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Best Dog Food for Labradors
- Authors
- Name
- ChewyChoice team
Introduction
Despite their name, labradors have their roots in Newfoundland instead of Labrador. They were originally called St Johns Water Dogs and were bred with hunting dogs over time to become the beloved Labradors we know today. These friendly dogs come in three colors: chocolate, black and, yellow, with some areas also recognizing silver. It's interesting to note that a single litter can have a variety of coat colors based on genetics.
Ensuring Labradors maintain health and remain active is heavily reliant on proper nutrition. Known for their energy and enthusiasm Labradors are popular choices for families and working roles. However, their tendency towards overeating and potential for obesity highlights the importance of feeding them high quality dog food tailored to their requirements. By offering meals catering to their high activity levels and potential weight concerns, Labrador owners can promote their overall well-being and help them stay at an ideal weight with ample energy levels. Therefore understanding the importance of choosing dog food is crucial, for Labrador owners looking to enhance the health of their furry companions.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Labradors
Considerations for Selecting the Best Dog Food for Labradors
Labradors, similar to large dog breeds, are at risk of becoming overweight which can worsen existing joint problems and lead to other severe health issues. Therefore Labrador owners must focus on providing a rounded and healthy diet right from the start to reduce these dangers.
Choosing the food for Labradors can be hard because each of them is unique. It's important to consider various factors when picking their dog food. One key factor is the age of the dog. Pups have different dietary requirements than adult dogs. So choosing a meal that suits their age is essential.
Understanding AAFCO Guidelines for Labradors Nutrition
AAFCO guideline specifies the minimum nutritional needs of both puppies and adults. For instance, adult dogs need at least 18% protein while puppies need around 22.5% protein on a dry matter basis.
Keeping breed needs and AAFCO guidelines in mind. Convert the nutritional analysis to a dried-matter basis for easier comparison. More importantly, consulting with a veterinarian. This ensures that the chosen food meets the needs of your pup based on their life stage and specific needs.
Aiming for a Low Carb Diet for your Labrador
A crucial aspect of a Labrador diet involves managing the amount of carbohydrates they consume. Recent studies have shown that Labradors are more prone to gaining weight compared to breeds emphasizing the importance of monitoring their carb intake. While carbs offer energy for dogs excessive consumption can strain their digestive system and contribute to health problems like diabetes and cancer linked with obesity. To keep their Labradors in shape and promote overall health owners should aim for a low carb diet.
Looking for High Quality Protein Sources
Aside from controlling carbohydrates, ensuring Labradors receive enough protein is essential. Protein plays a role in muscle growth tissue repair and overall well being. When choosing food for Labradors, focusing on high quality animal protein sources, like chicken, turkey, eggs, and beef is important. These clean proteins provide amino acids needed for various bodily functions. However, it's important to strike a balance and avoid much protein intake as excess may either be expelled by the body or stored as fat.
Monitoring Fat Intake for Labradors
Fat is crucial in a Labrador diet. It should be consumed in moderation. Despite the reputation often associated with fat, it plays a significant role in energy metabolism, nutrient absorption, and overall well being. Labrador owners are advised to select dog food that contains fats like those found in eggs fish oils and flaxseed. These fats provide fatty acids such as omega-6, omega-3, and DHA which are important for cell structure, brain development (especially in puppies), and overall health. Maintaining a low fat diet can help prevent weight gain and related health issues in Labradors.
Managing Calcium and Phosphorus Levels in your Labrador's Diet
Additionally, Labrador caregivers should monitor the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in their dogs diet during the puppy stage. The proper balance of these minerals is crucial for bone and joint development since an imbalance could lead to joint problems like OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) and other skeletal irregularities. Opting for dog food with caloric density can assist Labrador owners in effectively managing their dog's weight. By offering food with water and fiber content owners can help their furry companions feel satisfied, without excessive calorie consumption—aiding weight control and promoting overall well being.
