Wellness Complete Health Senior
This USA-made product is sure to give your senior dog the best nutrition in the latter years of their life. Ingredients include deboned chicken and added glucosamine and chondroitin for the promotion of healthy hips and joints.
No wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives, which means your dog is sure to have easy-to-digest food that will sit on your furry friends tummy nicely!
This moderately-priced dog food will leave your wallets feeling fine, but this is the lowest-rated food out of the 5. Customers reported that the transition can be difficult for some of the senior pups, but for the most part, the dogs love it!
PROS:
The Best Dog Food For Adult Labrador Retrievers
If you are looking for the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers that are older than 15 months of age or are transitioning from puppy food to adult food, it is a good idea to consult with your veterinarian.
Your vet can help determine your Labs current body condition score. With this in hand, you can decide which maintenance adult diet is best.
Live Long And Slobber
We know our wonderful pets wont be with us forever, but we can do everything were able to do to keep them around as long as possible.
Older dogs require closer monitoring by you and your vet to keep them healthy. And they need a diet tailored to their specific requirements.
Be an attentive owner, give them what they need, and your Lab will enjoy a happy second childhood.
Disclaimer
All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional.
LabradorTrainingHQ.com assumes no responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of whats written on this site. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue.
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Nutritional Vitamins Minerals And Sugars In Dog Food
A balanced dog diet also contains nutrients that are not seen in meat for instance , vitamins and nutrients found in vegetables and fruit, or fatty acids from healthy oils. The four-legged good friend also needs sugars. Wolves, for example, eat the belly and intestinal material of prey animals, now and then also berries and grass.
Dogs convert starch from rice, potatoes and cereals into energy and require it for their intestinal flora. However, the need for carbohydrates is low. Fillers from plant waste such as press residues from oil production, stalks, husks or straw are often added to the feed. Superior quality carbohydrates are normally found in rice, potatoes, millet, maize, amaranth or buckwheat.
Animal fat provide the dog with twice as much energy as proteins. To prevent overweight, the food should contain these substances only in moderation. Just how much should take the dog food is determined by how much the dog moves. Lamb and poultry fat are saturated fatty acids. They are stored in the body as emergency rations and are intended as a hold for bad times. Meat and vegetable oil contain saturated omega-6 fatty stomach acids and unsaturated oily acids. Omega-3 natural oils, which are present in fish, are extremely valuable for cellular metabolism.
Orijen Original Dog Food
Rating:
Orijen Original is one of 9 dry recipes contained in our review of the Orijen dog food product line.
- First 5 ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver
- Type: Grain-free
- Profile: All life stages
- Best for:Lab puppies and adults
Orijen Original draws most of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% carbs producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, biologically appropriate canine diet a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for Labs of all ages. Both puppies and adults. Enthusiastically recommended.
Sample buyer reviewI am so grateful to have found this food for so many reasons! Both of my picky pups enjoy it and devour every bite! Ive had such a difficult time finding a food they actually want to eat but this is it!! I also really appreciate the honest marketing. The ingredients hold up to what they promote which makes this dog mama very pleased!
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When Is A Dog Considered A Senior
Not all dogs get grey hair around their muzzles. In fact, many are as playful as a puppy for their entire lives.
In fact
You may have noticed that small dogs seem to age more slowly than large dogs. Its true. A small dog can live to be as old as 20 years. But a large dog can reach maturity much sooner.
So, how do you know when your dog has entered her golden years?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association2
small dogs are generally considered senior at 7 years of age. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans and are often considered senior when they are 5 to 6 years of age.
Of course, all dogs are different. A healthy diet, regular exercise and good dental care can help extend your dogs middle age phase.
Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Dog Food
Sometimes, the best dog food for Labs is going to be a dog food that is made with a limited ingredient diet. The above dog food by Canidae is ideal for Labrador Retrievers with food sensitivities or issues with poultry.
This is a dry dog food that is made with salmon and sweet potatoes. However, we should note that this dog food is grain free, and there has been some debate amongst vets and nutritionists regarding the benefits of grain free diets for dogs.
Be sure to do your research if youre not sure when deciding which type of dog food would be the best dog food for Labs, and your Lab in particular.
