Best Dog Foods for Labradors
Labrador Retrievers is one of the world’s most well-known dog breeds. They are known for being friendly, intelligent, and playful. But what should you feed your Labrador? The best foods for Labrador dogs will be discussed in this post, along with a list of our personal favorites.
Quick Picks: The 10 Best Dog Foods for Labradors
The 10 Best Dog Foods for Labradors
1. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription
Labradors are one of America’s favorite dog breeds. They are devoted and make excellent pets. They also have beautiful shiny coats and are very high energy.
Labradors need the proper nutrients to stay healthy. Nom Nom Dog Food is one of the best-selling dog food delivery services, and vets recommend it worldwide.
Dogs and cat customers can take advantage of the pre-portioned food Nom Nom offers. The meals they provide are tailored to meet the daily nutritional requirements of each specific pet. They also have various vitamins and supplements to ensure your pet gets a well-balanced diet. If you’re seeking the most incredible dog chow available, you should consider Nom Nom.
The delivery system for Nom Nom dog food is convenient. All the food comes pre-packaged and is delivered quickly to your home. You can also choose the delivery times that work best for you. Additionally, you can try different meals to see which ones your Labrador likes best. The only downside is that this food is a bit pricey and unavailable in stores.
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2. Dry Dog Food for Adults from Iams
Iams ProActive Health Adult Dog Food is a good option for people looking for affordable dog food that is also high quality. This food is chicken-based, which makes it easy to digest, especially for puppies with sensitive stomachs. The manufacturer, Hills, focuses on providing tailored nutrition for specific breeds, which we appreciate.
The food includes fruits and vegetables because the debate continues on whether dogs are omnivores or carnivores. We are grateful that the company is committed to proper marketing, especially considering the emotionally charged nature of the product. Taurine is essential to maintaining a healthy heart. However, this product does not include any additional taurine. Iams ProActive Health Adult Dry Dog Food contains 351 calories in every cup when measured up as a cup’s worth. The food is available in sacks weighing 15, 30, and 38.5 pounds, respectively.
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3. Dry dog food by Royal Canin for Labrador puppies
Dry dog food by Royal Canin for Labrador puppies is good because it is made to fit the breed’s needs. The first ingredient is chicken byproducts, which is a good thing. It means that there is more protein in the food. The food also contains glucosamine, essential for dogs with mobility issues.
The cost of dog food is high. The calorie level is lower than in other dog foods, adds salt to the wound, and worsens the condition. As a result, you will need to feed your Lab more to meet his energy needs, making the cost issue more problematic. On the bright side, it has a sufficient amount of taurine, which is significantly more than the average amount found in foods of this type.
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4. Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science Diet
Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food Hill’s Science Diet is good food because of the company that makes it puts nutrition first. They have a team of Ph.D. nutritionists who ensure the food is good for your dog. The food is chicken-based and has more protein than the recommended amount. It also has a lot of fat, which comes from the chicken.
We like that this dog food contains glucosamine and chondroitin because Labs are at risk for arthritis. The food also has omega-fatty acids to help keep your Lab’s coat looking good. It also has whole grains, which is suitable for Lab owners. The food has 368 calories per cup and a healthy dose of carbohydrates and fiber. You can purchase the food in either a 15-pound or a 35-pound bag.
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5. Adult Dry Dog Food Royal Canin Labrador Retriever
The Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food is designed to meet the needs of Labradors. The team of nutritionists knows Labs’s behavior and eating habits, so they developed a food that can help prevent health issues like obesity. The formula and kibble are also designed to keep Labradors from overeating.
The glucosamine is more than we usually see, but it is expensive. The brand’s puppy food is also expensive. This one has fewer calories per cup, at 275. It does, however, have a significant protein level derived from chicken. We appreciate that the manufacturer is situated in the United States. It is available in 17 or 30-pound bags.
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6. Adult Dry Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers from Royal Canin
The venison in Purina ONE SmartBlend True Instinct Dry Dog Food is a low-fat source of protein that gives food a lot of protein. There is also turkey and chicken in it. The food also has glucosamine for joint health, which is essential for Labradors. The food contains omega-6 fatty acids and linoleic acid for good coat health.
