Wet Vs Dry Food For Puppies
Both wet and dry food can give your puppy what they need. We focused primarily on dry food because its more affordable and easiest to store, but its important to know about the differences between wet and dry food so you can make up your own mind.
As we said, dry puppy food is more affordable and convenient than wet food. Its less messy, easiest to measure, and you dont have to worry about it going bad if it sits in your puppys bowl for a while, which also means its less wasteful.
Dry food is also more calorically dense. Dry food is usually less than 10 percent water while wet food is as much as 75 percent water. So, dry food definitely gives you more bang for your buck. Your puppy or any large breed dogs will need to eat significantly more wet dog food to get the same amount of nutrition as it will get from a serving of dry food.
Wet foods may be enough for a small puppy, but a large puppy like a Labrador would not be able to get by on wet food alone, which is why we recommend dry dog food.
Lab Puppy Feeding Chart
The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him.
Many food manufacturers provide similar dietary charts on the bag of food or on their website. You can also check with a vet or dog nutrition specialist to make sure that your puppy grows to be strong and healthy with just the right amount of food.
The diet charts are always useful when selecting the best dog food brand for your puppy.
Wellness Core Natural Grain
Wellness Core dry kibble is perfect for a pet owner who prefers a grain-free diet for their pup. It has a high concentration of fresh meat that helps your puppy develop muscle tone and a lean body mass. The DHA from the Salmon Oil aides brain development.
One of its ingredients, flax seed, constitutes omega fatty acids that help your puppy maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat. This Wellness Core puppy food contains probiotics that are immune boosters. It ensures the healthy development of the dogs bones and teeth with the Phosphorus and calcium balance. Sufficient Phosphorus and calcium are crucial for muscle development and healthy bones. We like it because it has non-GMO ingredients and is excellent not only for puppies but also for pregnant and nursing dogs because it is transferred to the puppy.
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Royal Canin Everything You Need To Know
Royal Canin was founded by Jean Cathary in France in 1968. Being a veterinarian, Dr. Cathary decided to make pet food for both cats and dogs that focused on the nutritional needs of these animals. Royal Canin creates and distributes all of its pet food in their own production facilities.
Royal Canins US headquarters are based in St. Charles, Missouri, and their US pet foods are created in South Dakota, Canada, and Missouri. The companys worldwide headquarters are in southern France.
Unfortunately, Royal Canin does not specify where they source their ingredients. Despite being very thorough in the details of where their pet foods are made, Royal Canin has not shared much information about where they get the ingredients that go into their products.
The company states that they carefully pick their ingredients and try their best to use raw materials that are close to each of their manufacturing plants. However, sometimes they use international suppliers, so not all of the ingredients that go into Royal Canin products are locally-sourced.
Best Dog Food For Labrador Retriever Seniors
The dietary needs of an older dog are slightly different. Youll want to lower his caloric intake, as well as offer him softer food options, if possible.
Some older dogs will have health issues that can be exacerbated
19. Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior
- Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley
- Short Product Description: An expensive offering, but one worth the money. Blue Buffalo is recommended by vets for its great nutrient profile.
- Key Features: Low fat and high fiber which helps aging dogs fight against obesity and also promotes a healthy bowel system.
- Pros and Cons: It is not grain-free dog food. Can be slightly pricey.
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Raw Or Cooked Food Prepared At Home
Because nutrition is so crucial for puppies, you dont have time to play around. If you want to go the natural or home-cooked route, make sure you know what you are doing. There are entire books written on the subject of raw feeding and homemade pet foods. Get one and become an expert.
In my personal opinion , getting used to raw food is quite a process for pups.
Im also not comfortable with staking my puppys future on my very limited skills as a pet nutritionist. After all, if I make mistakes, my puppy is going to be the victim!
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Fresh Food For Labrador Retrievers
The most popular dog breed in America, the Labrador retriever is known for being friendly, highly trainable, and energetic. Labs excel at retrieving birds alongside hunters, and have also succeeded in security and as service dogs. They tend to get along with other dogs and people, and are a great fit for families whose members will give them plenty of exerciselike long walks, swimming, and games of fetch.
A healthy diet of fresh dog food for your Labrador retriever is the best way to support their health and happinessalong with daily exercise, regular vet care, and a willingness to throw that frisbee one more time.
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Are Carbs Good For Labs
Besides fatty ingredients, the best dog food for a Labrador should also contain a moderate amount of carbohydrates. Unlike other dogs, Labradors dont need a high-calorie diet, but they do need the right amount of vitamins and minerals. And while it may seem tempting to give your Labrador extra food, it is essential that you take the time to do the necessary math.
