Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — 2024 Reviews

Best Dog Food For Flat Coated Retrievers

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This is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers.

As a doting dog parent, ensuring your Flat-Coated Retriever gets the proper nutrients can feel overwhelming. With many options available, which food is best for this specific breed? In this article, we’ll dive deep into the dietary needs of these glossy-coated gems and guide you toward making an informed decision. Let’s get started!

Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — At A Glance

Scroll to the right to see all our recommendations for the best dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers.

Click this link to go to the reviews
(We encourage you to keep reading to make a more educated decision)

Why You Should Trust Us

192

hours of research went into this review. Hands-on tests, our dog’s experience, competitive analysis and more.

29

dog food manufacturing companies were under consideration for the top ten.

8

expert opinions and research studies were used to provide accurate information and rankings.

Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers chapter 1
Chapter 1: The Research

Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Food Health & Nutritional Needs

Ch 2 | Ch 3

What Is The Best Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers?

Providing your Flat-Coated Retriever with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Flat-Coated Retriever, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.

As a large breed, Flat-Coated Retriever has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Flat-Coat should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:

  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Health
  • Weight (size)

Food & Flat-Coated Retriever Age

Flat-Coats have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance.

  • Flat-Coated Retriever puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for Flat-Coat puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
  • Adult Flat-Coated Retrievers. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-26%, depending on the specific needs and dog activity level.
  • Senior Flat-Coated Retrievers. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Flat-Coated Retriever to senior food. Senior formulas concentrate on the unique needs of a dog’s aging body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system.

Food & Flat-Coated Retriever Activity Level

Flat-Coated Retrievers are known for their high energy and enthusiastic nature, which demands a balanced and nutritious diet to support their activity levels.

A more active Flat-Coated Retrievers will require more calories, protein, and nutrients to support their energy expenditure, muscle repair, and overall well-being. Conversely, less active or sedentary Flat-Coated Retrievers will require fewer calories to avoid weight gain, which could exacerbate or cause health issues. Therefore, matching the food intake and nutrient profile of a Flat-Coated Retrievers’ diet with their activity level is crucial to ensure they remain lean, healthy, and vibrant.

Food & Flat-Coated Retriever Health

Generally, Flat-Coats are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although Flat-Coats may experience specific health issues that are congenital and beyond our control, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, can influence others.

Some of the most common health issues faced by Flat-Coated Retrievers include the following:

  • Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Flat-Coated Retrievers. Food allergies in Flat-Coated Retrievers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. 
  • Hip dysplasia. It is a condition observed in Flat-Coated Retrievers where there’s a hip joint malformation.
  • Malignant histiocytosis. It is an aggressive form of cancer that the breed has a heightened predisposition towards.
  • Lymphoma. It is another form of cancer that can affect this breed, and it targets the lymph nodes and the lymphatic system.
  • Patellar luxation. It is a condition where the dog’s kneecap, or patella, can slip out of its proper position, leading to limping or an unusual gait.
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) or bloat. In this situation, the dog’s stomach fills with gas and twists upon itself, posing a severe and immediate health risk that demands swift veterinary intervention.
  • Glycogen storage disease. It is an inherited metabolic disorder observed in some Flat-Coated Retrievers.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). A group of genetic diseases causes the eye’s retina to degenerate slowly, eventually leading to blindness.
  • Heart diseases. Flat-coated retrievers can be susceptible to Inherited heart diseases such as Aortic Stenosis or Cardiomyopathy.

Flat-Coated Retriever-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For

To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Flat-Coats with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when your veterinarian advises.

Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers.

  • Avoid common allergies. Because Flat-Coated Retrievers can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
  • Probiotics. Flat-Coats can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Flat-Coated Retriever’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
  • Digestibility. Flat-Coated Retrievers can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
  • Hip and joint support. Seek foods containing glucosamine and chondroitin to benefit hip and elbow dysplasia and patella luxation.
  • Malignant histiocytosis and lymphoma support. These cancers indicate that a Flat-Coated Retriever might benefit from an antioxidant-rich diet. Antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, can help combat oxidative stress in the body. Foods naturally high in these vitamins and other beneficial compounds include blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
  • Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). To minimize the risk of bloat, consider feeding smaller, more frequent meals and avoid dog foods that list cereal by-products as primary ingredients.
  • Glycogen storage disease. Dogs with this metabolic disorder need a specialized diet. Consult your vet, but typically, affected dogs benefit from high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods.
  • Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E in dog food can help support eye health.
  • Heart issues. When selecting dog food, ensure it has Taurine and L-carnitine, as these can promote heart health.

Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers

Other factors to consider when picking food for this breed.

  • AAFCO approved
  • High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  • Avoid meat meals or meat byproducts
  • Made in the USA
  • Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
  • Your dog’s preferences

It’s important to note that each Flat-Coated Retriever has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Flat-Coated Retriever’s nutritional requirements.

Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers chapter 2
Chapter 2: The Reviews

The Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retriever Reviewed

Ch 1 | Ch 3

Best Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Food

Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Flat-Coats.

Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Flat-Coat’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Flat-Coat food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.


Best Overall Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — Ollie

Our rating: 4.9

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey & lamb┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey & lamb
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Ollie fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Flat-Coats. This brand stands out because it uses fresh, human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog Ollie comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Ollie is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Flat-Coat will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Ollie stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Ollie takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs. You can tell Ollie any concerns about your dog’s health, such as food allergies, tear staining, bad breath, joint issues, or any other problem your pet may be experiencing. They will tailor your dog’s meals to accommodate your pet’s needs.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
  • Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
  • Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

Pros

  • The level of customization is unmatched
  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
  • Nom never uses feed-grade ingredients
  • Does not process ingredients to be shelf-stable

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

Our readers have access to 50% off their first order. Just use this link to get started. The discount will be applied automatically.


Best Dry Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — Front of The Pack

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Beef and chicken┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef and chicken
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Front of The Pack dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Flat-Coats. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Sundays is minimally processed. Front of The Pack recipes is air-dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Front fo The Pack delivers all the nutritional benefits of fresh feeding, but with the ease and convenience of kibble. It’s powered with superfood and functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.

Key Features

  • 100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
  • Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
  • Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre and probiotics to help to regulate the dog microbiome

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Exceeds industry standards
  • No artificial flavors or preservatives
  • Refund within 90 days of purchase
  • Crunchy texture

Cons

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

Best Food For Flat-Coated Retriever Puppy — Raised Right

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Turkey, chicken & beef┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Turkey, chicken & beef
Life stage: Puppies
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Fresh
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

The Raised Right Puppy Growth Recipe is the best dog food for Flat-Coats. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Flat-Coat puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula is designed specifically for Flat-Coat puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.

Key Features

  • Vet-designed. All recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
  • Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
  • Excellent ingredient sourcing. They only source from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • The level of customization is unmatched
  • Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
  • Non-processed food (zero chemicals)
  • Nom never uses feed-grade ingredients
  • Does not process ingredients to be shelf-stable

Cons

  • It’s on the expensive side

Cheapest Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — Blue Buffalo

Our rating: 4.8

VIEW ON AMAZON

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish ┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Flat-Coats. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Flat-Coat pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.

Key Features

  • Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
  • Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
  • Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development. 

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
  • The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs

Best Food For Senior Flat-Coated Retrievers — JustFoodForDogs

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Lamb, pork & chicken┊ Life stage: Senior ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Lamb, pork & chicken
Life stage: Senior
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Flat-Coat is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Flat-Coat healthy during his older years, JustFoodForDogs Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Flat-Coat to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

JustFoodForDogs is made with only the highest quality fresh ingredients and is free from preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors.

Key Features

  • Bones and joint support. It is enhanced with glucosamine and chondroitin to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
  • Human-grade meats. No rendered poultry or meat meals.
  • Bones and joint support. It incorporates type II collagen to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Transparent sourcing practices
  • Great feedback from senior dog parent 
  • Certified humane for animal welfare

Cons

  • A bit expensive

Raw Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — Instinct

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Raw
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Flat-Coat a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Never cooked
  • Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
  • All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
  • Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact

Cons

  • Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
  • Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.

Best Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley┊ Life stage: Adult┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken & Barley
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Natural
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

If you are looking for the best food for Flat-Coats with sensitive stomachs, Hill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Flat-Coat. 

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs, and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.

Key Features

  • Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat. 
  • Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
  • No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved

Cons

  • Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
  • 15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Best Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers With Allergies — Royal Canin

Our rating: 4.7

Overview

Flavors: Natural ┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Natural
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Hypoallergenic
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Whether your Flat-Coated Retriever suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Flat-Coated Retriever. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.

