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11 Best Dog Foods for Mini Goldendoodles in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Ashley Bates

Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by Dogster Team

11 Best Dog Foods for Mini Goldendoodles in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Goldendoodle

As a dog owner, pet nutrition is something you’re likely taking pretty seriously. As pet nutrition continues to develop and improve, the focus has turned to what nourishment will eliminate health issues and create a long and full life for our pups.

But all breeds are different. If you have a Miniature Goldendoodle, buying a proper meal can be a little challenging. With our extensive knowledge of the breed, we found 11 of the best dog foods on this year’s market. Here are our reviews.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Chicken Subscription The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Chicken Subscription
  • USDA approved protein as first ingredients
  • All life stages
  • No harmful additives or preservatives
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Cesar Classic Loaf Wet Dog Food Cesar Classic Loaf Wet Dog Food
  • Variety of savory flavors
  • Whole protein as a first ingredient
  • Affordable
  • Third place
    FreshPet Vital Dog Food FreshPet Vital Dog Food
  • High moisture content
  • The 3 main ingredients are protein sources
  • Savory and appetite-inducing
  • Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food
  • Added ingredients like DHA and EPA
  • Non-GMO
  • High-quality protein
  • Iams ProActive Health Aging Dog Food Iams ProActive Health Aging Dog Food
  • Bone and joint support
  • For pups 7+
  • No fillers or artificial flavors
  • The 11 Best Dog Foods for Mini Goldendoodles

    1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Chicken Subscription – Best Overall

    The Farmer's Dog Fresh Chicken Subscription

    Brand: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
    Flavor: USDA chicken, Brussels sprouts, USDA chicken liver
    Type: Fresh
    Calories: 590 kcal/lb
    Protein: 49%
    Fat: 37%
    Fiber: 1%
    Moisture: 7.5%

    When it comes to the overall best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles, we definitely recommend The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. It is formulated to support and cater to every stage of your dog’s life. The chicken recipe is created with USDA chicken and chicken liver as the main ingredients followed by nutrient-rich vegetables like Brussels sprouts, Bok choy, and broccoli. The Farmer’s Dog recipes are packed with a special blend of vitamins and nutrients, like taurine, omega-3, and vitamins B12 and D3, that are essential to your dog’s health. Their blends are also free of preservatives and additives.

    If you like to keep your dog’s palate guessing, you can choose from three other proteins – beef, turkey, and pork. The Farmer’s Dog fresh dog food is also an excellent choice should your dog have any food sensitivities since they are free from common allergens. You simply enter your dog’s information into their short survey and they curate a list of recipes specific to your furry friend.

    Although this product is only subscription-based, its fresh ingredient list and AAFCO standards are hard to outshine, making this the clear front-runner in our eyes.

    Pros
    • USDA grade ingredients
    • Suitable for all life stages
    • Free of allergens, preservatives, and additives
    • Recipes are dog-specific
    Cons
    • Only by subscription

    2. Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food

    Brand: Cesar
    Flavor: Variety
    Type: Wet
    Calories: 91-105 kcal/tray
    Protein: 8.5-9%
    Fat: 4%
    Fiber: 1%
    Moisture: 82%

    If you’re trying to satisfy your pooch while saving a dollar, try out Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce Wet Dog Food. We think it’s a great budget buy. You can use this wet dog food as a yummy topper or as a standalone diet—either will work, and your pup will enjoy the perks of these savory dishes.

    This variety pack has four flavors: beef, grilled chicken, filet mignon, and porterhouse steak. Each one is completely soft in a desirable gravy to trigger the appetite. It works well for dogs with dental issues since it is so soft and easy to eat. Each pack comes in ready-to-serve trays—just peel back and dish out.

    Each recipe is grain-free, with whole protein as the first ingredient, making it a top-notch protein source. There are between 91 and 105 calories in one serving, depending on the flavor. The guaranteed analysis reads 8.5 to 9% crude protein, 4% crude fat, 1% crude fiber, and 82% moisture.

