10 Best Dog Foods for Labradors

Labradors are friendly, fun and energy full dogs that make great pets. There are so many dog food brands available in the market today, making it hard for new dog owners to select the best dog food for Labrador that provide all the nutrients that their dog needs. It is important to be careful when selecting the best dog food for Labradors. The food brand you select should not only provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs but it should also be safe for your dog. Just like our previous review of the best dog food for Siberian Husky, there are a number of things you need to consider when buying the dog food.

Types of Dog Food

Prior to embarking on a journey to the nearby pet store to buy dog food for your, you need to understand the different types of dog food available in the market. Understanding the different types of dog foods will make it easier for you to determine the best dog food that is ideal for your dog. Here are 5 types of dog foods.

Dry Foods

Dry dog food is a popular type of dog food that has low or no moist content in it. The dog food comes in form of Kibble/pellets, flaked cereals or biscuits. The dry form of dog food does not affect the nutrients contained in the food in any way thus you should not be worried about the nutritional content of dry dog food. This type of dog food come packed in bags and is easy to administer and last longer than other types of dog foods.

Semi-moist Dog Food

This type of dog food is commonly used as dog treat food. The food can come shaped like pork chops or other meaty foods to entice the dog. Most semi-moist dog food does not provide your dog with all the nutrients that your dog needs to stay strong and health.

Wet dog Food/Canned Foods

Just like the name of this type of dog food suggests, it has a high content of moisture. Canned dog food can easily be found in supermarkets and is considered to be expensive than other types of dog foods. The dog food requires you to cook it on high temperature to sterilize it and ensure that it is safe for your dog.

Homemade Foods

This type of dog food gives dog owners complete control on the food they give their dogs. The dog food is not only nutritional and healthy but it is also safe since your prepare it. The only drawback associated with this type of dog food is that it is not only time consuming but it is also expensive.

Raw Foods

Raw dog food is uncooked food that can be raw meat with bones. The food can be in frozen or freeze-dried formats. The dog food type is expensive compared to dry and wet dog foods.

How to Identify the Best Dog Food for Labradors

Now that you know the different types of dog food available, it is time now to learn how to identify the best dog food for Labradors. It is important to understand your dog to be able to select the best food for him. The dog food that might be enticing to your friend’s Labrador might not be as enticing to your new Labrador. Here are some of the factors to consider when shopping for the best dog food for Labradors.

Brand Names

Most new dog owners select dog food for their dogs based on the popularity of the dog food brand. The popularity of a dog food brand does not necessarily mean that the food is quality and nutritional to your dog. It is important for you to look at the ingredients found in the dog food even if it is from a reputable brand.

Stomach sensitivity

It is important to consider if your dog has a sensitive stomach. A dog that has a history of a sensitive stomach should take allergy-friendly dog food. There are so many hypoallergenic dog foods available in the market that is free from common allergens, such as gluten and soy which can irritate your dog’s stomach. Ensure that you stick to one the food that your dog likes and avoid switching the dog food each time.

Dog Age

The age of your Labrador is important when looking for the best dog food for Labradors. The nutrients content and amount needed by a puppy Labrador is different form the amount needed by an adult Labrador. It is important to keep in mind that different aged dogs require different nutritional needs. If you own a Labrador puppy, consider getting him some puppy food and get your adult dog food that is recommended for adult dogs.

Ingredients

The best dog food for Labradors should provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. The food should have a balanced diet should provide the dog with a rich source of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Watch out for ingredients such as “digest of beef” or “powdered cellulose.” Such ingredients can indicate low- quality fillers that may not have any nutritional benefits to your dog.

The best dog food for Labradors should have fewer ingredients. Food that has so many ingredients may not only irritate the stomach of your Labrador but might not provide him with the nutrients he needs. Some of the unrecognizable ingredients on the label can indicate fillers, additives, and preservatives which might not be good for your dog.

Weight

The weight of your dog is also important when selecting the best food for Labradors. If your Labrador is overweight, you not only need to reduce the portion of food you give to him but you also need to look for a dog food that can help encourage weight loss in your dog.

On the other hand, dog owners with underweight Labradors need to give their dog food that has a high content of protein to help them gain weight. Despite the weight of your dog, it is important to ensure that the food you give to your dog gives him all the nutrients he needs for a healthy lifestyle.

Top 10 Best Dog Food for Labradors

Now that you know how to identify the best dog food for Labradors, let’s look at some of the best dog foods that are ideal for Labradors. Our selection of the best food for Labradors is based on the ingredients and nutritional content of the dog food. We have provided you with reviews of the best dog food for Labradors with sensitive stomachs, puppies, adults and senior Labradors. Here are reviews of the best food for Labradors.

