Best Dog Foods For Labs: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog in America and has been a favorite for almost three decades! This makes him a big deal, and as such we owe it to him to give him the very best nutrition we can. While it’s  true that most Labs will eat anything you put in front of them, it is important to find a high-quality kibble that caters to all of their nutritional needs. There are a number of things to consider when finding the best dog food for your Lab, and we will cover each in detail below.

Being a big boy who is energetic, Labs require kibble that is full of protein and healthy carbohydrates to ensure that he has enough energy to keep him going through the day. It is also important that he is fed age-appropriate food, and to feed him just the right amount for his weight, otherwise, he will rapidly put on weight.  Most Labs are not picky eaters, so luckily finding a food for this breed can be easier than finding them for others, like finding the right formula for a Pitbull Terrier.

With so many different foods out there, all claiming to be the very best around, it is difficult to know where to start, let alone choose the right kibble for your Labrador Retriever. But you have come to the right place! Here in this guide we will talk you through his nutritional requirements at every stage of life stage, and we have researched the market to find you the very best kibbles around. There are also recommendations for those larger Labs who need to lose a bit of chunk.

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Labrador Puppy Nutrient Needs

The Labs puppy stage is arguably the most important when it comes to finding the right nutrition. During his puppy stage his bones grow rapidly over a short space of time, and as such he needs the right balance of calcium and phosphorus, and puppy formulas that are designed for large breeds ensure that they contain the optimum levels.

Small and medium-sized dogs don’t experience rapid growth as much as larger breeds. Standard puppy kibbles just aren’t up to scratch. They might even increase his chances of developing Hip Dysplasia. This means you’ll need to equip your Lab with a puppy food designed for large breed dogs.

Ideally, Labrador Retriever puppies need a protein content of at least 26% to help their large muscles to grow, and enough calories that help him develop into a healthy pooch. Remember to slowly transition him from the food his breeder fed him to your chosen kibble, and feed him his recommended food allowance across 3 meals a day.

Adult Labrador Nutrient Needs

Labrador Retriever puppies keep growing until they are 15 to 18 months of age, much later than other smaller dog breeds. The rate of maturity will vary between pooches, but when the time comes, you’ll need to switch him to adult kibble, but if you aren’t entirely sure when to switch it ask your Veterinarian for tailored advice.

An adult Lab will need plenty of rich protein, as well as healthy carbohydrates and fiber such as sweet potatoes and peas to keep him sustained and full throughout the day. This is particularly important if he is a working Labrador who needs a lot of energy to keep him energized.

It is important that kibbles also list glucosamine and chondroitin in their ingredients, for they support the joints of larger breeds, and meal ingredients such as Chicken and Fish meal are a great source of these. Due to his heavily laden joints, it is imperative that the Labrador does not become overweight, so be sure to monitor his food intake.

Senior Labrador Nutrient Needs

Similar to adults, a senior Labrador Retriever will need plenty of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep their aging joints supple and strong, so be sure to look for the protein meals as described above, as well as extra added supplements.

Labs are prone to obesity, and seniors even more so, so be sure to feed him kibble that is low in calories, and any treats or dental sticks should be included in his daily food allowance if your are concerned about him getting slightly chunky. Fat content should also be much lower as his slowing metabolism will find this harder to digest.

While high protein content is still important in his bowl, superfoods and antioxidants are very important to ensure that his weakening immune system is supported as much as possible.  As your Labrador ages, they are notorious for getting a case of bad breath.  If your pup suffers from this, you may want to look into a formula specifically made for foul-smelling breath.

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Best Food For Labrador Retriever Puppies

There are plenty of puppy foods out there that you can choose for your Lab pup.  You’ll want to make sure that you get a formula made for large breed puppies, and ensure that food is extremely high quality.  Each of the puppy foods we’ve listed below are rated very highly by many large breed puppy owners and will meet your Labrador Puppy’s daily nutritional needs.

