One of the most popular breeds of dog in the world is the Labrador retriever, popularly nicknamed “lab.” They are easy to train, energetic, and are great family dogs. They are also used as service dogs, and for retrieving wild game when hunting.
Due to the number of roles labs play, it is vital that their nutritional profiles always stay balanced.
What are the Best Nutrients for My Lab?
This question is usually on the lips of many dog parents. Just before we outline the best nutrients to look out for when shopping for the best dog food for labs, it is important to consider some factors. This includes why you need to feed your labs with the best
As a large breed, you need to promote your lab’s wellness and health to an optimum level
To avoid different health conditions such as food allergies associated with this breed of dog
After noting these goals, you will then take into cognizance the vital nutrients in your dog’s diet, which maintain the optimum health of your lab puppy.
Protein
Every living organism on the planet needs protein and Labradors are no exception. Proteins are the blocks that build a wide range of organs and tissues in the body. With this in mind, it is always beneficial to give a high protein diet to your lab, especially for the growth and development of tissues in the muscles. Though labs do not possess the heavy muscles of other dog breeds, it is important they maintain healthy and strong muscles. The importance of strong muscles for labs cannot be stressed enough.
In addition to the development and maintenance of muscles, labs need an adequate supply of proteins to help in the synthesis of hormones, antibodies, and the formation of structural proteins for their coat and skin.
The source of protein can either be from animal or plant sources.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
It is very common for labs to develop joint disorders like arthritis, hip dysplasia, and luxation of the patella. It is, therefore, imperative to give your lab meals that contain two joint-friendly ingredients: glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. These vital components are ideal for producing cartilaginous cells, also known as chondrocytes. Additionally, they play a pivotal role in the synthesis of synovial fluid—the fluid responsible for lubricating the capsules of joints.
Taurine and DHA
These two components are critical in the diet of your labs because they are generally known to develop eye problems like retinal dysplasia over time.
Calcium and Phosphorus
Calcium and phosphorus work together to strengthen and keep the bones in good condition, both minerals are very vital because they ensure that bone problems, like a dislocation or a fracture, do not limit your lab’s daily activities.
Probiotics
It is important to know that probiotics are microbes that natural stay in the guts of your dog. They help to restrict the growth and development of pathogens. Also, they help to alleviate problems in the digestive tract of your lab. About 70% of the cells of your lab’s immune system are in the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, it is worthy of note that probiotics help to improve the function of your immune system.
Calories
Like most large breed dogs, your Labrador needs a healthy supply of calories to maintain a balance between energy storage and energy expenditure. However, many labs hardly get involved in intense physical routines, causing an imbalance between the energy supplied and that expended. When your lab accumulates nutrients over time, it can predispose it to fat and create health challenges like obesity.
Fat & Carbohydrates
Labradors tend to become overweight, so it is vital to manage their fat & carb intake. Both of these are vital for energy as well as vital organ function so a good balance is key to a healthy pup.
Feeding Your Labs
The recommended daily intakes for Labradors are as follows:
Puppies weighing 15 to 18 pounds – feed 4 times daily with 2 ounces per meal
Those weighing 24 to 26 pounds – feed 3 times daily with 3 ounces per serving
Puppies weighing 50 to 60 pounds – feed 2 times daily with 7 ounces for each time they eat
Large labs weighing 61 to 80 pounds – feed 2 times daily with 1.75 to 2.25 cups of meal
Large labs weighing over 80 pounds – feed 2 times daily with 2.25 cups to 2.75 cups
Geriatric labs should be placed on special senior dog foods
These are our picks for the best dog food for Labradors.
Comparison Chart
Products Image | Products name | Products | Price | Nutritional Facts | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Canine Formula by Taste of the Wild | 15 lbs. | $38.58 | Protein minimum of 32%. | 370 |
 | CORE Reduced Fat Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food by Wellness | 26 lbs. | $67.99 | Protein minimum of 33%. | 360 |
 | Natural Dry Dog Food by Eagle Pack Natural Pet Food | 30 lbs. | $47.49 | Protein minimum of 23%. | 330 |
 | ROCKY MOUNTAIN Recipe High Protein Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food By BLUE WILDERNESS | 22 lbs. | $70.19 | Protein minimum of 30%. | 391 |
 | Large and Giant Breed Adult Health Natural Dry Dog Food by Holistic Select | 30 lbs. | $59.99 | Protein minimum of 24%. | 392 |
Canine Formula by Taste of the Wild
Undoubtedly, Taste of the Wild is one of the best brands of dog food on the market. It is a favorite of many pet owners because it contains just the perfect mix of high-protein, moderate calories and fat, and probiotics which are gut-friendly. This brand is entirely dependent on sources of protein from animals, thereby eliminating every form of allergies.
