5 Best Dog Foods For Labradoodles

Dog Food Nutrition November 29, 2023
best dog foods for Labradoodles

5 Best Dog Foods For Labradoodles

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One of the most popular designer or crossbreed dogs is the labradoodle. They are a hybrid between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. A labradoodle can have poodle parents that are small, toy, or regular-sized.

Both Poodles and Labradors are exceptionally intelligent breeds, so Labradoodles are usually very smart dogs.

Labradoodles can have wiry, soft, straight, wavy, or curly coats. Many people like the Labradoodle in the belief that they are “hypoallergenic” or non-shedding because of their Poodle heritage, but this is not always true. Some are low-shedding, but some of them do shed.

Feeding a Labradoodle can be tricky because of their range of sizes, but we can help you choose the best dog foods for Labradoodles.

Compare Best Dog Foods For Labradoodles

OVERALL BEST
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food

1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR ALLERGIES
Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Large Breed

2. Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Large Breed

BEST AFFORDABLE
Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food

3. Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food

BEST FOR PUPPIES
Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

4. Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe

5. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe

Protein
28% Min
Protein
19% Min
Protein
27% Min
Protein
10% Min
Protein
10% Min
Fat
17% Min
Fat
12% Min
Fat
17% Min
Fat
3% Min
Fat
5% Min
Fiber
4.1% Max
Fiber
3% Max
Fiber
4% Max
Fiber
2% Max
Fiber
1% Max
Calories
3,873 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/cup
Calories
363 kcal/cup
Calories
436 kcal/cup
Calories
1,298 kcal/kg
Calories
1,372kcal/kg

Our Criteria

We try to follow the recommendations of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association when selecting the best dog foods for Labradoodles. We look for foods that meet the following criteria as much as possible:

  • Foods that are AAFCO-approved, preferably with food trials.
  • Nutritional research and testing are paramount.
  • We prefer dog foods that are formulated by the staff of veterinary nutritionists.
  • Good quality control is essential.
  • A food’s nutrition is more important than ingredients that sound appealing to a dog’s owner. Marketing should not be the deciding factor in the food you buy for your dog.

We also take into consideration the recent warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about a possible link between grain free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. This investigation is ongoing. It has now been expanded to include exotic meats used in dog foods.

You can read the latest research in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 

At this time, we suggest that you feed your dog a food that is grain-inclusive (not grain-free) unless your veterinarian recommends a grain-free dog food for health reasons.

If your dog is diagnosed with a specific health problem, such as a food allergy or food sensitivity, please work with your veterinarian to select the right food for your dog.

For these reasons, we are not recommending many of the most popular dog foods today, which are often grain-free foods.

However, we are recommending what we think are the best dog foods for Labradoodles.

These dog foods are nutritious, formulated by veterinary nutritionists, produced with strict quality control, and backed by sound nutritional research.

The Best Rated Dog Foods For Labradoodles Reviewed

OVERALL BEST
1.

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 28% Min
  • Fat: 17% Min
  • Fiber: 4.1% Max
  • Calories: 3,873 kcal/kg, 352 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Helps maintain your dog’s coat health
  • The kibble shape is designed for your Labradoodle’s mouth and teeth
  • Supports healthy aging
  • Maintains good muscle tone.
Cons
  • Not suitable for puppies
  • If you have a very large Labradoodle, you will probably need a different food
  • If your Labradoodle resembles his Labrador Retriever parent, you may need a different food.
Although Labradoodles are a cross between Poodles and Labradors, we particularly like Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food.

Most Labradoodles are strongly influenced by their Poodle parent, especially in their face and jaws.

Unless you have an extremely large dog, we think this adult dog food is a great choice for most Labradoodles.

It has increased protein so you dog can better digest important nutrients. DHA helps support cerebral development.

And the kibble size encourages your dog to chew the food well. Suitable for adult dogs over 10 months of age. We think this is the best dog food for Labradoodles in general.
BEST FOR ALLERGIES
2.

Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Large Breed

Product Info

  • Protein: 19% Min
  • Fat: 12% Min
  • Fiber: 3% Max
  • Calories: 363 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Provides an exclusive blend of omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients to nourish your dog’s skin and coat
  • Keeps your dog’s immune system healthy with a clinically-proven blend of antioxidants, plus Vitamins C and E
  • Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin support your dog’s joint health
Cons
  • This is an adult maintenance formula so you should not feed it to puppies
  • This is a chicken and barley formula if these ingredients bother your dog, you will need to find a different formula.
If you have a larger Labradoodle, we recommend Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed dry dog food.