    We think each recipe is exceptional, giving just the right balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, and essential acids your Mini’s body requires. All Cesar dog food is made in the USA, too, so you can easily trace the ingredients.

    If you serve this dog food as a standalone diet, make sure to keep up with daily teeth brushing. Minis can have issues with dental health, and they will need any plaque build-up removed.

    Pros
    • Variety of savory flavors
    • Whole protein as a first ingredient
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Can cause plaque build-up

    3. FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food

    FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition Dog Food

    Brand: FreshPet
    Flavor: Chicken
    Type: Fresh
    Calories: 309
    Protein: 9.5%
    Fat: 7%
    Fiber: 1.5%
    Moisture: 76%

    If you can’t commit to preparing a homemade diet at home for your Mini Goldendoodle, you might be interested in FreshPet Vital Balanced Nutrition. It is a delicious pre-prepared selection for your dog to provide a more natural diet. It can get pretty expensive if you serve it only, but we think your dog could reap the benefits.

    When it comes to ingredients, we love what we see. It has three protein ingredients listed first: chicken, liver, and broth, so protein is the main element here. Then, you have wholesome veggies and easily digestible grains to aid in digestion and keep muscles and skin strong.

    This recipe is chicken-flavored and savory to your pup’s taste buds. In each serving, there are 309 calories, totaling 1,393 calories per roll. The guaranteed analysis reads 9.5% crude protein, 7% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 76% moisture.

    Pet nutrition is improving all the time, and we think that FreshPet Vital is headed in the right direction. Fresh foods seem to nourish your dog’s body in a noticeable way so your little Golden’s coat and skin can reflect their internal state of wellness.

    However, because this food is much more expensive than ordinary kibble, it might not fit into your budget quite yet.

    Pros
    • High moisture content
    • The 3 main ingredients are protein sources
    • Savory and appetite-inducing
    Cons
    • Pricey

    4. Nutro Natural Choice Chicken Dog Food

    New Project NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Puppy Dry Dog Food

    Brand: Nutro
    Flavor: Chicken and brown rice
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 390 kcal/cup
    Protein: 28%
    Fat: 16%
    Fiber: 3%
    Moisture: 10%

    When it comes to optimal puppy chow recipes, we absolutely adore Nutro Natural Choice Puppy. It contains just the right balance of ingredients to nourish your Mini Goldendoodle’s growing body, including much-needed DHA and EPA for brain and body development.

    All ingredients are non-GMO, meaning you don’t have to feel guilty for feeding your dogs artificial ingredients. It contains a high amount of protein, fatty acids, and calcium to encourage strong bones, shiny coats, and healthy skin.

    This recipe is chicken and brown rice flavored with chicken as the first ingredient. In one serving, there are 390 calories, totaling 3,727 calories in each bag. The guaranteed analysis reads 28% crude protein, 16% crude fat, 3% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

    This recipe contains no harsh fillers. Instead, it uses smart, digestible grains like whole-grain barley, brewers rice, whole-grain brown rice, and rice bran. It also has other superfoods like pumpkin, kale, and spinach.

    While this puppy food is terrific, in our opinion, it might be a little costly for some budgets, and it is difficult to find in some department store locations.

    Pros
    • Added ingredients like DHA and EPA
    • Non-GMO
    • High-quality protein
    Cons
    • Difficult brand to find in-store
    • Might not work on all budgets

    5. Iams ProActive Health Aging Dog Food

    Iams ProActive Health Aging Dog Food

    Brand: Iams
    Flavor: Chicken
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 347 kcal ME/cup
    Protein: 24%
    Fat: 10.5%
    Fiber: 5%
    Moisture: 10%

    If you are looking for a recipe that can help your senior live their best life, consider Iams Proactive Health Healthy Aging. It will give your dog just the right combination of nutrients to support degrading joints and organs for dogs who are seven and older.

    This recipe contains helpful antioxidants and immune-supporting ingredients to nourish the body and help your senior maintain all functions, especially bone and joint support. It contains no artificial additives. There is also added L-carnitine and beta-carotene.

