what is the best dog food for lab puppies
5 Best Dog Foods For Labs (2024)
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Labs
Canadas Labrador Retriever is a breed that enjoys immense popularity as a cherished family companion.
A dog that traces its roots to a fishermans assistant in the icy waters of the North Atlantic, the Labrador is a versatile and athletic dog that excels at many different pursuits.
The Lab puppies are highly intelligent, making them well-suited to many different sports including field trials, obedience, Rally, agility, scent detection, and more.
A breed that is very friendly and affectionate, the Labrador Retriever is an excellent choice for families with children with whom it is gentle and kindly disposition.
Labrador Retrievers have a lot of energy to expend, so they are best in a family that enjoys an active lifestyle. However, if kept well exercised, this dog breed will not be prone to becoming obese. Exercise is also essential for the dogs healthy joints, helping to maintain healthy joints as it ages.
A hearty eater, the Labrador Retriever will eat far past the point of satiation if free-fed. It is recommended that the best dog foods for Labrador Retrievers be measured and all intake monitored to prevent the dog from becoming overweight.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Labrador Retrievers
Selecting the best dog food for a Labrador Retriever can be a daunting task. Once an owner has decided on the right diet, it is then necessary to determine how much the dog needs for each meal.
The best course of action to ascertain this is to use the suggested serving size printed on the bag as a starting point. These amounts can be adjusted until the proper amount has been found.
Labrador Retrievers can be predisposed to a condition known as bloat. Though experts do not yet know what factors must combine to result in this life-threatening medical condition, it is generally believed that eating too much and too quickly should be avoided.
The ideal diet for an adult Labrador Retriever should consist of a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Labrador Retriever Dog Foods
Since the Labrador Retriever is a natural athlete, this dog type requires a high-performance, well-balanced diet to thrive.
The best dog foods for Labrador Retrievers base themselves on lean meat. Whole meats are the preferred option, but meat meals are also an excellent concentrated source suited to this energetic and lively breed.
Corn gluten meal is also an excellent source of protein, as well as being high in fiber.
By-products and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are inferior in nutritional quality and can trigger food sensitivities in some dogs. Diets that include these ingredients should be avoided.
Additionally, additives, chemicals, flavoring agents, and artificial colors offer no benefits to the Labrador Retriever. Foods containing these items are best left on the shelf.
Carbohydrates can come from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. Dogs that have displayed food sensitivities in the past may do best on a diet that is free. Whole-grain brown rice, sweet potatoes, and oats are suitable for Labrador Retrievers.
The primary importance of any ingredient selected for a diet for the Labrador Retriever is its ease of digestibility and high antioxidant content.
Healthy fats play an important role in the Labrador Retrievers nutritional needs. It is from these ingredients that the dogs energy levels are stoked and coat and skin health are achieved and maintained.
The best sources for these ingredients are animal-based and include such items as fish meal and chicken fat. Canola and safflower oils can also boost the omega fatty acids profile of a food.
Supplements can help excellent quality puppy food to be even more effective for dogs. The ideal supplements to look for in an active Labrador Retriever are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Labs
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Labrador Retriever:
Whole meat-based proteins heading up the ingredients list
The Labrador Retriever needs a diet that takes a lean, meat-based protein as its primary ingredient. Whole meats are the best option, but meat meals are also acceptable.
Among the proteins that are best avoided are soy, corn, wheat, and any meat by-product.
Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to the Labrador Retriever. Foods containing these items are not suited for the needs of this breed.
Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements help a diet to be its most effective. The best supplements to support the Labrador Retrievers health include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Labrador Retriever should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.
5 Best Dog Foods For Labrador Retriever Puppies (2024)
How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Labrador Retriever Puppies
The amiable Labrador Retriever puppy is a wonderful addition to any home. A dog that is full of adventure and fun, this pup is an active little fellow, taking great pleasure in accompanying its family members wherever they choose to go.
A dog breed that was developed in Newfoundland, Canada, the Labrador Retrievers original purpose was retrieving nets and other fishing paraphernalia from the cold waters of the North Atlantic on fishing expeditions with its owner. The breed is well renowned for its versatility and athleticism, making it well-suited to many different activities including hiking, agility, swimming, tracking, scent detection, obedience, and much, much more.