#1) Taste of the Wild High Prairie Adult Dog Food

The Taste of the Wild High Prairie adult dog food is available in 6 more flavors that can be in adult dogs and puppy formulas. The main ingredient is Buffalo, combined with Lamb Meal and Chicken Meal as great protein sources to keep your Labrador full. It has a delicious meaty flavor that is very tasty to most dogs.

The food formula has a minimum of 32% crude protein, for lean muscles and enough energy for active dogs. It is a grain free formula that contains easily digestible Sweet Potatoes, Peas, and Potatoes that provide enough fiber for easy digestion. The dog food formula is a great choice for Labradors that suffer from grain sensitivities and indigestion problems.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie has Canola oil as the main source of fat which is a great source of energy and also supports healthy skin and coat in your dog. It included fresh fruits and vegetables that provide important vitamins and minerals for the overall health of your dog.  The dog food is formulated with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support the joint health of the dog and ensure a shiny and soft coat.

Pros

• The dog food provides a minimum of 32% crude protein, for lean muscles development and growth.
• It has Buffalo, combined with Lamb Meal and Chicken Meal as great protein sources to keep your Labrador strong and healthy.
• The Taste of the Wild High Prairie adult dog food contains fresh fruits and vegetables that provide important vitamins and minerals to boost the immune system of your dog.
• It has Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support the joint health of the dog and give him a shiny and soft coat.
• The dog formula is grain and contains easily digestible fiber that is great for Labradors that suffer from grain sensitivities and indigestion problems.

Cons

• The dog food may cause some stomach problems in some dogs.

#2) Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Food

The Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain is a dry dog food that is grain-free. The food is ideal for dogs that are sensitive to grain and gluten. It is a popular dog food choice that is from a reputable brand. The dog food uses a single source of animal protein to reduce the risk for triggering food allergies in your Labrador.

The dry dog food has real lamb as the first ingredient to provide enough nutrients to your dog. It also has whole-food ingredients for fiber and nutritional support. The dog food contains a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support the health of your dog’s skin and coat. It also contains fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for the overall health of your pooch.

Pros

• The dog food has probiotics to aid in digestion.
• It comes with a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to ensure the health of your dog’s skin and coat.
• The Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain has a single source of animal protein to reduce the risk for triggering food allergies in your Labrador.
• It is a gluten-free dog food that is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• The dry dog food provides your dog with fresh fruits and vegetables as natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Cons

• The main source of fat in dog food is canola oil.

#3) FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal LID Large-Breed Recipe

FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal is healthy dog food for Labradors. It has a limited number of high-quality natural ingredients to ensure that your dog has all the nutrients he needs. The food is completely free from fillers and artificial additives. The dog food is designed for large dog breeds.

The dog food contains ocean fish meal as a single source of animal protein. It has grain-free carbohydrates such as potatoes with nutrient-rich chicken fat as a controlled source of calories. The Ocean fish meal contains chelated minerals and supplemental glucosamine that help to support joint health in senior dogs.

Pros

• It is a nutritious dog food that has chelated minerals and supplemental glucosamine that help to support joint health in senior dogs.
• The dog food has a limited number of high-quality natural ingredients to ensure that your dog has all the nutrients he needs and prevent allergies.
• It is free from fillers and artificial additives.
• The FirstMate Grain-Free Pacific Ocean Fish Meal has grain-free carbohydrates such as potatoes with nutrient-rich chicken fat as a controlled source of calories.

Cons

• The dog food has high fiber content which might not be ideal for a dog with digestion problems.
• It is expensive.

#4) American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult Recipe

The American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult is an affordable dog food that is formulated for large-breeds. It contains real chicken as a lean source of protein to keep your dog full and provide your dog with the nutrients he needs. The dog food has a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin to boost the immune and health of your dog.

The Large-Breed Adult Recipe has digestible grain-free carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide nutritional balance to your pooch. It has a rich source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with enough amounts of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and joints.

American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult food formula contains chelated minerals and dried fermentation products for probiotic support to keep the digestive track of your dog healthy.

Pros

• The dog food formula contains real chicken as a lean source of protein to keep your dog full and provide your dog with a rich source of protein.
• It contains a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin to boost the immune and health of your dog’s joints.
• The dog food includes chelated minerals and dried fermentation products for probiotic support
• It has omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids with enough amounts of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones which is important for senior dogs.
• American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Adult dog food is affordable.
• It has digestible grain-free carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes with fresh fruits and vegetables to provide the nutritional balance that your Labrador needs for a healthy lifestyle.