Best Dog Food for Labradors July 2024
1. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Natural Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Deboned Chicken
- Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine)
- Turkey Meal (source of Chondroitin Sulfate)
- Lentils
- Peas
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken, turkey and lentils as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based and plant-based protein options for active great danes.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Lentils, peas, and potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Lactobacillus and enterococcus provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils and peas could be potential allergens for some great danes.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains lentils, peas.
Sample Review from buyers
The food is pretty close to the nutrition I want for my pup. He seems to enjoy the food as well. It’s made with too quirky ingredients. I would Ana’s have recommended this food.I do a 50/50 mix of this and the other wellness large breed food. So I can lower the protein and lower the gluten.
2. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Whole Herring
- Chicken Liver
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High protein level: This food has chicken, turkey, salmon, and others as ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active great danes.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Lentils, pinto beans, navy beans and others provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as pollock oil are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large great danes breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried Bacillus Coagulans Fermentation Product provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, and peas could be potential allergens for some great danes.
- Pricy dog food: This dog food is on the expensive side.
Sample Review from buyers
Orijen Original has been my primary choice of dog food for many years. Occasionally if it's not available I'll purchase other Orijen formulations, but overall I trust that Orijen dog food is high-quality and nutritious.
3. Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Lamb Meal
- Brown Rice
- Cracked Pearled Barley
- Whole Grain Oats
- Chicken Fat
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has lamb meal, and egg product as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active great danes.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, cracked pearled barley, and whole grain oats provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat, flaxseed, and fish oil are present, with guaranteed levels of Docosahexaenoic (dha) fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried beet pulp and dried citrus pulp provide probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, and soybean could be potential allergens for some great danes.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains pea protein.
Sample Review from buyers
One of my lab pups had issues with growing too fast and diarrhea. The lamb and rice Science Diet puppy food took care of that! Thank you Science Diet!
4. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Water Buffalo
- Lamb Meal
- Chicken Meal
- Sweet Potatoes
- Peas
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken meal, lamb meal and others as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active great danes.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Sweet potatoes and peas provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as chicken fat, ocean fish meal are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Probiotics for gut health: dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product and other probiotics provides probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken, egg, lentils, peas could be potential allergens for some great danes.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains peas.
Sample Review from buyers
I have been feeding this dog food to my dogs for 8 years. I have had up to 5 dogs at once-they all love it! I currently have 2 dogs and both of them sit and drool when I am preparing their food. I like the limited ingredients, the high protein and that most of the protein is from red meat animals. Dogs are supposed to eat meat and not grain. As long as I can afford to buy Taste of the Wild, I will do so.
5. Eagle Pack Chicken & Pork Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Protein
Fat
Carbs
- Chicken Meal (source of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate)
- Pork Meal
- Brown Rice
- Oat Groats
- Rice
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Good sources of protein: This food has chicken meal, and pork meal as the ingredients offering excellent animal-based protein options for active great danes.
- Carbohydrates for energy: Brown rice, oat groats, and rice provide complex carbohydrates and fiber for steady energy.
- Essential fatty acids: Omega fatty acids from sources such as flaxseed are present, with guaranteed levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health.
- Joint support: Contains Chicken Meal which can help aid in maintaining joints and mobility for the large great danes breed.
- Probiotics for gut health: Dried enterococcus faecium fermentation product and others provide probiotics to support digestion and immunity.
Cons:
- Potential allergens awareness: Chicken could be potential allergens for some great danes.
- Plant protein source: This dog food contains lentils and peas.
Sample Review from buyers
This is the only brand we use for our Great Danes. It has everything they need and nothing they don't. We tried another brand and it caused all kinds allergic reactions. We went back to Eagle Pack and all is right again. Great product! Our vet approves too!
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I safely switch my Labrador puppy to adult food?
Between 15 and 24 months, take into account your puppy's breed size and switch to the appropriate adult formula to fulfill their evoling nutritional needs. The timing for switching to adult food depends on how fast your dog grows, with smaller breeds typically maturing faster than larger breeds.
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