Best Dog Food For Labradors

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.

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.

The Best Food For Overweight Labrador

If you are having a weight gain problem with your Labrador Retriever, you may now be in search of the best food for an overweight Labrador.

Labs are a breed that is incredibly well-known for their love of foodand obesity.

It is unfortunate that so many Labradors are overweight or obese. Many of the domestic dogs in several countries suffer the problem of obesity because of their sedentary lifestyles.

It might seem like a dog is pampered that way, but its actually getting in the way of their health.

According to this study of more than 30,000 Labs, obesity is the second most prevalent health condition in Labrador Retrievers.

This is incredibly alarming knowing that Labradors love food so much.

So, how do you balance their love for food while trying to keep them healthy?

Well, actually, it isnt as tough as you think! All you have to do is to be strict about their food and nutrition intake.

This article will discuss the best food for overweight Labrador as they are on their weight loss journey.

Well also talk a little bit about tips and tricks for your overweight Labrador Retriever to lose weight.

Protein Is Important Too

If youre wondering best dog food, start with a protein base. No matter what size or age your pup is, a good protein-rich diet makes sure he or she grows up strong and healthy. Researchers have found that growing puppies need at least 30 percent of their calories from protein, says Phillip Blair, founder of Holistic Blends pet foods. At four months old when most Labrador pups begin weaning that means they should be eating at least three cups of puppy food per day when they hit six months old and are weaned off moms milk, its time to bump that amount up to three-and-a-half cups per day.

Protein can come from a variety of sources, including chicken, beef, fish, lamb, and venison. Timberwolf Organics suggest feeding a variety of proteins in rotation to help ensure your pups balanced nutrition. By combining different protein-rich ingredients say, lamb and fish you create whats called a multiple protein blend, which offers a wide range of amino acids that your puppy needs to help him or her grow up big and strong. Most commercial dog foods how to take care of a puppy are multiple protein blends, says Blair. For example, if youre shopping, youll find that most brands offer dry food made with several different types of meat as their primary ingredient. That means it has more protein than grain-based foods and is better suited to your growing pup.

Read Also: Best Food For Chihuahua Puppy

Newman’s Own Organics Grain

Brand: Newmans Own

Cost/Where To Buy: $28 for a case of 12 . Available online from Chewy.

Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Broth, Organic Pea Flour, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Organic Alfalfa, Organic Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Organic Locust Bean Gum, Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin A Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Zinc Proteinate, Iron Proteinate, Calcium Carbonate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Sodium Selenite, Calcium Iodate.

Our Top Pick: Wellness Core Original Formula

This dry food from Wellness Core has an above-average amount of protein making it ideal for Labs.

Unlike many dry foods, it has a named meat deboned turkey as its first ingredient, and then has its protein levels topped up with turkey and chicken meal. There is also added chicken liver and chicken fat, both of which are great sources of nutrients for active Labradors.

There are lots of fruits and vegetables added to the recipe as natural sources of vitamins and minerals including broccoli, carrots, apples, blueberries, and kale.

The recipe has also been topped up with glucosamine and chondroitin, which protect joints, so it is important for Labs, a dog breed prone to hip dysplasia.

The main drawback with this recipe is that it is high in calories, so you need to be careful how much you give your dog, but it is also expensive, another good reason to watch portion sizes.

Pros:

• Natural sources of vitamins and minerals

Cons:

• Expensive
• High in calories

Overall, most Lab owners will probably agree that this recipe is worth the expense as it contains so much goodness for your dog.

UPDATE: We feed our dogs Wellness Core Grain Free Dog food. However, one thing that has come to light recently is the link between grain free dog foods and heart disease. We are keeping a close eye on these studies as we always want to feed our dogs the best foods.

Read Also: Royal Canin Puppy Wet Food

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.

Top 5 Best Dry Dog Food Brands For A Labrador Retriever

Finding the right dry dog food for your Labrador Retriever can become a headache with the hundreds of brands available online today. Whats needed for a Labrador Retrievers diet? To start, Labrador Retrievers require optimal nutritional levels to maintain shiny coats, healthy teeth, and gums, bones, and muscles as well as keeping energy levels up.

Their diets need to include a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and amino acids. Finding the right balance is essential for maintaining a healthy Lab. So what are the best dry dog food brands for a Labrador Retriever? Here are the best dry dog food brands for a Labrador Retriever for 2021.