A highly intelligent dog breed, the Labrador Retriever puppy is most content when given a job to do. In its youth, it is high energy, requiring regular daily exercise to remain physically and mentally content.
Since the Labrador Retriever puppy is considered to be a large breed pup, it is best to look for a food formulation designed specifically to meet the needs of puppies of this size. The best dog foods for Labrador Retriever puppies contain the correct amount of calcium to phosphorus to promote a healthy rate of bone growth. This is defined as 1.2 parts of calcium for each unit of phosphorus included in the diet.
Labrador Retriever puppies should be fed a large breed puppy food until the dog reaches one year of age or 75 percent of its adult size. At that time, the pup can be transitioned to an appropriate adult diet.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Labrador Retriever Puppies
Labrador Retriever puppies are busy little creatures. To help fuel their energy reserves, they need to be fed a top quality diet. The best dog foods for Labrador Retriever puppies contain a list of suggested serving sizes on the side of the bag. These make an excellent starting point, and adjustments can be made until the correct portion size has been found.
As a large breed puppy, Labrador Retrievers can be predisposed to developing the life threatening condition known as bloat. To prevent this from occurring, experts agree that the puppy should be fed a kibble with large enough pieces to prevent eating too rapidly. It is also important the puppy not be fed too much at each meal. Free feeding is strongly discouraged as it can not only lead to bloat but also to obesity.
An appropriate diet for a Labrador Retriever puppy should contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Labrador Retriever Puppy Foods
The active Labrador Retriever puppy requires a diet that is nutritionally balanced and properly fortified to meet its needs as it progresses through each developmental period. The best dog foods for Labrador Retriever puppies take a lean meat as their foundation. Whole meats are the preferred choice; however, meal meals offer an exceptional amount of concentrated protein.
Meat by-products and plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat contain little nutritional value to benefit growing large breed puppies like the Labrador Retriever. It is recommended that foods containing these items be avoided. In addition to this, foods which include such ingredients as chemicals, additives, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are best left on the shelf as these items have been linked to the development of recurring food sensitivities.
No diet for Labrador Retriever puppies would be complete without the addition of complex carbohydrates. These can come from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. The primary role of any carbohydrate included in a diet for large breed puppies is their high antioxidant content and ease of digestibility.
Healthy fats are part of the key to ensuring the growing Labrador Retriever puppy has the energy required to fuel its development. In addition to this, they also encourage healthy skin and coat and fuel brain and eye functionality. They are best found in animal origins such as chicken fat or oily fish; however, safflower and canola oils are plant-based fats that offer a powerhouse punch of DHA, ARA, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.
In selecting a food for Labrador Retriever puppies, it is always a good idea to consider a diet that includes some supplements. Among the most beneficial supplements for the growing Labrador Retriever pup are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Labrador Retriever Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Labrador Retriever puppy:
Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Since puppies do best on a diet of easily digestible proteins, whole meats are the preferred option for a food for Labrador Retriever puppies. Equally desirable are foods that take meat meals as their primary ingredients.
Plant-based proteins and by-products should be strictly avoided as they are inferior quality and offer few nutritional benefits to developing puppies.
Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to a growing Labrador Retriever puppy. Any foods containing these items is best left on the shelf.
Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements help a diet to be its most effective. The ideal supplements to look for in a food for the Labrador Retriever pup are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Labrador Retriever puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.
10 Healthiest & Best Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers in 2024
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The Labrador Retriever is a large breed dog that is highly popular in the US, UK, and many parts of the world. And why not? These pups are highly affectionate, friendly, and outgoing. Sometimes, theyre even quite goofy. Theyre the perfect companions for people who have an active lifestyle or who need pets with a gentle disposition.
As pet parents, we want our loveable goofs to stay healthy as much as possible. And to achieve that, right nutrition is essential. That is why weve come up with this guide to the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers.
Breed Overview
- Pedigree: Purebred
- Size: 22.5 to 24.5 inches for males; 21.5 to 23.5 inches for females
- Weight: Males weigh between 65 to 80 pounds. Females range between 55 to 70 pounds
- Energy Level: Highly Energetic
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Fast Facts
Labrador Retrievers originated in Newfoundland, Canada from the St. Johns Water Dog lineage, known for its intelligence and swimming capabilities.
