Labradoodles are one of the most caring and fun dog breeds in the world. They have become more and more popular over recent years becoming a trend in many countries. These loveable pooches are beautiful to look at and own, thanks to their unique personalities and friendly traits.
A crossbreed between a labrador and a poodle, Labradoodles tend to be loyal with a lot of energy to exert. To maintain this high-energy and good spirits, these dogs require a healthy and nutritional balanced diet.
Without a balanced diet, your labradoodle can become unwell and start experiencing health concerns. If you are a first-time owner or just want to brush up on your labradoodle’s diet, you are in the right place.
As with all breeds of dogs, Labradoodles require unique health protocols as well as toys, beds, and dog food. Labradoodles need to have highly nutritious dog food to keep them fit and healthy.
This breed tends to have a hypoallergenic and non-shedding coat, so finding food with additional vitamins, omega-3s, and minerals is vital.
As you may be aware, there are many options of dog food out there, and narrowing down the search to the best 5 can be difficult. That is why we have done the hard work for you! No matter what age and category your Labradoodle falls into, we have researched the best dog foods for Labradoodles on the market today.
The following guide will have options for adults, puppies and take into account possible allergies and sensitivities that are common in Labradoodles. If you’re ready, let’s explore the top dog foods for your pooch today!
Best Dog Food For Labradoodle
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food
No products found.Purina is one of the most well-known brands of dog food in the world, and this Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food is a great option if you have a Labradoodle under the age of 1 year old. This food will provide your pup with proper nutrition to help them grow healthily and support healthy skin with nutrients for a silky coat.
This Pro Plan dog food is made into small circular bites so your Labradoodle can chew and digest it easily. These contain real bits of chicken which your pup will love the taste of. You may worry about transitioning over to dry dog food if you started your Labradoodle on wet foods, but Purina Pro Plan puppy food is easy to shift over to.
Rich in antioxidants, this food will support your puppy’s immune system while they are developing, as well as offering a plentiful supply of calcium and phosphorus to promote strong bones and teeth.
Pros
- Contains important nutrients and minerals – Helps support your dog’s immune system and overall health
- Contains DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) from fish oil – Helps nourish brain development and vision as your pup grows
- Small circular bites – Easy to chew and digest for your pup without any risk of discomfort or choking
Cons
- Contains corn fillers – Acts as a filler ingredient that can cause allergic reactions in some dogs
Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food
No products found.Available in 15-pound and 30-pound bags, Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Large Breed Dog Food should last your dog a while, saving you money from buying dog food every week or so. This food has been made especially for large dogs and contains ingredients that your dog will undoubtedly love.
With deboned chicken and a brown rice recipe, Wellness large breed dog food won’t only be delicious for your pooch to chew into, but also very beneficial to their health. It features excellent levels of chondroitin and glucosamine to support joints and hips.
Labradoodles can suffer from joint and hip pain so this is especially important. This Wellness formula also contains an ideal amount of calcium, phosphorus and a range of other healthy minerals to maintain your dog’s bone strength.
Some dog food can be quite fatty and this can lead to extra weight on their joints and bones. Wellness large breed dog food has fewer calories so your Labradoodle can stay lean and avoid problems such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.
Pros
- No meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives – Filled with meat protein to promote healthy bones, skin, and coat
- Contains guaranteed levels of probiotics – The lack of ingredients such as corn wheat means your dog’s digestion is excellently supported
- Includes chondroitin and glucosamine – Supports healthy joints and hips to limit the chances of arthritis and hip dysplasia
Cons
- Only suitable for adults – Can’t be given to puppies as it won’t support their growing bodies very well
Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food
No products found.Featuring cage-free chicken as its first ingredient and a chicken meal as its second, Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe with Real Chicken Natural Dry Dog Food will hit the right spot in your pooches’ belly every time.
Other ingredients include a herring meal and menhaden fish meal so your labradoodle will be getting a lot of animal protein thanks to this recipe.
Your dog’s immune system needs to be protected and kept healthy at all times. Just like us, a lack of the right vitamins and nutrients can leave your Labradoodle feeling sick and unwell. Fortunately, Instinct Natural Dry Dog Food, has live levels of omega fatty acids, natural probiotics and antioxidants to keep your dog’s immune system and digestion healthy.
