Best Dog Foods For Labs

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The most popular dog breed in the United States, Canada, and many other countries around the world is the Labrador Retriever. Family-friendly, super intelligent, active, outgoing, and affectionate, the lab is medium-large in size. Colors are black, chocolate, or yellow.

In this article, we will tell you about the best food for your Labrador Retriever. For quick navigation, use the table of contents below:

Compare Best Dog Foods For Labs

OVERALL BEST 1. Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	RUNNER UP 2. Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe Try Ollie Read Review	BEST AFFORDABLE 3. Royal Canin Large Breed Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FOR PUPPIES 4. Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Active 26/16 Formula Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FOR SENIORS 5. Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review	BEST FOR ALLERGIES 6. Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food View on Chewy Read Review
Protein 28% Min	Protein 44% Min	Protein 24% Min	Protein 26% Min	Protein 25% Min	Protein 20.0% Min
Fat 18% Min	Fat 28% Min	Fat 15% Min	Fat 16% Min	Fat 15% Min	Fat 11.5% Min
Fiber 2.9% Max	Fiber 8% Max	Fiber 3.3% Max	Fiber 3% Max	Fiber 4% Max	Fiber 4.0% Max
Calories 395 kcal/cup	Calories 1,390 kcal/kg	Calories 397 kcal/cup	Calories 439 kcal/cup	Calories 446 kcal/cup	Calories 363 kcal/cup

Our criteria

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about dog foods containing peas, legumes, lentils, and root vegetables like potatoes.

These ingredients are often used in grain-free dog foods, which have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a serious heart problem in dogs. Many of these dogs also have low levels of taurine, a potentially diet-related issue.

The FDA is working with veterinary cardiologists and dog owners to research this issue.

Owners are advised to avoid large amounts of these ingredients. Other criteria for selecting dog food for labs include research backing claims, qualified veterinary nutritionists formulating the food, rigorous quality control, and avoiding exotic ingredients to avoid nutritional deficiencies.

The FDA is working with veterinary cardiologists and dog owners to address this issue.

Best Rated Dog Foods For Labrador Retrievers Reviewed

All of the foods suggested here have scored good results when testing dogs for taurine levels and when performing echocardiograms for diagnosing dilated cardiomyopathy.

They are made by bigger companies that have veterinary nutritionists on staff and that perform rigorous quality control. These foods are grain-inclusive.

OVERALL BEST

1.

Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain Dry Dog Food

View on Chewy

Product Info

• Protein: 28% Min
• Fat: 18% Min
• Fiber: 2.9% Max
• Calories: 395 kcal/cup

Pros

• 92 percent of the protein comes from animal source
• 60 percent animal ingredients
• Farmina makes foods with quinoa, in case your dog has allergies or food sensitivities

Cons

• The fish formulas have a very strong odor
• Farmina uses spelt in their foods which is a sub-species of wheat; this could be a problem for dogs with wheat allergies

Our top pick for the best food to feed your Labrador Retriever is Farmina N & D Ancestral Low Grain Dry Dog Food.

We particularly like the cod formula, but all of the low grain formulas are very good as well. This food is made in Italy and the company works with the Chair of Animal Nutrition at the University of Naples to formulate this food.

It is comprised of 60 percent high quality animal ingredients, 20 percent organic spelt and organic oats, and 20 percent vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and minerals.

Farmina has become especially popular in the United States recently, because of the warning issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration linking grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (a serious heart problem) in dogs.

Farmina ancestral low grain dog foods are one of the brands that have been performing very well when dog taurine levels were tested.

RUNNER UP

2.

Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe

Try Ollie

Product Info

• Protein: 44% Min
• Fat: 28% Min
• Fiber: 8% Max
• Calories: 1,390 kcal/kg

Pros

• Real ground turkey as main ingredient
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat

Cons

• May be too high in fiber for some Bullmastiff dogs
• Grain-free recipe

Made with human-grade ingredients and delivered fresh to your door, Ollie pet food is an excellent source of balanced nutrition for your Labrador Retriever.

This Healthy Turkey Feast features ground turkey as a novel source of protein unlikely to trigger food allergies and, while it is a grain-free recipe, it only contains one carbohydrate ingredient high in plant proteins (lentils).

Overall, this recipe is loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, omega fatty acids, and beneficial supplements.

It will provide your Labrador Retriever with plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and lots of fiber for healthy digestion.

BEST AFFORDABLE

3.

Royal Canin Large Breed Dog Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 24% Min
• Fat: 15% Min
• Fiber: 3.3% Max
• Calories: 397 kcal/cup

Pros

• Maintains digestive system health
• Supports bone and joint health
• Supports skin health

Cons

• This product contains corn, wheat, and chicken by-product meal which sensitive dogs may not like

Royal Canin Large Breed Dog food provides joint support for big dogs. It also helps keep dogs at a healthy weight. This is an all-life stage formula so you can also feed it to growing large breed puppies. It’s designed for dogs that will reach between 56 and 99 pounds as adults. Royal Canin also has a formula for adult Labrador Retrievers and a puppy formula that is made specifically for Labrador Retriever puppies.

All of these foods would be good choices for your Lab.