The breed has two layers of coats to protect it from wet and cold weather. The top coat is short and thick, while the layer underneath is somewhat water-resistant.
Because Labradors are deeply intelligent, have a gentle disposition, and relatively easy to train, theyre the most popular breed used as guide dogs.
Why Quality Food Matters for Your Labrador Retriever
Labs are prone to excess weight. The best dog foods will give your Lab enough protein and complex carbs to last all through the day, but these wont add a bunch of empty calories to your dogs diet like cheaper dog food products that rely on fillers might do.
Empty calories cause weight gain which puts stress on the spine and hips. Other joints may feel the stress as well. Weight gain is a vicious cycle because your Lab is less likely to exercise, which may make the problem worse.
Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers
And now for our top picks for the best food for Labrador Retrievers in all stages of life.
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Best Overall  |
| Check Price Here! |
Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
| Check Price on Chewy | |
Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Natural Balance L.I.D. Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Nulo Freestyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Puppy Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon | |
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe
| Check Price on ChewyCheck Price on Amazon |
What Are The Best Dog Foods For Labrador Retrievers?
- Ollie Fresh Pet Food
- Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Formula
- American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy
- Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Red Recipe
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Lamb & Brown Rice Formula
- Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
- Nulo Freestyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Puppy Recipe
- Instinct Raw Boost Senior Grain-Free Recipe
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
Rating: 5/5
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Carrots, Peas, Rice, Chicken Liver
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Ollie offers pet owners a new option for their beloved companion. If you desire to have a dog food that is safe even for humans to eat, then this is right up your alley. Their recipes are all made from human-grade ingredients with vitamins and antioxidants.
Ollie crafts freshly cooked dog foods using human-grade ingredients, after which the food is prepped and delivered to your door. The preportioned cooked food is made in small batches and according to each individual pets weight, size, age, and lifestyle.
This recipe uses chicken as the first ingredient and as its single animal protein source. The inclusion of chicken liver makes it not only more nutrient dense but also far more palatable to dogs who love the taste of the organ meat.
The brand chooses to provide essential vitamins and minerals as much as possible from natural sources, such as blueberries, carrots, and spinach. This eliminates the need for synthetic supplements.
Because the dog food is customized to each dog, you are sure that your pup is getting the precise amount of nutrient that he needs. Its a limited ingredient formula, which is better for sensitive stomachs.
Pros
- Human grade ingredients
- Fresh, cooked meals
- Easy portion sizes
- Limited ingredients
- No fillers
Cons
- Requires cold storage
- Delivery options are limited in certain parts of the country
2. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Formula
Rating: 4.5/5
First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Why don't you try giving your bud a taste of the sea? This kibble is made from fresh salmon as protein source and sweet potatoes for carbohydrates plus antioxidants from fresh veggies and fruits making it a very nutritious delight.
Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a dog food because there are so many options out there. When you just cant make a choice, consider a trusted brand like Taste of the Wild.
Formulated with novel proteins including real salmon, this grain-free dog food recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly-digestible energy your active pup needs; natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables; and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and a healthy digestion.
Its fully packed with animal protein. Aside from the fresh salmon, the recipe also includes salmon meal and smoke-flavored salmon to up the flavor content and make it more enticing to your pup.
Overall, this grain-free recipe is an excellent source of all the essential nutrients your dog needs at an affordable price.
Pros
- Packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids
- Notable difference in pet's coat and skin health
- Picky eaters eat this
Cons
- Always out of stock
- Poor bag design
3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
Rating: 4.5/5
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Chickpeas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Getting its proteins from multiple sources: lamb, chicken and turkey, this kibble surely boasts high protein content. This grain free, affordable dog food also contains lots of antioxidants.
American Journey has produced dog food that goes to show that cheap does not have to mean poor quality. Using lamb as its main source of animal protein, this dry dog food formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.
This is amazing for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles.
Deboned lamb is the main ingredient, followed by chicken and turkey meal to bolster the foods protein content. There is also menhaden fish meal further down the ingredients list.
This formula does include dried plain beet pulp as a source of fiber. This is fine but the saponinins in it has been found to cause irritation in some dogs' gastrointestinal tracts.
