Introduction
If you are a proud owner of a Labrador Retriever, then you know that finding the best dog food for your furry friend is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Labs are known for their high energy levels, friendly nature, and love for food.
However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right food that suits your Labrador’s specific needs.
In this article, we will determine the best dog food for labs that provide the essential nutrients to keep them healthy, active, and happy.
- Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Overall
- Merrick Classic Grain Free Dry Dog Food – Runner Up
- Wellness Complete Natural Dry Dog Food – Best Digestive
- Purina Pro Plan Savor Adult Dry Dog Food – Best for Sensitive Dogs
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food – Best Puppy
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food – Best Senior
Grain vs Grain-Free Dog Food
When it comes to feeding your lab, you may have heard the debate between grain and grain-free dog food. Grain-free dog food does not contain any wheat, corn, or rice and instead relies on other sources of carbohydrates such as potatoes and peas. On the other hand, grain-inclusive dog food uses these grains as a source of carbohydrates and protein.
Grain-free dog food may be suitable for dogs with food sensitivities or allergies, but it is not necessarily better for all dogs. Grain-inclusive dog food, on the other hand, can provide important nutrients and vitamins that are essential for a dog’s health.
Although we’ve never owned a lab ourselves, we know the struggle of dealing with food allergies. Our pup, Buddy, is a pitbull and they’re very prone to grain and protein allergies. He’s inexplicably broken out in hives a few times in the past.
Sensitive dogs can often be set off by grains and some proteins like chicken. If you notice your dog having a reaction to the same food more than once, it means you need to switch it up. It’s fine to stick with the same brand, just look for something grain free or with a different meat base. Make sure to check in with your vet as well.
Wet vs Dry Dog Food
Another important decision when it comes to feeding your lab is choosing between wet and dry dog food. Wet dog food has a higher moisture content and can be a good option for dogs that need to stay hydrated, or for those who prefer a more flavorful meal. On the other hand, dry dog food has a longer shelf life and is convenient for owners who prefer to portion out their dog’s food for the day.
Ultimately, the best type of food for your lab will depend on their individual needs and preferences.
For example, a super active breed like a pitbull or aussie shepherd needs a lot of water to support its lifestyle. If you notice that your dog isn’t drinking enough water or if you cannot provide them a bowl at all times, consider switching to a wet food in order to increase their water intake.
Check out our article on Wet vs. Dry Dog Food for more information!
Mini Reviews
Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food
- Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavors
- Crude Protein: 25%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Royal Canin’s Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food is a specially formulated food for this breed. With deboned chicken as the main ingredient, your lab will receive high-quality protein to maintain strong muscles.
Chicken is a wonderful main ingredient as it is considered to be one of, if not the, best protein for dogs. However, like we mentioned earlier, sensitive dogs can develop allergies to it. Just be mindful of your dog’s eating habits and be sure to search for something different if you notice them having a reaction.
The brown rice and barley provide the necessary carbohydrates to fuel their active lifestyle, while the chicken fat and natural flavors provide a delicious taste.
With a protein content of 25% and a fat content of 16%, this food offers the balanced nutrition your lab needs. It has received a 4.7/5 star rating from customers on Chewy, proving to be a popular choice among dog owners.
Merrick Real Texas Beef + Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free
- Ingredients: Deboned Beef, Pork Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes
- Crude Protein: 34%
- Crude Fat: 15%
- Rating: 4.4/5 stars
This grain-free dog food from Merrick features real deboned beef as the first ingredient, offering your lab high-quality protein to support their muscular build. The addition of sweet potatoes and peas provides a source of carbohydrates for energy, while potatoes offer essential fiber.
Merrick Grain-Free provides a wonderful option for labs with food sensitivities. We actually give this food to our pitbull and he absolutely loves it. We’ve struggled with allergic reactions in the past but in the couple of years that he’s been eating Merrick it’s been smooth sailing.
Based on customer reviews, this food is well-liked by dogs and owners alike, with many reporting improvements in their dog’s overall health and coat condition.
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food
- Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Salmon Meal
- Crude Protein: 26%
- Crude Fat: 12%
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Wellness Complete Natural Dry Dog Food is a great choice for labs who need a balanced diet. The deboned chicken, chicken meal, and salmon meal provide a high-quality source of protein to support strong muscles.
The oatmeal and ground barley are wholesome sources of carbohydrates to give your lab the energy they need.
Additionally, Wellness Complete Health boasts tons of vegetables and vitamins that not many other brands include. While there are many supplemented vitamins and minerals, they make sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables to help your dog get them naturally and improve digestive health, providing the best of both worlds.
With a protein content of 26% and a fat content of 12%, this food offers the right balance of nutrients for your lab. This food has received a 4.7/5 star rating from customers on Chewy, which is a testament to its quality and popularity among dog owners.
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
- Ingredients: Salmon, Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Salmon Meal
- Crude Protein: 26%
- Crude Fat: 16%
- Rating: 4.7/5 stars
Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is the perfect meal for adult labs with sensitivities. The primary ingredient, salmon, offers high-quality protein to maintain strong muscles while being gentle on sensitive stomachs.
The rice, barley, oatmeal, and salmon meal provide the necessary carbohydrates and essential fatty acids for overall health. Salmon meal, in particular, is a unique addition as it provides plenty of natural omega-3s and 6s, which are important for maintaining your lab’s health.
With 26% crude protein and 16% crude fat, this formula ensures that your lab receives a balanced diet while also addressing their sensitive needs. With a 4.7/5 star rating on Chewy, this food is a popular choice among dog owners and has received positive reviews for its benefits for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food
- Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley, Chicken Meal
- Crude Protein: 26%
- Crude Fat: 14%
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food is an excellent choice for labrador retrievers during their puppy stage. Deboned chicken is the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for healthy growth and development. The brown rice, oatmeal, barley, and chicken meal provide the necessary carbohydrates and essential fatty acids for energy and overall health.
