7 Best Foods for Golden Retriever’s Healthy Coat & Skin

Diet is one of the main reasons dogs have to deal with dull and brittle coats, shedding, and bald spots. If this is the case, you must provide them with a complete and balanced diet enriched in nutrients like omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc.

In this article, we thoroughly researched and rounded up the 7 best foods for golden retrievers to help them get shiny coats and healthy skin. 

Quick Picks

Best Foods for Golden Retriever’s Healthy Coat & Skin

1.    Best Overall: Purina ONE Natural

This dog food contains real salmon as the first ingredient, which supports heart muscles, including a healthy heart. Furthermore, other premium-quality ingredients and vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids promote a radiant coat and healthy skin.

Four antioxidant sources support a strong immune system, natural glucosamine sources ensure joint health and calcium supports strong teeth and healthy gums.  

RELATED: 6 Best Purina Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Salmon (Source of Glucosamine), Rice Flour, Pearled Barley, Oat Meal, Corn Gluten Meal

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Free of artificial flavors, preservatives, and fillers

✅ Ideal for sensitive stomach and skin

✅ Great for picky eaters

Cons

❌ Some pet parents complain about the kibble size being small for large-breed dogs

2.    Best for Puppies: ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Puppy Large Dry Dog Food

Looking for the best food for golden retriever puppy? This kibble supports your large-breed puppy’s growth and development, with the first five ingredients being fresh or raw chicken, whole herring, whole mackerel, chicken liver, and salmon. 

It also contains healthy grains sourced from non-GMO crops, including chia, quinoa, whole oats, and oat groats. DHA and EPA from mackerel, herring, salmon, and pollock oil support skin and coat health and immunity.

RELATED: 7 Best Puppy Foods for Golden Retrievers 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, whole herring, whole mackerel, chicken liver, salmon

👍 Age Range: Large and giant-breed puppies

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ Supports digestive health

✅ Puppies tend to love the taste

✅ Smells much better than the other dog foods

Cons

❌ The packaging doesn’t come with a ziplock on it

3.    Best Budget: Diamond Skin & Coat Real Meat Recipe Dry Dog Food with Wild Caught Salmon

This budget-friendly dog food is made using high-quality salmon as the first ingredient, which not only provides essential omega-3 acids but is also a great source of selenium and high-quality protein. 

In addition to salmon, flaxseed, chia seed, and coconut provide omega fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Powerful antioxidants from superfoods like oranges, blueberries, spinach, and carrots support the immune system. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Salmon, fish meal, potatoes, lentils, peas

👍 Age Range: All life stages

👍 Type: Grain-free

Pros

✅ Formulated for all life stages

✅ Free of corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives 

✅ Supports a healthy digestive system

Cons

❌ Some pet parents don’t like the fact that potatoes, lentils, and peas are among the first five ingredients

4.    Best Grain-Free Formula: Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care

This grain-free formula contains premium-quality, real lamb as the first ingredient, with potatoes, peas, and pumpkin to help with digestion and the development and maintenance of lean muscles. Since it’s free of chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, or eggs, it can be an excellent option for dogs with food sensitivities.  

Taurine, a vital amino acid, helps maintain heart health. Whereas glucosamine, EPA, and chondroitin support joint health and overall mobility. Vitamins E and C ensure immune health, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids support skin and coat health. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes, Peas, Lamb Meal

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-free

Pros

✅ Ensures firm, consistent stools

✅ Dogs tend to devour their food bowl

✅ Free of poultry by-product meals, artificial flavors, or preservatives 

Cons

❌ Has only one more flavor option (turkey and potato)

5.    Best High-Protein: ORIJEN AMAZING GRAINS Original Dry Dog Food

If you’re looking for the best dry food for golden retrievers with high protein for an active lifestyle, this is it! It’s formulated with 90% premium animal ingredients to help support muscle maintenance, with chicken, turkey, chicken liver, whole herring, and whole mackerel being the first 5 ingredients. 

EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) from pollock oil help with healthy skin and coat and a strong immune system. It also contains grains like quinoa, chia, whole oats, and oat groats sourced from non-GMO crops.

Main Features 

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, chicken liver, whole herring, whole mackerel

👍 Age Range: All life stages

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

Pros

✅ No legume ingredients 

✅ Supports gut health and stool quality

✅ Easier to chew and digest

Cons

❌ Maybe a bit on the pricey side for some

6.    Best for Healthy Weight: Wellness Simple Natural Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This dog food contains healthy fiber to satisfy hunger between meals and reduced calories for the maintenance of a healthy weight without compromising on complete nutrition and optimal energy.  

