is retriever a good brand of dog food
Retriever Dog Food Review 2024: Pros, Cons and Recalls
Review Summary
Our Final Verdict
We give Retriever dog food a rating of 3 out of 5 stars.
Introduction
There are many smaller dog food brands that get overlooked and are rarely discussed, and Retriever dog food is one of those. Their recipes are produced in the United States and have been around for a good number of years. However, their products are mostly sold at Tractor Supply Co., which has kept them limited and on the down-low.
Many dog owners are happy customers of Retriever and have seen more energy in their dogs and healthier coats since starting them on the food. Its an excellent dog food choice for owners on a budget or who have fostered many dogs to keep them off the street and properly fed. Although named Retriever, this brand isnt limited to one breed and can be enjoyed by puppies and adult dogs that are active in play or training.
However, this dog food isnt for everyone, especially those looking for a premium option or dogs who require a specialized diet or grain-free formulas. This is an intriguing brand that is both recommended and rejected by many. Keep reading to see which side youre on.
At a Glance: The Best Retriever Dog Food Recipes:
Retriever Dog Food Reviewed
Who Makes Retriever and Where Is It Produced?
There isnt a lengthy paper trail following Retriever, but what we do know is that the brand is made by Sunshine Mills in the United States and is sold by Tractor Supply Co. However, where the ingredients are sourced from isnt clear, but its believed that theyre sourced locally as well as internationally to keep costs low.
Which Type of Dog Is a Retriever Best Suited For?
Retriever is best suited for dogs that require more stamina for playing, training, or working. It has 387 kcal per cup and is high in protein and fat to provide your dog with the energy they need while keeping them lean, which is ideal for Retrievers and other large breeds. Large breeds should be fed lean meats to prevent them from becoming overweight and putting too much pressure on their joints.
Retriever is a good dog food option for dog owners on a budget or who have multi-dog households.
Which Type of Dog Might Do Better With a Different Brand?
Retriever certainly isnt suitable for any dog. They dont offer a large variety of dry dog food options and dont have any specialized diets for specific breeds or health problems. There are no specific recipes for senior dogs, but there are recipes for puppies and adult dogs. All their recipes are grain-inclusive, which is excellent for adding fat, carbohydrates, and antioxidants to the food but not ideal for dogs with grain sensitivities.
Although a good option, Retriever isnt a premium dog food and wont be the type of top-quality option some dog owners are looking for as they dont list real meat as their first ingredient and, unfortunately, have many controversial ingredients.
A few brands that may suit other types of dogs better are:
Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)
Retriever has a handful of dog food recipes, with only beef and chicken flavors to choose from. The formulas are all similar, so well discuss the most popular of their recipes for this discussion: the High-Protein Beef Recipe. However, some ingredients differ from recipe to recipe.
Meat Meals
Meat and bone meat meal is the first ingredient in this recipe. Meat meals are concentrated and are high in protein; however, the meat isnt named. Due to the recipe flavor, we assume that the meat and bone are from cattle, but we cannot be sure, as it could be made up of numerous types of mammals.
Real animal protein is the easiest protein for dogs to digest, but that isnt present in this recipe. The meat meal and bones may cause stomach upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs because its not an easy ingredient to digest.
For a recipe with a crude protein content as high as 27%, wed have liked to have seen more animal protein in this recipe.
Corn Items
Ground yellow corn is the second ingredient in this recipe. Although corn is beneficial for energy and digestion as well as coat and immune health, it is a cheap, low-quality ingredient that should rather be found lower on the list of ingredients.
Corn gluten meal is also listed as an ingredient in this recipe and is a large contributor to the overall protein content. However, it holds less nutritional value than meat protein.
What Is It Lacking?
This recipe can be quite harsh on sensitive stomachs, and there are no probiotics included. Dogs are omnivores and need a balanced and complete diet made up of meat, grain, fruits, and vegetables. However, there are no high-quality whole fruits or vegetables present.
Soybeanmeal is the fifth ingredient and provides your dog with omega fatty acids, but its a legume that is a highly controversial ingredient because its under investigation by theFDAdue to potentially being linked to heart problems in dogs.
The minerals found in this recipe arent described as chelated and, therefore, have a lower absorbency. This is common among low-quality dog foods.
Lastly, named animal protein and fat are very obviously missing from these recipes, which shows a lack of transparency from Retriever. Pet owners may find it difficult to build loyalty and trust towards a company with so many controversial and secret ingredients.