All puppies have different nutritional needs from an adult or a senior, which is why it’s important to buy the food that’s appropriate food for your dog’s stage in life.  If you keep your dog on puppy food for too long, you’ll have a heavy set lab that will later need to shed some pounds.  Always follow the recommended feeding dosage as provided by the manufacturer and also reference our Labrador Retriever puppy feeding chart.

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Hill’s Science Diet is based on exactly that, science, and considering it is tailored to the exact needs of the Labrador puppy, you can be sure that this recipe is a fantastic option for him.  It’s slightly higher-priced, and is considered a premium dog food.  It’s often compared to Royal Canin, who makes many breed-specific dog food recipes.

Made with an optimal level of calcium for controlled bone growth, this recipe focuses on his unique requirements as well as providing him with the vitamins and minerals he needs for his developing immune system.

We love that this recipe is formulated with the Labrador Retriever puppy in mind, by both Veterinarians and canine nutritionists, so you can be sure that his nutritional needs will be met with this recipe.

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This premium recipe is full to the brim with lean protein sources, such as Chicken, Turkey, free-range eggs and a variety of fish, which is not only nutritious, but seriously tasty for him. This recipe also includes organ, bones and cartilage, and it is also grain-free.

With a precise blend of vitamins and minerals, this recipe offers one of the highest fiber contents, which is great for his digestive system and healthier stools. With optimal fat content and calories per cup, this recipe reduces the strain on his rapidly growing joints while providing him with the energy he needs.

We love that this premium recipe is made with a variety of top-quality protein sources, and it is a biologically appropriate diet that provides whole prey ratios which is exactly how nature intended him to eat.

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This brand does have the lowest protein content of our puppy recommendations, it is still considered to have a high protein content compared to most other kibbles out there. Fish meal and Salmon oil provide Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) which is found in mothers’ milk, and it is crucial for brain and eye development.

This recipe also has the lowest fiber content, which is perfect for those Labs who do not do well on a highly fibrous diet, but it still provides him with superfoods such as oranges and spinach for his oxidative needs.

We love that this recipe is lamb based, so it is the better option for those puppies who do not like, or are intolerant of, the most popular protein source Chicken.

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This grain-free recipe is made with real Chicken and Chicken meal, and it is also made with freeze-dried raw Chicken pieces, so it is highly nutritious and tasty. This kibble has the highest fat content and calorie count too, so he will find all the growing power and energy he needs right here.

It has those all-important optimum levels of calcium and phosphorus, and eggs ensure that he is getting enough DHA for his developmental needs. Flaxseed and Salmon oil also give him plenty of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for his joints and coat too.

We love that this recipe has the highest fat and calorie content, which is important for the highly energetic and fast-growing Labrador.

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This high protein recipe contains Chicken, Chicken meal and fish meal, so his muscles have all they need to grow lean and strong. This recipe is grain free too, which is perfect for those Labradors with a sensitive stomach or grain intolerances.

Blueberries and cranberries provide him with the antioxidants he needs for a healthy oxidative state, and peas, carrots and sweet potatoes provide him with fiber for a healthy gut and fuller tummy.

We love that this recipe contains Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, which are a precise blend of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins that he needs for his fast-growing bones and developing immune system.

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Best Food For Adult Labrador Retrievers

Once Labrador Retrievers reach adulthood, their nutritional needs change.  Both bench and field Labs will need to taper back on the nutrient dense formulas made just for puppies.  If you don’t start doing that at the right age, your pup will start to put on some weight.  Labradors will notoriously not stop eating unless you schedule meal times and stick with them.

Below are our favorite picks for adult Labrador Retrievers.  Each of these brands score well with most large breed adult dog owners, and most are reasonably priced.  You’ll want to make sure you stick to the recommended feeding amounts provided by the manufacturer, and we always recommend splitting up feeding into 3-4 times per day.

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The Farmer’s Dog makes a variety of grain-free formulas that are  customized for the needs of working dogs like the Lab. With four unique vet-created recipes (chicken, beef, pork, & turkey), protein is always first on the ingredient list, followed by hearty vegetables. The Farmer’s Dog looks, smells, and tastes like real food because it’s made with human-grade ingredients.