The best dog food for a Labrador should have a lower fat and calorie content. The highest protein content of any dog food should be at least 34%, but this may be a bit too high for some dogs. A high protein level is okay if your Labrador is small. A large breed of dog needs more food than a small one. A good diet for a Labrador should also contain a decent amount of protein. A meat-based formula will be high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
What Do You Need To Know About Labradors
As a large-breed dog, Labrador Retrievers may not reach their full size until they are more than a year old. These dogs can grow up to 80 pounds, so it may take 18 to 24 months for a puppy to fully mature. Even when your Lab is fully grown, however, he may still retain some of his puppylike tendencies. These dogs can be a bit much to handle if youre not used to energetic dogs, but they are always good-natured, friendly, and people-oriented.
The Labradors friendly personality is one of the main reasons the breed has been ranked the most popular purebred dog for 10 years running. These dogs are very family-friendly because they love children, and they are always up for a game. They get along very well with other dogs and are typically very cat-friendly as well, particularly when raised with a cat. Early socialization and training is always recommended, but aggression and dominance are typically not a problem for this breed.
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Special Food Considerations For Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are prone to the following health conditions: elbow and hip dysplasia, heart disorders, hereditary myopathy , and eye conditions. They are also susceptible to obesity occurring from improper diet, overfeeding, or decreased exercise as they age.
You can protect your Labrador Retrievers heart by feeding him high-quality dog food that includes balanced minerals. His food should also include Vitamin A, fruits, and vegetables, since these may help to prevent certain eye diseases. Maintaining a healthy weight will minimize pressure on your dogs joints and heart, so be sure to feed him breed-appropriate dog food in appropriate quantities.
What To Look For In A Good Labrador Dog Food
As a dog owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your Labrador gets the nutrients he needs. Dogs are not obligate carnivores like cats, but the majority of their diet should come from animal sources to ensure maximum bioavailability. Choose a diet made with wholesome, natural ingredients that meets your dogs specific requirements or preferences.
Here are some things to look for in a good Labrador dog food:
Now that you know more about your Labradors nutritional needs, youre ready to start shopping for the best food for Labrador Retrievers. Keep reading to see our top 10 picks.
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Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy
The last puppy food for labs that we will be looking at is the Blue Buffalo Life Protection. While this is not specific for large breeds, it does have a lot of great nutrition for all developing puppies, including DHA and ARA.
DHA and ARA are both found in mothers milk and are essential for brain development. This food has no fillers either, making it a healthy choice.
Pros:
Contains DHA and ARA for brain health Formulated with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals No chicken by-products No fillers, corn, wheat, or preservatives Contains nutrition for joint health
Cons:
Not breed or size specific
What Features To Look For In Labrador Puppy Food
Some of the most important ingredients to look for in a lab puppy food are high-quality whole proteins, reduced fats, minerals and vitamins, and vegetables. These ingredients, combined in the exact recipe, can make the perfect puppy food for your lab.
Proteins
Proteins are one of the most vital ingredients to look at overall. Puppy food with high protein ensures that your puppy can grow and get stronger. A few examples of protein-rich ingredients are chicken, turkey, and sometimes red meat like a lamb. Named meat should always be the #1 ingredient in your dogs food. Avoid any brand that uses meat by-products.
Reduced Fats
A moderate amount of fat in a puppys diet is essential, but some puppy food brands contain high-fat content. A fat content that is too high could cause your dog to become unhealthy and sick. Most brands that are listed as reduced-fat are a safer alternative unless you can check the fat content in the food beforehand. Fiber can also help prevent your pup from becoming overweight, as well as probiotic or prebiotic ingredients.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are some more important ingredients to look out for. One of the essential vitamins to look for in your puppys food is Glucosamine. Glucosamine is proven to increase joint health, and this is a vital ingredient to any lab puppies diet. Labs commonly experience joint problems at some point in their life and its best to take a step to prevent it even when they are still under 15 months.
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Should You Give Your Labrador Retriever Dry Kibbles Wet Food Raw Diet Or Homemade
Some dogs absolutely cannot touch kibble, whereas raw diets might be a hassle and expensive. There are owners who insist on everything homemade, so it really depends on the individual.
Kibbles are definitely a popular choice. You can get anything from Merrick to Purina off Amazon and have it delivered straight to your home.
The Presence Of Grain
Most dog foods could contain grain, while others dont. Grains are often used as filler content due to their affordability. Whole grains are carbs, but proteins should surpass the carbs in a puppys food. Keep an eye on the content on meat, vegetables, and dried fruits, which are the most essential.
