The best food for Lab puppy to make your pet happy and healthy

Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Linda Richard

Hello, happy Lab puppy owners. You probably already know that the nutritional needs of Labradors differ from other dogs. As for Labrador puppies, a balanced diet should be observed.

Observe your Labrador retriever puppy when you’re trying to feed it dog food. Read the instructions on the packaging, mentally taking note of all the good and necessary ingredients and all ones that should be avoided.

In this article, we are going to tell you about the best dog food especially puppy food for Labs.

The best puppy food

ImageProductFeatures
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog FoodBrand: Royal Canin;
Flavor: Chicken;
Age Range: Puppy;
Package size: 26 x 21 x 5 inches;
Weight: 30 pounds;
Special features: Healthy digestion.
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken, and Rice FormulaBrand: Purina Pro Plan;
Flavor: Chicken & Rice (also Beef);
Age Range: Puppy food;
Package size: 5 x 17 x 32.5 inches;
Weight: 34 pounds;
Special features: High protein for large breed puppies.
Purina ONE Natural, Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food, Plus Skin & Coat FormulaBrand: Purina ONE;
Flavor: Salmon meal;
Age Range: Adult food;
Package size: 23.5 x 20 x 5.25 inches;
Weight: 31.1 Pounds;
Special features: improvedSkin and Coat.
NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog KibbleBrand: Nutro;
Flavor: Chicken meal;
Age Range: Puppy;
Package size: 23 x 16.5 x 6 inches;
Weight: 30 Pounds;
Special features: Trio of proteins.
NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Puppy High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb, and SalmonBrand: Nutro;
Age Range: Puppy food;
Package size: 23 x 16.5 x 6 inches;
Weight: 30 Pounds;
Special features: Healthy Skin and Shiny Coat.
ORIJEN Dog Puppy Recipe, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food, Packaging May VaryBrand: ORIJEN;
Flavor: Puppy & Puppy Large;
Age Range: Puppy food;
Style: Grain-free (also Amazing grains & Wet food);
Package size: 14 x 2.8 x 24 inches;
Weight: 13 Pounds;
Special features: Premium ingredients.
Nulo Freestyle Dry Puppy Food, Premium Grain-Free Larger Kibble to Support Proper Chewing, High Animal-Based Protein, and Balanced Levels of Calcium & Phosphorus for Healthy Bone DevelopmentBrand: Nulo;
Flavor: Salmon & Turkey recipe;
Age Range: Large breed puppy;
Package size: 27 x 15 x 4.5 inches;
Weight: 26 Pounds;
Special features: High Animal-Based Protein & Probiotic Advantage.
Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog FoodBrand: Eukanuba;
Flavor: Chicken;
Age Range: Puppy;
Package size: ‎ 5.67 x 19.53 x 24.47 inches;
Weight: 28.95 Pounds;
Special features: Body & Mind & Energy.
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food DHA Lamb & Rice FormulaBrand: Purina Pro Plan;
Flavor: Lamb & Rice;
Age Range: Puppy food;
Package size: ‎ 4.75 x 16 x 32 inches;
Weight: 34 Pounds;
Special features: Healthy Growth & Development.
Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog FoodBrand: Royal Canin;
Flavor: Vegetable;
Age Range: Puppy food;
Package size: ‎ 5.5 x 16 x 26 inches;
Weight: 30 Pounds;
Special features: Health nutrition.

Puppy food for Lab

Next, let’s talk in more detail about each product in the table above.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food

The brand puts great attention to the special features of each dog breed considering the life of the age, and health needs. The manufacturer believes that every dog ​​is unique, and caring about health must be primary since a puppy is born.

best food for lab puppy
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This brand has developed specially formulated nutrition for Labrador puppies to provide immune system support, healthy growth, weight control, and digestion. The food contains special nutrients that help puppies develop.

The food pellets are donut shaped. This should help pets that are fast eaters to slow down the rate of absorption and chew well. The main ingredients are chicken meal, brown rice, and corn gluten meal.