BEST FOR PUPPIES

4.

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Active 26/16 Formula Dry Dog Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 26% Min
• Fat: 16% Min
• Fiber: 3% Max
• Calories: 439 kcal/cup

Pros

• Purina employs veterinary nutritionists to formulate their foods
• The company has outstanding quality control measures

Cons

• This food contains wheat, corn, and animal ingredients that some dogs may be sensitive to
• Some people do not like the Purina company or any of its products

Purina Pro Plan Sport All Life Stages Active 26/16 formula is designed for active dogs. It doesn’t have as much fat or as many calories as the 30/20 formula but it provides more than enough energy for house dogs to run and play. It has high quality protein with chicken as the first ingredient to maintain lean muscle and keep your dog in ideal condition.

High quality sources of carbohydrates provide good energy. Rich antioxidants support a healthy immune system. The formula is easily digestible so your dog gets all of the nutrients he needs. Suitable for growing puppies, adults, and senior dogs.

BEST FOR SENIORS

5.

Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food

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Product Info

• Protein: 25% Min
• Fat: 15% Min
• Fiber: 4% Max
• Calories: 446 kcal/cup

Pros

• Eukanuba foods are formulated by veterinary nutritionists
• The company’s facilities have superior quality control

Cons

• This food contains corn and chicken by-product meal which some dogs may be sensitive to

Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Food is a maintenance formula that’s suitable for adult dogs. Chicken is the first ingredient.

The food also contains Eukanuba’s patented 3D DentaDefense System which has been proven to reduce tartar build-up after 28 days. (You can find Eukanuba’s research into dog dental care online.)

The food also has a specialized fiber content made from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOS (a natural sugar) that promotes nutrient absorption and healthy digestion.

It also contains naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support. This food has no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or added gluten.

BEST FOR ALLERGIES

6.

Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

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View on Amazon

Product Info

• Protein: 20.0% Min
• Fat: 11.5% Min
• Fiber: 4.0% Max
• Calories: 363 kcal/cup

Pros

• Formulated by veterinary nutritionists
• Made at the company’s facilities in the U.S
• The company has strict standards that exceed industry standards

Cons

• The food contains corn and wheat which some people will not like

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed dog food is a maintenance food. It’s suitable for adult dogs. Chicken is the first ingredient. It has balanced nutrition with natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and mobility support.

It has clinically-proven antioxidant benefits. And it has no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Plus, it’s easy for your dog to digest. Recommended for big dogs between 1 and 5 years of age that weigh between 55 and 110 pounds.

Special Considerations For Feeding Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy and enjoy eating, making them easy to maintain with good-quality dog food. However, they can be overweight, which can lead to health problems like hip dysplasia, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness.

Spayed or neutered dogs have a slower metabolism, making them more likely to gain weight. To ensure a healthy diet, choose a low-fat dog food with a minimum of 5% fat content. Active dogs can have more fat, while couch potatoes may gain weight.

Treats should not make up more than 10–15% of the dog’s daily caloric intake, as some contain more calories than expected. It is essential to monitor your dog’s weight and treat intake to prevent health issues.

Understanding The Dietary Needs Of Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are active dogs, needing plenty of calories for agility, rallying, and hunting. As they age, they slow down and easily put on weight. To help them stay fit, cut back on portions or switch to mature adult foods with fewer calories.

Engaging in daily walks and regular runs can help keep your dog active throughout their life. Regular walks and runs can be enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Are There Any Special Nutritional Requirements?

Labrador Retriever puppies require specific nutritional needs, especially for their medium-large breed. Feeding them a food formulated for large breeds encourages slow growth, has fewer calories, and provides the correct calcium and phosphorus amounts.

Proper feeding can prevent issues like hip dysplasia and bone diseases in the future. As long as the food is complete and balanced, no supplements or nutrients are needed.

How Much Should You Feed Your Lab?

Adult Labrador Retrievers need between 20 and 30 calories per day per pound, so if your Lab weighs 60 pounds, you should feed them 1500 calories per day. Divide these calories into two meals, one in the morning and one in the evening.

Kibble varies in calories, with most having around 350 calories per cup. Calories can be found on the bag or on the company website. Many people prefer following feeding suggestions on the dog food bag, which can be adjusted based on weight.

A healthy Labrador Retriever should have a “tuck-up” or waist behind their ribs, good energy, clear eyes, and good skin and coat. Gradually change their food and keep fresh water available. Labrador Retrievers are easy to maintain, but if they are losing weight, consult a veterinarian.

Do Labs Have Food Allergies Or Food Sensitivities?

Most Labrador Retrievers do not have problems with skin allergies, including food allergies or food sensitivities.

Of course, if your dog has allergies or food sensitivities, then it probably seems like that’s all you notice. If your dog does seem to have a food allergy or food sensitivity, we recommend working with your veterinarian to identify his food triggers.

That’s usually faster and less expensive, in the long run, than trying to figure it out yourself.

Final Thoughts

You and your vet can put your dog on an elimination diet to find out which ingredient(s) are causing problems. Once you have identified the problem ingredients, you can find a food that will hopefully work for your dog. If you do need to feed a prescription dog food, several companies make genuine hypoallergenic diets.