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Canine Formula By Taste Of The Wild
This dog food comes highly recommended for Labradors because it is high in protein to promote lean and strong muscles. This food contains a variety of proteins, including roasted bison and roasted venison. Real meat is the number one ingredient and is nutrient-rich and highly digestible. It also contains proprietary probiotics to maintain good gut health.
Key Benefits
- Grain-free recipe with only protein-rich ingredients
- Added vitamins and powerful antioxidants with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Ingredients are sourced from trusted and sustainable sources
- Highly digestible while also supporting gut health
Do Labradors Have Food Allergies
All dogs have the potential to develop food allergies, though they are not as common as the pet food industry would have you believe. Most dogs dont develop food allergies until they are 1 or 2 years old, so you may not need to spend a fortune on hypoallergenic puppy food. You should know, however, that Labs are prone to skin allergies which can be exacerbated by certain food ingredients. Pay attention to your dogs digestive health and skin health, consulting your veterinarian if signs of allergies develop.
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Best Wet Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers
If your dog seems like the average dog in terms of good coat condition, healthy weight, medium-active lifestyle, and of middle or senior age, you can opt for a good all-rounder meal from the Spot & Tango range.
The following recipes are rich in proteins, vitamins and fat, adequate to each dogs condition and age. Also, due to the wet texture, these meals are soft and easy to chew, making it very appealing for Labrador Retrievers of all ages.
If you prefer, click here to scroll down and find the best wet dog food recipes for Labrador Retrievers in 2022.
Our pick for the best dog all-rounder favorite food for a Labrador Retriever:
Spot & Tango Turkey & Red Quinoa
- Free from gluten, grain, wheat, soy, and corn
- Packed with vitamins and minerals: calcium phosphate, salt, calcium carbonate, magnesium, kelp, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, iron, vitamin D3, manganese, copper, selenium, iodine, vitamin B12, and folic acid
- No preservatives, artificial additives, or growth hormones
Turkey & Red Quinoa
Spot & Tango Turkey & Red Quinoa wet dog food only contains 100% human-grade ingredients. Each portion offers perfectly balanced nutrition for pups and adult Labrador Retrievers.
Just like for humans, quinoa is a superfood for dogs. With plenty healthy carbohydrates, Spot & Tango Red Quinoa combination, helps to fuel the energy on your canine friend.
Also, if you study the list of ingredients, you will notice no meat meals or meat meal by-products are included in the food.
Verified Labrador Retriever Dog Food Review: User Experience
Most reviewers complaints came from owners whose Labrador Retrievers wouldnt eat the food. As one said, I have a black Lab who will eat about anything but not this stuff. I also bought the wet food that goes with it but nothing worked, she would not eat it. Another said, At first, my dog seemed interested in this food, but after a few days, the only way he would eat it was if I mixed some canned wet dog food into it. He had trouble chewing the large pieces, and I even tried breaking them up into smaller ones. I dont plan on buying this again.
Most of the reviews, such as this one, were overwhelmingly positive: My male Lab went from well over 100 pounds to 79 pounds on his last vet check and it was basically all diet. His activity level has always been moderate. He never has turned down food so switching was very easy. His coat has never looked better and his breath has improved dramatically. This food causes him to slow down and, by sheer volume, eat less. For once, he actually chews his food instead of inhaling it.
Another said, Our female Lab will be 13 years old in a couple of months and has been dining on this food since she was 20 months old. She still gets compliments on how her coat shines and her teeth are in good shape for an elderly Lab. Plus, she is still pretty spry for an old gal. One has to think her diet must have something to do with her healthy condition. On top of everything else, she has always loved how it tastes.
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How Do You Recognize Quality Puppy Food
There are a lot of choices to choose from when you go to buy puppy food. So how do you choose the one with the best quality? If you go for one of the well-known, popular, and widely consumed brands, the chances are that the puppy food of these brands is of high quality hence, their popularity. So, do not be reluctant to spend some bucks, and get your beloved puppy the food it deserves.
The Best Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers For 2022
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Labrador Retrievers are Americas most popular dog breed and for good reason. These sweet-natured, medium-to-large-sized dogs are extremely versatile. They make the perfect family pet, service dog, or bird dog. Theyre natural athletes that require lots of exercise to keep their bodies and minds in top shape. So, its crucial that you choose the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers to meet all of their nutritional needs.
The right food for other dogs in the sporting group may not be right for Labrador Retrievers. Well address this breeds specific dietary needs and potential health conditions below. Because puppies, adults, and seniors have different nutritional and caloric requirements,its important to purchase the best food based on their current stage of life. And as they grow, youll need to adapt your Labrador Retrievers food to their changing needs.
The following list of the best overall options for Labrador Retrievers is based on their stage of life and whether your dog prefers wet or dry foods so you can select the best food for your best friend.
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