It is also very important to look after your dog’s coat and this dog food will ensure your dog’s fur and skin will look and feel great. Just be careful to measure this food before serving as it is very high in calories.
Pros
- Contains omega fatty acids, natural probiotics, and antioxidants – Helps promote a healthy immune and digestive system as well as their skin and coat
- Kibble comes coated with freeze-dried raw food – Your pooch will love the taste of this food every time
- Very high in animal protein – Helps your dog’s bone strength and benefits your pet’s growth and regeneration of tissues
Cons
- Recipe has changed in recent years – Some dog owners have found their pets had an upset stomach with the new recipe as they were not used to the ingredients
Nutro Hearty Stew Adult High Protein Natural Wet Dog Food
No products found.One of the best-canned dog foods on the market today, Nutro Hearty Stew Adult High Protein Natural Wet Dog Food, is a very popular choice among Labradoodles all over the country.
Nutro kibbles have been very popular for a number of years but this canned food offers more health benefits than ever before.
This dog food is entirely free of grains, GMOs (genetically modified organisms), chicken by-products, soy, corn, artificial colors, wheat, flavors, and preservatives. This means it is packed full of natural ingredients that will help your Labradoodle stay fit and strong.
The ingredients include real chicken as the first ingredient, and chicken liver, while for broth it has chicken broth and pork broth. These are ingredients that dogs love and yours will too.
Along with vitamins, minerals, and vegetables, your pooch will enjoy this taste sensation while benefiting from its multitude of important vitamins and nutrients.
Pros
- The first ingredient is chicken – This dog food is most abundant in chicken which will benefit your dog’s weight and health
- No corn, soy, or wheat – Some dogs can suffer from allergies or sensitive stomachs but the lack of these ingredients promotes healthier digestion and immune system
- No chicken by-product meal – Limits allergies and discomfort for many dogs and supports your pet’s health
Cons
- Can cause diarrhea – Some dogs have suffered from digestive problems when they first eat this food which means some ingredients may not be suitable for all dogs
The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Turkey Dog Food
No products found.If you’re looking for a premium dog food option, look no further than The Honest Kitchen Human Grade Grain Free Turkey Dog Food.
If you’re like us, you may be surprised to see that this food is “human grade”. This is very reassuring as if it is good enough for humans, it is certainly good enough for our furry best friends.
We love the fact that this food comes in a dehydrated-type format. Just add some water to the 10-pounds mixture and it becomes 40-pounds of wet dog food.
You could save yourself a fortune instead of buying bigger packs of dog food in the future! This also takes up a lot less space than 40-pound bags of dog food so you won’t have to worry about finding a new place to store your Labradoodle’s meals.
Made from natural and wholesome ingredients, This Honest Grade Dehydrated Grain Free Turkey Dog Food is very flavorsome and high in protein to support your dog’s health.
Made with cage-free and grain-free turkey that is dehydrated, your dog’s digestion will benefit and retain all of the natural nutrients from the food.
Pros
- Dehydrated dog food – Just add some water and this food becomes wet dog food that is 4 times the size which will save you money and take up less space than bigger packs of dog food
- All-natural ingredients – Limits the risks of digestion problems and allergies that some Labradoodles suffer from
- Easy to prepare – Comes with instructions on how to stir, mix, and prepare perfectly for your dog to enjoy a fulfilling and nutritious meal
Cons
- More costly than many – Tends to be on the higher end of the price scale, but its extremely high-quality warrants this price tag
- Some dogs dislike the taste – As with most dog foods, this wasn’t a success for all dogs
Buyer’s Guide
Now you know our top 5 dog foods for Labradoodles, you probably want to rush out and buy your favorite right now. However, there are some important factors to consider such as the nutritional requirements of your Labradoodle.
Continue reading to find out what you should be looking for in dog food for your furry best friend.
Fats
Your Labradoodle requires fats in a healthy diet but preferably, healthy fats. Such fats help boost your Labradoodle’s energy levels and are a vital nutrient that helps your dog’s overall wellness and health.
