Choosing the right dog food for your Golden Retriever is essential to ensure they live a healthy and happy life. Golden Retrievers are known for their boundless energy, friendly demeanor, and glossy coats, which require a balanced diet free of harmful fillers. Fillers like corn, soy, and wheat can cause allergies, digestive issues, and other health problems in dogs. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best dog foods that are specifically formulated for Golden Retrievers, containing high-quality ingredients that support their overall well-being. Read on to discover the top picks that will keep your furry friend thriving without the unnecessary additives.
The 8 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers with Zero Fillers
We’ve researched, tested, and compiled a list of the best dog food options that contain no fillers. These products focus on high-quality ingredients (mostly meat) to keep our dogs healthy and happy. Check out our top picks to find the perfect food for your furry friend.
#1 – iHeartDogs Nature Is Good Dog Food
This dog food is a strong option for those looking to improve their dog’s diet with real, nutritious ingredients.
Pros
- Made with high-quality, freeze-dried beef.
- Free from fillers and preservatives, focusing on natural nutrition.
- Supports digestion and overall health with added fruits and probiotics.
Cons
- Can have a strong smell due to certain ingredients.
- Some dogs may need time to adjust to the texture.
- The price may be higher than typical dog food brands.
The number one ingredient for Nature is Good is freeze-dried beef (also available in chicken), which is a big plus for us. Our dog seems to love the taste, eagerly devouring every bite. It’s also nice knowing that there are no fillers or artificial additives to worry about.
The addition of pumpkin and probiotics really stood out. We noticed our dog had fewer digestive issues, and his coat appears shinier than before. We appreciate that we can use it as a full meal or just a topper for his regular kibble, adding some variety to his diet.
It’s worth noting that the food can be a bit smelly, especially if it contains tripe. For some dogs, the texture may take a bit of getting used to. Overall, we feel this food is a great choice for pet owners who prioritize high-quality ingredients and want to see a boost in their dog’s health.
#2 – Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food
We highly recommend trying Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food for its quality ingredients and nutritional benefits.
Pros
- Excellent source of high-quality protein.
- Minimal ingredients mean fewer additives.
- Convenient and easy to store.
Cons
- Can be on the pricier side.
- Some dogs may be picky about the taste.
- Requires water to soften for better digestion.
We recently tried the Vital Essentials Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food and our dogs responded well to it. The first thing that stood out was the ingredient quality. The freeze-dried mini nibs are loaded with real meat and no fillers, which is a big plus for us. Knowing our pets are getting high-quality protein from responsibly sourced ingredients makes us feel good about their diet.
The ease of preparation is another advantage. We can serve it as a full meal or use it as a topper on their regular food, making it a versatile choice. However, we did notice that it may take some time for our dogs to adjust, as one of our pickier eaters was hesitant at first. Once he got used to it, he couldn’t get enough!
Storing this food is hassle-free as it comes in a resealable bag. Just a note, if your dog is used to softer kibble, you’ll need to add a little water to help the nibs soften up. This step is essential for ensuring that they digest it well, especially for older dogs.
#3 – Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food
We recommend this dog food for pet owners looking for a nutritious option that contains no fillers and is packed with quality ingredients.
Pros
- Made with grass-fed lamb and organic fruits and vegetables.
- Grain-free and minimally processed for better digestion.
- Versatile use as a complete meal, topper, or treat.
Cons
- Some dogs may not like the taste or texture.
- Requires rehydration, which may add an extra step.
- Price can be higher compared to standard kibble.
After trying Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food, we noticed a positive change in our pups. The lamb flavor looks appealing, and our dogs were excited to eat it. It’s made with high-quality ingredients that make us feel good about what we’re feeding them. The dog food is easy to serve, and we appreciate the convenience of being able to scoop out what we need.
We love that it’s grain-free, as this is essential for many dogs. The fact that it’s minimally processed helps ensure maximum nutrient absorption, which we find beneficial for our pets’ health. We’ve seen improved energy levels and a shiny coat after switching to this food.
On the other hand, we have experienced some challenges. One of our dogs showed hesitance when we first introduced it, and the texture may not be favorable for all dogs. It’s also crucial to remember that rehydrating the food with water or broth adds an extra step to mealtime. Despite these minor drawbacks, Primal Freeze Dried Dog Food remains a top choice in our household for its quality and nutrition.
