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The Best Dog Food for Labs for 2021

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Special Considerations When Feeding Labrador RetrieversLabrador retrievers are one of the world’s most renowned breeds. These energetic dogs were used in the past for hunting, but these days most of them end up as lovable family companions. They’re renowned for their even-temper, intelligence, and trainability.

Of course, these large dogs actually require best dog food for labs. They’re not at the hard-to-take-care-of end of the scale, but with some forethought, you can help make sure that your labrador grows up into a well-muscled dog with a beautiful coat.

Special Considerations When Feeding Labrador Retrievers

Special Feeding Labrador RetrieversThere are a number of special considerations to take into account when you’re feeding your lab. Unlike bully dogs, they don’t quite have the same voracious “never gonna chew” appetite, but you’ll still want to keep an eye on the frequency and amount you feed your lab.

As a puppy, they should be fed four times per day, as one or two large feedings can cause the runs and no one wants to deal with that.

Caloric Intake

Feeding Labrador RetrieversAs a general rule, an active labrador will do well with roughly 40 calories per kilogram of body weight.

For those dogs which spend most of their day in the home, however, it’s best to calculate the resting energy requirements, or RER, for your dog.

The equation for RER is relatively simple:

Weight in Kg * 30 + 70 = RER in Calories

Each dog’s metabolism will vary a bit, the most important thing is to make sure that your dog doesn’t put on too much body fat to avoid making any future problems worse.

Puppies will require roughly four times their RER in order to ensure adequate growth. This is also true of working dogs, while a moderately active lab will require around twice their RER.

Comparison Table

Choose the best dog food for a labrador using our comparison table with key features of best dry dog food for labs and supplements for health.

Editor's Picks:
Features:
Our Rating:
Buy from:
Food for Labradors
Best Overall
EUKANUBA Breed Specific Adult Dry Dog Food
EUKANUBA Breed Specific Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Great Nutrient Profile For Dogs Who Are Mainly Pets
  • Low Calorie To Fight Obesity
  • Contains Supplements For Joint Health
  • Specially Formulated For Labradors
4.9
Best for Labrador Puppies
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador
  • Great Nutrient Profile
  • Lowered Calcium For Puppies
  • Unique Shape Keeps Dogs From Gorging
  • Supports Growth And Health
4.8
Best Food for Senior Labradors
Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior
Blue Buffalo Blue Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior
  • Great Nutrient Profile For Senior Dogs
  • Included Joint Health Supplements
  • Made With Chicken With No Byproducts
  • Formulated Specifically With Older, Large Dogs In Mind
4.8
Best Food for Working Labradors
BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food
BLUE Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Great Profile For Working Dogs
  • High Calorie Per Cup
  • Grain-free
  • Extra Supplemental Nutrients
4.8
Best Budget Food for Labrador
Purina Beneful Originals Adult Dry Dog Food
Purina Beneful Originals Adult Dry Dog Food
  • Great Nutrient Profile
  • Good Cost
  • Optimal Fiber Content
  • Two Flavors Available
4.3
Supplements for Labradors
Best Supplement for Lab’s Joints
FurroLandia Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
FurroLandia Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs
  • All Natural
  • Support Hip and Joint Health
  • Made in USA
4.9
Best Supplement for Lab’s Eyes
Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Animal Necessity
Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Animal Necessity
  • Veterinarian Recommended
  • Optimal Eye Health Ingredients
  • Developed for Dogs of All Ages
4.9
Best Multivitamin for Lab
Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine
Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine
  • Improve Digestion
  • Keep Skin and Coat Healthy
  • Good Taste
4.8

Do Labrador Retrievers Have Special Nutritional Requirements?

Labradors have the distinction of being one of the most common breeds around, so there are actually a large number of foods made specifically for the breed.

In general, as high-energy dogs a diet high in proteins and fats is desirable. Those dogs who are actually being put to work will need to have a special emphasis on this.

In addition, due to a fairly large number of health problems which labrador retrievers often suffer from, the addition of certain supplements is common in food targeted towards them.

Nutrient Distribution

To choose the best dog food for labs or any active breed, or really any dog in general, the first thing to check for is the protein content of the food in question. Protein provides dogs with the bulk of their energy, and it’s especially important for growing puppies so they can develop muscle mass as they grow.

As with most dogs, 20%-30% is pretty much ideal. Perhaps a bit higher when your canine is still young.

Fat content is also important. Labrador retrievers were originally bred as working dogs, which means they have an enormous appetite, but when a dog is primarily confined to the house it’s wise to keep the fat content down since labs also tend towards obesity.

Something in the range of 10%-15% is good, although up to 20% is the way to go if your dog regularly works out.