It is important to note that your dog’s diet shouldn’t be heavy in fats, but some amount is beneficial. Fatty acids are used for inflammation responses within your pet’s body and limit the growth of certain yeast that can cause infections in dogs.
Furthermore, fatty acids contribute to a healthier coat and skin for your Labradoodle, so ensure the dog food you are buying has enough for a balanced diet.
Carbohydrates
Dog food should always have carbohydrates in it.
Healthy carbohydrates are the best option, but you don’t want it to be too heavy in carbs as your dog’s body doesn’t derive that much nourishment from carbohydrates. They act more as a secondary fuel for your dog’s body as they use up their protein fuel.
Sufficient nutrition and healthy carbs will ensure your Labradoodle has proper energy levels throughout each and every day.
Carbs use simple sugars as well as complex sugars to keep your dog energized. Carbs also include glucose and fibers which are essential for your Labradoodle’s digestive system and promote healthy stools.
There is no exact recommendation for the maximum or minimum amount of carbohydrates you should give your dog.
However, as it is an important source of fiber and energy, you should give enough so that the protein in your Labradoodle’s diet can focus on other areas of the body where it is needed.
Proteins
Protein is vital in any kind of food as it provides healthy energy as well as lean muscle. This is very true when it comes to your dog’s health too.
Protein works at improving overall health and growth but it is also exceptional at restorative assistance if your dog damages any tissue. Protein can help repair this tissue so your labradoodle can be up and running as quickly as possible.
Protein is important in everyday life and your pooch needs it for healing, growing, and maintaining a healthy body.
Proteins are built from amino acids and these are key to your dog’s overall health. This is why you should always check your dog’s food for essential amino acids to ensure they will be getting the right amount.
Your Labradoodle can’t actually produce these amino acids on their own so it is crucial your best friend gets enough from their food.
Feeding guide
There are different feeding guides for your Labradoodle depending on their age. Let’s take a look at how you should feed your pooch through the age ranges.
Puppy – Puppies need more calories because of their continued and rapid growth. Getting the right amount of food and nutrition at this stage is vital for your dog’s future health. Always be aware of any allergies as this is where they start to form. Initially, try and equal the calories from your dog food to what your Labradoodle was being fed by their mother’s milk. Consult the box your dog food came in and match it up with the weight of your dog.
Adult – After 10 to 12 months, your Labradoodle will be an adult. At this point, your loveable furry hound should be eating 3 cups of dog food over two meals a day, at the most. This can depend on the type of dog food you are using as some have more calories than others. Don’t feed your dog straight after exercise as this can cause bloating. Dry food is recommended and should be close to water to prevent dehydration or digestion issues.
Senior – Once your furry best friend gets to 11 years old, they are considered a senior. Once at this stage, continue with the same diet but you can cut down on the portion sizes if they exercise less. At this age, your Labradoodle is more prone to bone and joint pain, so always keep a close eye on their health.
FAQs
Should Labradoodles eat dry or canned food?
There is no clear, definitive answer to this question. When dogs chew on dry food, it reduces plaque and tartar build-up. The additional crunch also strengthens your Labradoodle’s teeth and can improve their breath.
Dry food generally lasts longer too, especially without refrigeration so it is thought to be an easier option for most dog owners.
On the other hand, your Labradoodle will most likely prefer canned food because of the stronger odor and flavor that comes with it. This type of food is also better at hydrating your pooch thanks to its 70-85% water percentage. However, your dog’s oral health won’t be supported as well.
How often should you feed a Labradoodle?
Your Labradoodle’s meals should be split into 2-3 a day. Some experts recommend that puppies who are around 8-12 weeks old should have a feeding schedule 3 times a day.
Once they reach 12 weeks, this should be cut down to 2 times a day. Doing this will help ease your dog’s digestion and reduce the risk of any gastric tension.
Conclusion
Labradoodles are always full of energy but you need to fuel the body, mind and soul to ensure that they remain fit and healthy. This is why it is essential to really consider carefully the type of dog food that you feed your furry friend.