Best Dog Food for Labs (A Thorough Guide)

Last Updated on February 18, 2020 by Gail Ramirez

Labrador retrievers, popularly known as labs, are one of the most renowned dog breeds in the world. In the past, these energetic dogs were used for hunting, but today they make lovable family pets. Just like other dog breeds, these dogs require a well balanced and highly digestible diet to keep them healthy and full of life.

Keeping your lab strong and healthy is very important. To achieve this, you need to understand their nutritional needs in order to buy the best dog food for your lab.

In this article, we will walk you through some of the best dog food for labs and also a guide for buying them.

The Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers Are:

Product	Details
1.Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food	Top Pick	Grain-free Adults 26 pounds	Check Current Price
2.Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food		Breed Specific Adult 30 pounds	Check Current Price
3.Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dog Food		Grain-free Adult 24 pounds	Check Current Price
4.Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Food		Breed-specific Puppy 30 pounds	Check Current Price
5.Taste of the Wild Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food		Grain-free Adult 28 pounds	Check Current Price
6.Purina Beneful Originals Adult Dry Dog Food		Grain-containing Adult 31.1 pounds	Check Current Price
7.Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain Free Dog Food		Grain-free Adult 24 pounds	Check Current Price

1. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

If you are looking for the best grain-free dog food for Labrador retrievers, then this is one of the best options you have. This food contains about 34 percent protein that provides your high-end lab with all the support it needs. If you have a very active working dog, this tasty kibble is also suitable for it. This grain-free dog good also boasts of high-quality proteins, which are derived from low-fat turkey and chicken.

To enhance healthy skin and shiny coat, this food contains Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. This acid also helps to protect their heart. The fat composition in the food is about 15 percent, and this is great for large dog breeds that are susceptible to being overweight. While it’s suitable for dogs that are on diet, it is not ideal for dogs that suffer from allergies, as it contains chicken.

This food also contains high-end fiber sources such as potatoes and broccoli. These ingredients help to regulate the bowel movement of your labs and make them feel fuller for a longer. The fiber also plays a major role in weight control. In addition to the fiber content, this food comes with probiotics for healthy digestion.

This food also enhances a strong and healthy immune system, thanks to its antioxidant content. For strong and healthy joints, this formula contains glucosamine.

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2. Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba is very popular for its breed-specific food recipes. When it comes to Labrador retrievers, this brand has got one of the best dog foods. If you are looking for the best dog food for adult labs, then the Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever Dog Food is what you need. This dog food has the perfect nutrient distribution for adults and even senior labs. It is a bit light in protein for younger dogs and it is not calorie-dense.

The protein content in the food is just 23 percent, which is a bit low. However, it helps to prevent your dog from obesity as they grow old. Per cup of the food contains 302 calories, which is relatively low. With this, you do not have to worry about your dog getting overweight. The food also contains 5 percent fiber, which is slightly over the recommended minimum.

The major selling points of this food for labs are its additives. It comes with Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids that are great for joint health. The food also contains chondroitin and glucosamine, which helps to reduce the need for a supplement as time goes on. It is a bit pricey. The calcium level is also below the recommended amount.

This food also features a 3D dentadefense system that is proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days. It also supports healthy brain function and promotes an active lifestyle. The number one ingredient of this food is chicken, with 100 percent nutrition and 0 percent filler.

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3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free, Natural Adult Dog Food

This dog food from Blue Buffalo is one of the best food for labs. Blue Buffalo formulated and manufactured this dog food and the food contains high-quality ingredients. This food also boasts of all-natural ingredients. This dog food for Labradors is grain-free, but it still provides your Labrador with everything it needs. With this, you no longer have to deal with incidences of food allergies caused by the inclusion of grains.

This dry dog food from Blue Buffalo is made with healthy carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and peas, which are vital for energy. This high-protein formula also provides your lab with all the protein it needs through duck meat. The grain-free formula features LifeSource Bits, which is a perfect combination of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants processed at lower temperatures in order to prevent degradation and preserve potency.

Veterinarians and animal nutritionists select all the ingredients used to make this food carefully. However, if your lab does not like the duck protein source, this food is available in two other options. You can opt for the salmon or chicken flavor. It also comes with three different packaging, 4.5, 11, and 24 pounds. The recipe is made to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat.

The food also contains Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. It is also made with healthy fruits and vegetables.

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4. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Food

The Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition dog food is one of the best dog food for lab puppies. When it comes to lab puppies, there are certain requirements a food must have in order to be worthy for the development of these little pets. This food contains 21 percent protein and .85 percent calcium, which is great for growing lab puppies. Each cup of it contains 293 calories, which means it is not particularly nutrient-dense.

It also comes in unique, donut-shaped kibble that prevents your dog from gorging themselves. This food comes with all-natural ingredients, and it is formulated to keep your dog happy and healthy at all times. With this food, your lab puppy can grow with a nice coat, strong eyes, and strong muscles also.

This food is ideal for puppies from 8 weeks to 15 months. The food supports healthy joint function and improves mobility. This product is made specifically for this breed. You will be very pleased with this food if you are looking for the best dog food for lab puppies.

