8 Best Food For Labs (Dry and Wet)

Everybody loves Labs, and why not? Labs are gentle and cute, huggable dogs.

They are playful, tame, and almost sheepish, unlike others that are imposing and menacing.

And unlike other dogs that are difficult to feed, Labs love food; they are into it, especially if you give them one that is sumptuous and delicious.

They will ask for more; no, they will beg for it, using their charms, and counting on your empathy.

If you are kind-hearted, you will give in, and soon the Labrador Retriever is at it again.

If there is a dog breed where obesity is a serious concern, it should be the Labs. Obesity, whether in humans, dogs, or cats, can lead to severe consequences.

Choosing the right food then is never as imperative as when dealing with Labs.

What is the best food for labs? This article will discuss some of the best in the market, one with the right balance between health and taste.

Editor’s Choice
Nutro Ultra Large Breed Food

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Food

  • All Essential Nutrients
  • A lot of Superfoods
  • No Chemical Additives
1st Runner-up
Wellness Core Original Formula

Wellness Core Original Formula

  • High Protein Content
  • No Grains
  • Strengthen Joints
2nd Runner-up
Royal Canin Labrador Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Labrador Retriever

  • Prevents Many Issues
  • High Protein Content
  • Protects Joints and Bone Density

The Best Food For Labs

Here are our top choices for Best Foods for Labs-

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Dog Food

This dry dog food tops the list for an apparent reason: It combines the excellent taste wanted by labs and the health and nutritional aspects needed by the labs for dog food.

It meets all the requirements, making it the quintessential dog food of choice for labs.

Its ingredients include chicken, chicken meal, lamb, salmon, whole brown rice, whole oatmeal, and rice bran.

All of these combine to provide the labrador good amount of protein while keeping the fat content to a minimum.

That makes for leaner muscle and prevents the tendency of this huggable dog for obesity. The oil also allows the Labrador to have a glowing, healthy coat.

PROs

  • It takes a well-rounded approach to give essential nutrients to your favorite pet dog.
  • It contains a lot of superfoods carrying many vitamins.
  • The caloric content is at minimal amounts.
  • Keeps your lab lean and fit, preventing the tendency for obesity.
  • It has no chemical additives.
  • It has glucosamine which is good for joints and ligaments.

CONs

  • It may contain some allergens because of chicken content.
  • The kibble size might be small for your lab.
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Wellness Core Original Formula

Wellness Core Original Formula

This commercial dog food has lots of meat and high protein content, with deboned turkey as the main ingredient.

It has chicken and turkey meals with fruits and vegetables that give your lovable Labrador many nutrients.

Among those fruits and veggies are broccoli, carrots, kale, and apples.

They are rich in vitamins A, B, and C and are rich sources of fiber, which promotes good digestion.

Other ingredients like chicken fat and liver meat boost your favorite pet’s energy, making him active and keeping him going.

The glucosamine and chondroitin strengthen the joints and ligaments, making this playful canine less prone to hip injuries, which are common among Labrador retrievers.

PROs

  • It has a high protein content
  • It has lots of meat as the first ingredient.
  • It contains many fruits and vegetables.
  • It is ideal for strengthening the joints of the labs.
  • It has no grains.

CONs

  • It is pretty expensive.
  • It is high in calories.
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Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Dry Dog Food

There are two kinds of this dry dog food: the one for a lab puppy and an adult dog food. But Royal Canin is one of the better dog foods regardless of life stage.

That is because Royal Canin addresses the problems usual among Labrador retrievers, like poor eyesight, hip problems, and coating issues.

The ingredients are chicken byproduct meal, brewer’s and brown rice, corn gluten meal, and wheat gluten, among others.

Aside from glucosamine and chondroitin, common nutrients in most dog food, this is also rich in calcium and phosphorus, especially the puppy formula.

It has a lot of vitamins too, and though it has a lot of grain, they are easy to digest.

Surprisingly, despite chicken content, most labs do not have an allergic reaction to this dry dog food.

PROs

  • The best dog food for preventing a variety of issues for your lab.
  • An excellent puppy food because of its high protein content.
  • It contains many minerals and vitamins, ideal for protecting joints and preventing loss of bone density.

CONs

  • It contains a lot of grain.
  • Chicken byproduct meal is of lesser quality.
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Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

Diamond Naturals Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

This dry dog food contains real chicken meat with whole grains of rice, barley, and lots of fruits and vegetables such as pumpkin and kale.

That ensures a lot of minerals and nutrients for your beloved lab.

It is rich in antioxidants which boost the immune system and helps your pet manage stress, keeping him glowing.

It has probiotics and lots of fibers which are excellent for digestion.

 But the best thing is that it has real meat, which makes it more delectable than most dry dog foods.

It also contains a lot of glucosamine and chondroitin that are best for joints, especially for large breeds prone to hip and other joint injuries.

PROs

  • It has real meat.
  • It is low in calories.
  • It has lots of vitamins and minerals, ideal for boosting the overall health and well-being of the labrador retriever.
  • It is excellent for digestion.
  • It is very much affordable.

