8 Best Foods for Overweight Golden Retrievers

Tackling overweight issues in golden retrievers requires a careful approach, especially when it comes to their diet. If your canine friend is carrying extra pounds, finding the right food that supports weight loss while ensuring they get all the necessary nutrients can feel overwhelming with so many products on the market.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of this process for you by identifying the top foods designed for overweight golden retrievers. Our picks not only aim at healthy weight management but also ensure your dog enjoys their meals. 

Let’s help your golden retriever get back to their ideal weight and thrive!

Quick Picks

Best Foods for Overweight Golden Retrievers

1.    Best Overall: NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Healthy Weight Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

This dog food is expertly formulated to promote healthy weight loss in large-breed dogs. This recipe features a tailored blend of protein and fiber, crucial for dogs on a weight management journey. 

Real chicken, as the number one ingredient, ensures that the food is rich in high-quality protein, supporting strong muscles and overall health. Protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, particularly important for overweight dogs undergoing weight loss. 

The carefully balanced fiber content, sourced from ingredients like whole grain sorghum, brown rice, and powdered cellulose, aids in digestion and helps keep dogs feeling full longer, which is key to weight management. 

The inclusion of ingredients rich in vitamins and minerals, such as chia seeds, coconut, kale, and pumpkin, not only supports a robust immune system but also adds to the overall nutritional profile of the diet, ensuring your golden retriever receives a balanced diet that caters to all their health requirements. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), Whole Grain Sorghum, Rice Bran, Split Peas

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

👍 Item Form: Dry

Pros

✅ Free of artificial flavors or preservatives

✅ No corn, wheat, or soy

✅ Supports healthy joints

✅ Contains high-quality ingredients

Cons

❌ Few pet parents say their dogs haven’t lost weight, but have only maintained their weight

2.    Best for Rapid Weight Management: Natural Balance Original Ultra Fat Dogs Chicken Meal

This dog food is created with chicken meal and salmon meal as the primary sources of protein, delivering essential amino acids to help maintain strong muscles. 

The formula is specifically designed with targeted nutrition, featuring quality protein, wholesome grains, added vitamins, and a special fiber blend to help dogs feel full and satisfied. The ultra-reduced calorie content ensures your golden retriever can enjoy delicious meals without the extra calories that contribute to weight gain. 

The inclusion of high-fiber grains like peas, oat groats, and barley not only aids in digestion but also helps dogs feel fuller for longer, addressing overeating concerns. The reduced-calorie formula is an excellent choice for dogs needing to lose or maintain weight without sacrificing taste or nutritional value.

The formulation’s focus on feeling full and satisfied, along with targeted levels of L-Carnitine, aligns well with the needs of overweight dogs, ensuring they receive a balanced and nutritious diet while on a weight control program.

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal, Chickpeas, Peas, Oat Groats

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

👍 Item Form: Dry kibble

Pros

✅ Includes superfoods, antioxidants, and vitamins to support a strong immune system

✅ Most customers saw great results with their dogs losing weight and regaining energy

✅ Tastes great

Cons

❌ Some wished for the bag to have a resealable zipper to keep it fresh

❌ Some mentioned that the food has a somewhat unpleasant odor

3.    Best Grain-Free Option: Grain-Free High-Protein Dry Dog Food

This Wellness Core dry dog food takes a holistic approach to canine health by focusing on high-quality, meat-based protein and the exclusion of grains, which is ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities or those requiring a high-protein diet for lean muscle maintenance. 

It’s formulated with premium protein from responsibly sourced turkey, balanced with nutrient-rich superfoods for a comprehensive and balanced diet, ensuring all necessary nutrients are met. 

It contains 42% high-quality protein ingredients to promote leaner body mass and improved muscle tone. It also supports digestive health and aids in weight management through guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, high fiber, and reduced fat.

By offering a formula with 25% less fat than Wellness CORE Original Recipe, it addresses the needs of dogs in weight management without compromising health. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal (source of Glucosamine), Chicken Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate), Lentils, Peas

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-free

👍 Item Form: Dry

Pros

✅ No meat by-products or fillers, grain, corn, soy, wheat-gluten, or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors

✅ Most pet parents are happy that their dog’s stomach no longer gets upset

✅ Most dogs tend to get their energy back

Cons

❌ High-quality ingredients and grain-free formulation may come at a higher cost

4.    Best Scientific Formulation: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food is formulated specifically for less active adult large breed dogs requiring a low-calorie diet to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. It boasts 18% fewer calories compared to the standard Science Diet Large Breed formula. 