The meat varieties are usually from animals like deer, cattle, buffalo, lamb, bison, chicken, and even ocean fish. It does not contain any form of cereals. Instead, whole grain sources like peas are used in the formula. The calories come from veggies, fruits, and eggs in the blend. The Canine Formula by Taste of the World is our best food dog food for labs.
Nutritional Content
Core Reduced Fat Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food by Wellness
Dog owners who are worried about their lab piling on pounds while living a sedentary lifestyle should go for Wellness Core Reduced Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food as it is one of the best dog food brands out there. Contrary to the standard 18% minimum fat content used by a many canine chow formula, this high-quality dog food has 10% fat minimum, which provides just the needed number of calories your lab would need for its physical activity. The major source of oil is from salmon.
This dog food with reduced fat has a unique balance of proteins, fats, fiber, and water. Also, the reduced fat formula is enriched with nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin that helps maintain the health of the joints and gut-friendly microorganisms that help to aid digestion and improve immune functions.
Additionally, this formulation is devoid of any form of cereal grains which can predispose your pet to allergies. It is perfect for dog parents who want their labs to shed weight while eating right.
Nutritional Content
Natural Dry Dog Food by Eagle Pack Natural Pet Food
It is almost impossible to find a dry dog food with over eight varieties of probiotics. Well, it is possible, because that is what Eagle Pack’s Natural Dry Dog Food is all about. We particularly love this canine chow because it has a balanced ratio of proteins, calories, and fats for your growing Labrador.
The probiotics contained in the superior blend helps to boost the digestive and immune functions in lab puppies. The presence of two essential components—EPA and DHA—makes this product one of the high-ranking best dog foods for labs. These two ingredients are beneficial to the health of the immune system and the central nervous system of your mutt.
The mix has been carefully formulated to be easy on the stomach of sensitive labs. This is due to the lack of cereal grains which are known to cause allergies. Instead, Eagle Pack has used non-allergenic grains like brown and white rice, barley, and oatmeal. The minerals and vitamins in this dog food are suitable for the needs of a Labrador puppy.
Nutritional Content
Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food by Blue Wilderness
Blue Wilderness is no stranger in the world of dog food. The renowned brand has been tried and is trusted by many dog parents, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to see that their Rocky Mountain High Protein Dry Dog food is on the list of best dog food for labs. It has a percentage protein value of 30%, so be rest assured that your pet is getting enough protein.
There’s more! This formula contains the brand’s signature LifeSource Bits technology, which specifically supplies your lab with essential vitamins and minerals for different bodily functions.
It is free of any form of allergenic grains which might be problematic to your dog. The presence of joint-healing glucosamine makes us fall in love more with this canine chow. Not to forget the presence of five strains of beneficial bacteria which help to boost the function of the digestive system and also that of the immune system.
Nutritional Content
Large and Giant Breed Adult Health Natural Dry Dog Food by Holistic Select
On our list of best dog foods for labs is the high-class formulation by Holistic Select by the name of Large and Giant Breed Adult Health Natural Dry Dog Food. Its main function is to boost the digestive and immune functions of your lab’s system. It also has the right amounts of probiotics, digestive enzymes, prebiotics, natural fibers, and some beneficial botanicals.
Though the product label does not show if it is grain free or not, we can expect that allergenic grains will not be in the blend. Especially when whole grains, like brown rice, white rice, and oatmeal are in the mix.
Also, the formula contains novel chicken meat that supplies your lab with the required proteins for growth, development, and maintenance. If your dog is allergic to chicken, you can substitute with other variants of Holistic Select’s dog food like salmon, anchovy, and sardine.
Nutritional Content
Leave A Comment