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5. Taste of the Wild Premium High Protein Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands when it comes to making high-quality dry foods for dogs. This premium food for labs is one of the best in the market. Many dog owners love this product because of the high quality, natural ingredients used to make it.

This brand is also reputable for producing dog food that provides labs with excellent amounts of high protein and also moderate fat and calories.

The major ingredient of this dog food is smoked salmon. This ingredient provides your lab with all the protein it needs to maintain lean muscle mass. In addition, this food contains premium vegetables and fruits. The additional fruits and vegetables give antioxidants to provide your dog with a healthy lifestyle.

It also comes with fatty acid that helps to maintain the coat and skin of your dog. Many dogs also love the potato formula, as it delivers digestible energy to fuel their active lifestyle. It features a grain-free formula, making it an ideal option for dogs with allergies. With this food, allergies related to grain and digestion issues will no longer be an issue with your dog.

The ingredients of this food are from sustainable, trusted sources across the globe, and it contains no corn, filler, grain, and wheat. It comes with rich and highly digestible nutrients with guaranteed species-specific, proprietary probiotics that survive and thrive in the GI tract. This formula also offers a taste sensation like no other.

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6. Purina Beneful Originals Adult Dry Dog Food

The sixth best food for labs on our list is the Purina Beneful Originals Adult Dry Dog Food. Many high-quality dog foods come with expensive price tags.

Fortunately, there are still some great dog foods in the market that will not leave a hole in your pocket. This dog food for Labradors from Purina is one of our favorites, as it comes with natural and high-quality ingredients at a reasonable price.

This food contains 23 percent protein and 13 percent fat. While this is not as much as the other options on our list, it is definitely enough to keep your adult lab strong and healthy. It also contains 4 percent fiber, which is the perfect fiber level for adult labs until they get into their senior years. The number one ingredient of this food is real salmon.

The food is accented with real sweet potatoes, carrots, and green beans for wholesome goodness. It also comes with Omega fatty acids to help maintain the shiny coat of your lab. The high-quality proteins of this food also support strong muscles, keeping your lab strong and healthy. The downside to this product is that it lacks glucosamine and other nutrients that help to keep senior dogs healthy.

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7. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain Free Dog Food

If you have a very active lab, then this is one of the best food options you have. This tasty kibble is specifically made for Labradors, and it was formulated to provide them with a natural taste. The recipe is formulated to provide your pet with a close-to-natural diet. It contains high-quality proteins and meat such as deboned beef, lamb, bison, and also venison.

This food is made with gluten-free grains. There is no atom of wheat, corn, or soy in the food. It is also one of the best options for labs with a sensitive stomach, as it features a unique hypoallergenic formula. With this food, you do not have to worry about your pet having gastrointestinal disturbances.

It is formulated to provide your lab with enough energy all through the day. It also contains omega fatty acid that helps promote a shinier coat. It can also help your lab fix their skin and coat problems, thanks to its salmon formula.

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Buying Guide: Things to Consider When Buying Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers

There are many brands of Labrador food out there, and picking out the right one can sometimes be a daunting task for many dog owners. Some pet owners just stick to popular brands only.

Here are some of the vital things you need to consider before buying dog food for your labs:

Ingredients

The most important factors to consider when looking for the best food for labs is the ingredients used to make the food. While the list of ingredients on the label may not entirely reveal the origin or quality of the ingredients, it will help you to know what the food contains. With this, you will be able to see the specific sources of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber.

Great dog food for labs contains an adequate balance of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and meat. To ensure you provide your pet with the best food possible, you need to look for the “complete and balanced” designation from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).  The list of ingredients also come in handy for those whose dogs have special dietary needs or allergies.

Nutritional Requirements and Sensitivity

Another vital thing you need to put into consideration is the nutritional requirements of your Labrador. This is very important, especially for dogs that are allergic to certain ingredients.

Basically, nutrients such as calcium, protein, taurine, DHA, phosphorus, glucosamine, and chondroitin are considered necessary for Labrador retrievers.

Age Range

The best dog food for adult labs is not the same as the best food for lab puppies. When shopping for the best dog for labs, you need to keep in mind that different aged dogs have different nutritional needs.

As such, if you are shopping for lap puppies, you need to make sure that the nutritional values of the food are suitable for their age, and the same thing applies when shopping for adult labs.

Fat Level

Fats are molecules that pack highly concentrated forms of energy. Labs have a higher tendency of becoming obese due to excess unused sugar. As such, their diet should contain low fat.

Weight

Weight is another vital factor to consider also. To help your Labrador maintain a healthy weight, you should opt for food that offers a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts

There is no one-size-fits-all approach in feeding your Labrador retriever. This is because different labs have different needs. Some are allergic to certain ingredients, while some are overweight and need less food. Hence, you need to consider what your lab needs before buying dog food.

From the products reviewed above, our top recommended dog food for labs is the Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food. This food comes with the right amount of protein that your Labrador needs for optimal growth. It is also free from artificial compounds such as color or soy. To crown it all, it comes at a pocket-friendly rate.