This food is good for your dog because it has a lot of good nutrients. The bad thing is that it has a lot of fat, which can make your dog gain weight. It also doesn’t have taurine, which is essential for dogs. All-purpose protein source with a low-fat content
AAFCO-approved
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7. Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food for Adults with Ideal Weight
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Dry Dog Food is a diet for all life stages to help maintain a healthy weight. This food has chicken as the main ingredient, with coconut oil and flaxseed to provide fat. The food also has brown rice, which can help ease digestive problems in dogs with sensitive stomachs. Each cup of this food contains 291 calories.
The kibble size of the company’s product was altered. Some pets, such as Labradors who eat a lot, may struggle with this. You might find that you are going through bags of food more quickly now because of the change. The product is available in 4, 15, and 28.5-pound bags. A larger size would be better for larger breeds like Labs.
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8. Dry Dog Food by Victor With the Hi-Pro Plus Formula
The protein content of VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula Dry Dog Food is high. There is beef, pork, chicken, and fish in it. That equals 30%. The recommended percentage is only 18%. It also has a lot of fat. That makes 20%. But that means there are 406 calories in every cup.
The meal is available in 5, 15, 40, and 50-pound sacks. You would think that with a product that comes in that size, you could feed it to large dogs like Labradors. Unfortunately, it is not the case for puppies weighing more than 70 pounds. The large calorie consumption would almost certainly result in weight gain.
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9. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food
The fat in the Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken Dry Dog Food comes from the same source as wet food. The content adheres to the nutritional recommendations. It also has a lot of dried ingredients in it, such as blueberries and peas. There are also several fermentation products and probiotics that may be ineffective.
The dog food has taurine and glucosamine, which are suitable for Labradors. The calorie count is reasonable at 358. However, because of the variety of ingredients, this diet may be too rich for specific Labs with sensitive digestive systems. Bags of 3.5, 7.5, 15, and 30-pounds are available.
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10. Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food
Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food is another chicken-based protein and fat diet with egg and fish meals as supplements. The only substance we examined can aid in preventing tartar formation. The food is breed-specific, which we always like to see for Labradors. The food also contains glucosamine for joint health and fatty acids with flaxseed to maintain your pup’s coat.
This food has a high protein and fat content but low fiber. If your dog is used to a high-protein diet, it might get hungry quickly after eating this product. It contains 306 calories per cup and is available in a 30-pound package.
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How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Labs: A Buyer’s Guide
When you have a pet, the food you buy for it will cost you the most money. Having a big dog like a Labrador Retriever makes this even more critical. You may have noticed that there are many different kinds of food for pets. You may have observed that there are many different kinds of food for pets. Determining which is best for your pet’s health can be difficult.
The best dog food for your pet will be determined based on various factors. We’ll show you how to pick one ideal for your beloved canine companion. We’ll teach you how to decipher a pet food label and navigate the marketing that may be deceptive and misleading. We are well aware that you want nothing but the best for your pet. The following are some of the most important things to think about:
- Life stage
- Breed size
- Nutritional value
- Grain-free or grain-based
- Wet or dry
- Calories per day
Life Stage
Labrador Retrievers have different caloric and nutritional needs at different life stages. Puppies require more of both to help them grow. Adult Labs, on the other hand, should only eat food meant for adult Labs. As a giant dog, he will grow more slowly than a smaller dog like a Papillon. He could take up to 16 months to achieve adulthood.
According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), there are these life stages:
Growth, i.e., puppies
Maintenance
Gestation-lactation
All life stages
To find the food that is best for your Lab, look on the food label for this information.
Breed Size
Labrador Retrievers grow at different rates, so getting food for large dogs is essential. Small dog foods have more nutrients, which is what the Labrador Retriever needs to increase.
Feeding your Lab dog food meant for a Pomeranian will make him gain weight. Some companies make food for different types of dogs, like Royal Canin. But the most important thing to remember is to feed your dog a diet for dogs his size.
Nutritional Value
The nutritional value of a food is significant. It is one of the main things that separates good food from bad choices. The AAFCO’s nutrient profiles are the best source of information on a food’s nutritional value. For macronutrients like protein, as well as for vitamins and minerals, you can see the minimum and maximum ranges. You can compare their numbers with the guaranteed analysis on the package label.
Look for a declaration stating that the product fulfills the AAFCO’s nutritional standards as a quick way to discover good food for your BFF. It means that the food has everything it needs and that the proportions of each nutrient are correct. Remember that a healthy diet is the best way to ensure your BFF lives a good quality life.