A Quick Look at Retriever Dog Food
Pros
- Affordable
- US-based
- High in protein
- Great for active dogs
- Options available for puppies and adult dogs
- Grain-inclusive
- Few recalls
Cons
- Little information about the company and where its ingredients are sourced
- Real meat isnt the first ingredient
- Too many controversial and unnamed ingredients
- No specialized diets
- Not widely available
Recall History
Retriever had one of its products recalled inAprilof 2020. Their Bites and Bones Adult Complete Nutrition Savory Chicken Flavor dog food was recalled due to too high levels ofaflatoxin, which results from certain types of mold.
A high level of aflatoxin is dangerous because it can cause liver damage in your dog, which can be fatal. Signs of these toxins are tiredness, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and a yellowy tint to the eyes or gums of your dog.
There was another recall in October of 2023 for the Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food due to potential Salmonella contamination. This is not only a risk to your dog, but a risk to humans who handle such products.
Reviews of the 3 Best Retriever Dog Food Recipes
Although Retriever doesnt have many recipes, the ones they do have are high in protein and super tasty. Below, were going to review two all life stages recipes, as well as their single puppy recipe.
1. Retriever All Life Stages High-Protein Beef Recipe
First on our list is theRetriever All Life Stages High-Protein Beef Recipe Dry Dog Food, with a crude protein content of 27% and a crude fat content of 15%. The first ingredient is meat and bone meal which is high in protein. Both the soybean meal and corn gluten meal contribute to the high protein content in this recipe. However, both the meat and fat types are unnamed.
Loaded with several vitamins, minerals, and omega fatty acids, dog owners have seen suppler skin and shinier coats in their dogs. Theyve also seen higher energy levels. The pellet size is small, but that makes it enjoyable for both small and large breed dogs.
Pros
- High in protein
- The first ingredient is a meat and bone meal
- Good fat content fuels your active dog
- Suitable for all breeds
2. Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Dry Dog Food
Check outRetriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, which is available in a 50-pound bag for an affordable pricea perfect option for dog owners on a budget, multi-pet households, and pet foster parents who have many mouths to feed.
A few of the primary ingredients are ground yellow corn, meat and bone meal, and soybean meal. Wed prefer to see meat and bone meal listed as the first ingredient instead of ground yellow corn because dogs dont need such a large quantity of corn in their food and would do better on a larger quantity of meat ingredient instead. However, many dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin do well on this recipe because many allergic reactions are caused by the animal protein in foods.
This option is suitable for all breeds, from extra-small to extra-large, but customers have complained about stock running out every now and then, which is a problem because its Tractor Supply Co.s brand, and you cant easily find it elsewhere.
Pros
- Cheap
- Ideal for multi-dog households
- A great option for dogs with animal protein sensitivities
- Suitable for all breeds
Cons
- Stock is occasionally unavailable
- Too much corn
3. Retriever Puppy Chicken Blend Recipe
For an option specially made for pups, considerRetriever Puppy Chicken Blend Recipe Dry Dog Food. This recipe has a crude protein content of 27% and a crude fat content of 12%, which are suitable for growing puppies. Its high in fiber to aid in good digestion.
Although were not thrilled about the amount of ground yellow corn in this recipe, we are happy to see chicken by-product meal listed near the top of the primary ingredients. The kibble is small enough for pups to chew on comfortably. This product meets the AAFCO standards and is recommended by many dog trainers.
Pros
- Affordable
- Made for pups
- High in fiber
- Recommended by dog trainers
Cons
- Kibble might be too small for large breed puppies
- Too much corn
What Other Users Are Saying
Retriever has been given many five stars from very happy customers who highly recommend this dog food. Many customers claim that this brand is the only dog food their picky eaters enjoy, and theyve noticed a shinier coat since starting on it. Owners of multi-dog households say that Retriever dog food is a staple in their homes and that their dogs of different ages and breeds all do well on iteven those with sensitive stomachs. Their only common complaint seems to be the lack of availability of this product. They suggest that you order in it advance before your dog food runs out because it takes a while for it to arrive.
Conclusion
Retriever dog food is an affordable product that is recommended by many happy customers. Their recipes are high in protein and are grain-inclusive. Unfortunately, theres little information about the company and where the ingredients are sourced. You can find this product at Tractor Supply Co., which limits its availability, and when there is no stock, its difficult to find it anywhere else. However, its an excellent option for active dogs in multi-pet households that dont have any food sensitivities.