Before we begin our assessment, we do have our very own Alpha Paw dog food called Natural Vitality that is vet-approved and fast becoming the go-to brand for pet parents. Our chicken and sweet potato recipe is made to support all dog breeds for all of their life stages. Formulated with purposeful ingredients in accordance with AAFCO guidelines, our dog food is a natural source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Shipped directly to your door, its as delicious for dogs as it is convenient for pet parents. We have two formulas, one for all dogs and one specifically designed for Dachshunds.

We highly recommend our very own dog food. In spite of this, we still want to be a resource for you and discuss whats in the marketplace for pet parents such as yourself.

Don’t Miss: How To Wet Dry Dog Food

Do Labrador Retrievers Need Special Food

There is a great variety of dog foods on the market, but not all of them will meet the required nutritional values for Labrador Retrievers. Complete and balanced dog food for Labs needs to have plenty of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, and also be enriched with vitamins, and minerals. Choose the formula based on your pets age and activity levels to make sure all of their needs are met. Overall, a quality dog food formula should provide the following:

• Maintain Energy Levels

Labs are super energetic, and most of them are quite active throughout the day. To keep them fueled, their food should be based on real meat and vegetables, and contain optimal amounts of proteins and carbs. This will keep them going through all the daily adventures, and make those muscles lean and strong.

• Great for the Skin and Coat

Labradors have a smooth, sleek coat, but if you happen to neglect their diet, that shine and beauty can quickly disappear. Their food should contain omega fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are directly reflected in the healthy skin and a shiny coat.

• Supports Brain Development

We are committed to finding, researching, and recommending the best products. We earn commissions from purchases you make using the retail links in our product reviews. Learn more about how this works.

Best Dog Foods For Labrador Retrievers

Labradors, commonly known as labs, are a sight to behold. To maintain those attractive looks, you should serve your lab a diet that meets their breed-specific nutritional requirements. Labs are working dogs involved in sports, farming, therapy, and hunting. They, therefore, need foods rich in proteins and crafted from high complex carbs like oatmeal that are high in soluble fiber.

Labs are also susceptible to obesity hence the best dog food for labs should be crafted with more fats and fewer carbohydrates based on their activity levels to boost their stamina. Labs are also prone to hip dysplasia and arthritis so the best food to serve them should have glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint health.

Moreover, labs are vulnerable to eye problems like cataracts, so their best food should have vitamin A and beta-carotene for vision health. In addition, labs are susceptible to heart problems so you should ensure their diet contains taurine, L-carnitine, and omega fatty acids to boost cardiovascular health.

Choosing the right format lowers the risk of stomach upsets and allergic reactions. The right format also helps your dog maintain a healthy weight and stay happy. Taste of the Wild, Royal Canin, Earthborn Holistics, Wellness Core, and Nutro are among the best brands for the leading dog food for labs.

Here are our best five dog food picks for labs. Scroll down further for picks 6-24.

Note: The prices quoted in this article are as of January 30th, 2022.

Don’t Miss: What Foods Not To Feed Dogs

Best High Protein Dog Food For Labs: Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Food

All dogs have that inner wolf within them – Labs too! They might seem goofy on the outside, but theres a wolf quivering deep inside, for sure. This special Blue Buffalo dog food is sure to nurture those ancestral needs of every dog. It is a grain-free, meat-based food that is very rich in protein and all the essential vitamins. You can choose from several options: chicken, salmon, or duck meat. Each one is bound to be irresistible for your lab. Of course, this brand prides itself on a recipe that does not contain any artificial ingredients or colors. If you want quality protein-rich food for your Labrador Retriever, this could be it.

Best Wet Dog Food For Senior Labrador Retriever

Spot & Tango Beef & Millet Wet Food

Clean ingredients combined with the most popular protein on the market.

Why we love it:

• Top choice for picky eaters
• No preservatives, artificial additives, or growth hormones
• Free from wheat, soy, gluten, and corn
• 100% human-grade ingredients

Beef & Millet

If you want to give your senior pal the best nutrition for his stage of life, spend time carefully reading senior dog food formulas. Careful attention to ingredients will provide you with a good idea of what type of goodness youre providing your dog.

As a dog gets older, his joints and bones become worn it is all part of the process.

As your dog ages, he may become a picky eater. The Spot & Tango Beef & Millet wet food is a firm favorite for picky eaters.

The vet-developed food is designed to provide your Labrador with an improved quality of life through good nutrition.

