Best Dog Food For Goldendoodles: Puppies, Adults, Minis, Allergies & More

Goldendoodles are an incredibly popular “designer” breed, perhaps the most popular of all the Doodles. Since they first appeared in the United States in the 1990s, the mixed breed of Poodle and Golden Retriever has only risen in popularity. Owners immediately fall in love with these furry, adorable fluff balls and devote themselves to providing the best care. One of the best ways owners provide for their Goldendoodles (also called Groodles) is by ensuring they have a balanced, nutritious diet throughout every phase of life.

Finding the best food for Goldendoodles is challenging, as the sheer volume of choices is intimidating. This is especially true because this hybrid has some common food allergies, which can impact what food works best. Poodle mixes like the Groodle are also prone to sensitive stomachs, which is common among Poodle hybrids. Finding the right chow for these lovable dogs is a big priority for owners. Luckily, I have found the best dog food for Goldendoodles to help you choose the healthiest diet for your sweet pup.

Best Overall	Puppies	Mini Goldendoodle	Best Affordable	Allergies
The Farmer’s Dog	Orijen Large Breed Puppy	Ollie Fresh	Nature’s Recipe	Spot & Tango
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Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

Note: All of the dog foods we’ve included in our reviews meet or exceed Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) nutritional guidelines, are made in North America, and contain no fillers, by-products, preservatives, or artificial ingredients.

Nutritional Needs For Goldendoodles

Goldendoodles reach between 60 and 90 more pounds on average and stand 17 to 22+ inches at the shoulder. Males are slightly larger. However, much of a Groodle’s size depends on the type of Poodle parent they have. Protein is vital to a healthy diet because this mixed breed has at least one large-sized parent breed. This designer breed should eat high-quality animal protein, such as chicken, turkey, pork, lamb, and beef. They should have a diet that includes both dry and wet foods. Stay away from foods with fillers and those that boost with plant protein.

Goldendoodles are prone to have sensitive stomachs. They often develop bloat and food sensitivities that cause digestive concerns. Not all their health issues are diet-related, but top-quality nutrition is key to this breed’s overall health and well-being. Here are some ways a healthy diet benefits your Goldendoodle’s health throughout his lifetime. Keep this in mind with any Poodle mix.

Joint Problems

As with many large dogs, standard Goldendoodles are particularly prone to several joint conditions such as hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, arthritis, and others. A premium diet and portion control are crucial to prevent weight gain or obesity, which can significantly increase the risk of developing joint problems and worsen symptoms of early-onset joint diseases. You may want to look for dog food that includes joint-friendly ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, green-lipped mussels, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Heart Disease

Unfortunately, Groodles are genetically predisposed to heart diseases. Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is a common condition affecting the breed. Affected canines are born with an extremely narrow aortic valve, which leads to heart obstruction. This means the heart must work overtime. Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) also affects this breed. Look for nutrients that are good for heart health, including omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, fiber, and antioxidants.

Allergies & Skin Disease

Goldendoodles are prone to environmental and food allergies, especially dairy, wheat, and grains. Though they need animal proteins, some, like beef, can be problematic. Soy, eggs, lamb, and chicken are also on the list of foods this mixed pup is prone to have a sensitivity or allergy to. Food allergies can present as gastrointestinal symptoms, skin irritation, weakness, seizures, and aggressiveness, among other behaviors. This hybrid is also prone to chronic skin diseases called congenital ichthyosis (from Goldens) and sebaceous adenitis (from Standard Poodles), both of which cause skin scaling, hair loss, and recurring skin infections. A diet rich in omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics can help ease skin problems.

Gastric Torsion – Bloat

Both Golden Retrievers and Standard Poodles are prone to canine bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), which can be a rapidly life-threatening condition. GDV often develops when dogs eat (or drink) too quickly, which causes the stomach to expand and twist. When this happens, it can prevent blood circulation to the heart and other organs.

The way you feed your pup can make a big difference. It’s recommended that you feed your Goldendoodle at least two meals daily rather than one large meal. The rapid ingestion of food also heightens the risk of bloat, so you may want to get a slow-feed dog bowl to keep your pup from gobbling up his food too fast. Also, make sure your dog has access to plenty of water.

