what to feed my labrador retriever

^{Nutritional Requirements}

• Protein. Of course, Labrador Retrievers need their fair share of protein. High protein dog food is recommended because it aids in the development and maintenance of their muscle tissues.
• Glucosamine and Chondroitin. As we previously discussed, Labs are at risk of developing health conditions in their life related to joint problems like hip dysplasia.
• DHA and Taurine. Eye problems are another common health condition many Labradors will face in their lifetime and because of this, they need foods that are rich in DHA and ...
• Calcium. Glucosamine is meant to help with joint functions, while calcium helps strengthen the bones. ...
• Probiotics. Probiotics are not nutrients; rather, they are microorganisms that live in the GI tract to help offset the growth of bacteria. ...

What is the healthiest dog food for Labrador Retrievers?

What Are The Best Dog Foods For Labrador Retrievers?

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food. Ollie provides dogs with cooked meals using fresh, human grade ingredients prepared and shipped to your door.
2. Taste Of The Wild Pacific Stream Formula. Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a dog food because there are so many options out there. ...
3. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe. ...
4. True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe. ...

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How much should feed a Labrador Retriever?

• For a 50-pound Lab feed 2-1/2 to 3 cups daily.
• For a 60-pound Lab feed 3 to 3-1/2 cups daily.
• For a 70-pound Lab feed 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups daily.
• For an 80-pound Lab feed 3-1/2 to 4 cups daily.
• For a 100-pound Lab feed 4-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups daily.
• For a 120-pound Lab (yes, some are that big!) feed 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 cups daily.

What is the best dry dog food for Labrador Retrievers?

What is the Best Dog Food for My Labrador Retriever?

• NomNomNow. NomNomNow is a super-premium, fresh dog food, perfect for your Labrador Retriever. ...
• UnKibble by Spot and Tango Beef and Barley Recipe. UnKibble Beef and Barley recipe is a fresh, human-grade dog food that is dried slowly at low temps. ...
• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry. ...
• Fromm Heartland Gold Large Breed Adult Recipe. ...

How to make homemade dog food for Labradors?

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

• Before you begin, it's best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
• Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
• Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog.

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What food can be given to Labrador?

The fresh and crunchy vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cucumbers and spinach are good for health and do a lot of good to the teeth of the dog as well. Sweet potatoes, green beans, pumpkin, bottle guard, peas, tomatoes (compulsorily ripe) and potatoes (boiled or mashed) are also much loved veggies.

What should I feed my golden labrador?

Labrador dog food choices – dry kibble By far the majority of Labrador owners nowadays, feed their dogs on kibble. That is the dried pellets of dog food that you can buy in pet stores and online. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands.

How much should I feed a Labrador retriever?

For a 50-pound Lab feed 2-1/2 to 3 cups daily. For a 60-pound Lab feed 3 to 3-1/2 cups daily. For a 70-pound Lab feed 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups daily. For an 80-pound Lab feed 3-1/2 to 4 cups daily.

Can Labrador eat rice?

But can dogs eat rice? The answer is yes. You may not even realize it, but rice is an ingredient sometimes found in commercial dog foods. In fact, if you ask many pet owners what they feed their dog when he's sick, they'll likely tell you that white rice is a part of their pup's diet.

Is chicken Good for Labrador?

Cooked chicken is a healthy food that is safe for most dogs to eat. Chicken is one of the most common ingredients used in dog foods, as it is an excellent source of protein, which your dog needs to stay healthy. You can feed your dog chicken on its own or combine it with his regular food (38, 39 ).

What vegetables can Labradors eat?

Dog-Friendly VegetablesKale. Benefits: Kale's key vitamins like K, A and Iron provide bone health, proper vision and immune function, fetal development and energy metabolism. ... Spinach. Benefits: Spinach contains potassium, magnesium, and vitamins B6, B9 and E. ... Carrots. ... Green Beans. ... Broccoli. ... Beets. ... Celery. ... Cucumber.More items...