Best Dog Food for Golden Retrievers
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult is one of 13 dry recipes included in our review of the Wellness Complete Health product line.
Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Adult derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 29% protein, 13% fat and 50% estimated carbs which produces a fat-to-protein ratio of about 46%.
The classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design contains no meat by-products and no BHA or other cancer-causing synthetic preservatives. Easily recommended for adult goldens.
Read our review of the full Wellness Complete Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, ground brown rice, barley, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 29% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adut goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our dog had developed a bit of a gas issue with another leading brand that featured mostly red meat, so I wanted to go back to a food with mostly chicken. After a lot of research, I settled on Wellness Complete, and weve been very happy with it. Our dog readily goes for the food, and for the first time with any kibble, she will eat a few pieces out of our hand as a treat. I am impressed by the nutritional balance and the glucosamine and chondroitin since she is 80+ pounds, and it seems to have eliminated the gas problems."
Southwest Canyon is one of 9 dry recipes included in our review of the Taste of the Wild product line.
Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon acquires the bulk of its animal protein from fresh beef and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 32% protein, 17% fat and 43% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
Southwest Canyon also contains salmon oil. Salmon oil is naturally rich in the prized EPA and DHA type of omega-3 fatty acids. These two high quality fats boast the highest bio-availability to dogs. They help deliver better joint health and a lustrous skin and coat. A super popular brand. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Beef, peas, garbanzo beans, lamb meal, canola oil Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 32% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Golden Retriever adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Taste of the Wild makes both me and my dogs very happy. I have a pack of three that all love it and have beautiful coats that I can only attribute to their diet. As for me, its cost-efficient and doesnt stink like other dog foods. Id recommend it to any of my friends."
Chicken Cuisine is one of 4 fresh recipes included in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine gets the bulk of its meat protein from fresh diced chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the formula contains 37% protein, 26% fat and 29% estimated carbs which results in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 71%.
All 4 Nom Nom fresh recipes are human-grade and designed by a board certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN4). A rare finding.
Each formula meets AAFCO5 nutrient profiles for both adults and puppies including those of larger breeds.
Nom Nom is an outstanding grain-free option thats ideal for those whod like to feed a science-based diet thats as close to homemade as you can get. without all the fuss and time-consuming kitchen work.
Affordable. But not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Main Ingredients Diced chicken, sweet potatoes, squash, water, spinach, sunflower oil Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 37% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Golden Retriever adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Jones is a rescue and he came to us with a *very* sensitive stomach. Since starting Nom Nom, his stomach has been doing well, and I didn't think his fur could get any softer."
ProActive Health Large Breed is one of 12 dry recipes covered in our review of the Iams ProActive Health product line.
Iams ProActive Health Large Breed derives the majority of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 25% protein, 14% fat and 53% estimated carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
This classic, grain-inclusive, large breed design has been offered by Iams for many years. Its especially popular with professional breeders. We like the fact that its also 100% free of BHA and other high-risk chemical preservatives. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Iams Proactive Health Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, ground whole grain barley, ground whole grain corn, ground whole grain sorghum, chicken by-product meal Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 25% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"All the pets in the household love Iam's. My puppies just switched to adult food and this has been a quick an easy switch. Would recommend Iam's to anyone."
Wilderness Adult Chicken is one of 12 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Chicken obtains the majority of its meat protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 38% protein, 17% fat and 38% estimated carbs which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 44%.
This recipe also includes zinc amino acid complex and other chelated minerals, ingredients which deliver superior nutrition for larger breeds. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned Chicken, chicken meal, dried chicken, oatmeal, barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I get a few different flavors, but the dogs love it and they have no digestive issues and are very healthy. Their coats shine like they have been oiled. No dental issues. Blue Buffalo wilderness has been a favorite with us for a long time."
Large Breed Chicken and Sweet Potato is one of 17 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the American Journey product line.
American Journey Large Breed Chicken acquires the majority of its meat protein from poultry. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs which yields a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
This large breed formula also contains a prebiotic. Prebiotics can help support the growth of healthy bacteria in the large intestine for better digestion. An exceptional, budget-friendly option. Easily recommended.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal (a source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate), turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Golden retriever adults and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I have four furry children from small to extra large, all picky in their own way : Treats, bones, & obviously food. All four of em' absolutely loved this brand! They've been on it for only a week, & I can already tell how healthier their coats look, & a bit of needed weight loss."