#4 – BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food
We recommend BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food for its great ingredients and convenience.
Pros
- High protein content with 98% meat and organs
- No fillers or artificial ingredients
- Easy to store and serve
Cons
- May be more expensive than standard kibble
- Some dogs might prefer wet food
- Can crumble easily if not handled properly
We tried the BIXBI Rawbble Freeze Dried Dog Food and noticed right away how our dogs seemed excited about mealtime. The beef recipe is packed with nutrition and gives a boost of protein that helps keep our pups strong. The fact that it has no fillers or artificial ingredients is a big plus, as we want the best for our furry friends.
What we appreciate most is that it’s easy to serve. The freeze-dried pieces can be served dry or rehydrated with water, making it flexible for our dogs’ preferences. We’ve used it not just as a meal but also as treats. The portability is a big help when we’re out and about.
On the downside, this dog food can be pricier than regular kibble options, so it might not fit in everyone’s budget. Also, some of our dogs prefer wet food and showed less interest at times. Lastly, we’ve noticed that the pieces can crumble a bit, which isn’t ideal when we want to keep it intact for treats or when mixing with other foods. Overall, it’s a solid choice for a nutritious dog food that we feel good about giving to our pets.
#5 – Pawstruck All Natural Air Dried Dog Food
We believe this dog food is a solid choice for pet owners looking for nutritious options without fillers.
Pros
- Real chicken is the main ingredient.
- Grain-free and made with natural ingredients.
- Convenient air-dried texture that dogs enjoy.
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to standard kibble.
- Some dogs may take time to adjust.
- Limited availability in local stores.
We recently tried Pawstruck’s Air Dried Dog Food with real chicken for our furry friends. Right out of the bag, the crunchy texture seemed to catch their attention. After a few days, our pups were eagerly looking forward to meal times, which is a great sign.
The ingredients are impressive. Knowing that 97% is chicken makes us feel good about what we’re feeding them. Plus, it’s grain-free, which is helpful for dogs with sensitive stomachs. We noticed our dogs had more energy after switching from their previous food.
While the price might be higher than typical dry kibble, we think the quality and lack of fillers make it a worthwhile investment. A couple of our dogs were a bit hesitant at first, but their excitement grew quickly. If you’re looking to upgrade your dog’s diet, we recommend giving this food a try.
#6 – Dr. Marty Nature’s Blend
We recommend trying Dr. Marty’s Premium Freeze-Dried Dog Food for its high-quality ingredients and signature flavor that our furry friends seem to love.
Pros
- Made with real meat, veggies, and fruits.
- Supports better digestion and energy levels.
- Picky eaters tend to enjoy it.
Cons
- Some reviewers commented on the smell.
- Price may be higher than standard dog food.
- Not all dogs finished their meals quickly.
When we first opened the bag of Dr. Marty’s dog food, we noticed the quality of the ingredients right away. The freeze-dried format made it easy to store, and our dogs appeared excited at meal times. Mixing it with a little warm water helped to soften the food, making it easier for our older dog to chew.
We found that our picky eaters were much more eager to eat when we served this food. They would jump around and show excitement, which was a big change from their usual indifference. The real meat and wholesome ingredients clearly had an impact.
On the down side, some might find the price a bit steep. Also, while most of our dogs loved it, we noticed a few times that one of them didn’t finish his meal right away. Overall, this dog food has its benefits and is worth considering if you want to provide quality nutrition.
#7 – Nutra Complete Raw Dog Food
We think Nutra Complete is a solid choice for those looking to give their dog wholesome nutrition without fillers.
Pros
- Made with 95% pork and organs for a protein-rich diet.
- Includes fruits and veggies for extra vitamins and minerals.
- Can be used as a full meal or mixed with other foods.
Cons
- Can be pricey compared to other dog foods.
- Some dogs may find the nuggets too large.
- Availability issues if bought directly from the brand.
Our experience with Nutra Complete has been positive. The high-quality pork is a win for dogs who love meat. We noticed our dogs really enjoying the taste, and it feels good to know they’re getting the nutrition they need. The mixture of fruits and vegetables also adds a nice balance, helping support overall health.