The instructions spell out how to feed the puppy, depending on his weight, time, and activity.

The food includes a mixture of antioxidants and vitamin E to support their immune system. Calcium and phosphorus provide support for bones and joints. Your pet’s body will be strong and fit. This puppy food also contains high-quality proteins and prebiotics to promote optimal bowel function.

This puppy food for Labs is aimed at feeding puppies up to 15 months old. For further feeding, you have to change the food to one that is intended for older dogs.

Pros

  • Good scent and flavor;
  • Ingredient quality;
  • Easy to chew;
  • Support for bones and joints;
  • High-quality proteins and prebiotics;
  • Support for the immune system.

Cons

  • It can seem that the price is too high for such ingredients.

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Dry Puppy Food, Chicken & Rice Formula

This brand allows you to give your lovely puppy the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development. The high-quality dry formula features targeted real meat or poultry.

This food contains calcium and omega-3s. Antioxidants contribute to the development of the immune system, which is necessary for a growing puppy.

Also, there is DHA for brain and eye development.

The large breed puppy food is rich in minerals and vitamins. There is a large percentage of proteins and fats.

This puppy food is aimed at puppies under 1 year. Let your puppy grow active and healthy.

Pros

  • Ingredient quality;
  • Suitable for large breed puppies;
  • Calcium and omega-3s;
  • DHA;
  • Antioxidants;
  • Variety of flavors;

Cons

  • Сases of Lab puppies’ stomach problems;
  • Risk of rapid weight gain.

Purina ONE Natural, Sensitive Stomach Dry Dog Food, Plus Skin & Coat Formula

This dry food is formulated to improve your pet’s digestion and immune system. You will see for yourself the external changes – the sparkle in the eyes, the skin, and the coat are much better.

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This dry food is rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Rich in protein, the recipe contains real salmon as the main ingredient.

High-quality ingredients and all the nutrients provide a balanced and easily digestible diet for your Lab. Vitamin E and omega fatty acids are aimed at improving the condition of the skin and coat. There aren’t any artificial colors and flavors.

High protein helps to support your dog’s strong muscles, including a strong heart, and natural sources of glucosamine to support healthy joints. This premium adult dog food for sensitive skin features calcium-rich crunchy kibble to deliver the taste and texture of healthy gums that your lovely dog loves.

Pros

  • Good price;
  • Flavor;
  • Ingredient quality;
  • Peculiarities of digestion;
  • Vitamin E and omega-6;
  • Perfect for sensitive skin features;

Cons

  • Not all dogs like the taste of fish.

NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dog Kibble

This dry dog food supports brain and eye development with omega fatty acids. It is formulated to support healthy joints, contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin, and contains important antioxidants for immune health. It is suitable for large breed dogs.

Image credit: canva.com

This dry puppy food is made with no GMO and chicken by-product meal ingredients. This point promotes healthy digestion and improves the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

Each recipe is created from a high-quality protein source, as the main ingredient is exclusively meat. It has no chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, or soy. Your pet will love it for sure.

Follow the feeding rules written in the instructions. If in the first weeks, dry food needs to be moistened before you give the puppy, then do not forget to give him enough water afterward.

This is very important for the proper functioning of the dog’s body.

This dog food is suitable for dogs suffering from food allergies.

It is the best puppy food for up to 18 months.

Pros

  • Ingredient quality;
  • No GMO and meat by-products;
  • Vitamins and Minerals;
  • Improving digestion;
  • Shiny and smooth coat;

Cons

  • Some puppies find it difficult to chew.

NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Puppy High Protein Natural Dry Dog Food with a Trio of Proteins from Chicken, Lamb & Salmon

This brand’s dry dog food is made from an exclusive blend of high-protein foods, whole grains and seeds, and fruits and vegetables like coconut, chia, kale, and blueberries that support coat health and healthy skin. It aids in cognitive development with DHA.

This dry puppy food is made with no GMO and chicken by-product meal ingredients. This point promotes healthy digestion and improves the work of the gastrointestinal tract.