This Hill’s formula is precisely balanced for large dogs that can potentially have problems with bones and joints. These dogs need to stay slim so they don’t put any extra stress on their joints.

Foods for large dogs typically have slightly fewer calories to help them avoid becoming overweight.

This large dog formula contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin which are believed to help joints and mobility.

It also has antioxidants to help support your dog’s immune system. Plus, it contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This food is recommended for dogs that weigh more than 55 pounds.
BEST AFFORDABLE
3.

Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food

Product Info

  • Protein: 27% Min
  • Fat: 17% Min
  • Fiber: 4% Max
  • Calories: 436 kcal/cup
Pros
  • Makes a great choice for active dogs of all sizes and ages
  • Can be fed to growing puppies
  • No corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
Cons
  • The 17 percent fat could be too high for dogs that aren’t very active
  • Most dogs can eat barley and oatmeal but it’s possible your individual dog could have problems with them.
Purina Pro Plan makes a number of formulas, including their Sport line of foods for active dogs.

If your Labradoodle is very active – and some Poodle x Labradors are outstanding water dogs – you might consider Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food.

This formula has slightly lower levels of protein and fat than the well-known 30/20 formula but the 27/17 formula should provide plenty of energy for most active dogs.

Turkey is the first ingredient. Barley and oatmeal are high quality, easily digestible sources of energy. This formula contains no corn, wheat, or soy and no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
BEST FOR PUPPIES
4.

Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 10% Min
  • Fat: 3% Min
  • Fiber: 2% Max
  • Calories: 1,298 kcal/kg
Pros
  • Rich in lean protein (from fresh chicken)
  • Blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Highly digestible with supplemental fiber
Cons
  • More expensive than traditional kibble
As a cross between the Labrador Retriever and Poodle, the Labradoodle is a medium-to-large breed with moderate needs for energy and fat but high protein requirements. Ollie pet food is a great option because it is prepared fresh and cooked at low temperatures to preserve nutritional integrity and made with human-grade ingredients. Plus, it is high in moisture and natural flavor for your dog. We like Ollie’s Chicken Goodness recipe for the Labradoodle breed because it is rich in lean protein to help your dog maintain a healthy bodyweight. It contains a blend of omega fatty acids as well which is great for your dog’s coat with chia seed and rice for fiber.
BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
5.

Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe

Product Info

  • Protein: 10% Min
  • Fat: 5% Min
  • Fiber: 1% Max
  • Calories: 1,372kcal/kg
Pros
  • Rich in lean protein with moderate calorie content
  • Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
  • Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients
Cons
  • More expensive than many dry foods
Labradoodles require a diet rich in protein to maintain lean muscle mass with moderate fat and calorie content to prevent unhealthy weight gain. Nom Nom is a great option because it is fresh food made with wholesome, natural ingredients and perfectly portioned according to your dog’s calorie requirements. All you have to do is follow the feeding recommendations. We like Nom Nom’s Tasty Turkey Fare recipe for the Labradoodle breed because it is rich in lean protein with moderate fat and calories. Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion. It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures. This recipe is loaded with fiber for healthy digest and contains plenty of omega fatty acids as well to support your dog’s curly or wavy coat.

What Kind Of Diet Should You Feed Your Labradoodle?

Most Labradoodles should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. Most dogs require similar nutrients in their diet.

Protein

While dogs are not obligate carnivores, like cats, they still require plenty of protein in their daily diet, and meat protein is preferable to plant protein.

Your adult dog needs a minimum of 18 percent protein for daily maintenance.

Pregnant or nursing dogs and puppies need a minimum of 22 percent protein. Most dog foods today have higher protein percentages than these figures. This doesn’t mean that your dog needs enormous protein percentages.

Fat

Fat is essential to your dog’s diet. It provides energy-rich fatty acids that are essential for your dog’s skin, coat, and the development of organs, and they make food taste more appealing to your dog. If you’re not sure about the taste, try feeding your dog a food with reduced fat and you’ll likely find out how much he appreciates the taste of fat in his food.

Adult dogs need a minimum of 5 percent fat in their diet. Pregnant or nursing dogs and puppies need at least 8 percent fat per day. Practically all dog foods have much higher fat percentages than these figures.

If your dog is extremely active and the two of you engage in activities such as agility or sports like hunting, you can feed a food with a slightly higher fat percentage. Many performance dog foods have a fat percentage of up to 20 percent.

Carbohydrates

Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not filler ingredients or empty calories. Carbs often get a bad reputation because humans try to avoid them, but they are good for your dog.

They provide your dog with energy, fiber, and nutrients. Simple sugars and starches keep your dog’s brain functioning. Fiber helps regulate your dog’s gastrointestinal system. And complex carbohydrates help keep your dog’s glucose levels steady and avoid blood sugar spikes.