Above average crude protein % is especially important in growing puppies as they need the extra boost to help their bones and muscles develop. They also boast a high DHA content which is a crucial omega fatty acid for brain development in dogs. Only a handful of puppy food brands make this addition.
With a 4.8/5 star rating on Chewy, this food is a favorite among dog owners with puppies.
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food
- Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Whole Grain Sorghum, Cracked Pearled Barley, Chicken Meal
- Crude Protein: 22%
- Crude Fat: 11%
- Rating: 4.8/5 stars
Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food is designed for senior labs. The first ingredient is real chicken, offering high-quality protein to support muscle maintenance.
The whole grain wheat, whole grain sorghum, cracked pearled barley, and chicken meal provide the necessary carbohydrates and essential fatty acids for overall health. Additionally, this food contains tons of natural fruits and vegetables as well as supplemented vitamins to promote healthy joints and digestive system in your aging friend.
With 22% crude protein and 11% crude fat, this food offers a balanced diet for your aging lab. It has received a 4.8/5 star rating on Chewy, showing that it is a popular choice among dog owners for their senior dogs.
FAQs
What are the ideal macro ratios for labs?
Labs require a balanced diet with a protein content between 22-29%, fat content between 8-20%, and carbohydrates. The exact ratio of these macronutrients may vary depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and health status.
It’s important to consult a veterinarian to determine the ideal ratio for your individual lab.
Is grain-free food better for labs?
Grain-free food is not necessarily better for labs. Some dogs may have grain sensitivities, but most labs do well on a diet that includes grains.
It’s important to choose a food that meets your lab’s individual nutritional needs, regardless of whether it contains grains or not.
What are the best protein sources for labs?
High-quality protein sources for labs include chicken, fish, and lamb. These protein sources provide essential amino acids for maintaining strong muscles and overall health.
Are wet or dry foods better for labs?
Both wet and dry foods have their benefits and drawbacks. Wet food is often more palatable and can increase hydration, but it has a shorter shelf life and is more expensive.
Dry food is more convenient, has a longer shelf life, and is less expensive, but it may not provide enough hydration for some dogs.
It’s important to choose a food that meets your lab’s individual nutritional needs and feeding preferences.
What are common health issues for labs and how can I prevent them?
Common health issues for labs include obesity, joint problems, and certain genetic disorders. To prevent these issues, it’s important to feed a balanced diet, provide regular exercise, and take your lab for regular veterinary check-ups.
Feeding a diet that meets your lab’s individual nutritional needs and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent obesity and joint problems. Regular check-ups can help detect and prevent certain genetic disorders.
Buyer’s Guide
Labrador Retrievers are active and energetic dogs that require a balanced diet to maintain their health and vitality. It’s important to understand the specific nutritional needs of Labs to choose the right dog food that will meet their dietary requirements.
In this section, we’ll dive into the important nutrients and vitamins that are crucial for a Labrador’s diet, as well as common health issues that Labs may face and how proper nutrition can help.
Labrador Macros
Labrador Retrievers need a high-protein diet to support their muscles and activity levels. Look for dog food that has at least 18% crude protein, with a majority of the protein coming from high-quality animal sources like chicken, fish, or lamb.
Fat is also an important macronutrient for Labs, as it provides them with energy and helps absorb essential vitamins. Aim for a minimum of 10% crude fat in your dog’s food. However, be mindful of the source of the fat, as animal fat is a better choice compared to plant-based fats.
Finally, carbohydrates provide a source of energy for Labs and should make up the remaining balance of their diet, around 30-50%. Choose whole grains like brown rice or barley, as they provide more fiber and nutrients compared to processed grains.
Along with the right macronutrient balance, it’s important to provide your Lab with essential vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. Some of the most important vitamins for Labs include Vitamin A for eye and skin health, Vitamin D for strong bones, and Vitamin E for a strong immune system. You can find these vitamins in high-quality dog food that contains fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.
In addition to vitamins, including certain vegetables in your dog’s diet can provide additional health benefits. For example, green beans are a great source of fiber and can help control weight, while blueberries are high in antioxidants and can help improve overall health.
Choosing the right dog food for your Labrador Retriever is an important decision that can impact their overall health and wellbeing. By understanding their specific nutritional needs and providing them with a balanced diet that includes essential vitamins, minerals, and vegetables, you can help keep your Lab happy and healthy for many years to come.
Common Health Issues in Labrador Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain health issues, including obesity, hip dysplasia, and joint problems. A balanced diet and proper nutrition can help reduce the risk of these health issues and keep your Lab healthy.
Obesity is a common problem in Labs, as they have a tendency to overeat. It’s important to choose a dog food that is lower in calories and contains less fat to prevent weight gain. You can also control your dog’s portion sizes and provide them with plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
Hip dysplasia and joint problems are also a concern for Labs, as they are a large breed with high activity levels. Providing them with a diet that contains sufficient amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin can help support joint health and reduce the risk of these health issues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Labrador Retriever, it is crucial to consider several factors, including their age, health condition, and nutritional needs. Whether you opt for a dry or wet food, grain-free or grain-inclusive, you should ensure that it is made with high-quality ingredients and provides adequate amounts of protein, fat, and essential vitamins and minerals to support your dog’s overall health.
By considering the products mentioned in this article and taking into account your dog’s individual needs, you can make an informed decision on what is the best food to meet their dietary requirements. It is always recommended to consult with a veterinarian to help determine the ideal diet for your specific pet and monitor their progress. With the right nutrition, your Labrador Retriever can thrive and lead a long, healthy life.