Using this food as a mixer has been great for us. We simply reduce their usual food and add Nutra Complete for a nutritious boost. It keeps mealtime exciting for our pups, as they love mixing it up.
One observation is the cost. While it’s a premium product, it might not fit every budget. It’s worth considering if you want to invest in your dog’s health. Overall, we believe it’s a good option for pet owners seeking quality ingredients without fillers.
#8 – ORIJEN Original Freeze Dried Medallions
This dog food is a great choice for anyone looking to provide their pets with high-quality nutrition without fillers.
Pros
- Made with 90% quality animal ingredients.
- Versatile: can be served as a complete meal or a tasty topper.
- Grain-free recipe suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.
Cons
- Strong smell that some may find unpleasant.
- Higher price point compared to standard kibble.
- Picky eaters may not enjoy it as much.
We recently tried ORIJEN Original Freeze Dried Medallions for our dogs, and the experience has been impressive. The first thing we noticed was how much our dogs loved the flavor. They eagerly gobbled it up, showing excitement at mealtime that we haven’t seen in a while.
The freeze-dried format is unique and allows us to mix it with warm water, creating a soft, easy-to-digest meal. We’ve also used it as a topper over their regular food, which has been a hit. Knowing it contains 90% animal ingredients gives us confidence in its quality.
While some may find the smell a bit strong, our dogs don’t mind at all. We have noticed that it’s not suitable for every pet; some picky eaters might turn their noses away. Still, for dogs that appreciate high-quality food, this product is worth considering.
What is Considered “Filler” In Dog Foods?
Filler is any ingredient in dog food that adds little to no nutritional value. We often find these ingredients in lower-quality dog foods. They may help to bulk up the food or lower production costs.
Common fillers include:
- Corn: Often used in dog food, corn offers calories but few nutrients.
- Wheat: Similar to corn, wheat may cause allergies in some dogs.
- Soy: Often used as a protein source, it can be hard for some dogs to digest.
- Carbohydrates & Starches in General: Dogs have no biological need for carbohydrates. The reason they are put into dog foods is for cost savings. Starches cost less than meats.
Filler ingredients can take up space on the label, making it seem like the food contains more nutrients than it actually does. When looking for high-quality dog food, look for real meats and whole foods at the top of the ingredient list.
5 Reasons to Avoid Fillers in Your Golden Retriever’s Diet
When it comes to feeding your Golden Retriever, choosing a high-quality diet without fillers is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Here are five compelling reasons to avoid fillers in your Golden Retriever’s diet:
1. Nutritional Value
Fillers like corn, soy, and wheat are often used in dog foods to bulk up the product without providing substantial nutritional benefits. These ingredients lack the essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins that your Golden Retriever needs to maintain strong muscles, healthy skin, and a shiny coat. Opting for filler-free food ensures your dog gets a nutrient-dense diet that supports their growth and energy levels.
2. Allergy Prevention
Golden Retrievers are prone to food allergies and sensitivities, which can be triggered by common fillers. Symptoms such as itching, ear infections, and gastrointestinal issues can arise from consuming foods with these ingredients. By eliminating fillers, you reduce the risk of allergic reactions and promote better digestive health, leading to a happier and more comfortable pet.
3. Digestive Health
Fillers can be difficult for dogs to digest, leading to problems like bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. High-quality, filler-free dog foods are easier on your Golden Retriever’s digestive system, helping to maintain a regular and healthy digestive process. This results in better nutrient absorption and overall gut health.
4. Weight Management
Golden Retrievers are susceptible to obesity, which can lead to serious health issues such as joint problems and heart disease. Fillers add unnecessary calories to your dog’s diet without providing the needed nutrition, making weight management more challenging. Choosing a filler-free diet helps in maintaining an optimal weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions.
5. Longevity and Quality of Life
A diet rich in high-quality ingredients without fillers can contribute to a longer, healthier life for your Golden Retriever. Proper nutrition supports immune function, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and keeps your dog active and energetic. Investing in a premium, filler-free diet is a step toward ensuring your Golden Retriever enjoys a vibrant and fulfilling life.
In conclusion, avoiding fillers in your Golden Retriever’s diet is essential for their overall health and well-being. By choosing high-quality, nutrient-dense foods, you can help prevent allergies, support digestive health, manage weight, and enhance their quality of life.
Toledo, United States.