This particular formulation includes cranberries which are great antioxidants and can reduce the symptoms of arthritis and inflammation. Apple cider vinegar is also good for aiding the digestion process and helps to regulate blood sugar.

And, if you are not familiar with millet, it is yellow seed that is also a healthy carbohydrate. This recipe is therefore grain-free and gluten-free.

• Vet developed

Duck & Salmon

You May Like: Who Manufactures American Journey Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Large Breed Senior

• Chickena high-quality protein sourceas the very first ingredient.
• Made with non-GMO ingredients, no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat or soy.
• Formulated with essential antioxidants.

Chicken meal is the first ingredient in this recipe, which is naturally high in the important ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin for the senior pooch and his joints, as well as Chicken cartilage and Herring meal.

With biotin and avocado oil, your seniors coat will look vibrant and youthful, and there are plenty of vitamin supplements and minerals listed in the ingredients to ensure that his weakening immune system is strengthened.

We love that this recipe is made with the superfood avocado oil, which promotes healthy skin and coat, and it has high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin compared to other leading brands.

Best Dry Dog Food For Skin Allergies

Sometimes whatever it is thats causing your dogs dermatitis is unavoidable. A dog with pollen allergies or dust allergies might not be able to get away from these two things. With this in mind, the next three examples of dry dog food for skin allergies will help your dogs skin to defend against nasty reactions and subsequent infections.

Read Also: Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food

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

Taste Of The Wild Wetlands Grain

Brand: Taste of the Wild

Cost/Where To Buy: $48.99 on Chewy

Ingredients: Duck, Duck Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas, Potatoes, Chicken Fat , Egg Product, Natural Flavor, Ocean Fish Meal, Potato Protein, Roasted Quail, Roasted Duck, Smoked Turkey, Tomato Pomace, Salt, Choline Chloride, Taurine, Dried Chicory Root, Tomatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus Subtilis Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium Animalis Fermentation Product, Vitamin E Supplement, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Proteinate, Copper Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Iodide, Thiamine Mononitrate , Manganese Proteinate, Manganous Oxide, Ascorbic Acid, Vitamin A Supplement, Biotin, Niacin, Calcium Pantothenate, Manganese Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride , Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin , Vitamin D Supplement, Folic Acid. Contains A Source of Live , Naturally Occurring Microorganisms.

Don’t Miss: How To Keep Flies Away From Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy

Rating:

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy is one of 18 dry recipes covered in our review of the Blue Buffalo Wilderness product line.

• First 5 ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, peas, pea protein, tapioca starch
• Type: Grain-free
• Profile: Growth
• Best for:Lab puppies

This Blue Buffalo formula draws the bulk of its animal protein from deboned chicken and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 39% protein, 16% fat and 38% estimated carbs yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.

We also note the inclusion of taurine, an amino acid supplement believed by many to help prevent dilated cardiomyopathy in large breed dogs. A time-proven formula, notable for its ideal mix of calcium, phosphorus and calories.

A well-balanced design to help reduce the risk of crippling hip and joint disease for growing Lab puppies. Reasonably priced. Recommended with confidence.

Sample buyer reviewMy German Shepherd/Pittie mix puppy loves this stuff. She has never had any issues with it and prefers it over the science diet the vet was pushing. I like that it is grain free.

Best Dog Food For Labrador Puppies

Labrador retrievers are fun-loving and affectionate breed of dogs with hearty appetites. This breed of dogs is prone to arthritis, weight issues, and allergy problems. Therefore, establishing a good diet plan, when they are puppies, is one of the keys for a long, healthy life of labs.

Meat should be the preferred ingredient of the labs. Whole ground grains, like barley, oats, and rice and vegetables, such as potatoes and peas, also are nutritious and good for labs. Labrador puppies need fatty acids like Omega-3 and 6 that are found in herring oil. Foods with DHA, a nutrient in their mothers milk, help with brain development and vision. Prebiotics works with the good bacteria in the digestive tract of dogs and strengthen their immune systems.

Being a large dog breed, lab puppies have rapid growth that can cause a strain on joints. You should look for those food products with sources of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine that help maintain healthy joints of dogs. You should also watch calories intake of your puppy to make sure your puppy is growing appropriately and not just getting fat, which also can add stress to the bones and joints.

Some recommended Labrador food that comprises above-mentioned nutrients are given below:

For Labrador puppies:

Read Also: Is Freeze Dried Dog Food Raw