Why is my Lab always hungry?

Why are Labradors always hungry? A 2016 study at the University of Cambridge found that Labradors' insatiable appetite might be due to changes in a specific gene, called the POMC gene. When the POMC gene is changed, the chemical messages which tell a Lab when he's full don't work properly.

How much exercise does a Labrador need?

A healthy, adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, it's important to tailor this to each individual dog – some more energetic dogs will need longer, and more relaxed dogs will be healthy and satisfied with a little less.

What Labradors should not eat?

Foods poisonous to Labradors are chocolate, macadamia nuts, walnuts, onions, garlic, leeks, grapes, raisins, alcohol, caffeine, salt, and products sweetened with xylitol. Some less well-known foods toxic to Labs are raw potatoes, yeast dough, green tomatoes, and moldy food.

Can we give milk to Labrador?

Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow's milk or goat's milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog without the side effects of overindulgence.

Which food is best for Labrador puppy?

At a Glance: Our Choices for the Best Puppy Food for LabsWellness Core Natural Grain Free Puppy.K9 Natural Grain-Free Puppy Freeze-Dried Dog Food.Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Puppy Formula.Eukanuba Puppy Formula.Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed.Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy.Blue Buffalo Large Breed Puppy.

Can labs eat raw meat?

Raw meat is likely to contain harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli and more. Cooking meat to a safe temperature kills off those harmful bacteria. By feeding uncooked meat, there's a higher risk your dog will develop a foodborne illness or other type of bacterial infection.

Why raw food is the best diet for my Labrador Retriever

In this guide we will take you through all you need to know about the best food to feed your Labrador Retriever for the healthiest diet:

Why raw food is the best diet for my Labrador Retriever

When deciding on what is the best Labrador Retriever food, it's important to consider the canine anatomy and digestive system. Dogs' digestive tracts have not significantly evolved from when they were undomesticated wolves, and are best suited to fresh, high-protein prey-based diets.

Canine Gut Health

It's no secret these days that gut health is at the centre of overall health for humans and our four-legged friends; your Labrador Retriever companion is no exception. An unhealthy gut leads to poor nutrient absorption and imbalanced immune response, in turn leading to systemic inflammation in the body, and a whole host of health conditions.

Canine Immunity

The immune system is the body's natural protection mechanism; when functioning effectively will respond to toxins, pathogens and threats to your Labrador Retriever health and happiness found in everyday life.

Dog Weight

Maintaining appropriate healthy weight is essential for your dog no matter what breed. Labrador Retrievers are known to piling on the pounds, so a diet that consists of biologically appropriate protein and healthy fats, ground bone and vegetables packed with the required vitamins and minerals is essential for optimum health and performance.

Overall Labrador Retriever Well-Being

A species-specific diet is undoubtedly the best Labrador Retriever food, fuel for overall health and happiness. You'll notice remarkably quickly that your four-legged friend will look, feel and even smell better.

Dog Supplements

Switching to a natural good quality raw food diet will be the single best thing you can do for your dog's well-being.

Choosing the Right Food to Feed Your Labrador

Wondering whether to get your Lab dry food or wet food is a question that most pet owners have to ask themselves before deciding what dog food to buy. Although both types of food give your dog the nutrition they need, they also have their pros and cons.

So, Which Dog Food Is Best?

It is up to you. After all, both types of dog food can give your dog the nourishment they need, as long as you get them the kind that gives them the right nutrients.

When and How much to Feed your Labrador

The frequency and amount of feeding your Labrador depend a lot on how old they are. Let’s break it down into two main sections: puppies and adults.

Other Information for Feeding Your Labrador

Prizes for good behavior or training purposes are often treats. However, these bite-sized biscuits should not take the place of meals, so you should use them sparingly. For overweight dogs, you can even eliminate them. After all, they are just add-ons and snacks for your dog.

