As dog owners, 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.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Fresh Dog Food Subscription
USDA approved protein as first ingredients
All life stages
No harmful additives or preservatives
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Best Value
Cesar Classic Loaf Wet Dog Food
Variety of savory flavors
Whole protein as a first ingredient
Affordable
Check Price
FreshPet Vital Dog Food
High moisture content
The 3 main ingredients are protein sources
Savory and appetite-inducing
Check Price
Best for Puppies
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Food
Added ingredients like DHA and EPA
Non-GMO
High-quality protein
Check Price
Best for Seniors
Iams ProActive Health Aging Dog Food
Bone and joint support
For pups 7+
No fillers or artificial flavors
Check Price
The 11 Best Dog Foods for Mini Goldendoodles
1. The Farmer’s Dog Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall
Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with The Farmer’s Dog
Brand: The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food
Flavor: USDA chicken, brussel sprouts, USDA chicken liver
Type: Fresh
Calories: 590 kcup/lb
Protein: 49%
Fat: 37%
Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 7.5%
When it comes to the best overall 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 brussel sprouts, bok choy, and broccoli. The Farmer’s Dog recipes are packed with a special blend of vitamins, like taurine, omega-3, vitamins B12 and D3, that are essential to your dogs 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 of common allergens. You simply enter your dogs 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 an additives
Recipes are dog specific
Cons
Only by subscription
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 the best dog food for Mini Goldendoodles for the money. 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.
USDA grade ingredients
Suitable for all life stages
Free of allergens, preservatives an additives
Recipes are dog specific
- USDA grade ingredients
- Suitable for all life stages
- Free of allergens, preservatives an additives
- Recipes are dog specific
Only by subscription
- Only by subscription
Brand: Cesar
Flavor: Variety
Type: Wet
Calories: 91-105
Protein: 8.5-9%
Fat: 4%
Fiber: 1%
Moisture: 82%
Check Price on Chewy
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—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. Mini’s 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
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.
Variety of savory flavors
Whole protein as a first ingredient
Affordable
- Variety of savory flavors
- Whole protein as a first ingredient
- Affordable
Can cause plaque build-up
- Can cause plaque build-up
Brand: FreshPet
Flavor: Chicken
Type: Fresh
Calories: 309
Protein: 9.5%
Fat: 7%
Fiber: 1.5%
Moisture: 76%
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
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.
High moisture content
The 3 main ingredients are protein sources
Savory and appetite-inducing
- High moisture content
- The 3 main ingredients are protein sources
- Savory and appetite-inducing
Pricey
- Pricey
Brand: Nutro
Flavor: Chicken and brown rice
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 390
Protein: 28%
Fat: 16%
Fiber: 3%
Moisture: 10%
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’s 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
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.
Added ingredients like DHA and EPA
Non-GMO
High-quality protein
- Added ingredients like DHA and EPA
- Non-GMO
- High-quality protein
Difficult brand to find in-store
Might not work on all budgets
- Difficult brand to find in-store
- Might not work on all budgets
Brand: Iams
Flavor: Chicken
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 349
Protein: 24%
Fat: 10.5%
Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 10%
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 349 calories, totaling 3,435 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
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’s also an all-life-stages formula, so your dog can enjoy this food at any age.
Bone and joint support
For pups 7+
No fillers or artificial flavors
- Bone and joint support
- For pups 7+
- No fillers or artificial flavors
Can cause gas
Kibble might be too big for older dogs
- Can cause gas
- Kibble might be too big for older dogs
Brand: Taste of the Wild
Flavor: High Prairie
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 422
Protein: 32%
Fat: 18%
Fiber: 4%
Moisture: 10%
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
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.
Provides immune support
Contains probiotics
Easy-to-digest starches
- Provides immune support
- Contains probiotics
- Easy-to-digest starches
Highly caloric
Not all dogs take to the taste
- Highly caloric
- Not all dogs take to the taste
Brand: Go! Solutions
Flavor: Salmon
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 449
Protein: 24%
Fat: 12%
Fiber: 4.5%
Moisture: 10%
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
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.
No harsh ingredients
Easy to digest grains
Recipe is specific to digestion
- No harsh ingredients
- Easy to digest grains
- Recipe is specific to digestion
Unnecessary for healthy dogs
Not best for overweight dogs
- Unnecessary for healthy dogs
- Not best for overweight dogs
Brand: Crave
Flavor: Lamb
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 454
Protein: 34%
Fat: 17%
Fiber: 3.5%
Moisture: 10%
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 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
- Purina Beneful Healthy Weight Dog Food – Best Weight Control
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Brand: Purina
Flavor: Farm-raised chicken
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 341
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.
High protein
Boosts immunity
Healthy fats
- High protein
- Boosts immunity
- Healthy fats
Not best for inactive dogs
- Not best for inactive dogs
Check Latest Price
Brand: Purina
Flavor: Farm-raised chicken
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 341
Protein: 25%
Fat: 8%
Fiber: 7.5%
Moisture: 12%
This recipe contains 23 essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen immunity and help with organ function 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
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.
Well balanced
Light calorie
23 essential vitamins and minerals
- Well balanced
- Light calorie
- 23 essential vitamins and minerals
Contains corn, wheat, soy, and byproducts
Contains gluten
- Contains corn, wheat, soy, and byproducts
- Contains gluten
Brand: Blue Buffalo
Flavor: Chicken and brown rice
Type: Dry kibble
Calories: 377
Protein: 24%
Fat: 14%
Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 10%
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
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.
Antioxidant-packed LifeSource Bits
Complete formula for everyday health
No harmful or artificial fillers
- Antioxidant-packed LifeSource Bits
- Complete formula for everyday health
- No harmful or artificial fillers
Might not work for certain dietary restrictions
- Might not work for certain dietary restrictions
Brand: Stella & Chewy
Flavor: Rabbit
Type: Raw
Calories: 53
Protein: 46%
Fat: 32%
Fiber: 5%
Moisture: 5%
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
High protein with muscle and organ
Raw nutritional benefits
Live prebiotics
- High protein with muscle and organ
- Raw nutritional benefits
- Live prebiotics
Pricey
Texture might be unusual for some dogs
- Pricey
- Texture might be unusual for some dogs
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Dog Food for Mini Goldendoodles
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.
- See Also: 9 Best Puppy Foods for Goldendoodles – Reviews & Top Picks
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.
- See Also: How Long Do Goldendoodles Live? (Average Lifespan Data & Facts)
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.
See also:
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees – Reviews & Top Picks!
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers – Reviews & Top Picks!
- 10 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels – Reviews & Top Picks
Featured Image Credit: Josh Fields, Pexels