    This recipe is flavored with chicken and the number one ingredient in the recipe. In one serving, there are 347 calories, totaling 3,452 calories per bag. The guaranteed analysis reads 24% crude protein, 10.5% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

    This recipe contains some excellent and tasty ingredients like farm-raised chicken without antibiotics and steroids, carrots for visual health, chicken fat to promote healthy skin, and beet pulp for added fiber and prebiotics. A few users complained that the kibble size was too large for their older dogs, and many senior pups had gas following this meal.

    Pros
    • Bone and joint support
    • For pups 7+
    • No fillers or artificial flavors
    Cons
    • Can cause gas
    • Kibble might be too big for older dogs

    6. Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food

    Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Brand: Taste of the Wild
    Flavor: High Prairie
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 422 kcal/cup
    Protein: 32%
    Fat: 18%
    Fiber: 4%
    Moisture: 10%

    If you need a grain-free option for your Golden, consider Taste of the Wild High Prairie dog food. It is an excellent protein-rich recipe with delightful novel proteins and no harmful ingredients. It is also an all-life-stages formula, so your dog can enjoy this food at any age.

    Containing superfoods and K9-specific proprietary probiotics, this recipe nourishes your dog’s muscles, skin, organs, and coat. It contains no grains, including harmful fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. The peas and sweet potato account for easy-to-digest starches, promoting smooth digestion.

    So many dogs have issues with common proteins. So, we love that Taste of the Wild uses water buffalo as the primary novel protein source. In one serving, there are 422 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 32% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

    This formula supports overall everyday health, using real ingredients that increase antioxidant levels and provide immune support. Superfoods like dried chicory root, blueberries, and raspberries help with organ function.

    This recipe works best for very active Goldendoodles, as it is high in calories, protein, and fat content. If your dog is less active or getting up there in age, it might not be the most fitting diet you could pick.

    Pros
    • Provides immune support
    • Contains probiotics
    • Easy-to-digest starches
    Cons
    • Highly caloric
    • Not all dogs take to the taste

    7. Go! Solution Sensitivities Dog Food

    Go! Solution Sensitivities Dog Food

    Brand: Go! Solutions
    Flavor: Salmon
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 449 kcal/cup
    Protein: 24%
    Fat: 12%
    Fiber: 4.5%
    Moisture: 10%

    If your Miniature Goldendoodle has stomach sensitivities, we absolutely love Go! Solutions Sensitivities. It has just the right nutrients that make it easy to digest and regulate gastrointestinal function. This company uses canine-friendly ingredients without the use of harmful or triggering allergens.

    This recipe includes dried chicory root, which is a fiber source that soothes the gut. It also contains coconut oil, peas, and chickpeas. It doesn’t contain any byproducts or artificial ingredients.

    This recipe is flavored with salmon, which is also the first ingredient. Salmon is packed with omega fatty acids that nourish the skin and coat. In one serving, there are 449 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 24% crude protein, 12% crude fat, 4.5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

    It contains no fillers and hard-to-digest grain. However, if your dog is healthy with no need for special diets, this isn’t necessary. Also, this recipe is pretty high in calories, so it isn’t ideal for overweight pups.

    Pros
    • No harsh ingredients
    • Easy to digest grains
    • Recipe is specific to digestion
    Cons
    • Unnecessary for healthy dogs
    • Not best for overweight dogs

    8. Crave High Protein Lamb Dry Dog Food

    CRAVE Grain Free High Protein

    Brand: Crave
    Flavor: Lamb
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 454 kcal/cup
    Protein: 34%
    Fat: 17%
    Fiber: 3.5%
    Moisture: 10%

    Some Miniature Goldendoodles burn a ton of calories in a day with their spunky movements. If your guy or gal could use a high-protein dish, Crave High Protein might be your winning ticket. It has a whopping ton of protein alongside healthy, natural ingredients for a well-rounded diet.

    This recipe aims to increase protein intake, creating quite a decent amount to nourish the muscles and replenish energy. It also contains healthy fats, promoting all-around health. Other added ingredients boost the immune system. This particular formula is grain-free, so it won’t work for every dog.