Pros
- Cheap
- High in protein
- Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Cons
- Uses pea protein
- Smaller bag sizes
4. Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Tender Cuts in Gravy
Rating: 4.25/5
First 5 ingredients: Beef Broth, Beef, Chicken, Wheat Gluten, Liver
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
With USDA beef as its topmost ingredient, this grain free formula also contains antioxidants, omegas and fiber to promote digestion, skin health and overall well-being.
For dog owners who want to feed canned food but are on a budget, this recipe is one of our recommended dog food options. It consists of tender cuts of fish and meat in a delectable gravy sauce to keep large breed dogs tempted and interested.
The formula offers 100% nutrition and absolutely 0% fillers. Beef leads the protein here, with liver, salmon, and chicken helping to bring up the protein content.
There are no vegetables or fruits. This is strictly a meat-based recipe and there are lots of it! which works perfectly for pet parents who want bang for the buck. In fact, there is only a little room left for gravy, but mixing a little water with the food can create more sauce for your choosy pup.
Pros
- Affordable
- Packed with plenty of meat
- No fillers added
- Chunky cuts of meat that dogs love
5. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe
Rating: 4.5/5
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Features real beef plus freeze-dried raw bites for that extra meaty taste that dogs crave. Other protein sources of this kibble includes lamb, salmon and rabbit making it oozing with protein.
Merricks Backcountry Raw dry dog food recipe uses bits of freeze-dried raw beef along with premium kibble to provide complete protein and excellent taste. Its minimally processed so the dry dog food contains as much of the natural nutrients they originally came with.
The Great Plains Red grain-free recipe utilizes five animal proteins: beef, lamb, salmon, pork, and rabbit. The unique meaty formulation is enticing to pups and made even more so with the addition of the freeze-dried raw coating on the kibble. Because of the extremely high protein content, its one of the best dog foods for large breed dogs who are extra active.
The adult dog food is grain-free and contains no artificial flavors or colors. There are no artificial fillers, no corn or soy products, and its gluten-free. Sunflower oil gives your Lab a rich blend of omegas (3 and 6) for healthy skin and coat along with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.
All protein options are USDA-inspected, and the produce are GMO-free.
Pros
- Freeze-dried, raw meat
- Five animal protein sources
- Minimally processed
- Poultry-free formula
- Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
Cons
- Freeze-dried bits settle at the bottom of the bag
- Price has increased
6. Natural Balance L.I.D. Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula
Rating: 4.25/5
First 5 ingredients: Lamb, Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This meal is perfect for sensitive tummies, with novel protein as its main ingredient. Plus it has zero soy, artificial colors or flavors and gluten making it ideal for dogs of all breeds and age.
Natures Balance produces foods with single protein sources to help dogs with picky digestive systems. The company uses science to create a diet that gives sensitive dogs a chance to digest food fully and adequately.
Natural Balances dry dog food formula is a limited ingredient diet so that your Lab has a better chance for a problem-free digestion. It uses lamb and brown rice for a good balance of protein and complex carbohydrates to maintain your Labs energy levels all day.
Brown rice provides an excellent source of fiber while the omegas help keep skin and coat healthy. It has no artificial colors or preservatives and contains no cheap fillers such as corn or soy.
Pros
- Single protein source
- Limited ingredient formula
- Good fiber content
- Excellent protein and carbohydrate ratio
- Omega fatty acids support coat and skin
Cons
- Has canola oil, which is over processed
Best Puppy Food for Labrador Retrievers
Puppies grow and change a lot in a short period, so its likely that your feeding habits will change rapidly. Your veterinarian can provide you with the best options to make sure your puppy gets everything it needs to grow healthy and active.
1. Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Puppy Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe
Rating: 4.25
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Split Peas, Rice Bran
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Designed for large breed puppies aging up to 18 months old, it made with non-GMO ingredients and is teeming with omega-3 fatty acids to promote brain and eye development.
Nutro Natural Choice is a limited ingredient recipe specifically made for a large breed dog going through the growing stage. Puppies have different nutritional requirements from adult dogs, and this recipe aims to support this critical stage in life.