Cons

• It contains some plant protein (pea protein) and chicken ingredients which might not be good for dogs that are sensitive.

#5)Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food is an adult formula that is formulated for large breed dogs. It contains premium quality ingredients to ensure that all the nutritional needs of your Labrador are met. The main ingredient in the food formula is Deboned Chicken.

The Deboned Chicken and Chicken Meal which is a concentrated form of meat with greater amounts of proteins are the main sources of protein in the dog food. They provide a minimum of 22% crude protein, which makes the food formula one of the best dog food for Labradors. It contains easily digestible gains such as Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, and Peas as sources of carbohydrates. The grains offer a maximum of 6% fiber that is enough for easy digestion.

The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food has Flaxseed and chicken fat as a healthy source of fat for healthy skin and coat. It has a minimum of 12% crude fat that provides your Labrador with enough energy he needs. The dry dog food formula has all the vitamins and minerals that are needed by your dog.

It includes Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support the health of the skin and coat of the Labrador.  The dog food comes with Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy teeth, joints, and mobility in dogs.

Pros

• The dry dog food provides your dog with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to support the health of the skin and coat.
• It includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy teeth, joints, and mobility in your Labrador.
• Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Adult Dry Dog Food has Deboned Chicken and Chicken Meal as the main ingredient that provides a minimum of 22% crude protein, which makes the food formula one of the best dog food for Labradors.
• It contains easily digestible gains such as Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, and Peas as sources of carbohydrates which is enough for easy digestion
• The dog food formula has all the vitamins and minerals that are needed by your Labrador.

Cons

• The dog food contains grains which can cause stomach upset in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

#6) Orijen Large Puppy Formula Dog Food

Orijen Large Puppy Formula Dog Food is a healthy dog food formula that is ideal for Labrador puppies. It is made using premium quality ingredients. The dog food provides 85% meat, 15% vegetables, and 0% grains to support the healthy growth and development of your Labrador puppy. The main ingredient in the dog food formula is Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, and Whole eggs among others.

It is a protein-rich dog food that contains a minimum of 38% crude protein which makes it the best food for Labrador puppies. The dog food has easily digestible Whole Green Peas, Whole Navy Beans, Red and Green Lentils, and Chickpeas that provide a maximum of 6% crude fiber, which is ideal for sensitive stomach and puppies that are prone to diarrhea and vomiting.

The Orijen Large Puppy Formula Dog Food has Herring oil and Chicken fat as the main source of fat which provides a minimum of 16% crude fat to provide enough energy for always playful and active Labrador puppies. It has fresh fruits and vegetables to provide the dog with vitamins and minerals for their overall health and strong immune system.

Pros

• The Large Puppy Formula Dog Food made using premium quality ingredients that provide 85% meat, 15% vegetables, and 0% grains to support the healthy growth and development of your dog.
• It contains Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail Flounder, and Whole eggs as the main ingredients that offer a minimum of 38% crude protein which makes it the best food for puppies.
• The dog food formula provides your puppy with a minimum of 16% crude fat to provide enough energy for always playful and active puppies.
• It only has easily digestible Whole Green Peas, Whole Navy Beans, Red and Green Lentils, and Chickpeas which provide enough fiber which is ideal for sensitive stomach and puppies that are prone to diarrhea and vomiting.

Cons

• The dog food can cause gas in some dogs.

#7) Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food

The Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food is a quality dog food from a reputable brand. It is designed to meet all the nutritional needs of your dog by providing with high-quality ingredients. The dog food has Deboned Turkey combined with Turkey Meal and Chicken Meal as the main ingredients. The food formula provides a minimum of 34% crude protein which makes it ideal for highly active Labradors such as hunting Labradors.

The dry dog food has no grain and only contains easily digestible Peas and Potatoes which provide enough fiber that is good for dogs with stomach sensitivities. It provides a maximum 4% crude fiber which keeps your Labrador full without causing any digestive problems. The dog food formula has Chicken fat combined with Salmon oil as the main source of fat for a healthy looking coat and skin. The fat also acts as a source of energy. It also includes fruits and vegetables as natural sources of vitamins and minerals for a strong immune system.

Pros

• It is a well-balanced formula that can be used for daily feeding.
• The dog food is made to meet all the nutritional needs of your Labrador by providing him with high-quality ingredients.
• It is a protein-rich food formula that provides a minimum of 34% crude protein which makes it ideal for highly active Labradors.
• Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food provides your Labrador with a maximum 4% crude fiber which is enough fiber that is good for dogs with stomach sensitivities
• It has Chicken fat combined with Salmon oil for a healthy looking coat and skin and as a source of energy to your dog.
• The dog food formula keeps your Labrador full without causing any digestive problems.

