The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Peas, 3. If you are not able to afford a breed-specific food, brands that list large breeds on their products can sometimes be as good or better. Holistic’s Select Large & Giant Breed Dog Food focuses on providing a diet that fulfills the nutritional requirements of large breeds while supporting and improving their digestive health. Sometimes I think ignoring “sad puppy face” is one of the most difficult things on the planet…But if we want out dogs to be healthy, it’s something we have to do. This blend promotes a healthy immune system and a healthy oxidative balance for Labs. Do not restrict food but control portion size while simultaneously increasing their exercise time to bring them back to their ideal weight. Lentils. They make the perfect pet – thanks to their goofy, friendly personalities and hyper-active, fun-loving temperaments. The doughnut-shaped kibble is easy for labs to pick and chew. Nutro Wholesome puppy food also contains essential supplements like Omega-3 and Calcium. Most other products on this list do not mention Glucosamine, so just that ingredient alone makes this a top choice for your lab. It’s important that you settle your lab puppy on a specific diet. Chicken Meal, 2. This diet is designed for adult dogs and may not be suitable for puppies. Some treats contain far more calories than you might imagine, so go easy with them. The Extreme Athlete by Diamond Naturals boasts more than 50% protein, the majority of which is extracted from natural chicken meal. Sweet Potatoes, 4. This product is more expensive compared to most of the products on this list, though, given its specialized formulation. Most of these, they say, exceeded the recommended daily energy allowance for treats. Moreover, the Purina Pro Plan also supports and accelerates your lab’s digestion in multiple ways. Great for labs with sensitive tummies, this grain-free offering is a good choice for the overall health and vitality of your lab. This same equation applies to growing Labrador puppies. This usually occurs when your dog’s stomach is filled with too much air that can disconnect blood flow. Fish proteins can be a great choice for puppies with sensitive tummies. Additionally, fuzzyrescue.org participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. This … Peas. Consult with your veterinarian if you suspect your lab has food allergies. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food. Labradors are large breed dogs and require high levels of protein for growth. This Lab puppy food is a superb option at an affordable price. This formula is created under expert supervision and is rich in essential omegas for healthy skin and a shiny coat. Top 5 Best Rated Dog Foods For Labrador … Although they … 26%, Fat (min.) You can calculate this by multiplying your pup’s weight in pounds with 40 calories/pound. They are made in the USA and use local ingredients and production to make these dog treats. There are many brands that offer recipes which contain foods your dog would be consuming in the wild. The idea is to pick the best ingredients found in nature to craft a recipe that’s most natural to canines; this ensures providing the best of nutrition to your labs and other large breed dogs for optimal development and maintenance. As a large breed, most labs are ready to switch to adult food twice a day by around 18 months of age. Even though labs may act like Superdog, they are subject to the vagaries of life just like other breeds. Ground Flaxseed. Most of the food options you will find in this article have very limited carbohydrates to ensure optimal health maintenance of your pooch. Price can be a determining factor in the puppy food you choose for your lab as well. Royal Canin has a mix of vitamin E and antioxidants to support Labs immune system development along with a strong growing body. Peas. There are a variety of different factors to look at when deciding on the best puppy food for your lab. The good news is there are plenty of puppy foods available that are suited for Labs growing needs. These ingredients have been proven to be unhealthy for dogs of all breeds and sizes, and it’s important that their food does not contain any of these in excess amounts. As they get older, the amount of food should stay the same, but the frequencies of feeding may decrease. When feeding your Labrador puppy, meals containing low calories are recommended to help minimize the growth spurt and help in strengthening the bones. To avoid seeing the signs and symptoms of digestive sensitivities, make sure the food you pick has highly digestible ingredients like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help your dog maintain a healthy gut. Potatoes, 5. This varied high protein and raw diet can help Labrador puppies gain healthy weight, develop appropriate muscle mass, and reduce stress on their developing bones and joints. Not only do they prefer to eat these types of food, but they will be sure to get enough nutrients each day as nature intended. These ingredients are harmful to your dog and can be found in many commercially available puppy foods on the market. But more important is the digestive support the dog food provides. Formulated with nutrients like chondroitin and glucosamine, this recipe is a great option for promoting healthy joints and bones. Especially active dogs could need as much as 1900 calories per day, where older dogs probably shouldn’t exceed 1100 calories. Some other examples of things to look out for in your puppy’s food are excess salt, sodium nitrate, farmed salmon, and MSG. The texture, size, shape, and formula are meant to match a Lab puppy… Due to their size, adult Labradors need around 1500-1600 calories a day. Chicken Fat, 5. Along with the Food, you can also give your lab some puppy treats that would be helpful in training and as fillers between the meals. She's the only one on our team that doesn't like coffee, but it seems to us she really doesn't need more energy :). Tapioca, 4. This brand continually runs sales on their products and offer you great value. This holistic diet guarantees a combination of all-natural ingredients and balanced nutrition for your large-breed dog. But, ORIJEN offers the best protein-rich diet for Lab puppies. However, kibble is considered by many to be the best. Its large kibble size is a good option for large and giant breed dogs. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for your lab’s specific situation. Also, labs take around 18-22 months to grow to their full size and require at least 22% protein during puppyhood and at least 18% during their growth to maintain lean mass. This formula by the Natural Balance gives you the satisfaction of handpicked ingredients that the nutrition needed to help your lab stay healthy and active. Lamb, 2. It contains chicken as it’s #1 ingredient which is a good source of protein. Older puppies may eat more as well but should be fed less frequently than younger puppies. This product contains vitamins to keep Labs healthy in it’s growing stages. From how-to guides, tips and tricks, to product comparisons… Our goal is to be the go-to knowledgebase when it comes to pet-related questions and information. Whole Eggs Dried, 3. Cassava/Tapioca, 5. Runner Up – Greenies Healthy Dog Treat. If you are looking for a recipe that helps maintain a healthy weight for your Labrador, look no further. The fruit is a rich source of essential omegas, vitamins, and minerals to keep your lab’s exterior shiny and in great condition. Your dog depends on you to make the best choices for them, and picking a proper diet is a very important choice. But even within a single breed like the Labrador Retriever, the temperament and personality can vary so much from dog to dog that creating a single recipe to cover every dog is a Herculean task. Let’s dive into those details. Meats. The recipe derives maximum animal protein from chicken meal to ensure only a high-quality diet for your luck lab. However, it is important to consider their growth and size before making the transition. Don't disregard advice from a vet. The highly digestible formula includes whole-grain carbs, vegetables, and fruits as natural sources for essential nutrients to round out this nutritious meal. Blueberries, spinach, and flaxseed in the ingredients promote easy digestion and a healthy weight gain in Labs. Hunting and working labs need a lot more calories than the average pet. One of the best known brands in the pet food industry offers an economical, natural recipe food* that has pleased hundreds of pet … 2. It features a blend of 26% protein and 12% fat content that helps condition your dog’s muscles while fueling their energy levels. Purina Pro Plan also includes DHA in their recipe, which helps promote healthy vision and brain development. It includes three different premium proteins sources, including chicken, lamb, and salmon, to provide all of the essential amino acids required for optimal muscle growth and nourishment. Scraps of even the healthiest foods on your table can be outright toxic for your pup. The recipe features a traditional, nutritionally-balanced formula with high-protein ingredients like chicken and fish to support great health and promote lean muscles. This happy-go-lucky breed has an excitement for life and they are always ready to play or to curl up on the couch and cuddle with their owner. It is made with a delicious combination of deboned chicken and regulated calories; the nutrients are perfect for building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Buy on Chewy. The premium dog kibble contains high protein as well as 85% meat. But please remember that not all labs are alike. A moderate amount of fat in a puppy’s diet is essential, but some puppy food brands contain high-fat content. Choosing a toy for your Lab requires that you make sure you’ll get something your pup can play with for hours, without putting their health at risk. Give your large-breed dog the best dietary support for great health and development. Chicken Meal, 3. This is a very high-quality food your puppy will truly thrive on … Foods that you should never give your labs include almonds, chocolate, cinnamon, garlic, coffee, macadamia nuts, grapes, tomatoes (green), raisins, onion, and nutmeg powder. The recipe includes LifeSouce Bits, a combination of superfoods loaded with antioxidants for more health benefits. This excellent combination of ingredients features high-quality protein derived from chicken and turkey. These are easy to digest for carrying low fat and safe to improve the dog… Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Purina Beyond Superfood Blend Natural Dry Dog Food. Protein will assist in the rapid growth of your puppy and helps them build strong and lean muscle. Eukanuba contains a portioned amount of fat and carbohydrates which will sustain the energy of your puppy and give them the fuel they need. The best sources of high-quality protein for Labradors come from poultry, lamb, and beef when combined with additional protein sources, such as fish meal, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins. The most common health issues in labs are: Furthermore, you must also beware of bloat, which can be a life-threatening situation for your dog. Labs are notorious chewers, and when they are puppies they have razor-sharp teeth. While bully sticks can be a healthy long-lasting chew for your dog at 9-22 calories per inch (88kcal for an average chew), too much can still make your pet pack on the pounds. Sport Dog Active Series Field Dog Formula. It features a large kibble size, chicken meal, and added vitamins like DHA. This page contains affiliate links, and as a Chewy affiliate and an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases which means I … The Labrador Retriever is consistently ranked as the most popular dog breed in the United States according to AKC registration statistics. This grain-free formula by Merrick is lip-smacking delicious for your dog. Hill’s Science Diet dry puppy food is specially made for large breed puppies like Labradors. Top 5 Ingredients:  1. Since this puppy food formula is for large breeds consumption, it contains the right amount of protein and other