If your dog also enjoys grains in his diet, you can add some homecooked rice to the mix. This will add more diversity to your Labs’ meal and stretch it a bit further as well, saving you money.

We love that The Farmer’s Dog’s customizes its meal plans to offer the optimum protein and nutrition for working Labrador Retrievers.

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This recipe is made with ancient grains that are also naturally high in protein, so not only is this recipe full of meat, but he also receives protein from other ingredients for muscle maintenance and growth.

This recipe has the lowest fiber content which makes it a great option for those who don’t function well on a highly fibrous diet, but it still has plenty of live probiotics to ensure a healthy digestive tract.

We love that this recipe is made with other protein sources such as Buffalo, Pork, Venison and Bison, so it offers a tasty alternative for those Labs who aren’t overly keen on Chicken flavored kibbles.

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This recipe, following on from the puppy formula, contains the highest amount of protein for his muscular frame and highly energetic personality. This recipe is multi-award winning, and it is easy to see why!

This recipe has a precise blend of nutrients from vegetables and fruits such as pumpkins and apples to support his immune system. It is grain free too which is great for those owners who wish to feed their pooch a grain free diet, and free from nasty preservatives that often irritate a dog’s digestive system.

We love that this premium recipe is biologically appropriate which ensures that he receives rich high-quality protein including the organs, bones and cartilages that are both nutritious and yummy.

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This recipe is made with large breeds in mind, and so the glucosamine and chondroitin levels are perfectly calculated for his large bones and laden joints. Protein sources come from real Chicken, as well as Chicken and Turkey meal for his thick muscles.

It is also grain free, and each kibble piece is coated in their exclusive ‘acticoat’, which is a probiotic solution that will look after his digestive tract. Broccoli and apples are superfoods that will provide him with plenty of nutrients, as well as keeping him feeling fuller for longer, which is always helpful with the forever hungry Lab.

We love that this recipe contains the lowest fat and calorie content, which is great for those Labradors who aren’t as active.

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This recipe is made with an optimum set of minerals to ensure that his thick coat is nourished from the inside out to keep him warm on those colder days on the ranch, as well as protecting his paw pads.

Aside from the working benefits, this kibble has both pre and probiotics that promote his immune system defenses and digestive system. It also has the same high protein content as the Orijen brand, which is crucial for working dogs and their athletic body needs.

We love that this recipe is designed for working dogs, with a high protein and fat content to keep them sustained throughout the working day.

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Following on from the recommended Blue Buffalo puppy formula, this recipe is also designed with large breed dogs in mind. With real Chicken, Chicken and fish meal finding their way into the first five ingredients, you can be sure that it is packed with enough protein for his muscle maintenance and glucosamine levels for his joints.

Flaxseed and fish oil contribute towards a healthy coat a healthy skin to keep the Labrador looking and feeling gorgeous. Their LifeSource Bits provide him with a perfected blend of nutrients as well as adding texture to his bowl.

We love that this recipe is considered to be a high fiber formula, and this would make a great choice for those Lab Retrievers who are always on the hunt for food as it keeps him feeling fuller for longer. It also helps to reduce flatulence, so you will benefit too!

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Best Food For Senior Labrador Retrievers

As your Labrador enters their golden years, you’ll need to make sure the dog food you feed them matches their activity levels.  It’s at this age that your Lab will likely start having some hip or joint pain, so minimizing that will be one of your first priorities.  If your pup has already shown signs of slowing down due to hip or joint issues, stick with food that already has glucosamine and chondroitin.

You also may start to fight the obesity issues that many Labs can face as they get older.  Most labs will eat as much as you let them, and they have a tendency to come a bit unhinged if you free feed them.  Senior foods will boost your Lab’s health and immune system with additional anti-oxidants, and should prevent your pup from putting on unwanted pounds if you stick to a strict feeding schedule.