Because large breed puppies growth have to be regulated or they will grow too fast and become too big than their bones can accommodate, the calories they ingest must not be too dense. This recipe ensures that your little one gets the appropriate ratio of essential nutrients that he needs.
The dry dog food also has naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to support growing joints, and a precise mix of carbs and proteins help puppies grow at a healthy rate.
There are two excellent sources of protein here (lamb and chicken), and they lead the list. Brown rice and rice bran help with digestion and weight control, and the formula has no cheap fillers like corn or soy, no artificial preservatives, and no artificial flavors.
Pros
- Limited ingredients
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
- Whole deboned lamb as the primary protein source
- Non-GMO ingredients
Cons
- Kibble is a little too hard for very young pups
2. Nulo Freestyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Recipe Puppy
Rating: 4/5
First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Salmon Broth, Chicken Liver, Salmon
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This wet puppy food is crafted from real chicken, chicken broth, chicken liver, salmon broth, salmon and lentils as its top ingredients. This tasty low-glycemic formula has zero corn, soy or wheat but it has all the protein needed to fuel and nourish any puppy.
Nulos chicken, salmon, and lentils grain-free wet food is a great way to transition from nursing to real food. It uses whole, deboned chicken as the first ingredient for high-quality protein plus lentils for long-lasting energy.
Salmon provides another lean protein source plus omegas for better coat health. Whole fruits and veggies support the immune system and provide an excellent source of vitamins and antioxidants. Its grain, corn, soy, and gluten free for sensitive tummies.
Pros
- Balanced levels of essential vitamins and minerals
- Omega fatty acids including DHA for brain, skin, and coat
- Low-glycemic
- Suitable for sensitive tummies
Cons
- Some cans are broth heavy
Best Senior Dog Food for Labs
Seniors will receive a lot of the same types of nutrition as they did when they were younger, but if weight or other health issues are concerns, they may need modifications.
Its most important to support proper weight and joint health at this time so your Lab can continue enjoying the activities it loves.
1. Instinct by Nature's Variety Raw Boost Senior Recipe with Real Chicken
Rating: 4.5/5
First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal , Salmon Meal, Chicken, Tapioca, Chickpeas
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
Packed with real chicken plus freeze dried raw chicken pieces to promote lean, strong muscles, this kibble offers lots of benefits to your mature companion.
The Raw Boost formula uses bits of freeze-dried raw meat for extra nutrition and to encourage seniors to eat. Its a diet rich in protein to keep your older pups muscles strong and keep him mobile.
This grain-free dry dog food is a balanced diet with proper amounts of protein and carbohydrates to keep energy levels high and constant throughout the day. It provides all the support your senior needs for aging joints, eyes, and brains.
There is l-carnitine to boost the metabolism and help your dog maintain a healthy weight; calcium and phosphorus to keep bones and teeth healthy; omega acids, including DHA, to provide a good foundation for brain, skin, and coat health; and all the essential vitamins and minerals older canines need to maintain overall wellness and keep health issues at bay.
The grain-free food has no artificial flavors and no cheap fillers that can cause weight gain and irritate the digestive system.
Pros
- Has glucosamine and chondroitin
- Freeze-dried raw meat
- Grain-free diet
- Contains guaranteed levels of DHA, l-carnitine, and probiotics
Cons
- Chicken meal is the first ingredient
- Some dogs pick around the kibble
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior Chicken Recipe
Rating: 4.25/5
First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Starch
WHY YOU SHOULD BUY
This dry dog food is especially crafted for senior pups and has been carefully made using the finest of ingredients plus Blue Buffalo's trademark: LifeSource Bits.
The Blue Buffalo Wilderness grain-free formula contains precise amounts of protein from deboned chicken to help your older pup maintain a good and consistent level of energy throughout the day. The protein from the deboned chicken is further boosted by the inclusion of chicken meal and fish meal.
Fish oil and chicken supply the healthy fats that your dog needs to keep his cells strong and his nervous system healthy and properly functioning.
Because its grain-free and seniors also need a little help in keeping their bowel movements regular, theres tapioca starch to provide the fiber your doggo requires.
The grain-free food also includes the trademark LifeSource Bits by the Blue Buffalo brand, which provide an excellent balance of vitamins and antioxidants for better health and immune support.