Cons

• The food formula can cause diarrhea in some dogs.

#8) Brothers Complete Turkey Meal and Egg Advanced Allergy Formula

Brothers Complete Turkey Meal and Egg Advanced Allergy Formula is a quality dog food formula that is ideal for all life stages and daily feeding of Labradors. It is an advanced allergy formula that is made of human grade ingredients with 90% for the food being meat. The dog food is formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support healthy gastrointestinal system and normal digestion in your Labrador.

The main ingredient in the dog food is Turkey Meal and Whole Dried Eggs which together provide a minimum of 36% crude protein, which will ensure healthy and toned muscles. It is a grain free formula that has easily digestible carbohydrates from Tapioca, Peas, and Pumpkin that won’t cause allergies in your dog.

It has Chicken fat as the main source of fat in the formula which provides enough energy for active dogs such as Labrador retrievers. The food formula contains fruits and vegetables to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that support a strong immune system in your Labrador.

Pros

• The dog food is ideal for all life stages and daily feeding of your Labrador.
• It provides a maximum of 4% crude fiber that does not cause any gastrointestinal upset but will keep your dog’s stomach full.
• The Brothers Complete Turkey Meal and Egg Advanced Allergy Formula include fruits and vegetables to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that your Labrador needs for a strong immune system.
• It provides enough energy for active dogs such as Labrador retrievers.
• The food formula contains prebiotics, probiotics, and digestive enzymes to support healthy gastrointestinal system and normal digestion in your dog.
• It contains easily digestible carbohydrates and offers a minimum of 36% crude protein, which will ensure healthy and toned muscles in your Labrador.

Cons

• The dog food can cause gas in some dogs.

#9) Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet LID Grain-Free Lamb & Sweet Potato Large-Breed Recipe

The Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet LID Grain-Free dog food formula is one of the best foods for Labrador retrievers with allergies and sensitivities. It has a limited ingredient which makes it easy to digest without upsetting the stomach of the dog. The dog food contains deboned lamb as a single source of animal protein.

The single source of animal protein limits the risk of food allergies in dogs. It has grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and potatoes with supplemental sources of fiber like potato starch and lentils for easy digestion. The dog food formula has a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also contains chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and support joint health in senior dogs.

Pros

• Nutro Limited Ingredient Diet LID Grain-Free dog food formula contains deboned lamb as a single source of animal protein to limits the risk for food allergies in your Labrador.
• It has a blend of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat and provides enough energy for active dogs.
• The dog food formula includes chelated minerals to ensure optimal nutrient absorption and support joint health.
• It is one of the best foods for Labrador retrievers with allergies and sensitivities.
• The dog food has grain-free carbohydrates like chickpeas and potatoes with supplemental sources of fiber like potato starch and lentils for easy digestion
• It keeps the dog feeling full without causing any digestive problems for your Labrador.

Cons

• It has some plant protein (potato protein) and plant-based fats which might not be good for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

#10) NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery Service

The NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery Service is a premium dog food formula that is ideal for Labrador retrievers. It is a fresh dog food delivery service which makes custom meals for your Labrador and delivers the food to your door every month. The food delivery service offers several recipes to choose from.

It lets the dog owner select the option that best suits your dog’s preferences and nutritional requirements. The recipe provides all the nutrients and calorie needed by your dog. Dog owners can make adjustments if their Labrador has food allergies. You only need to fill out a simple profile online, choose the recipe you want, and start receiving monthly shipments.

Pros

• The dog food formula provides all the nutrients and calorie needed by your Labrador daily.
• It provides you with several recipes to choose from, making it easy for dog owners to select the option that best suits your dog’s preferences and nutritional requirements.
• NomNomNow Fresh Food Delivery Service lets dog owners make adjustments if their Labrador has food allergies.
• They make custom meals for your Labrador and deliver the food to your door every month which can be convenient for those who want to give their dog premium quality food but lack the time to go to the shops.

Cons

• Delivery is restricted in some areas.
• Dog food delivery is very expensive.
• It has a limited number if recipe options.

Conclusion

The best dog food for Labradors should provide all the nutrients that your dog needs. The best food for Labradors should provide your dog with a higher percentage of protein and some fiber, vitamins, fat, and minerals. The best food to feed Labradors varies depending on the dog’s age and activity level.

Some dogs may have an allergy or intolerance to a certain ingredient found in dog food, or they may simply not thrive on a particular food. Finding the best dog food for Labradors is all a trial and error process that requires you to do proper research. We hope that you can find the best food for Labradors from our list of dog foods.