This brand puts attention to dogs’ breed size and life stage needs when creating recipes for Lab puppies. This Large Breed Puppy Recipe provides a balanced diet for puppies that’s nutrient-rich and full of flavor that’ll help your growing canine thrive.

Pros

  • High-quality;
  • No GMO and chicken by-products;
  • Perfect large breed puppy food;
  • Improved digestion;

Cons

  • Natural and healthy products are inside, but the price is too high.

ORIJEN Dog Puppy Recipe, High-Protein Grain-Free Dry Puppy Food, Packaging May Vary

Natural products like chicken, turkey, salmon, and herring are the main ingredients of this dry dog food. This brand’s food is rich in protein and vitamins.

Image credit: canva.com

It is great for a balanced good diet. This brand cares about the unique needs of pets. Nutritious animal-based ingredients help support large-breed puppies’ brain development as well as skin and coat health.

Pros

  • All essential vitamins and minerals for healthy growth and development
  • Suitable for large breed puppies;
  • Ingredient quality;
  • Quality product processing.

Cons

  • Natural and healthy ingredients, but the price is too high;
  • Some dog owners complain about the bad smell.

Nulo Freestyle Dry Puppy Food, Premium Grain-Free Larger Kibble to Support Proper Chewing

Nulo Freestyle contains 75 % protein from animal sources. Large quantity of proteins coming from real meat, you can be sure that your pet gets all the amino acids they need to fuel growing muscles.

Grain-Free and Prebiotic Advantage recipe provides brain and eye development, and healthy skin. Vitamins E & C help the immune system, lean muscles, and strong heart work stable every day. The calcium promotes teeth & bones’ strength. Also, there is Omega for Healthy Skin & Coat.

There aren’t artificial flavors or meat by-products inside. The Labrador puppies will be full of energy for growth and play every day.

It is perfect for large-breed puppies. This dog food has an even larger kibble food size.

Pros

  • Grain-free recipe
  • Protein & Prebiotic
  • Energy & Health
  • Vitamins

Cons

  • Not all Labrador puppies’ like its taste.

Eukanuba Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

This is the best puppy food among all dog foods for the most active Lab puppies. This food is packed with nutrients to help your dog work harder, go further and achieve peak performance and promote healthy digestion. Your big puppy is destined for great things.

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The mix of vitamins, fat, and carbohydrates provides energy beneficial for puppies’ growth. ​Moreover, high-quality animal protein and optimized levels of calcium and phosphorous support muscle growth and bone health in active puppies’ bodies. ​

Pros

  • Flavor
  • Ingredient quality
  • Value for money
  • Vitamin & Minerals
  • Energy & Health

Cons

  • Some purchasers complain that the price of the product is too high.

Purina Pro Plan High Protein Puppy Food DHA Lamb & Rice Formula

This brand allows you to give your lovely puppy the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development. The high-quality dry formula features targeted real meat or poultry.

This Labrador puppy food is high-quality puppy nutrition in a crunchy kibble mixed with different shaped pieces. The main advantage of the recipe is DHA for healthy brain and vision development. Also, it includes calcium, omega fatty acids, and antioxidants.

Your puppy will grow up active and healthy with a complete vitamin supplement. It is the perfect choice for puppies under 1 year.

Pros

  • Flavor
  • DHA
  • Puppies’ growth
  • Vitamins and minerals

Cons

  • Some buyers complain about the unstable price of the product, not understanding why the price has suddenly increased so much.

Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food

The brand is a company that inspires confidence by collaborating with veterinarians and experts considering the life of the dog’s breed, age, and health needs. This breeder believes that every dog ​​is unique, and good health should be formed from the stage of puppies. For example, the kibble is adapted to the unique shape and size jaw of puppies.

To support the digestive health of a dog, the food contains high-quality protein and prebiotics, and vitamin E, which support the immune system of Lab puppies.

This dry dog food is the perfect choice for medium-breed puppies up to 12 months old.