As with all dogs, carbohydrates should be present but fairly low. Dogs metabolize them differently than we do and grains readily become fat on dogs.

So, an ideal food for an adult labrador retriever would have the following macronutrient distribution:

  • 20-30% protein
  • 10-15% fat
  • Less than 30% carbohydrates

It’s not too hard to find foods that meet that range, but they’ll generally cost more than a bag of Purina dry chow from Walmart.

Older dogs will want a lower protein and fat content, without raising the carbohydrates if possible. Puppies will want a higher protein and fat content.

Micronutrients

Since they’re large dogs, you’ll want to make sure that you don’t have too high of calcium content in a pup’s diet. 1%-1.5% is ideal for puppies.

This is actually to keep the bones from growing too quickly. This can cause a lot of issues with larger dogs and hurt them in the long run.

Fiber should remain at roughly 4% until the dog is a senior, at which point 5%-9% is better to ease their bowel movements.

You should also keep an eye out for added glucosamine and chondroitin which are vital for the issues a labrador’s joints may face in the future. In fact, a supplement may be the best way to go to ensure they get adequate amounts of these vital supplements.

Equally important, for labradors, are DHA and taurine. This is because the dogs are prone to cataracts and other eye issues, and these nutrients can help counteract them. Once again a supplement is a good idea.

Calories

With some breeds, it’s rather important to make sure that calories remain low.

Labradors which aren’t being used as working dogs, or getting at least two walks per day and maybe a swim or two during the week, need a low-calorie diet. This means that super nutrient dense foods aren’t a good option for adult and senior labs.

Top Foods for Your Labrador

We’ve done the footwork for you and found foods which meet the required nutrient variety for any age or class of labrador. Let’s dive right in and you’ll see which are the best doggone food for your beloved pet.

Best Overall Labrador Food

Best Overall Labrador FoodEUKANUBA is famous for their breed specific food recipes, and when it comes to labs they’ve definitely got it down. It’s not particularly calorie dense, and it’s a bit light in protein for younger dogs, but for adults and even seniors it has a perfect nutrient distribution.

The 23% protein might seem a little bit low, but it helps to keep the obesity off your dog as they age. It comes in at a relatively low 302 calories per cup of food, so you won’t have to worry about your dog getting overweight. It also has 5% fiber, which is just a bit above the recommended minimum.

The big factors here though are the additives: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are great for joint health, and the food also has added glucosamine and chondroitin which can help reduce the need to supplement as time goes on.

It’s a bit expensive, and the calcium is under the recommended amount for an adult dog, but with a proper dog multivitamin you may be able to forgo other supplements.

This was our favorite choice for adult labrador retrievers. The low calories and good profile are awesome, but the big draw is the addition of joint-protecting nutrients which can help to keep your dog healthy well into old age.

Pros

  • Great nutrient profile for dogs who are mainly pets
  • Low calorie to fight obesity
  • Contains supplements for joint health
  • Specially formulated for labradors

Cons

  • Rather Expensive
  • Low in calcium

The Best Food for Labrador Retriever Puppies

The Best Food for Labrador Retriever PuppiesWhat is the best dog food for labs puppies? When it comes to small funny labs, there are some specific requirements which must be met in order to be a worthy food for these growing members of our families. It comes in at 21% protein and .85% calcium which is great for growing pups.

It’s not particularly nutrient dense, coming in at 293 calories per cup. The unique, donut-shaped kibble helps to keep your dog from gorging themselves as well, which is an extra layer of thought which few manufacturers seem to think of.

All of the nutritional content is aimed towards keeping your dog healthy and happy, allowing them to grow up with strong eyes, a nice coat, and well muscled.

As far as puppy chows go, it’s hard to beat something which is made specifically for the breed. Royal Canin delivers with this puppy food. It’s the one of the best dog food brands for labs, well known in all world.

If you’re looking for the best puppy food for labs, then you’ll be pleased with Royal Canin’s offering. It’s nutritionally balanced and the extra bits of thought put into it can make all the difference in the end.

Pros

  • Great nutrient profile
  • Lowered calcium for puppies
  • Unique shape keeps dogs from gorging
  • Supports growth and health

Cons

  • Fairly Expensive
  • Could be higher in protein

The Best Food for Senior Labradors

The Best Food for Senior LabradorsBlue Buffalo is one of the most recommended pet food brands by vets. It has a reputation, deservedly, for being expensive, but this chicken and rice-based senior dog chow is excellent for those labs that are getting up there in years.

Coming in at 22% protein and 10% fat, it’s a good idea for those older dogs whose metabolisms are starting to slow down. It also contains additional glucosamine and chondroitin for joint protection, which is even more essential for senior labs than their younger counterparts.

