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  1. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food | BEST AFFORDABLE  3. Purina Pro Plan Sport Active 27/17 Turkey & Barley Formula Dry Dog Food | |||
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
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends selecting the best dog foods for Labradoodles based on several criteria. These include AAFCO-approved foods, nutritional research and testing formulated by veterinary nutritionists, good quality control, and nutrition over marketing appeal.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, which has expanded to include exotic meats. The latest research can be found in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Currently, it is recommended to feed grain-inclusive dog food unless a veterinarian recommends it for health reasons. If your dog has a specific health problem, such as a food allergy or sensitivity, consult with your veterinarian.
Many popular dog foods are often grain-free, so the World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends the best dog foods for Labradoodles. These 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Hill's® Science Diet® Adult Large Breed
Product Info
- Protein: 19% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 3% Max
- Calories: 363 kcal/cup
- 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
- 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.
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.
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
- 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
- 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.
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.
Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 3% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Calories: 1,298 kcal/kg
- Rich in lean protein (from fresh chicken)
- Blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Highly digestible with supplemental fiber
- More expensive than traditional kibble
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Calories: 1,372kcal/kg
- Rich in lean protein with moderate calorie content
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
- Made with fresh, wholesome ingredients
- More expensive than many dry foods
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
Dogs, while not obligate carnivores like cats, still need plenty of protein in their daily diet, with meat protein being preferable.
Adult dogs need 18% protein for daily maintenance, while pregnant or nursing dogs and puppies need 22%. Most dog foods have higher protein percentages, but not all dogs need enormous amounts.
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 him food with a slightly higher fat percentage. Many performance dog foods have a fat percentage of up to 20 percent.
Carbohydrates
Carbs, despite their negative reputation, are beneficial for dogs as they provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. They help maintain brain function, regulate the gastrointestinal system, and maintain glucose levels.
Complex carbohydrates help prevent blood sugar spikes and prevent constant hunger, while simple sugars and starches support the brain and gastrointestinal system.
Fiber
Labradoodles require both soluble and insoluble fiber in their diet. Soluble fiber, found in ingredients like chicory, inulin, and beet pulp, slows digestion by attracting water and forming a gel in the stomach.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk and speeds up digestion. Most kibbles have 3-6 percent fiber. If loose stools occur, it may be due to excessive fiber in the food, so consider switching to a less fiber-rich option.
You can try switching to a food that has less fiber.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Labradoodles require probiotics and prebiotics for proper digestion. Prebiotics are beneficial bacteria that aid in the development of necessary digestive organisms, often found in dog foods like chicory or inulin.
Probiotics, living microorganisms, are added to dog foods to colonize the digestive system with millions of good bacteria. Establishing these in the dog’s intestinal tract can improve digestion and contribute to their health, as 70% of their immune system is located in the gastrointestinal system.
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?
When selecting the best dog food for Labradoodles, it is recommended to use a good-quality grain-inclusive kibble, a food with a protein percentage between 22 and 26%, a fat percentage between 12 and 15%, and a fiber percentage between 3 and 6 percent.
It is advised to feed a grain-inclusive dog food unless your veterinarian recommends a different food for a diagnosed health problem. If your dog has a food allergy, food sensitivity, or other health issue that makes it difficult to eat grain-based food, consult your veterinarian for advice.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Labradoodle
Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles can develop joint problems, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, which can lead to arthritis and other health issues later in life. These issues can be passed on to Labradoodle offspring, especially larger Labradoodles from Labrador and Standard Poodle crosses.
For adult Labradoodles, it is recommended to feed large-breed dog food formulated for joint problems. Small or medium-sized Labradoodles should not be fed this food, but they should be monitored for signs of hip or elbow dysplasia and discuss any issues with mobility with their veterinarian.
How Much Should You Feed Your Labradoodle?
Labradoodles come in various sizes due to their parentage, including miniature, toy, or standard poodles. As puppies, their growth can vary, with adult Labradoodles weighing between 45 and 65 pounds.
Growth charts for Labradoodles are based on message boards and owners’ experiences, and adjustments may be necessary for larger or smaller puppies.
Final Thoughts
Labradoodles are intelligent, funny, and friendly family pets, popular among designers. They can have low-shedding coats, so consult the breeder for specific options. For larger Labradoodle puppies, it’s recommended to use puppy food designed for large breed dogs to reduce joint problems. Choosing the best dog food for Labradoodles is easy, and choosing the right food isn’t difficult.