Pros

  • Freshness
  • Flavor
  • Proteins and prebiotics
  • Vitamin E

Cons

  • For such a selection of ingredients, the price is high.

Weight & Health

An adult Labrador usually weighs between 55 and 80 pounds.

Measure and control portion sizes based on your dog’s calorie needs. Increase portions as your puppy grows. 97% of cases of obesity in dogs are related to how owners feed and play with their pets.

Be sure to follow the rule of dog treats. Food should make up 90% of your total calories for the day, and treats should not exceed 10%.

Every happy dog ​​owner wants food to have a beneficial effect on their pet. That’s why you need to monitor your Labrador’s health and weight. This is about changes over time.

Remember that not having a balanced healthy diet tailored to your dog’s needs can have dire consequences. Nutritional deficiency or excess can lead to disease and ultimately death.

For example, if your dog suffers from chronic itching or dermatitis, you should fortify your pet’s diet with vitamins E, B vitamins, zinc, omega-6, and omega-3. You may have noticed that your dog has dandruff after changing food, but the food is really good – try adding levels of zinc and vitamin A.

Your main task as a pet owner is to monitor the health of a small family member and be responsible for this life.

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Essential Nutrients

Dog and puppy foods must contain certain nutrients for health and development.

The first one is a protein that can be found in meat, poultry, fish, yogurt, and cooked eggs. Protein is responsible for the structure of muscles and tissues, as well as the formation and growth of new cells.

In the diet for a Labrador puppy, it is imperative to include carbohydrates that are found in brown rice, potatoes, and wheat. Carbohydrates supply the body with glucose, which is responsible for the functioning of the brain and nervous system. This is your dog’s energy source.

An obligatory component of dog food is fats. It is a source of energy, development, and functioning of the cells and muscles of the body. Fats are included in oil and even fish oil.

Puppy food for Labs or any other dog includes a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and others. Minerals in dog food form bones and cartilage and balance the nerves. It promotes the production of hormones in the Lab puppies, regulates the balance of fluids in the body, and transports oxygen into the blood.

Like people, dog and puppy foods should include plenty of water. Water is life! Make sure your puppy’s water bowl is always filled with fresh water.

The essential vitamins found in Labrador puppy foods are vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K. They are necessary points for your pet’s skin and smooth coat. Once in the body, they strengthen bones, and teeth and fill the Labrador puppy with energy.

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Supplements for puppy food for Labs

Special for a Labrador puppy, you should add some supplements to your dog food.

Glucosamine & Chondroitin

Be aware of the possibility of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and add these supplements to the diet to maintain tissue and joints.

Prebiotics

Take care of your Labrador Retriever puppy’s digestion and add prebiotics for dogs to his diet, which will reduce the digestive inflammatory response to allergy sources.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Use CBD (added to dog food) as an immune system supplement. This will increase your beloved pet’s health protection, making it more resistant to disease.

Cost point

Every time you buy pet food, you think about the issue of price. Of course, cost is important when making a purchasing decision.

You should be aware that higher-quality puppy food can cost more than the average price. Don’t skimp on food quality. Cheap food is a nice bonus to your budget, but not a bonus to your dog’s health.

There are good quality products at a reasonable price, but don’t forget to look at the label and instructions for use, and consider the brand’s reputation. In the end, your dog’s health is paramount.

Your dog is an irreplaceable member of your family, which must be protected and loved with all your heart.

Risks and diseases

Lab owners should know well about all risks and diseases that their dogs may face.

Numerous studies confirm that the Labrador Retriever breed is prone to digestive sensitivities and skin allergies due to irritating foods. This leads to pruritic diseases. If toxins and chemical preservatives are added to dry dog ​​food, your puppy or adult dog may develop Canine scabies.

Skin allergies and problems with the gastrointestinal tract are severe. Incorrect dog foods affect the health of dogs and increase the risk of mortality (20%).

Labs are prone to obesity. Maintaining a healthy weight and body is considered an important point of caring for a dog. In general, Labrador Retrievers should have a taut, hourglass-shaped figure.