The fiber content sits at 7%, which adds even more for older dogs who may be having trouble with their aging bowels.

The only real issue is that it does contain rice. Some dogs can’t handle any sorts of grains at all, but rice is probably the best of the lot for those who are forced to utilize grains. It’s not a big knockdown of a disadvantage either since labs seem to only rarely suffer from food allergies.

If you can get your head around the rice and the high price, then you’ll be doggone pleased with Blue Buffalo’s large breed option for senior dogs. вцPick it up for your dog, and watch your older dog thrive once more. It’s the best dog food for older labs on the market in my opinion, and it worth buying.

Pros

  • Great nutrient profile for senior dogs
  • Included joint health supplements
  • Made with chicken with no byproducts
  • Formulated specifically with older, large dogs in mind

Cons

  • Contains rice, which is a problem for allergic dogs
  • Fairly expensive

The Best Food for Working Labradors

The Best Food for Working LabradorsWhen it comes to working dogs, you need a food like this one in order to ensure that your dog’s energy needs are met through their career. Working dogs need a lot of protein and a working labrador can take up to four times the calories of one which is mainly a house pet.

That’s where the 32% protein, grain-free formula of Blue Wilderness comes in handy. In addition to that, it contains additional taurine and EPA to help ensure eye health and joint protecting substances like glucosamine to help your active dog’s joints.

It’s too dense for resting dogs, coming in at 420 calories per cup, but if you’re taking your lab in the field or training them for dog athletics then this is exactly the best dog food for hunting labs, for example.

It’s also grain-free, making it a standout option among the many options out there. It’s simply the best for not just labs but pretty much any large working dog.

If your labrador is more than a pet, but instead a hunting companion or an athlete in their own right then this is a best dog food for lab retriever in your case. It’s rather expensive and too calorie dense for your average lab, but it shines for those dogs who need it.

Pros

  • Great profile for working dogs
  • High calorie per cup
  • Grain-free
  • Extra supplemental nutrients

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Not good for house pets

The Best Budget Food for Labrador Retrievers

The Best Budget Food for Labrador RetrieversLet’s face it, high-quality dog food has some high costs associated with it and not all of us can afford to pay for it. Thankfully, there are a couple of foods out there that are still great for your dog but won’t break the bank.

Our personal favorite for labs was this option from Purina. Coming in at 23% protein and 13% fat it’s not quite as ideal as many of the others we looked at, but it’s definitely enough to keep your dog healthy once they’re an adult.

It also has 4% fiber, which is pretty much the way to go until your dog gets into their senior years. It does lack some of the glucosamine and other nutrients which make keep dogs healthy into their later years.

All of this comes in at a cost about half that of our other favorites.

If you’re on a tight budget but still want to feed your lab a quality food, this one from Purina is the way to get.

Pros

  • Great nutrient profile
  • Good cost
  • Optimal fiber content
  • Two flavors available

Cons

  • No glucosamine or chondroitin
  • No taurine or EPA

Your Labrador Retriever’s Diet and Health Issues

Many of the common health issues which plague this beloved breed can be countered with a good diet and supplementation. Even if You’re buying the best lab dog food, your friend need a health supplements if it gets older, or has problems with hips, etc.

The following health issues are all fairly common in labs:

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Knee problems
  • Eye problems

Apart from the eye problems, Labradors are actually at a lower risk for the majority of joint problems than most dogs of their size. You should still go with a supplement and have your vet check on your dogs regularly as well.

There’s one special threat to a labrador’s health, however, which is obesity. Due to a slight genetic mutation, Labrador retrievers are actually more prone to obesity than virtually any other breed of dog.

This will exacerbate any joint problems, so it’s important to both supplement and watch your dog’s weight on a regular basis to avoid issues with them carrying too much fat. Calorie measurements can be tedious, but if you switch to one brand of food and get it right at the start pretty soon the whole process will be automatic.

Supplements for Labrador Retrievers

When it comes to labs, a few supplements can help to keep their joint and eye ailments away. Admittedly, not much can be done if your dog suffers from one of the rarer ailments, but if you start them on vitamins and supplements as puppies they’re much more likely to be able to avoid these issues.

Best Supplement for Your Lab’s Joints

FurroLandia Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs

FurroLandia Hemp Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs - 170 Soft ChewsHip and joint supplements are a must for labrador retrievers. This FurroLandia formula provides pretty much everything needed in order to keep their cartilage healthy over time and can help to prevent hip dysplasia and knee problems which are quite common in larger dogs.

The MSM contained within also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which helps to relieve any pain which is already occurring. If you wanted to help your lab with joint problem more, You can buy him dog steps for car to make his life easier.