How many meals should a puppy eat a day?

Since their growth rate is the fastest as it’s ever going to be, they need the necessary calories to keep up with the growth. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day.

How long does it take for a Labrador to become an adult?

However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. At this time, you should switch your puppy’s food from puppy food to adult food. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a child.

Why do puppies like wet food?

A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller.

Do puppies eat more when they are eating?

It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite.

Is raw dog food bad for dogs?

The subject of BARF or raw food is very controversial, some specialists say it is dangerous while others say is the best option to feed your dog. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. By feeding your raw dog food, your dog’s poops become less smelly. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you.

Is kibble good for dogs?

Kibble is also good for your puppy’s teeth. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Image by Chiemsee2016 from Pixabay.

Can dogs eat meat?

Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. Many people also say that after switching to raw food, their dogs’ allergies and skin conditions become less frequent. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. Sharp bones can harm the inside of the dog’s body.

Labrador Retriever Feeding Chart

Below is the typical feed chart for the Labrador Retriever. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your Labrador Retriever.

How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your Labrador Retriever

Research has shown that most owners over-measure a cup of dog food. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs.

How Much Food to Feed the Labrador Retriever

You should feed your 16-week-old Labrador Retriever puppy 4.2 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.

Best Food for Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retriever Feeding Guide

The Labrador Retriever has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your Labrador Retriever at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.

Feeding Guide for the Labrador Retriever Puppy: 12 weeks to one year

The dog food that you feed your puppy should have the nutrients that will boost a puppy`s immune system since puppies easily get infected with the disease at this age.

Feeding Guide for the Young Adult Labrador Retriever: Ages 1 year to 6 years

The dog food that you feed a young adult Labrador Retriever should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.

Feeding Guide for Mature Adult Labrador Retrievers: 6 years and older

You should feed the mature adult Labrador Retriever food that has been formulated to improve their quality of life, increase their life expectancy, and increase their overall health.

What is the best food for a Labrador?

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe with Red Meat. This dog food is a high protein, grain-free food that provides your Labrador with just the right mix of the vitamins and minerals they need to flourish. Each bite your dog takes is full of the protein, vegetables, and fruits they need for healthy growth and development.

What is the best diet for a Labrador puppy?

Again, a low to moderate calorie diet is best suited for Labradors who are unable to get the most physical stimulation and exercise. Low-fat diet. Due to the excess unused energy Labradors may have, it is best to give them a low-fat diet.

What are the best supplements for a Labrador puppy's eyes?

Eye problems are another common health condition many Labradors will face in their lifetime and because of this, they need foods that are rich in DHA and taurine . These two substances are especially helpful for healthy eye development in Labrador puppies.

Why is it important to feed a Labrador a protein diet?

High protein dog food is recommended because it aids in the development and maintenance of their muscle tissues. Labs don’t have as many muscles as other breeds may have, so it is important to make sure their diet includes what they need to develop strong muscles.

What is a Labrador retriever?

Labrador retrievers are dogs who were originally bred to be used as a working dog breed but also has a friendly and loving companion. They used to help fishermen by hauling the nets, fetching ropes, and even grabbing fish from the water. The Labrador today is still just as good-natured as it once was and continues to be a popular breed ...

How much should a Labrador eat a day?

So, while a puppy feeds four times a day, an adult Labrador weighing over 80 pounds only requires up to 2.75 cups per meal, two times per day.

Why is it important to exercise a Labrador?

Since it is also easy for them to gain weight with the wrong diet, exercise is important to keep them active and at a healthy weight.

The Best Dog Food for Labs

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog foods for Labrador retrievers for January 2022.

The Best Puppy Food for Labs

Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food for Lab puppies for January 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are 8 of the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Lab puppies and adults.

A Final Word

The Dog Food Advisor is privately owned. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.

Important FDA Alert

The FDA is investigating a potential link between diet and heart disease in dogs. Click here for details.

What should I feed my Labrador puppy?

