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Are you looking for the best dog food for your beloved Labrador Retriever? It’s important to understand that not all dog foods are created equal and Labradors have unique nutritional needs. Fortunately, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best options in 2023 specifically tailored towards Labs.
From CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food to American Journey Large Breed Dog Food, each selection is marked with its price, title, brand, and URL so you can easily find what’s right for your pup at a glance.
We’ll also cover if supplements or raw diets are necessary as well as special considerations like price and type (dry/wet) when it comes to feeding this active breed!
Table Of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Labs
- CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food
- Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
- American Journey Large Breed Dog Food
- Orijen Dog Food Original
- Organic Free-Run Chicken Dog Food
- Eagle Pack Chicken Pork Adult Large Breed
- Purina ProPlan Puppy Chicken Rice
- Diamond Naturals Puppy Large Breed
- Should I Consider a Hip & Joint Supplement?
- Is the Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers a RAW Food Diet? You Decide!
- Special Food Considerations for Labrador Retrievers
- How to Choose Dog Food for Labs
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food
- Wellness CORE Large Breed Dry Dog Food
- Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food
- Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Labs
When searching for the best dog food for Labs, consider CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food, Wellness CORE Large Breed Dry Dog Food, Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food, Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food, and American Journey Large Breed Dog Foods.
Additionally, Orijen Original is a great option, as well as Organic Free-Run Chicken and Eagle Pack Chicken Pork Adult formulas. For puppies, try Purina ProPlan Puppy with Chicken Rice or Diamond Naturals Puppy Large Breed formula to ensure their nutritional needs are met in a delicious way.
CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food
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For your Lab, CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food provides a nutritious and delicious meal that covers all breeds, sizes, and ages while avoiding common food allergens. It contains premium ingredients, plus added vitamins and minerals for great-tasting nutrition.
The formula includes HealthPLUS Solutions, which is a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids to support overall health.
This dry dog food is free of corn, wheat, soy for wholesome nutrition, as well as artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, so you can feel good about feeding it to your pup! Reviews suggest this food helps improve skin condition, hair growth, and appetite in dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
However, some customers experienced negative effects after transitioning to the second bag, such as vomiting, diarrhea/constipation.
- High-quality protein from chicken, turkey, lamb, & fish meals
- Free from corn, wheat, meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors, & preservatives
- Contains HealthPlus Solutions – a trio of probiotics, antioxidants, omega 3&6 fatty acids
- Some customers experienced negative effects when transitioning bags
- May be too high in fat/protein for some dogs
- Can be pricey
Wellness CORE Large Breed Dry Dog Food
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Try Wellness CORE Large Breed Dry Dog Food for a high-quality, protein-rich option with added vitamins and minerals to support your pup’s overall health.
Formulated with real chicken, turkey, fruits, and vegetables, this grain-free kibble has been crafted into larger pieces designed for large breed dogs.
Fortified with antioxidants, probiotics, glucosamine chondroitin, and omega fatty acids; it is also free from meat byproducts or artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, making it suitable for all breeds of adult dogs.
With its natural fiber content promoting digestive health and balanced minerals providing joint support, plus no unnecessary extras such as corn, wheat, soy, or poultry byproduct meals; this food provides the well-rounded nutrition that active pups need to thrive in life!
- High-quality ingredients
- Grain-Free
- No artificial additives
- May be too high in fat/protein levels
- Some users have experienced negative effects when transitioning from the first bag
- Reports of finding dusty/powdery food at the bottom of the bag
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food
Taste of the Wild High Prairie Dog Food offers your pup a grain-free meal packed with real meat and 15 superfoods to support whole body health. It contains high-quality proteins and amino acids for lean muscles, natural fiber for digestive health, balanced minerals, and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
This complete and balanced diet is suitable for all breeds and sizes of adult dogs. It may help reduce ear infections while improving stool consistency and reducing gas. The food also includes species-specific K9 Strain Probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate to promote joint health.
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Adult Dry Food or adding a hip and joint supplement can further ensure that Labs get all they need nutritionally.
Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
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Experience the deliciousness of Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food and its protein-rich formula with real chicken, lamb, and salmon – plus 15 superfoods – for optimal health.
This dry food is free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, and soy protein, while made from natural non-GMO ingredients sourced from trusted farmers. It has no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, so you know your pup is getting high-quality nutrition without any unnecessary extras.