Beyond Basic Ingredients

Dog food should always include protein, healthy fats, carbohydrates, fiber, omega fatty acids, taurine, and other essential vitamins and nutrients. Along with the basic building blocks, many commercial dog foods add additional components that boost their nutritional content and support canine health in different ways. We have included some below. Keep an eye out for these on product labels.

• Fruits & vegetables: excellent natural sources of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support immune health
• Fish oil and/or flaxseed (omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, including DHA & EPA): brain and eye development, skin and coat health, joint and immune support
• Glucosamine & chondroitin sulfate (often from chicken meal*): maintain healthy joints
• Prebiotics & probiotics: support digestion and a healthy level of good gut bacteria
• Taurine (see above): supports cardiovascular, eye, and brain health, immune system function, and benefits many other body functions
• L-carnitine: an amino acid derivative that helps the metabolism of fats and also may benefit dogs with heart disease (it’s particularly beneficial for older, less active dogs)
• Organ meats: excellent source of premium quality protein and fat as well as vitamins A, B, D, and E, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, and zinc
• Chia seeds:; rich in plant protein, fiber, antioxidants, omega fatty acids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus

*A note about meat meal: Quality pet food brands often use meat meal in their recipes, which can be a very healthy source of protein for your pup (as long as the “meat” is named, e.g., chicken meal, lamb meal, etc.). A meal can be made from the meat, tissue, organ meat, bone, stomach, and intestines of the named animal. But meat meal doesn’t include by-products like hair, feathers, beaks, heads, blood, hooves, hide trimmings, etc.

Best Dog Food For Goldendoodles (Overall): The Farmer’s Dog Review

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For many reasons, The Farmer’s Dog is our top pick overall for Goldendoodles. First, it is made from the highest quality, fresh, human-grade ingredients. Recipes use whole food protein, fruits, and vegetables and contain no fillers or artificial elements. No grains, corn, soy, or preservatives are used. Along with the high quality of ingredients, The Farmer’s Dog will personalize your dog’s meal plan for her specific life stage and dietary needs. Owners create a personalized profile, and the company takes it from there to create a specialized meal plan. This is very helpful as they take the hard work out of it to ensure Goldendoodles of any age and life stage get the ideal nutrition and portion size.

The Farmer’s Dog uses recipes developed by board-certified American College of veterinary nutritionists, and all meals meet AAFCO guidelines for all life stages. All meals are prepared in USDA-certified kitchens and are made fresh to maintain whole food and nutritional integrity. Recipes come in beef, chicken, turkey, and pork. The chicken recipe is a top choice for Goldendoodles.

• First five ingredients: chicken, chicken liver, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
• Formula highlights: human-grade & whole-food ingredients, limited ingredients, organ meat, omega-fatty acids (from salmon oil), chia seeds, taurine, and chelated minerals
• Guaranteed analysis (wet food basis): crude protein 11.5% (min); crude fat 8.5% (min); crude fiber 1.5% (max)
• Calories: 295 kcal per 1/2 pound

Price

• Starts at $2.00 per day

Our readers have access to 50% off your first box. No code is needed; just use this link, and the discount will be applied!

Best Goldendoodle Puppy Food

Your Goldendoodle puppy needs a diet high in animal protein and plenty of healthy fats. Puppies need more calories to support their rapid growth. Because Groodles reach medium to large size, a large breed puppy formula is best. Your pup will need to stay on puppy chow until she reaches about 15 to 18 months old.

Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy Large Review

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Orijen Amazing Grains Large Breed Puppy is a top choice because each every recipe has whole animal proteins as the first five ingredients, including free-run chicken and wild-caught salmon and herring. The company also uses Wholeprey animal ingredients such as meat, organs, cartilage, and bone. The recipe is formulated after a canine’s ancestral diet. Puppy food contains 90% premium animal ingredients. The inclusion of fish protein means it is packed with omega fatty acids.

This is a grain-inclusive formula that includes easy-to-digest oat groats, millet, whole oats, and quinoa. The legume-free recipe also contains pumpkin, collard greens, apples, cranberries, and other superfoods. It is also gluten-free and high in fiber. Orijen makes another premium large breed kibble, High Protein Grain-Free Large Breed Puppy, which could be ideal for Doodles with grain sensitivities.