Obesity puts additional stress on bones and joints and makes it difficult to stay healthy.

To combat weight gain, you need to exercise your dog with certain physical exercises, follow a proper diet, control portion sizes, and receive treats.

Another disease caused by malnutrition is Gastric dilatation-volvulus. In short, this is boating. Indigestion is a severe problem that should not be ignored.

The worst risk is death from the musculoskeletal disorder of muscles, nerves, joints, arthritis, and spinal discs. Also, you should be aware that feed processing of dog foods affects the occurrence and development of cancer.

Dry food is cooked at a very high temperature, which leads to the formation of harmful chemical elements in the body of the dog. Such food also contains carbohydrates, which break down into cancer-causing glucose. That’s why you should become very thoughtful about the choice of dog food.

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FAQ

If you have any questions, we would be happy to answer them.

Is it permitted to combine dry/wet dog food with homemade food?

You can combine dog food with homemade recipe food for your pet yourself. Moreover, it is a good way of feeding your dog if the dog food at home is over or there is very little left, but you need to extend the time until the next purchase.

Research in this area has confirmed that feeding pets with homemade food increases the lifespan of a dog by 20%. Dogs fed solely on home-cooked or combined diets lived for about 13 years, while those fed only processed food lived for about 10 years.

Like human food, it can be chewed easily. Food is broken down in the body so that key nutrients are absorbed more quickly. By the way, homemade fresh food doesn’t cause allergies. Such food facilitates digestion and relaxes the stomach. Reducing stress on the digestive system reduces the likelihood of bloating.

If you still decide to cook homemade food, follow the rules. Study each ingredient. Don’t use toxic ingredients, but only boneless meat. Cook all animal products for the exact finish to kill harmful bacteria. Follow recipes as directed and add supplements that are beneficial to your pet’s health.

Risks of homemade dog food

Most of the problems are caused by a misunderstanding of the nutritional needs of the Labrador. An unbalanced area and the use of inappropriate or dangerous recipes neglect the dog’s health.

If you do not understand the effect of food on the body of your pet, which reaction is correct and which can lead to negative consequences and different stages of life, contact a professional veterinarian who can tell you in detail about the effect of food on the body of a dog and how to properly form a pet diet.

What food is best for a Labrador puppy?

We made for you the list of the best puppy food for Labrador puppies. We can highlight the most noteworthy products from this list. They are Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food, NUTRO ULTRA Large Breed Puppy, and Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food.

Should I feed my Lab puppy dry or wet food?

When your puppy’s teeth have started to strengthen, you can change the mother’s milk to wet food or puppy chow (moisten dry food). Mix dry and wet food.

What is better to choose – opinions are different. But if you are in doubt about which puppy food to choose, consult your veterinarian.

What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? 

Puppies’ body requires roughly a half cup of water per 2 hours on average. You’ll need to keep an eye on your puppy to ensure he’s getting plenty to drink but not too much. Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight.

What do you feed an 8-week-old Lab puppy?

An 8-week-old puppy should be fed several small meals a day. After 14 weeks, the Lab puppy can switch to two meals a day.

Food for a Labrador puppy should be full of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals for healthy development.

Giving treats is fine, but remember that Labradors are prone to overeating and gaining weight quickly. Also, try to give treats for obedience. train your dog from an early age.

Result

In this article, we have told you about the best Labrador puppy food especially dry food, and some rules for caring about Lab puppies’ nutrition, preventing you from having to filter through all the available foods on the market.

You can choose canned food and dry food for your dog as you wish but you should always think about the effect of this dog food on your dog. Whether prefer to purchase dog ​​food in a store or online, combine it with cooked food, remember that nutrition is a serious business. A poorly composed area entails consequences that can affect the dog’s health.

Hope this article was helpful for you and that your pet will grow healthy and strong.

Linda Richard

I know that all dog breeds are different, but Labradors exude a special energy, don’t they? I believe everyone deserves the unconditional love of a pet, so my main goal is to make sure you can experience it.

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