Reviews suggest that this food can help improve skin condition, hair growth, and appetite in dogs with allergies or sensitive stomachs, making it a great option for adult pooches everywhere! Plus, it’s perfect for all breeds, sizes, and ages, so you don’t have to worry about finding the right fit when switching over to Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food.
- Protein-rich formula with real chicken as the main ingredient
- Contains a blend of 15 superfoods like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries
- Free of corn, wheat, soy, meat byproducts, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
- Made from natural non-GMO ingredients sourced from trusted farmers
- May be too high in fat/protein for some dogs
- Expensive compared to other brands
American Journey Large Breed Dog Food
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American Journey Large Breed Dog Food is the perfect choice for your pup. It’s packed with nutrient-dense ingredients to support their active lifestyle and joint health. Made from real chicken as the first ingredient, this grain-free recipe is fortified with balanced minerals, glucosamine, and chondroitin for joint health.
This dog food is free of corn, wheat, soy, or poultry by-product meals. It contains all the good stuff you want for your dog! Plus, it’s made in an American facility that processes grains, so trace amounts may be present.
This delicious kibble tastes great and helps keep your dog healthy too!
- Made from real chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Fortified with balanced minerals & Glucosamine/Chondroitin
- Grain Free Recipe
- Natural Fiber For Digestive Health
- No Corn/Wheat Soy Or Poultry By Product Meals
- Tastes Great And Keeps Your Pet Healthy
- May Contain Trace Amounts Of Grains
- Some Customers Had Bad Reaction To The Food
Orijen Dog Food Original
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Your pup will love Orijen Dog Food Original, a high-quality, grain-free food made with 85% quality poultry and fish ingredients that mimics the prey diet to support overall health. The recipe includes vitamins and minerals from real fruits, superfoods, and essential chelated minerals for optimal absorption.
It also contains species-specific K9 Strain Proprietary Probiotics plus omega fatty acids for skin and coat health.
This complete balanced diet is suitable for all breeds of adult dogs but may be too high in fat or protein content for some animals.
- High-quality grain-free food
- Real chicken is the #1 ingredient
- Contains vitamins, minerals, superfoods, and essential chelated minerals
- Species-specific K9 strain probiotics & omega fatty acids
- Complete & Balanced Diet – suitable for all breeds
- Too much fat & protein content may not suit everyone
- Negative Effects After Transitioning To Second Bag
- Pricey
Organic Free-Run Chicken Dog Food
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Try Petcurean’s Organic Free-Run Chicken Dog Food for your large breed pup and enjoy the benefits of certified organic, free-run chicken as the first ingredient. Plus, non-GMO vegetables are packed with nutrition, antioxidants, and flavor. The single source of meat protein is combined with sustainably harvested krill that provides EPA and DHA fatty acids.
Along with a blend of essential vitamins and minerals, this supports overall health.
This complete recipe is also free from antibiotics, added growth hormones, byproducts, corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or fillers.
Organic Free-Run Chicken Dog Food offers great potential benefits for your pup:
- Certified organic free-run chicken as the first ingredient
- Non-GMO vegetables provide additional nutrition, antioxidants, & flavor
- Sustainably harvested krill provides EPA & DHA fatty acids
- Fortified with essential vitamins & minerals
- No antibiotics, added growth hormones, byproducts, etc.
- Some dogs may have adverse reactions or intolerances to ingredients like legume-rich blend, peas, lentils, krill meal.
- Watch closely for changes in health symptoms when feeding this food.
- Availability may vary in certain areas.
Eagle Pack Chicken Pork Adult Large Breed
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Eagle Pack Chicken Pork Adult Large Breed is specially formulated for larger breeds, and its blend of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates will help keep your pup’s joints healthy – just like the saying An apple a day keeps the doctor away!
This kibble contains glucosamine to promote joint health, as well as omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health.
Plus, it has a delicious chicken pork flavor, so even picky eaters will enjoy every bite.
- Special blend of proteins & carbs for large/giant dogs over 50 lbs
- Glucosamine promotes joint health
- Omega fatty acids promote skin & coat health
- Antioxidants boost the immune system
- Some dogs may experience stomach problems from a rapid switch
- Price has significantly increased on Chewy
- Dogs may not like the food; have to add treats
- Issues with refusal to eat/stomach upset
Purina ProPlan Puppy Chicken Rice
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Feed your beloved pup Purina ProPlan Puppy Chicken Rice and watch them thrive with its wholesome nutrition tailored to their growing needs. This complete and balanced diet provides high-quality protein for maintaining an active lifestyle, as well as glucosamine to support developing joints and cartilage.