Key Features

  • Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
  • Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
  • It helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
  • Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
  • Best dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers with skin allergies
  • Best dog food for itchy skin Flat-Coated Retrievers

Cons

  • A bit expensive
  • Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.

Best Grain-Free Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — The Honest Kitchen

Our rating: 4.8

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey & more┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Beef, chicken, turkey & more
Life stage: Adult
Food type: Dry
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Does your Flat-Coat dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free dog formula is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, apples, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Flat-Coat nutritional needs. The Honest Kitchen grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

The Honest Kitchen grain-free recipes are made with human-grade, nutrient-rich ingredients, cold-pressed into bite-sized clusters, roasted and dehydrated to maintain whole foods’ nutrients, aroma and taste.

Key Features

  • 100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Only uses ranch-raised beef and cage-free chicken.
  • Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition.
  • Digestive health. It contains probiotics to help support healthy digestion and help regulate the dog microbiome.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • Exceeds industry standards
  • No artificial flavors, preservatives or rendered meat meals
  • Cheaper than fresh dog food
  • Crunchy texture
  • Boosted with Taurine & L-Carnitine to help support heart health

Cons

  • It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.

Our readers can save 30% off their first order by using the code CANINEBIBLE30 — Use this link to get started.


Best Wet Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — Open Farm

Our rating: 4.6

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, salmon, beef, & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO

Overview

Flavors: Chicken, salmon, beef, & more
Life stage: All ages
Food type: Wet
Ingredients: Human-grade
Manufactured: USA
Nutrition: AAFCO

Why We Picked & Recommended It

Are you looking for the best wet food for Flat-Coats? Open Farm Rustic Stew Wet Dog Food is our favorite choice. Flat-coat is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, Open Farm Rustic Stew uses only ingredients fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Rustic Stew, preserving the ingredients’ nutritional value and taste, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.

What Sets It Apart From Competitors

Open Farm’s wet dog food is made with sustainable vegetables and meat raised without antibiotics or other harmful additives.

Key Features

  • Vet-formulated. A team of veterinarians and canine nutritionists formulate every recipe.
  • Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
  • Travel friendly. Two-year unopened shelf life and transportable tetra pak packaging make it easy to store and travel.

What We Like & Don’t Like

Pros

  • USDA certified meats
  • 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
  • A variety pack for picky eaters
  • Nutrient-dense

Cons

  • More expensive than traditional wet dog food

Readers get 20% off subscription orders with code CANINE20 + an extra 5% off for subscribing. Cancel anytime. Use this link to get started!

Other Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers

  • Best dehydrated dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers. The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Flat-Coated Retrievers to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated food can be easier for dogs to eat than traditional kibble.
  • Best food topper for Flat-Coated Retrievers. Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
  • Best health-specific custom diets food for Flat-Coated Retrievers. JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Flat-Coated Retriever has a medical need for a restricted diet.
  • Best dog food for Flat-Coated Retriever to lose weight. Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Flat-Coated Retriever needs to lose weight.
  • Best dog food for Flat-Coated Retrievers to gain weight. With 600 calories per cup, Miracle Vet High-Calorie Weight Gain Dog Food is ideal for helping your Mastiff gain lean muscle mass.
Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers chapter 3
Chapter 3: Tips, FAQs & More

Calories, Transition & Other Food Tips.

Ch 1 | Ch 2

Flat-Coated Retriever Food Calorie Requirements

The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Flat-Coat usually weighs between 55 and 79 pounds, meaning most Flat-Coats need between 1250 and 1640 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

How to Switch Flat-Coated Retriever Dog Food

If you decide to switch your Flat-Coat’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:

  • Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
  • Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
  • Week 4: 100% new food

Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.

Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Flat-Coat seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.

Health Dietary Changes In Flat-Coated Retrievers

If your Flat-Coat is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.

ConditionDietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color ChangesIncrease amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI SignsAvoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and DermatitisFortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and ScalingAdjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and CrustinessAdd Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Best Dog Food For Flat-Coated Retrievers — Conclusion

As dog owners, we know that our furry friends are more than just pets – they are an integral part of our lives. That’s why it’s important to prioritize their health and well-being by providing them with the best possible dog food. A balanced mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and specific nutrients is crucial for their glossy coats and active lifestyles. With so many options available, it’s essential to prioritize quality, natural ingredients, and custom-made formulations. By doing so, we can cater to their taste buds and ensure our beloved companions a long, healthy life. Remember, the right dog food is not just about filling their bowls; it’s about nourishing their souls.


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