Pros
- Contains guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids
- Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
- Has a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants called LifeSource Bits
- Grain-free diet
- No cheap fillers (including poultry by-product meals)
Cons
- Some senior dogs dont like LifeSource Bits
3 Common Health Issues
Medium tolarge breed dogs like the Labs are very healthy overall, but there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for if you want your friend to live a long healthy life.
Hip Dysplasia Large dogs are prone to a condition called hip dysplasia and the labrador retriever breed is no exception. The joints in some of these dogs dosnt form properly and dont line up exactly right. Under stress, such as serious exercise or excess weight gain, the hip can pop out and cause pain.
You cant do much to cure the problem, but foods with essential fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin can help maintain healthy joints and reduce pain.
Skin Allergies The labrador retriever breed is sensitive to environmental triggers that might cause their skin to become red and itchy, flaky, and inflamed. You cant control the environment, but you can reduce the number of allergy triggers in your Labs food.
Avoiding common allergens such as corn, soy, and by-product meals help reduce inflammation in the digestive system and keep the skin more supple. Essential fatty acids also help build healthy skin.
Excess Weight Although not a disease, excess weight plagues Labs. Theyre fun-loving, curious, and tend to get into everything. And everything includes food. Lab puppies and adults alike will eat themselves to death if you let them, so its vitally important that you watch their food intake carefully.
They need quality foods that wont let them pack on excess calories. Plenty of fiber and proper amounts of protein help your dog feel full and maintain energy while keeping weight down.
What to Look For in a Quality Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers
1. The first five ingredients are crucial. You know how dog food reviews always lists down the first five ingredients? Its because these are listed in order of volume. The first ingredient will naturally make up the most volume in the food, followed by the second, and so on.
So by looking at the first five ingredients, you will already know a lot about the quality of a particular dog food. Does it use high-quality ingredients? Is the dog food meat-based? These can usually be answered by a glance at the first five in the label.
The first ingredient of any dogs food should always be whole meats. The exception is when its wet food or if its a special diet.
The right dog food should be meat-based and not have more carb or vegetable ingredients than meat. Too much carbs can make your pup gain excess weight.
2. Must meet the standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. The AAFCO has established guidelines that many dog food manufacturers adhere to. These guidelines ensure that your pups are getting a complete and balanced diet for the specific life stage he is in.
3. Must meet your labrador retriever pups specific dietary needs. Its always a must to feed your pet a dog food thats made for his specific life stage or condition.
Lab puppies, adults, seniors, lactating or pregnant canines, and active dogs all have different nutritional needs and this must be taken into account when choosing the best dog food to give your pet.
For example, puppy food usually contains essential fatty acids like DHA to help in the brain development of growing dogs. Dog foods for senior canines will most probably contain glucosamine and chondroitin to help keep older dogs mobile.
And performance dogs will need dog foods that contain higher amounts of protein for a better energy supply. Also, If your lab has food sensitivities, limited ingredient foods may help keep allergy flares under control. There are also various formulas made specifically to keep weight down, support digestive health, and so on.
Ingredients to Avoid in Your Labs Dog Food
1. Fillers Corn, corn gluten meal, and soy are common fillers that frequently appear first on the ingredients list of some of the cheaper dog foods. These add nothing but empty calories to your pups meal and can even make it prohibitively difficult to control your Labs weight.
If you cant seem to get your Labs weight under control without severe restriction, the dog food youre feeding is probably full of empty calories.
2. Animal by-products and unspecified meat meals These often show up in dog food as chicken by-product meal or poultry by-product. Its best to avoid these because these are whats left over after all the choice cuts have been removed from the animal, meaning these will be overprocessed and will have little nutrition left.
Unspecified meat meals can be detrimental to your pups health if it turns out that he is allergic to certain animal proteins. Since these meat meals do not mention which animal the meat comes from, it can be hard to track whatever it was that triggered your pets allergies or sensitivities.
3. Artificial ingredients There are so many natural ingredients that brands can use to preserve a dog food or make it tastier. However, artificial flavors and preservatives are much cheaper so many dog food brands use these instead to cut on costs.