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How Much Food Does My Dog Need
In the event the four-legged friend gets more energy than he utilizes, he can become overweight. Therefore, it is very important to give puppies the necessary food. How much pet food a dog needs will depend on various factors. In addition to the breed, the following aspects are relevant, for example:
Activity level: How much the four-legged friend moves determines the amount of energy it burns. Your dog that moves a lot burns more calories. If the dog is not so active, it burns fewer calories and has a slower metabolism. Consequently, he needs less food.
Age: Young dogs are still growing and are often more curious and energetic. They usually have a higher energy requirement than more mature dogs. It is advisable to reduce the quantity of food a little every year. For older dogs, there are senior foods that are lower in fat and contain important additives. For smaller dogs you need to change at the age group of 10 to 12 years, for large dogs as soon as 7 to 8 years.
Diseases: A few diseases influence a dogs food or energy requirements. These types of include cardiovascular problems, thyroid disease, osteo-arthritis and diabetes. When ever dogs are recovering from illness, they need more pet food.
Hormone balance: A dogs hormone levels can surge or fall, changing energy needs. For example , dogs have different energy needs when they are conceived or change their coat.
Any person who is not sure about the right amount of food should talk to a vet and a nutritionist.
When Should You Move Your Dog To A Senior Diet
When a dog would start to benefit from a modified diet for older dogs depends on the breed and the individual pup.
As a general rule, dogs are considered seniors when they have reached half of the average life expectancy for their breed. That is at around seven to ten years for smaller dogs and six to eight years for larger dogs.
Larger dogs do tend to age faster than smaller ones, and issues such as being overweight can also cause them to age prematurely.
Labrador Retrievers are generally considered seniors from around seven years old.
The best thing to do is look out for signs of aging, the most important being difficulty or discomfort moving and reduced energy levels.
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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.
Overall Best Wet Food For Senior Dogs: Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural
When it comes to the best food for older dogs, Blue Buffalo Homestyle Recipe Natural Senior Wet Dog Food is our favorite. You can give it to your dog as a tasty treat, mix it in with their dry food, or feed it as a standalone meal.
One reason we chose this Blue Buffalo recipe as the best of the best is that it has real deboned chicken as the top ingredient. The order of ingredients is of major importance when choosing dog food and choosing an option with protein from a real source is key.
Your pooch will love the taste of the chicken and appreciate that there arent any animal by-products. Its formulated for dogs of all ages and designed in a pat-style to make it easy to chew and swallow.
There are wholesome, hearty grains including brown rice and barley that will give your senior pup plenty of energy. The bits of carrots, sweet potatoes, blueberries, and cranberries add a tasty tang that makes each bite packed with flavor.
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Important Things You Need To Know About A Labrador
Labradors are one of the most popular dog breeds among dog lovers and for good reasons. They make the perfect pet thanks to their goofy, friendly personalities and hyper-active, fun-loving temperaments. But that adorable little puppy can grow into a 50-80-pound hound at maturity, and thats when it becomes even more crucial to ensure that you are giving them the best diet to thrive.
This overly energetic dog is prone to gaining too much weight too fast and, thus, requires regular exercise to maintain their ideal weight. If you have an active family, Labradors are indeed going to be a great fit. However, you need to be very careful when it comes to their dietary needs.
Ive created this list of best dog food options for your Labrador, but there are various specifications and considerations unique to your dog that you should take into account before picking the one thats right for your dog. Lets dive into those details.
The Best Dog Food For Labs Puppy Food
Puppies need to be on a diet specified for large breed puppies to ensure they grow up healthy.
As we touched on briefly above, Labs are large breed dogs that develop quite quickly between the ages of 0 and one year old. During this time, their bodies and brains are changing, and theyll need a dog food that is specifically designed to cater to their unique development.
When looking for the best dog food for Labs while they are puppies, experts recommend looking for high-quality dog foods specified for large breed puppies. Make sure the dog foods contain quality ingredients and real animal proteins, and are high in DHA and fatty acids to support healthy brain, bone and joint development.
