Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers

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One of the things that people agree on where Labradors are concerned is the fact that these dogs like their food. Getting a Lab to eat usually isn’t a problem. In fact, Labs, as a breed, can be prone to obesity. Labs are often used in feeding trials for dog food since they are “easy keepers” and seem to do well on all kinds of food.

Regardless, it’s still important to make sure that your Labrador Retriever is receiving good nutrition from the dog food you’re feeding him. Here are some tips on finding the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers and their pups.

Labrador Feeding Guide

Labrador Retrievers have the same basic nutritional needs as other dogs. They benefit from eating a good quality food. On the other hand, it’s best not to judge a food solely based on price. Some of the most expensive dog foods on the market today may not be suited or necessary for your Lab. You can ask yourself if your Lab really needs a food made from emu or kangaroo as opposed to ordinary chicken or lamb, particularly if he doesn’t have any problems with allergies.

It may make you feel good to pay enormous amounts for your dog’s food but in most cases it isn’t necessary in order for your Lab to enjoy a good, nutritious diet. Best dog food for Labrador Retrievers doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. It’s also best not to buy a food just because it works for your brother. A food that is suitable for his retired Greyhound may not be at all appropriate for your Lab.  The best way for you to learn about food for yourself is to learn to read dog food labels. Then you’ll be able to understand what’s in the food and what you’re actually feeding your dog.

Supplements for Labrador Retrievers

If you feed your dog a good quality dog food there is usually no need to add supplements to your dog’s diet. However, if it makes you feel better, you can add a good multivitamin type supplement. There is one supplement that you may wish to add which is Taurine. Taurine has been shown to help cardiac health in dogs. Some dog foods are beginning to add it as part of the ingredients. If your dog food doesn’t add it then you could add it as a supplement to your dog’s food. Fish oil also contains taurine.

Best Dog Food for Labrador Retrievers

Some experts suggest rotating dog food brands every 3-4 months in order to make sure that dogs are getting all of their nutritional needs met by their food, on the theory that if one food doesn’t provide all of the proper nutrition, then the next food may cover what’s missing. I do not recommend this method as some dogs have extremely vulnerable digestive systems. Purina One SmartBlend formula dog food is one which I highly recommend for your Labrador Retriever. Specifically, I recommend the Turkey and Venison formula as dogs love the taste of turkey in their meals. Purina uses real chunks of meat in their dog foods which will entice even the pickiest of dogs. Purina dog foods contain the perfect amount of protein content to promote your dogs ideal growth. Most good quality dog foods should meet the nutritional needs of your Labrador Retriever. However, as a Labrador owner for many years, I recommend the Purina SmartBlend as the best dog food for Labrador Retrievers. 

As already mentioned, Labrador Retrievers usually enjoy their food and it’s rare to find a Lab who is a picky eater. On the contrary, you’ll probably need to monitor your dog’s food in order to keep him from gaining too much weight. Do control his portions and don’t allow him to overeat. Watch out for snacks and don’t give him too many. If you do like to feed snacks then make sure you feed something healthy such as carrots or apple slices which don’t have a lot of calories. Popcorn also makes a good, low calorie snack, minus the butter. You should also make sure that your Lab continues to get plenty of exercise throughout his life.