• First five ingredients: chicken, whole herring, whole mackerel, chicken liver, and salmon
• Formula highlights: 15 fresh or raw elements, Wholeprey diet, omega fatty acids, flaxseed, chia seeds, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and probiotics
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 38% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories: 483 kcal/cup

Price

• $105.99 ($4.71 / lb) (22.5 lb. bag)

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy Review

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Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is a grain-inclusive recipe. Uses no GMOs, meat by-products, artificial preservatives, or fillers. Formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support. Recipes include fresh proteins, fruits, and vegetables. Wellness works to support five signs of well-being in dogs: energy, skin & coat, immunity, digestive health, eyes, teeth, and gums.

This is a recipe formulated to support whole-body health and provide proteins from three high-quality sources. Formulated to support muscle growth without any fillers, corn, wheat, or soy. Includes spinach, sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, and other high-quality fruits and vegetables. It’s a great affordable kibble choice for your Groodle pup.

• First five ingredients: deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, brown rice, and salmon meal
• Formula highlights: natural ingredients and super nutrients, fresh meat, omega fatty acids, DHA, antioxidants, beta carotene, glucosamine, probiotics, taurine, and more
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 29% (min); crude fat 12% (min); crude fiber 5.5% (max)
• Calories: 374kcal/cup

Price

• $69.98 ($2.33 / lb) (30 lb. bag)

Stella & Chewy’s Puppy Prairie Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble Review

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Stella & Chewy’s Puppy Prairie Wild Red Raw Coated Kibble is an exceptional choice for Goldendoodle puppies. The protein-rich backed kibble is made with cage-free chicken and covered in a freeze-dried raw coating. Kibble is gently oven baked for less processing. Adds the power and taste of raw meals to your puppy’s diet.

The legume-free recipe is low in carbohydrates with no fillers and includes six animal protein sources: cage-free chicken and turkey, quail, guineafowl, goose, and duck. It comes in smaller bites, so it is easy for puppies to chew. It’s grain-free, very easy to digest, and packed with real meat flavor. It also inclues fiber and probiotics for digestion and taurine for heart health. Natural ingredients are blended together to help support whole body health without compromising nutritional value or taste. It also comes in a grain-inclusive formula.

• First five ingredients: chicken, turkey, chicken meal, sweet potato, and tapioca
• Formula highlights: raw coated kibble, nutrient-dense, whole prey ingredients, 92% animal proteins, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, L-carnitine, and probiotics
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 36% (min); crude fat 17% (min); crude fiber 5% (max)
• Calories: 428 kcal/cup

Price

• $79.99 ($3.81 / lb) (21 lb. bag)

Best Dog Food For Mini Goldendoodles

A Mini Goldendoodle is smaller than the standard. They have a Miniature Poodle parent and weigh between 25 and 35 pounds. These pups need top-quality nutrition but do not need the extra boost of fat, proteins, and calories from large-breed kibbles.

Ollie Fresh Review

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Ollie is another fresh, human-grade meal option. Owners are given four recipes to choose from. Recipes are all-natural, using fresh ingredients with no preservatives or fillers. Meal plans are formulated based on a dog’s age, breed, activity levels, allergies, and ideal weight. All human-grade meals are made in the United States and contain no soy, corn, or wheat. Meats are sourced from family-run farms located in Australia and the U.S., and all recipes meet the guidelines set by the AAFCO.

Ollie offers five protein-packed fresh recipes: beef, chicken, turkey, lamb, and pork. The fresh grain-inclusive turkey recipe includes blueberries, kale, carrots, and pumpkin. The recipe is full of meat, fiber, vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals, including beta-carotene, potassium, and more. Ollie also offers baked kibble, so owners can create a fully personalized plan just for their pup.

• First five ingredients: turkey, kale, lentils, carrots, turkey liver, and oats
• Formula highlights: human-grade, whole-food ingredients, organ meats, salmon oil, chia seeds, and more
• Guaranteed analysis (wet food basis): crude protein 11% (min); crude fat 7% (min); crude fiber 2% (max)
• Calories: 590 kcal per lb.