DHA from omega-rich fish oil also helps nourish brain development, while crunchy kibble packed with antioxidants encourages a healthy immune system. Calcium, phosphorus, plus other minerals further promote strong bones in large breed puppies.
- Formulated specifically for large breeds of puppies
- Glucosamine supports joint health and development
- High-protein formula crafted with real chicken as the number one ingredient
- Omega fatty acids help nourish brain and vision development
- Crunchy kibble fortified with antioxidants for immune system health
- Limited availability
- Some customers find the product pricey
- Packaging changes can make it easy to purchase the wrong variant
Diamond Naturals Puppy Large Breed
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Diamond Naturals Puppy Large Breed is a premium dog food formulated to provide large breed puppies with the nutrition they need for growth and development. The first ingredient is real pasture-raised lamb, while omega fatty acids promote skin and coat health.
This formula also contains vitamins and minerals from superfood fruits like blueberries and oranges, plus species-specific K9 strain probiotics to support digestion.
This high-quality diet offers many benefits: it provides proteins and minerals essential for larger growing bodies, features omega fatty acids, includes guaranteed probiotics, supports healthy immune system function, and has antioxidants that help maintain overall wellness in your pup—all without corn or wheat fillers! Plus, it’s recommended by breeders, so you can be sure you’re giving your furry friend the best nutrition possible.
However, there have been some negatives reported by customers, including soft stools that were watery or smelly, as well as dogs who didn’t enjoy the taste of this food at all.
- Real pasture-raised lamb is the #1 ingredient
- Omega fatty acid-rich formula
- Vitamin & mineral blend sourced from superfoods
- Species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotic blend
- Contains no corn, wheat, artificial flavors, or colors
- Some customers experienced soft poop
- Dogs did not seem to enjoy the flavor
- Dog had extreme diarrhea
Should I Consider a Hip & Joint Supplement?
Considering the importance of joint health for Labs, it’s a good idea to supplement your pup’s diet with hip and joint support products. Exercise requirements, proper nutrition, allergies, and sensitivities are all factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing the right supplements.
- Glucosamine & Chondroitin: These two compounds work together to provide essential nutrients needed for healthy joints.
- Calcium & Phosphorus: Provides strong bones and helps prevent canine hip dysplasia in Labradors.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support overall coat health as well as reducing inflammation associated with arthritis or other chronic diseases.
- Vitamins C & E: Help reduce oxidative stress on cells to keep them functioning properly while supporting the immune system health against infections or illnesses like cancer or heart disease.
- Antioxidants: Neutralize free radicals which can damage DNA over time leading to age-related issues such as cognitive decline.
Supplementing your Lab’s diet is an important step towards ensuring they stay healthy; however, it should be done after consulting a veterinarian about their individual nutritional needs first!
Is the Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers a RAW Food Diet? You Decide!
When it comes to feeding your Labrador Retriever, you have the choice of a raw or traditional diet – it’s up to you how best to nourish them. A raw food diet is becoming increasingly popular as pet owners look for natural ingredients and nutrient-rich diets.
While there are benefits associated with this type of diet, such as improved digestion and stronger joints, there can also be risks if not done properly. Additionally, some dogs may develop sensitivities due to allergies caused by certain proteins in the food.
It’s important that any possible health risks are discussed with a veterinarian before making the switch from kibble or canned dog food. Overexposure to too much variety within their meals could lead to an upset stomach from changing protein sources too quickly between meals when transitioning away from kibble-based diets like Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend or American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato.
These options provide reliable nutrition while being allergy-friendly options for labs at affordable prices.
Ultimately, deciding on what kind of meal plan works best for your pup will require doing research into both sides so that you can make an informed decision about their well-being!
Special Food Considerations for Labrador Retrievers
When it comes to choosing the best food for your Labrador Retriever, you’ll want to consider price, quality, and type. Dry kibble is usually more budget-friendly than wet dog food but may be harder on a Lab’s teeth, whereas moist foods are easier on their teeth and higher in moisture content for better hydration.
Quality ingredients are essential to ensure that your pup receives all of the nutrition they need throughout their life stages.
Price
For those on a budget, affordable options like Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend and American Journey Limited Ingredient Diet Chicken & Sweet Potato can provide your Lab with the nutrition they need without breaking the bank.