    Pasture-fed lamb is the number one ingredient, ensuring a proper protein source. In one serving, there are 454 calories, totaling 3,759 calories per bag. The guaranteed analysis reads 34% crude protein,17% crude fat,3.5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

    This dog food is made in the United States, but the ingredients are globally sourced. We don’t recommend this recipe for inactive dogs.

    Pros
    • High protein
    • Boosts immunity
    • Healthy fats
    Cons
    • Not best for inactive dogs

    9. Purina Beneful Healthy Weight Dog Food

    Purina Beneful Healthy Weight Dog Food

    Brand: Purina
    Flavor: Farm-raised chicken
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 341 kcal/cup
    Protein: 25%
    Fat: 8%
    Fiber: 7.5%
    Moisture: 12%

    If your pooch is having a little trouble with weight gain, a scrumptious choice for them is Purina Beneful Healthy Weight. It has just the right number of calories, protein, fat, fiber, and other ingredients to keep your pudgy pal lean and fit.

    This recipe contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen immunity and help with organ function from head to toe. It contains real fruits, veggies, and proteins for extra nutritional benefits.

    Chicken is the main ingredient, providing a whole protein source right off the bat. In one serving there are 341 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 25% crude protein, 8% crude fat, 7.5% crude fiber, and 12% moisture.

    We definitely love the benefits of this formula. However, this recipe includes whole corn, wheat, soy, and byproducts, which certain dogs can be sensitive to. It also contains a few gluten ingredients as well.

    Pros
    • Well balanced
    • Light calorie
    • 23 essential vitamins and minerals
    Cons
    • Contains corn, wheat, soy, and byproducts
    • Contains gluten

    10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Brand: Blue Buffalo
    Flavor: Chicken and brown rice
    Type: Dry kibble
    Calories: 377 kcal/cup
    Protein: 24%
    Fat: 14%
    Fiber: 5%
    Moisture: 10%

    When it comes another well-rounded product for Mini Goldendoodles, we like Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. It fits the needs of most adult dogs and is priced just right to fit into many budgets. Plus, it has many ingredients we want to see in a dog food recipe.

    As with all Blue recipes, this formula contains the company’s signature LifeSource bits. These meaty morsels are antioxidant-packed for a flavorful and nutritional kick. It also has added calcium, phosphorus, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine for total body support.

    This specific recipe is chicken and brown rice-flavored, with deboned chicken and chicken meal as the first two ingredients. It contains 377 calories per cup, totaling 3,618 calories per bag. The guaranteed analysis reads 24% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

    Blue leaves out harmful ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy—replacing these fillers with an easily digestible grain like brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. Adding a medley of vitamins and minerals, this recipe is crafted for the everyday health of your Mini.

    We think you will be impressed with Blue’s sterling reputation and upstanding products. However, this recipe won’t work for dogs with specific dietary restrictions. So, always thoroughly check the ingredients before purchase.

    Pros
    • Antioxidant-packed LifeSource Bits
    • Complete formula for everyday health
    • No harmful or artificial fillers
    Cons
    • Might not work for certain dietary restrictions

    11. Stella & Chewy’s Raw Rabbit Dog Food

    Stella & Chewy’s Raw Rabbit Dog Food

    Brand: Stella & Chewy
    Flavor: Rabbit
    Type: Raw
    Calories: 53
    Protein: 46%
    Fat: 32%
    Fiber: 5%
    Moisture: 5%

    Raw products are still pretty sparse, but still growing. As far as raw diets on the market, we love Stella and Chewy’s Absolutely Rabbit. Your Mini Golden will no doubt think they’re delicious. Individual patties, these scrumptious burgers will have your buddy begging for more.

    This recipe has so much to offer—including 90% farm-raised rabbit, organ and bone, plus 100% certified-organic fruits and veggies, too. The organ and bone give an extra boost of needed nutrition that appeals to their primal roots. It also has 50,000,000 CFU live prebiotics to aid in gut health.