The various substances listed on the packaging are subject to several myths. As you can see, they are classified from the heaviest to the lightest weight. It’s one area where salespeople attempt to persuade you to buy something. First, byproducts are not a bad thing. They do not contain added chemicals.
The meat in dog food does not come from animals that died on the way to slaughter. Instead, it comes from the leftovers that don’t make it to your kitchen table. Organ meats may be included in this. They are not harmful to your dog, though. Although they have been processed, keeping out the bacteria that could damage you and your pet if you handle them is vital.
Grain-Free or Grain-Based?
This inquiry is currently being formulated. However, it has significant ramifications for Labrador Retriever owners because these diets may be linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dogs and cats are both at risk. The FDA is looking into the possibility that this occasionally fatal illness may have become more prevalent in recent years.
Many cases of DCM have been linked to feeding a grain-free diet and low taurine levels. This inquiry is currently being formulated. However, it has significant ramifications for Labrador Retriever owners because these diets may be linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Dogs and cats are both at risk. The FDA is looking into the possibility that this occasionally fatal illness may have become more prevalent in recent years.
Wet or Dry?
You can feed canned or dry food to your Lab. Kibble is less expensive and handier than wet food but is not as environmentally friendly. A dog as food-motivated as a Retriever may overeat if you always leave kibble out. Because wet food allows you to see exactly how much your dog is eating, which is advantageous since wet food will enable you to see how much your dog is eating.
Calories per Day
How many calories your Lab should get each day depends on many things. It includes his size and shape and whether he is maintaining an ideal weight. Another thing that affects how many calories he needs is the temperature outside. He will burn more calories when it is cold than when it is hot.
Unfortunately, research shows that dogs often gain weight after spaying or neutering. You should also think about your dog’s health. A dog with arthritis will be less energetic than a puppy. You should also consider how frequently you walk or take him to the dog park. The Pet Nutrition Alliance includes a calorie calculator that will help you determine how much food your dog needs.
The dog food calculator will recommend how many cups of dog food your Lab should eat daily. Your Lab’s weight and condition determine this figure. You may then use this information to determine how many cups of dog food he should have at each meal and divide that total by the number of times you feed him daily.
Best Dog Food For Labrador Retrievers
Labrador retrievers are a type of dog that was bred to work. They are good-natured and loving companions. Fishermen used them to haul nets, fetch ropes, and even grab fish from the water. The Labrador retriever is still a popular dog breed today because they are so good at doing these things.
Labradors are used as hunting companions but can also be employed as assistants for people with disabilities, show competitors, and rescue workers.
Labrador Retriever Breed Characteristics
The most typical characteristics of Labrador Retrievers are listed below, along with how they compare to those of other breeds of dogs.
Adaptability
They have extremely high sensitivity levels and are caring and friendly dogs. However, this also means they can’t always tolerate being alone because they require companionship. They may struggle to adjust to apartment life because they require space to move around and be active. But overall, they make for good pets for novice owners as long as their needs are met.
Friendliness and Trainability
The Labrador retriever is the friendliest and simplest to train dog breed. They treasure the time that they get to spend with their loved ones. They get along nicely with both people and other dogs, especially children. And despite a few minor drawbacks, such as acting mouthy when they aren’t happy or barking and snarling sometimes, Labradors are still among the best dog breeds available.
Exercise and Activity Level
Labradors are very active and enjoy playing. They must exercise because it is simple for them to put on weight.
Health and Grooming
Labradors are a type of dog that often sheds a lot. But they are easy to groom because they are bigger dogs. They also have average health and can gain weight quickly if not given the right food and diet.Potential Health Risks for Labrador
Retrievers
Labradors are usually healthy animals, but there are some health risks you should be aware of. They might experience certain health conditions during their lifetime.
Obesity
Labradors love to eat. If they don’t get enough exercise or overeat, they might quickly become overweight. For this reason, you should ensure they have plenty of activities and that their meals are measured and scheduled. It would help if you didn’t leave their food bowls full throughout the day because they will continue eating. And Labradors don’t just love to eat food – they will also eat anything else they can find, like garbage, items off the counter, and even shoes and toys.