Cost effectiveness, ingredient analysis, allergen avoidance, and portion control are all key factors in selecting an appropriate dog food for Labs.
Nutrient balance is also important to ensure energy levels remain consistent while avoiding weight gain or joint issues such as hip dysplasia that can be common among lab puppies or adults with allergies.
The best dog foods for labs include Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food and American Journey Large Breed Adult Dog Food – both of which offer quality ingredients at reasonable prices!
Quality
You can ensure your Lab is getting top-notch nutrition with premium ingredients like real meat, omega fatty acids, and probiotics in their food. Quality assessment should be done for each Labrador Retriever’s specific dietary needs.
Look out for certain allergens such as corn, wheat, or soy when choosing the best dog food that will suit them. Additionally, portion control must be taken into consideration to avoid weight gain and hip dysplasia issues while providing joint health benefits depending on the age of your Labrador Retriever.
Top-quality nutrition from a well-balanced diet is essential in order to give your beloved pet all they need and more!
Type (dry or Wet)
Considering your Lab’s specific needs, you may want to consider both dry and wet dog foods for optimal health. Dry nutrition is ideal as it offers a balanced diet with high-quality proteins and a lower fat content than wet food.
Wet dog food can also be beneficial as it provides more digestible carbohydrates, which are easier on their digestive system, especially for those suffering from allergies or other dietary restrictions.
When selecting a dry dog food option, look for ones that provide large breed formulas specifically designed to meet the nutritional requirements of larger breeds such as Labs while still being budget-friendly.
If your Lab has allergies or sensitivities, then opt for a limited ingredients formula that contains fewer ingredients but still offers complete nutrition along with fresh meats like chicken or fish combined with healthy fats and digestible carbs like sweet potatoes and peas.
How to Choose Dog Food for Labs
Choosing the right dog food for your Lab can be difficult, but with a little research and careful consideration of their nutritional needs, you’ll find that rewarding them with a delicious meal yields extraordinary results.
To get started on selecting the best diet for your Labrador Retriever:
- Monitor portion control to avoid weight gain and hip dysplasia.
- Look for limited ingredient recipes if allergies are an issue.
- Choose high-quality foods designed specifically for natural athletes like Labs.
CANIDAE All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula is a great all-rounder option. Wellness CORE Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food offers joint health support.
For seniors, try Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Adult 5+ or Open Farm Senior Fresh Dog Food.
Finally, supplementing meals with Hip & Joint supplements helps promote long-term mobility in large breed dogs such as Labradors, who may suffer from arthritis or other joint issues down the line due to their size and athleticism levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often should I feed my Labrador Retriever?
Feed your Labrador Retriever twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. Ensure portion sizes are appropriate for their size and age to avoid weight gain or hip dysplasia. Include supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint health, as well as fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals.
Choose quality dog food tailored to Labs’ dietary needs depending on age: puppy, adult, senior.
What type of exercise is best for Labrador Retrievers?
Exercise is important for Labradors to stay healthy and active. For a full-body workout, try swimming, running, or agility training. Long walks will help build strong muscles and can support joint health too! Jogging with your pup in the park or playing fetch on the beach is a great activity to keep them fit and happy.
Are wet or dry foods better for Labs?
Wet foods offer a higher moisture content and are easier on your Lab’s teeth, while dry foods can help support dental health. Moreover, an interesting statistic to note is that wet food contains up to 78% water compared to just 10% in dry food! Both options provide essential nutrients and should be chosen based on personal preference.
What are the benefits of adding supplements to my Lab’s diet?
Adding supplements to your Lab’s diet can provide several benefits, including joint health support, maintenance of skin and coat health, a stronger immune system, and improved digestive function.
What types of fruits and vegetables should I include in my Lab’s diet?
Fruits and vegetables are an important part of any dog’s diet. For Labs, try to include foods like sweet potatoes, apples, carrots, spinach, blueberries, and kale for added vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
Choosing the right food for your Labrador Retriever can be a daunting task. With so many options, it’s important to know what to look for.
The best dog food for Labs should include ingredients such as fruits and vegetables, fish oil, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, prebiotics and probiotics, taurine, L-carnitine, organ meats, and chia seeds.
Also, consider adding a hip and joint supplement to your Lab’s diet to support joint health.
It’s also important to remember that Labrador Retrievers are natural athletes and require plenty of exercise, so portion control is essential to prevent weight gain and hip dysplasia.
With the right diet and exercise, your Lab can live a long, healthy life.