CONs

  • It has a lower protein content than other dog foods.
  • It has grains.
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Nom Nom Fresh

Nom Nom Fresh

Your pet lab may have specific needs for its health or may have a particular preference concerning food.

If you want to customize the dog food for your pet’s needs and liking, you can try Nom Nom Fresh.

One example would be the beef meal. The beef meal has ground beef, carrots, potatoes, and peas as the main ingredients.

The content of protein, minerals, and other nutrients will depend on the health needs of your Labrador retriever.

You Nom Nom with your pet’s details, like age, weight, type, activity level, or even some health issues.

Based on those details, Nom Nom will work on a menu that will suit the dog’s needs; one that also would be to your pet’s liking.

PROs

  • The dog food is always fresh.
  • A novel, scientific approach to providing dog food to your lovable pet.
  • Dog food will always meet dietary and health requirements because of customization.
  • Your dog will love it because you customize the dog food for the pet.

CONs

  • You have to be detailed and meticulous in measuring and keeping track of your dog’s details.
  • You can only order it; you cannot buy it in groceries or at the market.
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Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Wet Dog Food

Taste Of The Wild High Prairie Wet Dog Food

Sometimes, your large dog can be picky and choosy about what to eat. If you encounter this problem, give your pet an irresistible, such as this one from Taste of The wild.

It has real beef meat but also contains others like lamb and bison. It has a beef broth that makes it even more delectable for your lovely large-breed dog.

The lamb liver and other venison are a rich source of vitamin A and iron, while other ingredients such as sweet potato ensure that your dog will have energy.

It also contains fruits and vegetables that contain antioxidants, best for the immune system, keeping them glowing and stress-free.

Though it has a high moisture content, it has lots of protein to meet the lab’s dietary needs.

PROs

  • It is best for a Labrador Retriever picky eater.
  • It contains real meat and.
  • It is rich in vitamins such as vitamin A and antioxidants.
  • It has real fruits and vegetables.
  • It is for labs of all ages.
  • It does not contain grain or other fillers such as corn or wheat.

CONs

  • Some labs find it hard to change from dry food to wet food.
  • Your lab may be missing other nutrients because it is grain free.
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Canidae All Stages Multi-Protein Formula

Canidae All Stages Multi-Protein Formula

If you want consistency for the diet of your lab, one that your pet can consume from being a labrador puppy to adulthood, you can give him the Canidae formula.

Ideal for all stages, this one sports a well-rounded meal that includes no less than four meat types and some essential grains and ingredients.

It has a chicken meal, turkey meal, and lamb meal, and has white and brown rice.

It contains an excellent ratio of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, making your pet develop lean muscles without sacrificing energy which the lab needs to be active and continuously playful.

It is a power-packed meal that builds muscle strength and energizes your Labrador retriever, from puppy to adult dog.

Some lab owners claim they used the Canidae formula for their labs for more than a decade, a testament to how efficient this dog food is for labs.

PROs

  • It contains at least four types of animal meals.
  • It has enough grain for other health needs of the pet dog.
  • Animal protein meals contain an omega-3 fatty acid that is good for the heart.

CONs

  • It does not contain much protein compared to other dog foods.
  • No fruits and veggies, so it is not rich in antioxidants and other nutrients.
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Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Senior Dog Food

Old-aged labrador retrievers have different needs than puppies and younger adult dogs.

They have a slower metabolism, and their joints and bones wear and tear through years of activities and playing. They are prone to sickness and other injuries.

You need one customized for their age, and this one from wellness might be the best for older labs.

The pet food ingredients ensure that the older lab will not get obese while getting enough nutrients to keep them energized and protect their bones and joints from further wear and tear.

It has real deboned chicken, chicken meal, barley, oatmeal, and brown rice, ensuring it covers everything from protein needs to carbohydrates and other essential minerals like glucosamine and chondroitin.

PROs

  • It has real meat
  • The ingredients are particular for the needs of the older labs.
  • It has more glucosamine and chondroitin to prevent the degeneration of joints and ligaments.
  • It has Taurine, which is essential for the heart.
  • This dog food optimizes nutrient absorption by helping in digestion and helping in metabolism.
  • This dog food is ideal for weight control.

CONs

  • This dog food is more for keeping the dog healthy and less injury prone than for keeping them active.
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Final Thoughts

A dog owner bears responsibility for the pet dog’s health and must ensure that the pet receives love and proper nutrition.

It is best to consider the health and well-being of your lovable Labrador.

Though we have the best food for labs, consulting with a dog food advisor will not hurt. Experts such as veterinarians can also give insights about your dog’s diet.

You may need to give your dog some variety, like a slice of raw meat.

Whatever the case, the essential thing is that your huggable Labrador retriever does not miss out on any nutrients vital for its health.

Steven Bosque

Steven Bosque

Hi, I'm Steven - author of the dog care blog Dobermannclub. I'm a self-taught blogger and long-time pet parent, with a passion for helping others learn how to care for their own pup.

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