Golden Retriever Puppy is one of 11 dry recipes rated in our review of the Royal Canin product line.
Royal Canin Golden Retriever Puppy derives the bulk of its animal protein from chicken. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 16% fat and 46% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
We also note the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid supplement believed to help prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs.6
A time-proven formula containing just the right amount of calcium considered safe for golden retriever puppies. Recommended with confidence.
Read our review of the full Royal Canin Dog Food range here
Main Ingredients Chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat gluten, chicken fat, wheat Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards Growth Best For Golden retriever puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My golden retriever absolutely loves this food, the previous food he ate he didn't like very much but once I got this puppy food the first time I opened the bag he got excited just by the smell. Every time he eats now he jumps around and moves his tail like crazy. Great food I will definitely buy the adult food when he grows!!!!"
Eagle Pack Large and Giant Breed is one of 7 dry recipes evaluated in our review of the Eagle Pack product line.
Eagle Pack Large and Giant Breed Adult obtains most of its animal protein from chicken meal and pork meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 28% protein, 13% fat and 51% estimated carbs resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 48%.
We like the inclusion of multiple probiotics to promote healthy digestion and flaxseed to help deliver above-average omega fatty acid content for better joint health. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Eagle Pack Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, pork meal, ground brown rice, oatmeal, rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 28% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult golden Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We used grain free before, but the risks led us to go wheat/soy free instead. Eagle Pack is fantastic. Our 6 year old Lab loves it and her coat is shiny -- she's eaten nothing but Eagle Pack since she was 4. She is a very active dog who retrieves every day, yet she thrives on amounts at the low end of Eagle Pack's recommendation. Of the super dog foods, EP is consistently less expensive and yet we find it fully equal in taste and performance to the most expensive brands. We are committed users."
This Large Breed Adult formula is one of 13 dry recipes covered in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed gets the better part of its meat protein from fresh chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 14% fat and 52% estimated carbs creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 57%.
We like the fact that this particular formula contains zinc proteinate and 3 other chelated minerals, costly items not typically found in such a budget-friendly, high quality option. A top pick for adult goldens. Easy to recommend.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, ground white rice Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have seen great changes in our dogs on this food. My beagle is getting older and slowing down. With the Diamond food, he is running all over and back to jumping on the couch and bed again. My male Great Pyrenees had digestive issues that cleared right up. My female Great Pyrenees was always getting skin issues with a rough coat. She isn't scratching and her coat is gorgeous. Thank you Diamond for giving my dogs their lives back."
Senior Health is one of 11 dry recipes covered in our review of the Holistic Select product line.
Holistic Select Senior Health obtains the better part of its meat protein from chicken fat. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 31% protein, 13% fat and 48% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 43%.
We also note this dog food contains no generic animal by-products, artificial colors or chemical preservatives. The recipes below-average fat content combined with its inclusion of both chondroitin and glucosamine make it an ideal option for senior goldens. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Holistic Select Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken meal, chickpeas, peas, lentils, dried ground potatoes Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 31% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Senior goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Good quality food. Good quality ingredients. Right balance of protein and fat for my senior dog, plus extra joint and digestive support. Most importantly, my senior loves it! I would recommend this brand and formula!"
Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of 11 recipes included in our review of the Chicken Soup for the Soul product line.
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Adult acquires the better part of its animal protein from poultry. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 26% protein, 13% fat and 53% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 52%.
This formula also derives its antioxidants naturally from fruits and vegetables for healthy immunity which supports greater resistance to disease. A top pick for golden retrievers and other breeds weighing more than 50 pounds at maturity.
Read our review of the full Chicken Soup for the Soul Dog Food (Dry) range here
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, chicken meal, turkey meal, cracked pearled barley Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 26% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult goldens Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My lover boy is a Giant Breed so its important he get the nutrition he needs to support proper growth. At 22 Months we finally moved to Adult Large Breed from Chicken Soup's Large Puppy formula. Hes had just about every top kibble out there, from Victor, Blue Buffalo, Diamond, Wellness Core, Royal Canin, Eagle Pack, even Costcos and Purina ProPlan because Presa Canario Breeders recommended them (always with fresh veggies, meat added and a snack of raw). He would either have runny poop after transition or stop eating it. CS was the first he stayed on happily without needing extra dress up. He LOVES the adult formula. Its priced right and I love the ingredients."