It’s formulated with a single source of protein (salmon) and easily digestible carbs without fillers or additives for dogs with food sensitivities. The essential vitamins and minerals with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids nourish the coat and skin.

RECOMMENDED READING: 8 Best Foods for Overweight Golden Retrievers

Main Features 

👍 First Five Ingredients: Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-free

Pros

✅ Includes taurine for a healthy heart and glucosamine for strong joints

✅ Free of poultry by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, corn, soy, dairy, eggs, artificial colors, or preservatives

✅ This kibble has a very mild scent and is easy to chew and digest

Cons

❌ You may have to add some water to rehydrate it

7.    Best Wet Food: Hill’s Science Diet Wet Dog Food

This salmon and vegetable wet food contains chicken broth, salmon, carrots, turkey, and potatoes as the first five ingredients for complete, balanced nutrition. 

It supports healthy skin and coat with omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E. Beet pulp, a nourishing prebiotic fiber, makes it easier for your dog to digest the food and for easier stool pick-up. 

RELATED: 5 Best Canned Wet Foods for Golden Retrievers

Main Features 

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Salmon, Carrots, Turkey, Potatoes

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-free

Pros

✅ Ideal for dogs with grain allergies since it’s grain-free

✅ Comes with nice-looking chunks of turkey in broth

✅ The pull tab opens easily without needing a can opener

Cons

❌ Maybe a bit runnier 

How to Choose the Best Foods for Golden Retriever’s Healthy Coat & Skin?

To ensure your golden retriever has healthy skin and coat, you must pick the right food for them. Let’s look at factors you must consider when choosing the best food for healthy skin and coat. 

Factor #1: Consider Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs

Your dog should have a complete, balanced diet to ensure their skin and coat are healthy. Make sure you pick the right food for them based on their age, activity level, and medical conditions. 

You can’t give your golden retriever puppy adult food as they won’t be able to meet their nutritional needs, and this will lead to overall poor health, including dull and dry coat and skin.

Don’t forget to read the food labels that tell whether food is formulated for a specific health condition or lifestage. 

Factor #2: Keep Your Dog’s Allergies or Sensitivities in Mind

Your dog could be sensitive or allergic to a particular ingredient, which can harm their skin and coat, ranging from hot spots to itchy skin. Therefore, it’s essential for you to work with your vet and identify which ingredients your golden retriever is allergic to or sensitive to. 

This way, you will know which ingredients to avoid feeding your dog and carefully read the ingredient list before making a purchase. 

Factor #3: Look for High-Quality Protein

The dog’s coat is made up almost entirely of protein, while the skin is made up of proteins and fats. Hence, high-quality protein in their food is a must. 

Protein can be plant-based or animal-based. You must ensure it fulfills AAFCO’s minimum requirements, i.e., 22.5% for puppies and 18% for adult dogs. 

Having a protein source as the first ingredient would be even better. The most common, high-quality protein sources are lamb, poultry, fish, and beef. 

Factor #4: Look for Other Beneficial Ingredients

You should look for ingredients known for promoting shiny coats and healthy skin in the dog food you’re about to purchase. 

Some ingredients that help keep your dog’s skin and coat condition ideal are zinc, vitamins A and E, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    How do I keep my golden retriever coat healthy?

To maintain a healthy coat for your golden retriever: regularly brush, provide a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, ensure routine grooming, and use appropriate shampoo during baths. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important.

2.    How can I make my golden retriever hair silky?

For silky golden retriever hair: brush daily with a suitable brush, use a high-quality, moisturizing dog shampoo, incorporate Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids in their diet, and ensure regular grooming to remove tangles and mats.

3.    What vitamins are good for golden retrievers hair?

Vitamins beneficial for golden retrievers’ hair include Vitamin A for healthy skin, Vitamin E for coat health, Biotin for fur strength, and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for shine and softness. Always consult a vet before supplementing.

4.    What is the best thing for a golden retriever coat?

The best care for a golden retriever’s coat involves regular brushing, a balanced diet rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, using a high-quality dog shampoo, and routine grooming to prevent mats and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Conclusion

In order to improve the condition of your golden retriever’s coat and skin, you must consider various buying factors, as discussed. Some hand-picked products mentioned above can also be a great choice for your dog as long as they meet their needs. 

If your golden retriever’s poor condition of coat and skin is due to skin allergies, we recommend checking out this review next – 8 Best Dog Foods for Golden Retrievers with Skin Allergies