You need to keep inedible items out of your pet’s reach and feed them regularly to avoid overeating and chewing on other things that could hurt them.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit correctly into the hip joint. It can cause pain and discomfort in some dogs, but there may be no symptoms in others. Over time, arthritis may develop due to this condition, which is more common in larger dog breeds. If your Labrador is overweight, this condition may worsen.
Ear Infections
Labradors have long, floppy ears. These ears can trap warm and moist air, which can cause bacteria to grow.
Clean your Labrador’s ears regularly by gently wiping the inside of their flaps without entering the ear canal too profoundly.
Suppose there is any foul odor or you notice any buildup in one or both ears. In that case, an infection may warrant a visit to the veterinarian’s office.
Nutritional Requirements
Labrador Retrievers are highly active dogs that love to eat food and nonfood items. They can gain weight and have other health problems if they don’t eat the right things. So we need to consider their health when deciding what to feed them.
Protein
Labs need a lot of protein in their diet. Protein is crucial for the growth and upkeep of muscle tissue. Labs don’t have as much muscle as other breeds, so they must get enough protein in their diet.
Proteins are important for the Labrador because they help form hormones and other cells essential to the dog. The Labrador’s coat and skin are made of structural proteins; if these don’t exist, the dog could suffer from infections.
The cells in the immune system also need proteins to function correctly. Dogs cannot make antibodies to fight infection if they don’t have protein. When choosing a protein for your dog, you need to make sure that it comes from an animal source so that all the essential amino acids are there.
Plant protein sources contain a tiny amount of amino acids. It is not enough to keep your Labrador healthy. The primary source of protein for your dog should come from other animals.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Labs are susceptible to developing joint-related illnesses like hip dysplasia throughout their lives. They must therefore consume foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. These nutrients promote the production of chondrocytes and other cells that cartilage is composed of in adjoining bones.
D.H.A. and Taurine
Labradors are prone to developing eye problems during their lifetime. That is why they must eat foods rich in D.H.A. and taurine. These substances help to ensure healthy eye development in Labrador puppies.
Calcium
Calcium helps keep bones strong and healthy. It is essential for both humans and dogs. Glucosamine is also good for bones and helps with joint functions.
Probiotics
Probiotics are not nutrients, but they are microorganisms that help to keep the Balance of bacteria in your dog’s stomach healthy. It helps to improve their immune system. Your dog’s diet must support the maintenance of this Balance of bacteria because 70% of its immune system cells are located in its gut.
Best Diets for a Labrador Retriever
Now that we know what is essential for our Lab’s diet, we can look more closely at the kind of diet we can offer our beloved friends.
· A moderate to a high-fat diet
Dogs that are energetic and active can benefit from this diet. But if your dog is not very active, then this diet is not good for them because they will not be able to use all the energy, and they will gain weight.
· A low to moderate-calorie diet
Labradors that are active every day need a high-calorie diet. If they eat carbohydrates, their blood sugar levels could become too high. They might become at risk of getting canine diabetes. A low to moderate-calorie diet is best for Labradors who can’t get the most physical stimulation and exercise.
· Low-fat diet
Labradors can have too much-unused energy. That is why it is best to give them a low-fat diet. They will quickly put on weight and become obese if they cannot burn the extra calories. However, since fat is necessary to produce some hormones, it shouldn’t be removed from their diet.
Labrador Feeding Schedule
Labrador Retrievers need to be fed often to make sure they stay healthy. How often they need to be provided depends on their age. Puppies younger than a year old usually only need their mother’s milk.
However, by the time they reach six months old, they may need to be fed a puppy breakfast and dinner once daily. These are just general guidelines. Discussing your dog’s diet and feeding schedule with your veterinarian is always best.
How Much to Feed Your Dog
Determine how many calories, proteins, and fats your dog needs. Your veterinarian can assist you with this. You should consider the food you will be feeding your dog when determining how much to feed them. For instance, wet and canned dog food is less nutrient-dense than dry food.
Puppies weighing 15 to 18 pounds need to eat around 2 ounces per meal four times a day. As they age, the amount of food they need to eat will increase while the frequency of meals will decrease. An adult Labrador that weighs more than 80 pounds needs up to 2.75 cups of food per meal two times a day. Suppose your veterinarian has your Labrador on a weight-reduction diet. Then it would help if you remembered that these amounts could be cut even further.