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Overall Best Labrador Dog Food: Nomnomnow Fresh Food Delivery
When it comes to high-quality nutrition for dogs, experts agree that fresh is best. Fresh pet food isnt cooked at the high temperatures typical kibble is exposed to and it is often made in smaller batches. Both of these things combined lead to higher nutritional quality which is a benefit for your dog. NomNomNow is one of the top fresh pet food delivery services and offers several recipes for your Labrador Retriever. They do not offer size-specific recipes, but they do take your dogs information and send you perfectly portioned packages of fresh food according to your dogs calorie needs. Choose from several different protein options with fresh fruits and vegetables, some recipes being grain-free and others grain-inclusive. You can rest easy knowing that fresh, high-quality dog food will be delivered right to your door on a monthly basis all you have to do is sign up. If your Labrador has allergies or food sensitivities, just talk to a representative and theyll be happy to work with you.
Pros: Fresh food delivered to your door, perfectly portioned for your dogs calorie needs, choose from several protein options, grain-free and grain-inclusive available, complete and balanced
Cons: Not size-specific, more expensive than traditional kibble
Tips On Keeping Your Lab Healthy And Happy Throughout His Life
A healthy diet is key to a healthy life, but so are many other factors.
As we mentioned earlier in this article, Labs can be prone to suffering from a number of serious health issues that can be compounded by poor nutrition.
However, there are many other factors that play a role in your Labradors overall health and vitality that go beyond investing in the best dog food for Labs.
If youre looking for more ways to help ensure your Lab lives his longest, healthiest life, then we recommend you follow the below tips and tricks from experts.
Get Your Lab Puppy or Rescue From A Reputable Source
If you havent yet gotten your Labrador Retriever, its a good time to take a step back and make sure youre getting your dog from a reputable source.
Your Labs overall health begins with healthy breeding practices, so its important you go through a breeder that has a history with breeding Labs and understands the importance of responsible breeding.
When looking for a Labrador puppy, avoid backyard breeders, online sellers, or unlicensed breeders selling Labs for a price that is either too good to be true or far too high.
Its also important to ask for paperwork proving that puppies have been health screened and cleared of any serious health issues.
Consider Having Your Lab Health Screened Early
Implement Daily Exercise
Dont Skip Routine Wellness Visits With Your Vet
And Last, Invest In A Slow Feeder To Prevent Obesity And Bloat
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When Should You Feed Your Dog Senior Food
There is no hard and fast rule for determining when your dog goes through the types of changes that means they would benefit from a senior diet. As a guideline, dogs generally start slowing down, and therefore, start to enter their senior years when they reach half of the expected lifespan. This depends on the dogs breed.
The best thing you can do is observe your dog and look out for changes in their behavior and energy levels to see when they are beginning to slow down. And, as always, consult your vet.
Proper Nutrition For Senior Elderly Labradors
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Dogs go through a life cycle not unlike that of humans: playful children, mischievous teens, settled adults, and, in many cases, cantankerous seniors.
The physical appearance of your dog will change significantly as it grows from a puppy into a mature Labrador.
And though further changes will occur even after theyre full-grown, these changes will be subtle compared to the explosive growth of youth.
Nonetheless, the changes taking place in your dogs body are significant enough to require a change in diet to suit their age.
The nutritional requirements of a senior Lab are not the same as for a puppy, or even a younger adult.
This article will help you understand the changes going on in your Labrador, and to choose the best food for your old friend.
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Labrador Diet And Health Issues
In addition to considering all the above-mentioned factors when choosing the best dog food for your lovely lab, you must also take into account the risk for certain health issues. It is important to remember that Labradors are prone to developing food allergies and you will need to adjust their diets to foods that avoid these allergens.
Even though labs may act like Superdog, they are subject to the vagaries of life just like other breeds. Fortunately, many of the health issues that you may encounter with this breed can be treated with a healthy diet and proper care.
The most common health issues in labs are:
- Knee problems
- Osteochondrosis
- Cataracts
Furthermore, you must also beware of bloat, which can be a life-threatening situation for your dog. This usually occurs when your dogs stomach is filled with too much air that can disconnect blood flow. It happens when your dog eats too fast, eats too much, or consume a lot of air while eating. It is strictly prohibited to feed your Labrador soon after their exercise session and use a special slow-feed bowl to keep them from eating too much or too fast.
As mentioned earlier, Labradors are highly vulnerable to obesity despite being the active breed it is. They love eating anything and everything! And that can put them at risk for unhealthy weight gain. In addition to picking a nutritionally appropriate food, you must follow your vets recommendation and feed them according to their weight, size, age, and activity level.