Joint supplements are pretty much a must for labradors, and this high-strength formula is perfect and contains extra additives to help maintain health and kill pain even if your dog is already ailing.

Best Supplement for Your Lab’s Eyes

Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Animal Necessity

Ocu-GLO Vision Supplement Animal Necessity - Lutein, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Grapeseed Extract Support Optimal Eye Health & Vision in DogsPerhaps the most unfortunate, and common, ailment which afflicts labrador retrievers is cataracts and other serious eye problems that can cause blindness as your dog ages. Fortunately, there are supplements which can help to prevent these from forming although you’ll want to start your dog early.

Ocu-GLO has released this multivitamin which contains the essential nutrients required for your dog’s health, with a special emphasis on their eyes. Even foods formulated for labs often don’t contain the right ingredients to ensure eye health, and those that do often don’t have them in the right amounts.

Fortunately, this supplement contains 25 balanced nutrients specifically designed to keep your dog’s eyes healthy and also contains many of the nutrients which aren’t present in appreciable quantities in dog foods or even other multivitamins.

If you’re worried about your dog’s eyes as they age, this is a fantastic supplement to pick up. Get it now and start adding it to your dog’s diet for the best effects.

Best Multivitamin for Your Lab

Pet Honesty 10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine

10 in 1 Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine - Essential Dog Vitamins with Glucosamine Chondroitin, Probiotics and Omega Fish Oil for DogsMultivitamins are a great way to ensure that your pet stays healthy.  Pet Honesty goes out of their way to ensure that your pet’s specific breed is covered when you buy their vitamins, which puts them ahead of the competition.

This is a once a day chew and you can buy a whole years supply for a minimal cost. Most dogs readily accept the liver flavored, chewable vitamins and they supply all of the vital nutrients that your food might be missing.

Snap these up and supply them to your dog and you’ll be amazed with the results. Multivitamins are pretty much essential for skin and coat health, and this one really does cover most of the basics although you may still want to add other supplements. For your lovely lab You can buy wooden dog crates to supply him not only with multivitamin.

For overall health, these multivitamins are a great way to ensure that you’re able to cover all of the bases which your food might be missing.

Which Dogs Are Considered Labrador Retrievers?

Dogs Are Considered Labrador RetrieversThere are a few different breeds of dog which are considered to fall under the “lab” category.

The biggest differentiation is between English and American labradors. While quite similar physically, they tend to be a bit different when it comes to their behavior.

As a general rule, English labs tend to be quite a bit calmer and more easily trained. The main physical difference is that they tend to have shorter legs and a blockier head than their American counterparts.

Dogs Labrador RetrieversAmerican labradors, on the other hand, tend to be much more energetic and were primarily bred for field trials. They can be a bit more difficult, but their high energy levels and lean build lends them well to canine athletics and hunting with an experienced handler behind them.

Today the breed is separated into the original black color, the yellow variety, and the chocolate brown variety.

From the Field to the Home and Beyond

The common ancestral breed of labrador retrievers was known as the St. John’s Water Dog. These dogs came from relatively humble beginnings, being a breed which was bred entirely for one purpose: fowling.

Labrador RetrieversThey were renowned for this purpose. Due to their ability to tolerate even the coldest waters, they are remarkable hunting dogs when used to retrieve waterfowl such as duck during the colder seasons, and they are intelligent enough to also be used for purposes of pointing and flushing birds.

This incredible versatility has long made them a favored working dog among hunters, although most labradors these days are house pets.

The intelligence and work ethic the breed is known for is used for far more than hunting, however. They are one of the most commonly used guide dogs in the world and are frequently used as assistance dogs for those with disabilities.

Truly it’s not hard to see why they’re one of the most commonly kept breeds around. Their intelligence and loyalty truly makes them a breed apart.

Conclusion

Labradors Retrievers playLabrador retrievers have some of their own special issues when it comes to diet and health, but with the right food and supplements, you can ensure your lab stays healthy for a long time to come. You can help avoid many of the problems which come with them, including obesity, eye problems, and joint problems.

No need to hesitate, no matter the age of your lab or their current health conditions, the right food and supplements can greatly improve their quality of life and keep your friend healthy for years to come.

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Images credits: Amazon.com & photo stocks

Author

Susan Cropper

As a veterinarian practicing for 48 years, Dr. Cropper brings her priceless experience to all our readers. She is currently taking care of her two rescues, Ollie the Greyhound and Bryce the Pitbull mix, that is why she always sees things as a veterinarian and a pet owner simultaneously.

View all posts by Susan Cropper | DogsRecommend.com