They keep your dog from feeling hungry all the time.

Fiber

Fiber can be soluble or insoluble, and your Labradoodle needs both. Soluble fiber can be found in chicory, inulin, and beet pulp, which are common dog food ingredients. This kind of fiber will attract water and help turn your dog’s stomach contents into a gel, usually slowing the digestive process.

Insoluble fiber isn’t digested. Instead, it adds bulk to your dog’s digestive matter and speeds digestion. Most kibbles have between 3 and 6 percent fiber. If your Labradoodle is having loose stools, it’s possible that the food may have too much fiber for his digestive system.

You can try switching to a food that has less fiber.

Probiotics and prebiotics

Your Labradoodle usually needs probiotics and prebiotics for good digestion. Prebiotics are “good” bacteria that help your dog’s gastrointestinal system develop the kind of organisms necessary to digest food. Prebiotics are dietary fibers.

You will often see them added to dog foods in the form of chicory or inulin. Probiotics are living microorganisms that are added to dog foods (sometimes after cooking) so they can “colonize” your dog’s digestive system with millions of good bacteria.

When they are established in your dog’s intestinal tract, they can improve your dog’s digestion.

It’s estimated that 70 percent of your dog’s immune system is located in his gastrointestinal system, so prebiotics and probiotics can play an important role in your dog’s health.

Vitamins and minerals

Dog foods are cooked at tremendously high temperatures. Some of the food’s vitamins and minerals are lost at these temperatures.

For this reason, dog food companies usually add vitamins and minerals back into the food later to make sure the food meets all of the nutritional requirements.

What To Look For When Choosing the Best Dog Foods For Labradoodles?

We recommend looking for the following when choosing the best dog foods for Labradoodles:

  • Look for a good-quality kibble that is grain-inclusive
  • We recommend a food with a protein percentage between 22 and 26 percent
  • Choose a food with a fat percentage between 12 and 15 percent
  • Most dog foods have a fiber percentage between 3 and 6 percent; this is appropriate for most dogs
  • Feed a grain-inclusive dog food unless your veterinarian recommends a different food for a diagnosed health problem.

If your dog has a health problem, please talk to your veterinarian and take his or her advice about what to feed your dog.

There are cases where your veterinarian might recommend a grain-free dog food if your dog has a food allergy, food sensitivity, or another health problem that makes it difficult for him to eat a food with grains. But do, please, talk to your veterinarian.

Special Considerations For Feeding A Labradoodle

Joint problems

Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles can have some joint problems, such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These problems can lead to arthritis and other health issues later in life. These joint issues can be passed along to their Labradoodle offspring. This may be more likely to occur with larger Labradoodles, such as dogs from Labrador and Standard Poodle crosses. Some Labradoodles, regardless of the Poodle parent, can be quite large.

For adult Labradoodles that are larger in size, we suggest feeding a large breed dog food that is formulated for dogs that can develop joint problems. If you have a small or medium-sized Labradoodle, it’s not necessary to feed this kind of food, but you should watch for any signs of hip or elbow dysplasia or other joint problems throughout your dog’s life.

Talk to your veterinarian if you notice any signs of arthritis or problems with mobility as your dog gets older.

How Much Should You Feed Your Labradoodle?

Because they can have a miniature, toy, or standard poodle parent, labradoodles can come in a range of sizes. As puppies, their growth can vary. An adult Labradoodle with a Standard Poodle parent can weigh between 45 and 65 pounds.

We couldn’t find any growth charts for Labradoodles that covered their entire growth period, so this information is taken from message boards and owners that have Labradoodle puppies. If your puppy is larger or smaller, you will need to adjust his portions.

Final Thoughts

Labradoodles are smart, funny, and friendly, and they make wonderful family pets. Many people love these dogs, and they are one of the most popular designer dogs. Some of them are low-shedding, but they can have different kinds of coats, so talk to the breeder about coat type, especially if you have to have a dog that doesn’t shed.

We recommend that you feed larger Labradoodle puppies a puppy food made for large breed dogs to lessen the chance of joint problems later in life. Otherwise, we don’t think you will have too many problems choosing the best dog foods for Labradoodles.

Best Dog Foods For Shedding

Carlotta Cooper is a long-time contributing editor for the weekly dog show magazine DN Dog News. She's the author of The Dog Adoption Bible, a Dog Writers Association of America (DWAA) award winner. In addition, she is an American Kennel Club Gazette breed columnist and the author of several books about dogs. She has been reviewing pet foods and writing about dog food for more than 10 years.
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