What Is The Best Dry Dog Food For Labradors

Health Issues And Diet

Common health problems that affect Labradors can have a direct connection to their diet. Here are some common ailments that proper nutrition can help manage.

Bone and Joint Problems

Large breeds frequently suffer from arthritis because their size places excess strain on their joints. Extra pounds can also contribute to the development of degenerative joint diseases.

Feeding a proper diet can help prevent obesity in Labradors. A healthy weight is vital for healthy joints. Labs are predisposed to weight gain and should eat low to moderate calorie diets.

Labradors are also predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia. This skeletal disorder results in a malformation of the joints and leads to severe arthritis. Rapid growth caused by excessive feeding as a puppy can increase the risks of this disease.

Look for chondroprotective ingredients like glucosamine when shopping for dog food for Labs with joint concerns. Adequate levels of calcium and phosphorus also play a vital role in bone and joint health.

Obesity

Many of the Labradors that I met in vet clinics were overweight. Labs love food, and sometimes its hard to say no to that cute furry face.

But, the preferred eating habits of Labradors mean these lovable pups pack on the pounds quickly. Reducing the calories in your dogs diet will help him maintain a healthy weight. This can limit the risks of common health ailments associated with obesity, such as diabetes.

Bloat

Heart Problems

Eye Problems

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food

• PACKED WITH REAL CHICKEN: A recipe made to satisfy your dogs natural love for meat, this high protein dog food features real chicken to help build and maintain lean muscle mass.
• HEALTHY INGREDIENTS: BLUE Wilderness grain free dog food for adult small breed dogs is made with the ingredients to help meet the unique energy requirements of smaller dogs with a special kibble ideal for smaller jaws.
• ANTIOXIDANT-RICH LIFESOURCE BITS: A precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals carefully selected by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists to support immune system health, life stage needs and a healthy oxidative balance.
• A NATURAL DOG FOOD: BLUE dry dog food is made with the finest natural ingredients enhanced with vitamins and minerals BLUE contains NO chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives.
• Contains one 11-lb bag of BLUE Wilderness High Protein, Natural Adult Small Breed Dry Dog Food, Chicken.

Wellness Core Natural Grain

Best Low-Fat Labrador Dog Food

Fully grown Labradors should weigh between 55-80 pounds. If you believe your Labrador has to shed some weight, get them on a low-fat canine diet immediately. Fortunately, preparing low-fat food doesnt mean that you have to rely on fresh-off-the market ingredients and your culinary skills. There are several low-fat formulas available, but we want to choose one that will help your dog lose weight while still getting all the necessary nutrients. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food can do this job exceptionally well!

This product from Wellness Core boasts of having a grain-free formula and reduced fat-formula bundled together to support your dogs weight management needs. As a concerned pet parent, you need not be worried about your pups daily nutrition. This product combines the best of protein-rich, low-fat ingredients like chicken, salmon, and real turkey to make every meal as nutritious as it is tasty.

Being free of grain, wheat, soy, corn, and meat by-products, means your Labrador is getting only the finest quality food. It contains 80% more meat than other dog foods and also offers healthy omega fatty acids, probiotics, and other antioxidants to provide complete care for your dogs health. If youre looking to trim some pounds off your Lab, give this formula a try! Your dog can get back down to a healthy weight without sacrificing quality ingredients.

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Our 2nd Most Recommended: K9 Natural Grain

I like to describe K9 as a super premium brand and it comes with a price tag to match! If it wasnt for the cost, it would be number one on our list, but we think taking price into account that Wellness just beats it on value.

However, if price is no object, K9 is certainly one of the best foods available!

K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food gives your puppy all the benefits of raw food, aiming for optimum levels of growth and development not too fast nor stunted and for lean muscle mass and peak conditioning.

Its main ingredient is grass-fed New Zealand beef. And this is rounded out by whole food ingredients like flaxseed, kelp, New Zealand mussel, fruits and veggies, and hoki oil which provides DHA for EPA for healthy brain and eye development.

Its also grain free, something that a lot of owners look for when deciding on a food for their pups.

We strongly recommend this brand, it has 5 star reviews all over the web and extremely good feedback from very happy customers. It gets a big thumbs up from us.

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

• 5 stars
• Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley
• Type: Dry
• 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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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.