Labradors need a healthy diet to stay healthy. It includes good food and exercise. Remember to give them both a to keep happy and healthy for a long time.
Top 5 Selections for the Best Lab Dog Food
1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
Ollie makes dog food with ingredients that are fit for human consumption. After that, the food is prepared and brought to your door. The food is served in small batches and tailored to each pet’s weight, size, age, and way of life.
The only source of animal protein and the main ingredient in this recipe is chicken. Adding chicken liver makes it more nutrient-rich and appealing to dogs who love the taste of organ meat.
The company opts to offer vital vitamins and minerals derived from organic foods like blueberries, carrots, and spinach. It means that you don’t need synthetic supplements.
Each dog receives food that is tailored to them. It means that your pup gets the precise amount of nutrients it needs. The food has a limited ingredient formula, which is better for sensitive stomachs.
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2. Formula Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream
When you can’t decide what dog food to buy, consider a trusted brand like Taste of the Wild. This brand has a grain-free recipe that includes real salmon, peas, and sweet potatoes. These ingredients give your active pup the energy they need, antioxidant support, and healthy digestion from natural fruits and vegetables.
This recipe is full of animal protein. It includes fresh salmon, salmon meals, and smoke-flavored salmon. Your dog will be tempted to eat it as a result! Additionally, it contains all the vital nutrients your dog requires.
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3. American Journey Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe
The primary source of animal protein in American Journey’s dog food is lamb. This formula for dry dog food is both high-quality and reasonably priced because it contains 32% protein and 14% fat.
This budget dog food is excellent. It has enough protein to keep your dog’s bones, muscles, and immune system healthy. The main ingredients are lamb, followed by meals made with chicken and turkey. There is also a menhaden fish meal in it.
However, this formula includes “dried plain beet pulp.” Some dogs have problems with saponins in beet pulp, so be careful if your dog has stomach trouble.
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4. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe
Merrick’s Backcountry Raw dry dog food recipe for a complete protein and great taste uses freeze-dried raw beef and premium kibble. The formula is minimally processed, so the dry dog food contains as many natural nutrients as possible.
The Great Plains Red grain-free recipe uses five types of meat: beef, lamb, salmon, pork, and rabbit. The mix of meats is attractive to dogs, and the freeze-dried raw coating makes it even more delicious. This recipe is perfect for large-breed dogs who are very active because it contains a lot of protein.
Adult dog food is free of grains, artificial flavors, and colors. It has no artificial fillers, corn, soy products, or gluten. Sunflower oil offers a rich combination of omegas for healthy skin and coat and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints (3 and 6). The produce is GMO-free, and all protein options have undergone USDA inspection.
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5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Formula
Nature’s Balance makes food for dogs that have trouble digesting food. They use science to create a diet that helps these dogs digest food properly.
The dry dog food formula from Natural Balance is a low-ingredient diet. It means that your Lab has a better chance of having no digestion problems. The food uses lamb and brown rice. This mixture offers a healthy balance of protein and complex carbohydrates to support your Lab’s ability to maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Brown rice is a good fiber source with omega acids that help keep skin and coat healthy. It doesn’t contain artificial colors or preservatives and has no cheap fillers like corn or soy.
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Read more: How to Buy the Best Dog Food for Your Dog
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Dog Food for Labrador
There are a lot of dog and cat foods that are grain-free. Grain-free diets sound like they would be healthier for your pet, but this is not always the case. In fact, for some dogs and cats, not feeding them grains can make them sick. There is no medical or physiological rationale for feeding a grain-free diet to dogs or cats.
A good diet is essential for growing lab puppies. You can choose from Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior, or other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior(Recommended), Acana large breed puppy, and pedigree(not recommended).
Cooked chicken meal is a healthy food that is safe for most dogs to eat. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which helps dogs stay healthy.
The short answer is “yes and no.” Turkey is not toxic to a dog but can be an ingredient in many commercial dog foods. It contains a lot of protein, riboflavin, and phosphorus. When cooked plain under the guidance of a veterinarian, it can be an essential part of a homemade dog food diet.
Your dog shouldn’t eat raw sweet potatoes. Eating a lot of that can build up their digestive system and cause an intestinal blockage.
Corn gluten meal is often misinterpreted as filler when it’s an excellent source of protein and amino acids for your dog.