nutrients for Labradors to be strong and healthy. Look for: Yes, like most large and giant breed dogs, your Labrador needs phosphorus and calcium to support bone and joint health. When you are shopping around, you want to make sure you get your money’s worth by choosing a toy that will hold up long enough for you and your pup to enjoy it. Barley, 5. The recipe provides essential amino acids required for muscle nourishment through chicken and pork. Brown Rice, 4. A Labrador Retriever will keep eating as long as there is food. Best Overall Dog Food For Labs 1. For puppies, follow the rule of five minutes exercise for every month of age. The bigger your puppy is, the more food and nutrients it will require to grow. Blue Wilderness puppy food contains LifeSource Bits which is a proprietary blend with specific vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. Plus, these puppy training treats contain DHA to support cognitive development—brain food for your growing dog! The blend of chicken and rice in the formula is an excellent source of protein and nutrients that are required for puppies under 15 months old. Nutritionally Balanced: The key is to stick to a food option that’s not only complete but nutritionally balanced. Turkey Meal, 2. Give your dog a natural diet free from ingredients that could be possible allergens for your pooch. We considered Greenies as one of the special healthy treat brands which have been assessed as the second top position by our editors. Avoid any brand that uses meat by-products. Among the various significant nutrients, this blend of kibble is rich in iron proteinate and other chelated minerals that support absorption. The ideal range falls between 10% and 15%. Though not grain-free or made with a novel protein, Royal Canin is high in the powerful carbohydrates and fats your Labrador Retrieve… The optimum level of Calcium and other minerals in this puppy food promotes healthy bone growth and teeth development in Labradors. Optimum kibble size help puppies breakdown their food before swallowing and promote good digestion. Corn Gluten Meal, 5. Classic Kong [Best Basic Toy] A great basic challenge toy that requires dogs to work a bit harder for dinner as they lick inside the Kong and dislodge what’s inside. The Best Dog Food for Labs Wellness Core Large Breed Dog Food. Although some products reflect the price, others will contain the same ingredients but cost more. While this is not a good choice for sedentary labs, it is the best dog food for hunting labs on our list. Puppy food with high protein ensures that your puppy can grow and get stronger. 5%, Moisture (max.) Egg Product, 5. Whether you have a Chocolate Lab, Yellow Lab, or Black Lab, this exclusive diet is tailor-made for Labrador puppy with specific nutrients for their growth. The best dog food for Labrador Retrievers will be a large-breed dog food made with plenty of lean animal protein and low-to-moderate fat content. Analysis: Protein (min.) It also contains DHA from fish oil to support the cognitive development of puppies. Protein is crucial as it fuels muscle maintenance and muscle growth in young and older labs alike. Deboned Chicken, 2. Actually, Greenies Dog Dental Chews and treats are well-known for their hygienic, healthy and delicious food ingredients. Deboned Chicken, 2. Some examples of these would be white flour, gluten, corn syrup, and soy. Since these high-energy dogs are often bred as working dogs, they can have large appetites. It features a mix of probiotics, fibers, and digestive enzymes that improve digestive health and encourage quicker digestion. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Orijen aims to produce a “biologically appropriate dog food,” and this is shown in the whole-prey diet that is featured in the recipe. This Earthborn’s large breed dog food is an excellent source of nutrition for dogs that can weigh 50 pounds or more at maturity. This Royal Canin formula is a favorite among lab owners, and it certainly deserves its place in the top 5 foods for Labrador Retrievers. They can’t be limited as a meal ingredient only since proteins are a huge part of dogs’ … But usually, dog owners get overwhelmed by the wide range of puppy foods and end up experimenting with different dog food brands. Typically, the right time to switch your Labrador puppy to adult dog food is between 12 and 18 months of age. But that adorable little puppy can grow into a 50-80-pound hound at maturity, and that’s when it becomes even more crucial to ensure that you are giving them the best diet to thrive. The most dependable way to control your dog’s growing weight is to avoid feeding high carbohydrate and high-fat foods to them. That makes it ideal for all kinds of large breed adult dogs, including your beloved Lab. Taste of the Wild — Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog … They are necessary for a healthy coat and skin as well as cognitive development. Treats should not make up more than 10-15 percent of your dog’s daily caloric intake. It contains supreme-quality protein extracted from chicken and turkey, and other essential nutrients to support your lab’s health, wellness, and happiness. Dr. Gary’s special formula is a high-protein, high-energy recipe popular with Labrador owners. CANIDAE grain-free formula is the solution to your problem. In a recent study, study, researchers at the University of Padua analyzed 32 popular dog treats for nutritional content; these included biscuits, tender treats, meat-based strips, rawhides, chew sticks, and dental care sticks. Controlled Fat Content: Fats are not only essential for fatty acids but also as a source of concentrated calories for your dogs. Here are 8 best puppy food for labs that are healthy, and popular choices among lab owners 🐾. You’ll need to weigh the pros and cons of buying a lab-specific food over just a large breed formula. Wellness Complete is free of wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, or any other undesirable ingredients, either. Ground Brown Rice, 4. 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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