How Often Should You Feed Your Labrador

Labrador retrievers need to be fed in varying frequencies depending on their developmental age. Typically, puppies less than a month old should be fed on their mothers milk and nothing else. This is to make sure that all the essential nutrients including all-important antibodies are conferred onto the puppies. By the time they reach 4 weeks additional feeding in the form of milk replacers can be introduced to augment the milk feeding. They should be fed 4 times a day until they reach the age of about 12 weeks. By then, they can be fed 3 times a day. By age 6 months, your Labrador puppy can already be fed twice a day, once in the morning and another in the evening. This frequency of feeding is typically observed well into the Labs adulthood.

As always, these are just general guidelines. Your veterinarian can help you determine the exact frequency of feeding your Labrador often depending on its current state of health. Many dog owners also take their cue from their pets themselves. There are also pet parents who feed their adult Labs only once a day. Experts dont recommend such practice since it favors the development of bloating in the dog.

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Labrador Retriever Nutritional Requirement: What To Look For In The Label

The first ingredient should always be animal protein. Adult dog food should have 20-30% animal protein.

However, a healthy dogs diet should also include fibre and vitamins which are best sourced from vegetables or fruits.

Complex carbs are also a good addition because it provides an energy source for your pups. But it shouldnt exceed 30%. But, Labs are predisposed to obesity, so their kibble should not be more than 10-15% fat.

Labradors are prone to the development of joint-related diseases such as the elbow or hip dysplasia, so chondroitin and glucosamine are a must especially for senior dogs.

Eye problems also tend to hound this popular dog breed. Thats why recipes should include ingredients rich in DHA and taurine.

For younger dogs, calcium and phosphorus have been proven to keep their bones strong and encourage healthy cartilage development. Fatty acids such as omega-3 is also a plus.

The 7 Best Dry Food For Labrador Reviewed

If you have a Labrador, then you want to ensure that they are eating the best food that they can eat. After all, if a dog is eating the right foods, they will be healthier. This means that they live longer lives, free from illness.

Here are the 7 best dry food for Labradors available on the market.

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What Is The Best Dog Food For A Labrador Retriever

When it comes to feeding the Labrador, opinions differ. Some clearly favor wet food, others are fans of dry food chunks. In addition, the selection in the pet shops is simply overwhelming. So what is the best dog food for a Labrador Retriever?

Many puppies prefer to eat what they have already received from the breeder. You can keep feeding this for a while and later switch to adult food . Otherwise you have to try out what is good for the Labrador Retriever and what it likes. What you ultimately decide on, of course, also depends on your budget.

If you want, you can combine both types of feeding in order to combine the advantages of both variants. The dog will be happy if it has a little variety in his bowl. However, there is still the alternative of B.A.R.F.ing your four-legged friend.

Contents

Solid Gold Wolf Cub Natural Large Breed Puppy Food Real Bison And Oatmeal Potato Free 4 Lb

• PERFECT FOR LARGE BREED PUPPIES: Formulated with the balanced nutrition growing larger breed dogs need for proper development including calcium to promote controlled growth and healthy bone development.
• REAL BISON, NO FILLERS: Our large breed puppy blend contains real natural bison that your dog will crave! Made with all natural allergy-free ingredients, you can ensure your pet will get the nutrients they need.
• SUPERFOOD BLEND: At the core of every Solid Gold is our proprietary blend of 20 nutrient rich superfoods like pumpkin for healthy digestion, cranberries for antioxidants, and almond oil for a health coat.
• PROTECTED PROBIOTICS: Combined with fiber-rich prebiotics, our patented, protected probiotics stay alive and viable until consumed, helping your pet achieve optimal digestive and gut health.
• 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE: Started over 40 years ago by Sissy Mcgill Solid Gold has had one mission to deliver the highest quality limited ingredient recipe dog food on the market.

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Wellness Core Large Breed Dog Food

Brand: Wellness Pet Foods

Cost/Where To Buy: $71.99 on Chewy.com

Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal , Turkey Meal , Lentils, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes, Tomato Pomace, Ground Flaxseed, Pea Fiber, Chicken Fat , Natural Chicken Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, Spinach, Broccoli, Carrots, Parsley, Apples, Blueberries, Kale, Choline Chloride, L-carnitine, Zinc Proteinate, Mixed Tocopherols Added To Preserve Freshness, Zinc Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Niacin, Iron Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Vitamin A Supplement, Copper Sulfate, Thiamine Mononitrate, Copper Proteinate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, D-calcium Pantothenate, Sodium Selenite, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Biotin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Chicory Root Extract, Yucca Schidigera Extract, Calcium Iodate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid , Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus Faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Casei Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus Acidophilus Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract. This Is a Naturally Preserved Product.