Feeding your Lab puppy a large-breed puppy formula is a great start because it contains plenty of protein to encourage lean muscle mass with moderate fat content for energy. Once your puppy reaches 80% of his adult size you can switch him over a large-breed adult formula.

What should dogs eat?

Because dogs are primarily carnivorous, the majority of their diet should come from named animal sources – things like meat, poultry, fish and eggs as well as animal-based fats like chicken fat and salmon oil. Animal-based ingredients are more biologically valuable for your dog than plant-based ingredients because your dog has a limited ability to digest plant sources. Any carbohydrates in your dog’s diet should come from whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans or legumes – refined grains like corn and wheat offer low nutritional value for dogs and they have a high risk for triggering food allergies.

How big is a Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retrievers are considered a large-breed dog and their big personalities match their physical size. This breed stands between 21.5 and 24.5 inches tall and weighs between 55 and 80 pounds at maturity, though some Labs have been known to be larger. These dogs have an average lifespan around 10 to 13 years which is typical for a breed ...

What is a human grade dog food service?

It is a fresh, human-grade option and has many benefits for your pet! This service delivers freshly prepared meals to your door on a weekly basis. All meals are prepared using whole, restaurant-quality ingredients to ensure the highest quality nutrition for your dog with no freezing or preservatives.

Can I give my Labrador a low calorie diet?

If you opt for a low-calorie formula, just make sure that it is still rich in protein to maintain your dog’s lean muscle mass – reduced fat content is the best way to reduce calorie content in dog food. Another nutritional concern you need to think about for Labrador Retrievers is the risk for food allergies.

Is Fromm Heartland Gold good for dogs?

Fromm Heartland Gold Large Breed Adult Recipe has premium proteins and healthy fats combined to provide a balanced meal for your lab. It is great for large breed dogs and supports healthy digestion and an active life.

Is Unkibble dog food recalled?

UnKibble Beef and Barley recipe is a fresh, human-grade dog food that is dried slowly at low temps. It is just like other fresh foods, but dry in texture and lower in price. It comes with a scoop that is just the right size for your dog, and the brand has never been recalled.

Rating of Labrador Retriever foods

The rating was based on the reviews of owners of Labrador Retriever breed and veterinarian recommendations regarding the proper nutrition for Labradors at different ages – puppies up to 1 year, adults up to 6 years, seniors.

Labrador Retriever puppies food

The main component here is fresh lean meat – turkey, chicken, beef and veal. It should account for at least 40-60% of the composition. It is desirable to add vegetables, berries and fruits to the mix to strengthen the immune system.

Holistic Select Natural grain-free dry nutrition for Labrador retriever

A diet is balanced for all dog breeds and for Labrador retriever including large animals. It’s the only holistic product in our range, designed with your dog’s body and risk of allergies in mind. This minimizes the chance of digestive, kidney and liver disorders.

How to choose supply for Labrador Retriever?

The mixes with a high content of pure meat (beef, turkey, chicken), which are of the super premium class, are most valued. They increase the amount of protein and improve the development of the animal. Ideally, you should take specialized diets designed specifically for Labradors, but there are few on the market.

What is the best food for Labrador Retriever?

The most popular dry mixture, which quickly satiates the body, maintains the right level of energy, health and provides prevention of disorders in the kidneys, liver, stomach.

Choosing The Right Food to Feed Your Labrador

So, Which Dog Food Is Best?

When and How Much to Feed Your Labrador

Other Information For Feeding Your Labrador

• Treats
  Prizes for good behavior or training purposes are often treats. However, these bite-sized biscuits should not take the place of meals, so you should use them sparingly. For overweight dogs, you can even eliminate them. After all, they are just add-ons and snacks for your dog.
• Water
  When talking about feeding your Lab, water should also be part of the conversation. Be sure to always have fresh water available for your Labrador at all times. Clean their water bowl regularly to keep the water fresh and clean.

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