This light dog food is enriched with L-carnitine to help promote an ideal body weight, while also supporting healthy mobility and heart function. The inclusion of high-quality protein and natural fibers aids in keeping your golden retriever satisfied between meals. 

Additionally, the food contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish the skin and support a shiny, healthy coat, ensuring your large breed dog remains healthy and well-nourished with each meal.

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea Fiber, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Corn

👍 Age Range: Large breed adult dogs 1 – 5 years of age (with an ideal weight of 55 – 110 lbs) and giant breeds 1 – 4 years of age (with an ideal weight of 110+)

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

👍 Item Form: Dry kibble

Pros

✅ Great value for money

✅ Most dogs seem to love the flavor

✅ Offers skin and coat support

Cons

❌ Few dog parents complained about their dogs having diarrhea and gas after eating it

❌ Limited flavor options 

5.    Best Value for Money: IAMS Adult Healthy Weight Control Large Breed Dry Dog Food with Real Chicken

This dry dog food is designed to support large breed dogs struggling with weight issues. It offers a nutritionally balanced formula with 17% less fat than the IAMS Minichunks recipe, aimed at helping maintain a healthy weight. 

This dog food includes real, farm-raised chicken as the primary ingredient, ensuring high-quality protein for muscle maintenance. It also features a blend of fibers and natural prebiotics to promote healthy digestion, alongside L-carnitine to support a healthy metabolism. 

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Barley, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal (Source Of Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate)

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

👍 Item Form: Dry

Pros

✅ No artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers

✅ Most pet parents say their dog’s coat became shinier and healthier

✅ This food also improved some dogs’ digestion 

Cons

❌ Includes whole grains, which may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies or sensitivities 

6.    Best for Muscle Maintenance: Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Weight Management Dog Food

This formula is a high-protein, adult dry dog food designed specifically for weight management in large-breed dogs. Real chicken is the primary ingredient, ensuring a high-quality source of protein to support muscle maintenance during weight loss. 

This food is enriched with live probiotics to aid digestive and immune health. It boasts an optimal protein-to-fat ratio of 27% protein and 9.5% fat, which is key to helping maintain muscle mass while achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. 

Additionally, this formula includes natural prebiotic fiber to support digestive health and is designed to be 15% less fat than Pro Plan ESSENTIALS Shredded Blend Chicken and Rice Formula for Adult Dogs.

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, poultry by-product meal, corn gluten meal, oat meal

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

👍 Item Form: Dry crunchy kibble

Pros

✅ Most dogs tend to love this food

✅ Dog parents have seen great results with losing or maintaining the weight of their dogs

✅ Dogs tend to get healthier, more energetic, and more active with this food

Cons

❌ Limited flavor options

7.    Best Natural Ingredients: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Large Breed Healthy Weight Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food prioritizes high-quality, natural ingredients, starting with real chicken as the first ingredient to support healthy muscle maintenance. 

It’s specially formulated with reduced calories from fat, helping large breed dogs achieve and maintain a healthy weight, while also including glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. 

The inclusion of BLUE’s exclusive LifeSource Bits offers a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health and a healthy oxidative balance. 

This natural dog food is free from chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives, ensuring a wholesome diet.

Main Features

👍 First Five Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-inclusive

👍 Item Form: Dry 

Pros

✅ Excellent quality

✅ Most dog parents recommend it for weight loss

✅ Great for picky eaters

Cons

❌ Some may find it a bit too expensive

8.    Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Wellness Natural Pet Food Simple Natural Limited-Ingredient Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

This formula is designed for adult dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, focusing on a minimalistic approach by using a single protein source from salmon. 

This all-natural, limited-ingredient recipe is balanced with easily digestible carbohydrates like potatoes and peas, devoid of any extra fillers, making it suitable for dogs needing to maintain a healthy body weight. 

It supports not just digestive health through natural prebiotics but also joint health with glucosamine and heart health with taurine. 

Importantly, this diet excludes common allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, and artificial additives, offering a wholesome alternative for managing dietary sensitivities.