What To Look For In A Quality Dry Dog Food

A quality kibble will have the proper mix of proteins and carbohydrates for long-lasting energy and healthy muscles. The precise measure will depend a lot on your dogs breed, age, and life stage , but looking at the first five ingredients of the food should tell you a lot.

Carbohydrate sources should come from things like brown rice or lentils, which break down slowly and provide plenty of natural fibers. Fiber encourages better digestion and helps keep your dogs stools soft enough to pass without pain. It also controls weight, helping your dog feel full for longer.

Fruits and vegetables can offer vitamins and antioxidants to support immune health and other biological systems such as the eyes and heart. Theyre vital as prebiotics, or substances known to encourage healthy gut flora. Dogs are omnivores, and this more closely aligns with the types of things dogs would have eaten during ancestral days.

Foods with omega fatty acids can help support the skin and coat. If your dog has allergies, they can also help relieve some of the itchy skin your dog could be experiencing. It also helps with brain development and could help keep joints lubricated.

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Purina One Smartblend Natural Large Breed Formula

Purina ONE SmartBlend for large breeds includes tender bites of meat mixed with crunchy kibble. It includes protein-rich chicken to help support your labs muscles and heart. The blend does not have any fillers or artificial flavors or preservatives. Purina ONE designed this blend to support the nutrition needs of large-breed adults.

Pros:

• Chicken is the first ingredient
• Includes glucosamine for joint health

Cons:

Orijen Original Adult Formula

This recipe, following on from the puppy formula, contains the highest amount of protein for his muscular frame and highly energetic personality. This recipe is multi-award winning, and it is easy to see why!

This recipe has a precise blend of nutrients from vegetables and fruits such as pumpkins and apples to support his immune system. It is grain free too which is great for those owners who wish to feed their pooch a grain free diet, and free from nasty preservatives that often irritate a dogs digestive system.

We love that this premium recipe is biologically appropriate which ensures that he receives rich high-quality protein including the organs, bones and cartilages that are both nutritious and yummy.

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Wellness Core Large Breed

This recipe is made with large breeds in mind, and so the glucosamine and chondroitin levels are perfectly calculated for his large bones and laden joints. Protein sources come from real Chicken, as well as Chicken and Turkey meal for his thick muscles.

It is also grain free, and each kibble piece is coated in their exclusive acticoat, which is a probiotic solution that will look after his digestive tract. Broccoli and apples are superfoods that will provide him with plenty of nutrients, as well as keeping him feeling fuller for longer, which is always helpful with the forever hungry Labrador.

We love that this recipe contains the lowest fat and calorie content, which is great for those Labradors who arent as active.

Best Overall: Taste Of The Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food With Roasted Bison And Roasted Venison

Image source: taste of the wild

Taste of the Wild High Protein Real Meat Recipe Premium Dry Dog Food with Roasted Bison and Roasted Venison is a formula that derives most of its proteins from bison and buffalo. Eggs are also a healthy protein source! The recipe contains raspberries and blueberries that maintain healthy arteries. This delicious food is made of trusted ingredients, with no:

• Wheat

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

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Wagg Beef And Veg Kennel Complete Dog Food

Wagg, a popular well known commercial pet food brand produces good quality dry dog food at an affordable price. In fact, it is made by the same company as Harringtons, and is therefore their more budget end product whereas Harringtons is affordable premium, but both produced in Thirsk North Yorkshire by the family business.

We did say in the creating of our reviews that we always try and take a balanced view of the market, bringing the best most affordable products as well as higher end luxury products so that there is something for everyone.

Wagg dog food is a balanced food range but more at the budget end, and yet remains highly rated by happy dogs and owners.

They even produce vat free food which is what weve chosen to review here. The food contains no added wheat, dairy, soya or artificial colours. Made in Britain from ingredients including cereals, meat and animal derivitaves, vegetable protein, oils and fats with added vitamins and minerals and yucca extract, Wagg meets your dogs nurtritional needs with a complete balanced food.

Yucca is an ingredient often added for digestion and to reduce flatulence as are the added prebiotics, and citrus extract to aid immune health. You only need to read the copious amounts of happy reviews from other dog owners to know that Wagg is not to be sniffed at!

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