helps support digestion and immune system health
- Natural dog food with added vitamins, minerals and nutrients — no poultry by-products or artificial colors, preservatives or flavors, and no added corn, wheat or soy
- Delicious, premium nutrition that′s honestly made and reasonably priced
- For a limited time, you may receive either bag as we update our packagi
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Purina ONE True Instinct Grain-Free Wet Dog Food

Purina ONE True Instinct Grain-Free Wet Dog Food is a delectable and nutritious option for Goldendoodles.
The grain-free formula ensures easy digestion. With high-quality protein sources and essential vitamins and minerals, this wet dog food supports your Goldendoodle’s overall health and well-being.
Give your Goldendoodle a mealtime experience they’ll enjoy with Purina ONE True Instinct Grain-Free Wet Dog Food!
- Twelve (12) 13 oz. Cans - Purina ONE Wet Dog Food True Instinct Classic Ground Grain-Free Formula With Real Beef and Bison High Protein Dog Food
- Purina ONE high protein dog food crafted with real beef as the first ingredient along with real bison
- This soft dog food recipe contains no corn, wheat or soy for a grain free wet dog food meal
- Our nutrient-dense with Real Beef and Bison dog food is made with no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives or poultry by-products
- 100 percent nutrition for adult dogs. 0 percent fillers. Every ingredient has a purpo
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Goldendoodles Need Special Dog Food?
Goldendoodles have specific dietary needs, including a balanced ratio of protein, carbohydrates, and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
While they don’t necessarily require special dog food, choosing high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional requirements is important for their overall health.
The above choices or other options like the Royal Canin brand are great option that we’ve used for our Goldendoodle.
How Much Food Should I Feed My Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodle’s food intake depends on their age, size, activity level, and metabolism. It’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion size for your individual Goldendoodle.
For reference – our Mini Goldendoodle (who is 20 lbs) needs about 3 cups of his food daily. We split this up into two meals each day.
What Food Are Goldendoodles Sensitive To?
Goldendoodles can be sensitive to certain ingredients, such as wheat, soy, corn, and artificial additives. Common allergens like chicken or beef may also cause sensitivities in some dogs.
Pay attention to your Goldendoodle’s reactions and consult with your veterinarian if you suspect any food sensitivities.

When Can I Safely Switch My Goldendoodle Puppy To Adult Dog Food?
The appropriate time to switch a goldendoodle puppy to adult dog food can vary based on factors such as breed size and individual development.
As a general guideline, most Goldendoodle puppies can transition to adult dog food around 12 to 18 months of age. Consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice.
What Fruits Can I Feed My Goldendoodle?
Goldendoodles can enjoy a variety of fruits as a healthy treat. Some safe options include sliced apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, and watermelon.
Remember to remove any seeds, pits, or potential choking hazards and introduce new fruits gradually.
Our little pup loves apples and bananas (even more with a bit of peanut butter :D)
What Food Should Goldendoodles Not Eat?
Goldendoodles should avoid consuming foods that are toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, caffeine, alcohol, and anything sweetened with xylitol.
Additionally, certain human foods like fatty meats, fried foods, and excessive table scraps can cause digestive upset and should be avoided.
Conclusion
When it comes to the best food for Goldendoodles, choosing the right diet is crucial for their overall health and well-being.
Consider their age, size, and activity level when selecting a diet.
Opt for high-quality, balanced dog food that provides essential nutrients. Look for ingredients like lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
Consulting with a veterinarian can help ensure you make the best choice for your Goldendoodle’s specific needs.
Remember, a nutritious diet will support their growth, maintain a healthy weight, and keep them energetic and happy for years to come.
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Thanks for reading! You can get many more tips and tricks for your Goldendoodle here.