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The best dog food under $80 good for golden retrievers

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When it comes to finding the best dog food for golden retrievers, it can be confusing to know exactly what to look for. Luckily, starting with the needs of your dog and its breed can point you in the right direction. Golden retriever food needs to support a healthy weight as well as a healthy coat. And don’t forget to meet their everyday nutritional needs!

These four kibbles have everything your golden needs to stay healthy, happy, and active. Do keep in mind your specific pup’s needs while you’re browsing, though, as no two dog foods are made quite the same! Happy shopping, pet parents!

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Purina Pro Plan With Probiotics Shredded Blend Lamb and Rice Formula

  • Real meat is the first ingredient
  • Offers vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids
  • Features regular kibble and softer pieces for your dog’s enjoyment

This adult dog food has all the nutrients (and flavor) your golden needs for a healthy, balanced meal. It’s made with healthy adult canines in mind and has real meat — lamb in this case — as its first ingredient. Each piece of kibble is fortified with vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to encourage coat health, plus live probiotics in every bite for optimal intestinal regularity.

While you’re enjoying the nutritional benefits you know your pup is getting, he’ll be too busy loving the crunchy texture of this kibble. This mix includes both regular kibble pieces and softer, shredded pieces for a satisfying meaty bite. Your pup is going to love it!

Royal Canin Golden Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food

  • Includes a guide for how much to feed your pet
  • Features taurine, EPA and DHA
  • Kibble size, shape, and texture was designed for the breed

This scientifically formulated dog food is made especially for golden retrievers just like your best buddy. Royal Canin is known for its breed- and health-specific kibble recipes, so you can rest assured that your pup is getting every single one of his nutritional needs met. Even the shape of the kibble was designed for your golden! This blend helps promote a shiny coat, a healthy heart, and an ideal metabolism — to keep your snack-loving dog at his perfect weight.

At 23% minimum protein and 11% minimum fat content, you won’t have to worry about your pup going hungry or becoming nutritionally deficient. The back of the bag includes a helpful guide for finding your dog’s ideal portion size based on both his weight and activity level.

Wellness Complete Health Natural Large Breed Health Recipe Dry Dog Food

  • No meat byproducts, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors
  • Contains more protein to support muscle mass
  • Made in the U.S.

This well-reviewed natural dog food supports your dog’s total health from head to tail. With a recipe that’s formulated for large breeds, too, you’ll know your golden retriever is getting all the nutrition he needs in one yummy kibble. You won’t find any meat byproducts, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors, or intestinal irritants such as corn, wheat, or soy. Perfect for pups with dietary restrictions, too.

Wellness Complete Health focuses on five areas of your pup’s well-being to promote all-over health: skin and coat; digestive health; eyes, teeth, and gums; energy; and immunity. With ingredients like spinach, blueberries, flaxseed, and chicken (a canine classic), your golden is in for a delicious and nutritious treat for dinner every night.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food 

  • Designed to help with weight management
  • Made in the U.S.
  • Features natural ingredients

Since golden retrievers can be prone to weight gain, a nutritionally balanced food like this can solve a problem before it starts. In fact, Hill’s Pet Nutrition shows that “over 70% of pets lost weight within 10 weeks” of switching to this recipe (via product description). With ingredients to promote optimal cardiac health and muscle maintenance, it truly has everything your furry friend could need. For long-lasting weight management that tastes just as good as it is healthy, look no further!

Whether your golden retriever has a specific dietary need or just wants to switch it up, these tried-and-true options won’t steer you wrong. They’re a great combination of the kibble you know and love as well as the science that keeps your dog healthy — the best of both worlds!

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Gabrielle LaFrank
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Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
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