Main Features

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

👍 Age Range: Adult

👍 Type: Grain-free

👍 Item Form: Dry 

Pros

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

✅ Most dog owners say their pets have had zero stomach issues, no vomiting or diarrhea

✅ Improves coat and skin health

Cons

❌ No other flavor is available

❌ You may have to add some water to rehydrate it

How to Choose the Best Foods for Overweight Golden Retrievers?

When choosing the best food for your overweight golden retriever, several key factors must be considered to ensure that they receive a balanced diet that supports weight loss while maintaining overall health. 

Here’s a guide to help you make an informed decision:

1.      High-Quality Protein Source

Look for dog foods that list real meat (e.g., chicken, beef, salmon) as the first ingredient. High-quality protein supports muscle maintenance, which is crucial for overweight dogs.

Protein-rich diets can also help dogs feel fuller longer, reducing the temptation to overeat.

2.      Low in Calories but Nutrient-Dense

Select dog foods formulated for weight management, as they typically contain fewer calories.

However, ensure these foods are still nutrient-dense to meet your dog’s daily nutritional needs without the extra calories that contribute to weight gain.

3.      Fiber Content

A higher fiber content can be beneficial for weight management, as it helps dogs feel full and satisfied after meals. 

This can prevent overeating and aid in healthy digestion. Look for foods with natural fiber sources like vegetables and whole grains.

4.      Omega Fatty Acids

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat, but they also play a role in weight management. These nutrients can help manage inflammation and support overall health.

5.      Limited Fillers and Artificial Additives

Avoid dog foods with unnecessary fillers (like corn and soy) and artificial additives, as these can contribute to weight gain and do not provide any nutritional value. 

Foods with limited ingredients can also be beneficial for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies.

6.      Specific Needs for Large Breeds

Golden retrievers are considered large breed dogs, so it’s essential to choose a food that caters to the specific health needs of larger breeds. 

This includes the right balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone health and other nutrients that support joint health, like glucosamine and chondroitin.

7.      Consult Your Vet

Before changing your golden retriever’s diet, especially for weight loss purposes, it’s crucial to consult with a vet. 

They can provide personalized advice based on your dog’s specific health needs, recommend suitable weight management foods, and help you establish a healthy feeding routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.    What can I feed my overweight dog to lose weight?

To help your overweight dog lose weight, focus on feeding them a balanced, low-calorie diet recommended by your vet, which should have above-average protein, below-average fat, and below-average calories to feel satisfied with less begging. Monitor your dog’s weight regularly and adjust their diet as needed to ensure steady weight loss.

2.    How can I get my golden retriever to lose weight?

To help your golden retriever lose weight, maintain a consistent feeding schedule with measured portions and include healthy snacks like low-calorie vegetables. Regular vet check-ups are crucial for personalized diet and exercise advice. A combination of diet management, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments is essential. Ideal diets are high in protein and fiber but low in fat.

3.    Is chicken good for dog weight loss?

Yes, chicken is beneficial for dogs on a weight loss diet due to its lean protein content, which is lower in calories compared to fattier meats. It helps maintain muscle mass while aiding in weight loss and can also soothe upset stomachs. 

4.    At what age do golden retrievers stop gaining weight?

Golden retrievers generally reach their full height by the age of one but continue to gain muscle and fill out till they are around two years old. Proper nutrition and exercise are crucial during this growth period to ensure they develop healthily​.

5.    Do golden retrievers lose weight as they age?

Golden retrievers may gain weight as they age due to slower metabolism and decreased activity, not lose it. It’s important to manage their diet and ensure they get appropriate exercise to avoid obesity.

6.    Why is my golden retriever getting fat?

Your golden retriever might be getting fat due to overeating, lack of exercise, or health issues like hypothyroidism. It’s important to control their diet, increase their physical activity, and consult a vet to rule out medical problems.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our guide to the best foods for overweight golden retrievers, it’s clear that achieving and maintaining a healthy weight for your canine companion is within reach. 

Each product we’ve reviewed offers unique benefits, from high-quality proteins to essential nutrients tailored for weight management. Remember, alongside a nutritious diet, regular exercise and veterinary care are crucial. 

Start today by choosing the right food for your golden retriever’s weight management journey. And if you’re looking for our top pick, we highly recommend NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Healthy Weight Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food.