    Rabbit is a novel protein for most dogs, so it doesn’t trigger protein allergies. This recipe contains 53 calories per patty. The guaranteed analysis reads 46% crude protein, 32% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 5% moisture. You can rehydrate or leave as-is for dining.

    These patties make a wonderful addition to another meal, such as dry kibble. But they can get super pricey on their own. Also, since freeze-dried textures can be much different from your dog’s traditional diet, they might not take to it well at first.

    Pros
    • High protein with muscle and organ
    • Raw nutritional benefits
    • Live prebiotics
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Texture might be unusual for some dogs

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    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Mini Goldendoodles

    The Ideal Goldendoodle Diet

    Goldendoodles as a breed do not have any strict food restrictions. Of course, some diet options are better than others due to ingredient health content and benefits.

    Dry Kibble

    Dry kibble is a recipe that has been mixed together and baked until crunchy. Kibble has a very long shelf life, lasting long after it’s opened. Plus, it’s likely readily available and easy to find in virtually any in-store or online pet location.

    Dry kibble comes in a variety of flavors and recipes that nourish or cater to different aspects of health. You can find a fitting recipe in just about any category. You can even find prescription recipes.

    Wet Food

    Wet food is canned chunks of protein, minerals, and vitamins in a savory sauce. Unopened cans can last years in storage. Wet food is typically higher in protein and moisture content, creating a very healthy meal for the muscles.

    Plus, they work great as a standalone diet or dry food topper. It can also be a great option for dogs with sensitive teeth, making it easier for them to chew.

    On the downside, you will have to make dental care a priority. Without the crunch of kibble, the residual food can build up on the gum line, causing plaque and eventual tartar.

    Raw-Infused Freeze-Dried

    Many pet food companies are picking up on the immense health benefits of raw food diets. While these are still in the making, with nutritionists working out the kinks, some companies offer freeze-dried raw infused food options.

    These recipes have the benefit of providing wholesome ingredients that haven’t been cooked down or degraded in any way.

    There are some definite overall health benefits of a more natural diet.

    Fresh

    Fresh food diets are interesting and up-and-coming. Some companies make fresh food available, delivered right to your door on a timed schedule. Other options can ship on sites like Chewy or in some pet stores.

    goldendoodle sitting on the grass
    Image By: anetapics, Shutterstock

    Types of Dog Food Recipes

    Premium Recipes

    Premium recipes are generally those that have all-around nutrition to support everyday life. This is for any healthy adult dog, containing a series of proteins, grains, fruits, and veggies to promote optimal health.

    Limited Ingredient Diets

    Limited ingredient diets use as few additives as possible to eliminate the risks of irritation or allergies.

    Grain-Free

    Grain-free options contain no grains whatsoever, removing the risk of gluten exposure. There are some controversies regarding pea-filled grain-free diets and heart issues.

    High-Protein

    High protein diets gear to give pups a more primal diet, boosting animal content and reducing unnecessary ingredients.

    Sensitive Stomach

    Some dogs have very sensitive digestion that several ingredients can trigger, but proteins and certain grains are irritants most commonly. These recipes use easily digestible ingredients instead.

    Healthy Weight

    Try a healthy weight option if you have a chubby pal who could use a weight trim. It will reduce calories and fat while providing just the right amount of ingredients for a totally well-balanced diet.

    All Life Stages

    All life stages nourish the bodies of dogs regardless of pregnancy status or age.

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    Conclusion

    We stand by our favorite— The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food. It has all of the necessary ingredients for everyday health and comes in a variety of fresh food flavors. Plus, it conveniently arrives on your doorstep.

    But if you’re looking for the biggest savings at the highest quality, think about Cesar Classic Loaf in Sauce. Your dog will delight in the savory flavor variety. Plus, you can serve it as a standalone diet or as a dry kibble topper to enhance appetite.

    No matter what you choose, hopefully, you found a diet that seems to work for you and your adorable Miniature Goldendoodle.


    Featured Image Credit: Josh Fields, Pexels

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