These can be causes of allergies too, so its best to stay away from these ingredients. And in the case of artificial colors, your dog doesnt need them. They are not attracted to colorful food unlike humans so theres no need for them to be in the dog treats and food you give your furry buddy.
4. Lots of potatoes, legumes, and peas While these arent bad ingredients, make sure that the dog food you select does not have these in overwhelming numbers.
A recent study has shown a link between a condition known as canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and a diet heavy in potatoes and peas. The link isnt fully understood so use your best judgment. We recommend staying away from foods that contain too many of these.
Dietary Considerations
The Labrador Retriever breed is known for being highly active and playful. These highly friendly pups are no lap dogs, enthusiastically preferring any activity that involves lots of exercise. Because of their very physical nature, Labrador Retriever pups need lots of protein in their diet.
A typical Labrador Retriever will need around 1600 to 2150 calories per day to maintain a healthy body weight. For the non-active pups or senior ones, fewer calories should suffice. They will need between 1300 to 1725 calories daily.
The best way to meet your pets dietary requirements is to buy a breed specific formula or one thats made with big dogs in mind. Be careful about feeding because Labradors are known to be quick eaters with a tendency towards obesity.
Key Nutritional Requirements
1. Protein Protein in dog food is the main source of long-lasting energy. Active dogs or working pups especially need a high-quality fuel source to keep them performing for hours at a time.
Lab puppies require on a dry matter basis a minimum of 22% protein in their dog food, while adult Labs need a minimum of 18%.
Its best if your chosen dog food relies more on animal protein rather than vegetable-based protein. Animal protein contains a complete set of essential amino acids that are not all present in vegetable-based protein.
2. Fat Fats are also important sources of energy for your dog. Aside from energy, fats also help your dogs body absorb vitamins and keep your pets coat shiny.
A healthy diet for your Lab should contain healthy fats taken from highly digestible sources, like chicken fat or fish oil. Ideally, if youre going to feed dry dog food, the fat should be a minimum of 12%. Canned food must have at least 2% fat content.
3. Carbohydrates Dogs get their fiber and sugar requirements from carbohydrates. These come in the form of grains, such as whole grain brown rice, or in the form of potatoes, legumes, and sweet potatoes.
4. Moisture Water is as important a requirement in dogs as in humans. Dry food typically contains around 10% moisture or less, while canned food contain around 70% up.
Ideally, your dog should consume an ounce of water for every pound he weighs.
Labrador Puppy Feeding Chart
8-10 Weeks Old At about this time, your Lab puppy is ready to begin the weaning process from his moms milk. Dont try to rush it as some pups this age will want to keep drinking milk, while others will be ready to try someting new.
The puppy teeth are still a little bit soft at this point so introduce canned food first to make feeding easier.
12 Weeks At 12 weeks, Lab puppies may be able to make the switch from wet dog food to dry. A good rule of thumb is to mix a little percentage of kibble into your pets dish and to slowly increase the ratio each week.
Some dog owners find that adding a little moisture to dry kibble makes the transition easier.
3 Months At this point, your playful puppy should have been able to fully transition to a dry dogs diet or be close to it.
5 Months At this stage, you can slowly introduce additional dog foods to your puppys diet.12 Months Your Labrador is now officially an adult! His metabolism has slowed down now, and he will now be comfortable with being fed just twice day.
Labrador Feeding Guide
Food portions can vary depending on a few different factors including life stage, gender, and activity level. Work with your vet to find the best path for your particular Lab.
Here Are Some General Feeding Guidelines:
- Puppies: Puppies that are aged below three months should be fed four meals a day. Lab pups that are aged above three months but below one year should be fed three times a day.
- Adults: Adult dogs can be fed twice a day. Typical adults receive between three and four cups of kibble per day depending on the brand and body type of your pet. Divide these between two servings.
- Seniors: Seniors are also fed twice a day. Your senior dog should have about the same serving sizes as he did during his adult life, but if theres a weight or severe health issue, your vet may decide on a different path.
Final Thoughts
Giving your Labrador Retriever quality food from the very beginning means that the breeds trademark energy, athleticism, and curiosity remain constant all his life.
Your Lab (or Mini Lab) is fun-loving and loyal, so support his physical needs with good food to keep him at a healthy weight and so that you never have to say no to an activity ever again.