Price

• Full Fresh plans start at $3.14/day
• Mixed Fresh & Baked plans start at $2.72/day
• Half Fresh plans start at $2/day

Our readers can get 50% off their first order. Use this link to take advantage of this offer (no discount code needed).

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Review

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Merrick is a favorite brand for premium kibble. This salmon kibble offers balanced nutrition and a holistic blend of whole grains like brown rice and oats to aid in healthy digestion. Deboned salmon is the first ingredient, making it protein-rich and easy to digest. It also contains high levels of glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids to support the overall health of your dog. Made in the U.S., it contains no peas, potatoes, lentils, corn, wheat, or soy and is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin.

• First five ingredients: deboned salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, turkey meal, and oatmeal
• Formula highlights: omega-3 and -6 fatty acids (from salmon and flaxseed), glucosamine, chondroitin, probiotics, and taurine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25% (min); crude fat 15% (min); crude fiber 3.5% (max)
• Calories: 477 kcal/cup

Price

• $76.98 ($3.08 / lb) (25 lb. bag)

Canidae Grain Free Pure Review

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Canidae makes several offerings. This one with salmon and sweet potatoes is a top choice for Goldendoodles and mini Groodles. This grain-free recipe is especially good for the mini Goldendoodle as it is easy to digest and has limited ingredients and includes no corn, wheat, soy, or fillers. Canidae focuses on using premium sustainable ingredients and works closely with regenerative farmers.

It’s fortified after cooking with Canidae’s HealthPLUS blend of probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. This is a protein-packed, flavor-intensive, easy-to-digest kibble. This is best for adults and is designed to support skin and coat, immune system, heart health, healthy joints, and digestion.

• First five ingredients: salmon, salmon meal, menhaden fish meal, lentils, and sweet potatoes
• Formula highlights: chicken-free, limited-ingredient, omega fatty acids (from real fish and flaxseed), taurine, and probiotics
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 32% (min); crude fat 14% (min); crude fiber 4.5% (max)
• Calories: 459 kcal/cup

Price

• $74.99 ($3.41 / lb) (22 lb. bag)

Best Affordable Food For Goldendoodle

Budget is a significant factor in the type and brand of dog food owners buy. The good news is that there are plenty of high-quality, very affordable options for owners who are looking for budget-conscious foods for their Goldendoodle.

Nature’s Recipe Grain-Free Salmon Review

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Nature’s Recipe is a top-of-the-line, very affordable choice. This recipe gets its protein from real salmon, chicken meal, and chicken fat. Salmon is a high-quality animal source that supports optimal muscle strength, brain development, and skin and coat health. It’s full of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids from the fish, as well as antioxidants and vitamin E supporting healthy immune systems. This recipe also includes taurine for healthy hearts and also features sweet potato and pumpkin to boost healthy digestion. This grain-free recipe uses no wheat, soy, or corn. It also comes in chicken or lamb options for pets who prefer those proteins.

Though this is a lower-priced option, it is high in quality and flavor. The grain-free recipe and salmon as an animal meat source make it easily digestible, which is very important for the Goldendoodle. It has a high quality, fishy flavor, as well as other nutrients.

• First five ingredients: salmon, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, tapioca starch, and canola meal
• Formula highlights: grain-free recipe with no corn, wheat, or soy, developed to support the immune system, healthy heart, and muscle strength
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25% (min); crude fat 12% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories: 330 kcal/cup

Price

• $47.66 ($1.99 / lb) 24 lb. bag

Rachel Ray Nutrish Real Chicken And Veggies Review

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Rachael Ray Nutrish is another wonderful option at a very affordable price. This grain-inclusive recipe uses real chicken as the first ingredient and has been recently revamped to be even more nutritious and delicious. The formula maintains healthy organs, lean muscle mass, healthy digestion, an active mind, and a healthy body. This food has no fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, or unnecessary added elements.

This natural, dry dog food is best for adults and has added vitamins, minerals, and taurine. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Rachael Ray Foundation to support animals in need. This recipe uses real chicken, chicken meal, and chicken fat as sources of protein, as well as barley and brown rice for easily digestible grains. However, it does contain corn and soy.

• First five ingredients: chicken, chicken meal, soybean meal, grain sorghum, and dried peas
• Formula highlights: limited grains, whole corn and carrots, omega fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and taurine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 23% (min); crude fat 13% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories: 355 kcal/cup

Price

• $54.99 ($1.37 / Pound) (40 lb. bag)

Best Dog Food For Goldendoodles With Allergies

Goldendoodles are prone to environmental allergies and food sensitivities. If you suspect your Goldendoodle has a food intolerance or is allergic to environmental factors, you may want to consider an at-home dog allergy test to identify the culprit. Owners simply send a saliva or hair sample to the company’s lab, and the results take a few weeks. You can share these results with your vet to help identify other possible irritants.

Spot & Tango Unkibble Review

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Spot & Tango offers an option for owners that provides top-quality taste and nutrition, like fresh meals, in a shelf-stable product. Spot & Tango’s Unkibble is made from human-grade meats, veggies, fruits, and fresh starches that are dehydrated under low temperatures. Foods are all sourced from local farms and human food suppliers.

The chicken and brown rice recipe contains whole food ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, carrots, apples, kale, dried kelp, fish oil, and sunflower seeds. Recipes are developed by a certified vet nutritionist. Spot & Tango personalizes your pup’s portions based on their age, weight, activity level, and health concerns.

Recipes use real meats only, fresh, whole foods, and no artificial additives, colors, or flavors. This is a fantastic option for dogs needing dry food that offers top-quality nutrition without fillers or over-processed elements. Unkibble is available in cod and salmon, beef and barley, and chicken and brown rice flavors. Here’s a breakdown of the chicken recipe. It’s suitable for all life stages including the growth of large size dogs (70 lbs or more as an adult).

• First five ingredients: chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots, and chicken livers
• Formula highlights: human-grade, whole-food ingredients, organ meats, ginger, omega fatty acids (from fish oil), chelated minerals, glucosamine, and chondroitin
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 25% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 3% (max)
• Calories: 4,064 kcal/kg

Price

• Starts at $1.00 per day

Our readers can save 50% off the following pricing for your first 2-weeks (plus free shipping) with the code at CANINEJOURNAL50 this link.

Best Food For Goldendoodles With Sensitive Stomach

Goldendoodles can be prone to sensitive stomachs. A sensitive stomach can include uncomfortable symptoms like stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.

Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Stomach Review

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Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach is a popular, easy-to-digest dog food. This kibble is recommended by many veterinarians for dogs who suffer from food sensitivities. It contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. All recipes contain real animal meats and are fortified with a prebiotic, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals.

The salmon and rice formula is a fantastic choice of dry kibble for dogs that suffer from sensitive stomachs. It is a high-protein formula made with fish oil as well as salmon, providing rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and joint health. Sunflower oil provides omega 6 to support healthy skin and a glossy coat. The kibble is high in antioxidants to support the immune system and includes easily digestible oatmeal to support healthy intestinal bacteria.

• First five ingredients: salmon, rice, barley, canola meal, and oatmeal
• Formula highlights: easy-to-digest ingredients, dried chicory root (prebiotic fiber), omega fatty acids (from real salmon, fish meal, and fish oil), glucosamine, and taurine
• Guaranteed analysis: crude protein 26% (min); crude fat 16% (min); crude fiber 4% (max)
• Calories: 449 kcal/cup

Price

• $54.48 ($3.40 / lb) (16 lb. bag)

Should I Consider A Hip & Joint Supplement?

As I shared above, Goldendoodles are prone to several joint problems, so you may want to consider adding a dog joint supplement to your Goldendoodle’s daily diet. There are many different supplements to choose from. The best joint supplements for dogs work to help maintain joints in healthy dogs, and for pups with joint problems, they can improve mobility, as well as relieve stiffness, inflammation, and pain. Before adding any supplement, you should discuss this with your veterinarian to get an idea of what specific supplement will work best for your Goldendoodle.

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Danielle has had a special bond with dogs since she was a young child. She has over 30 years of pet care experience. Danielle has worked as a professional researcher for many years and spends countless hours researching the latest science and data-backed research on pet care, health, nutrition, and training developments. Danielle has tested and researched over 75 pet food brands with the enthusiastic help of her two dogs, Daisy and Falkor. She works with a professional and experienced team to bring our readers the best, most accurate, and up-to-date information.