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This Nutro dog food formula lists real Chicken and Chicken meal within the first 3 ingredients, so it focuses on proving your pooch with the increased levels of glucosamine and chondroitin that all larger breeds need, as well as supporting strong muscles.

Fish oil provides him with plenty of DHA which is important for cognitive function, as well as promoting a healthy coat. Dried apples and blueberries also provide him with vitamins and minerals that help to strengthen his immune system.

We love that this recipe has the lowest calorie content for those seniors who are slowing down and much less active than they used to be.

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Chicken meal is the first ingredient in this recipe, which is naturally high in the important ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin for the senior pooch and his joints, as well as Chicken cartilage and Herring meal.

With biotin and avocado oil, your senior’s coat will look vibrant and youthful, and there are plenty of vitamin supplements and minerals listed in the ingredients to ensure that his weakening immune system is strengthened.

We love that this recipe is made with the superfood avocado oil, which promotes healthy skin and coat, and it has high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin compared to other leading brands.

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This high protein and low carbohydrate kibble is made with Trout as the main protein source, which is a great option for those Lab Retrievers who are not a fan of the most popular protein source, Chicken. It is also grain free for those who have a sensitive stomach. There is plenty of added glucosamine and chondroitin too, and L-carnitine also helps to assist his slowing metabolism.

This recipe contains plenty of amino acids which are known to have benefits in his senior years such as muscle repair and cardiovascular improvements, as well as probiotics that aid a healthy gut flora.

We love that this senior recipe offers the highest amount of protein by far, so if he is still an energetic senior who needs a higher protein content then this would be the better option.

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Chicken meal is the first ingredient on this list which is a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as being tasty. This recipe is a low fiber diet which is a better option for those who do not get on well with a highly fibrous one, but small amounts of dried beet pulp and carrots ensure that he still gets enough to aid his digestive system.

Biotin and flaxseed are also present in the list to promote a healthy coat, and L-carnitine helps to stimulate his slowing metabolism which helps to keep him trim.

We love that this diet is designed and recommended by Veterinarians and canine nutritionists across the world, so you can be sure that this recipe is good for him.

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This recipe is designed with large breeds in mind, so you can be sure that his large yet aching bones and joints are supported with high levels of glucosamine and chondroitin thanks to real Chicken and Chicken meal, as well as dried kelp which is full of calcium for stronger bones. There are also plenty of amino acids present which helps to maintain his healthy muscles. This food is one of our favorites and often compared to other brands like Merrick.

Fiber is plentiful with pea fiber, dried chicory root and sweet potatoes, and fish oil is also high up in the ingredients list which is great for cognitive function and to maintain eye health. LifeSource Bits are packed with a precise blend of vitamins and minerals for larger senior breeds.

We love that this recipe has the highest fiber content which will keep your forever hungry senior Labrador fuller for longer, which is important as he becomes less active and burns less energy.

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Food For Overweight Labs

Your Lab might seem pleased with himself for eating all the snacks, an overweight Labrador Retriever is an unhappy one, because he is prone to all kinds of health issues such as kidney diseases, cardiac concerns, diabetes and joint problems. If he is overweight or the extra pounds are creeping up on him, it is likely that he will need to be placed on a weight management diet.

Thankfully though, the Lab is not a fussy eater and he will devour whatever is put in front of him, so his new diet regime will not be a failure. Do not give into his puppy dog eyes and be strict with his calorie intake in order to get his weight back down where it needs to be.

Here we have 2 recommendations that are great for overweight Labrador Retrievers thanks to their super low-calorie content and the ingredient L-carnitine, which helps to stimulate his metabolism.

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With 316 calories per cup and a fat content of 12%, Hill’s Science Diet is bound to get him to lose weight with the right amount of exercise. The statistics also reflect this, as over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks alone. This recipe is designed by Veterinarians and canine nutritionists, so you can be sure that it still provides him with the correct levels of protein, fiber and nutrients to ensure that his nutritional needs are met.

We love most of Science Diet’s product lines when it comes to dog food, and this food for overweight pups is another example of why.

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With just 227 calories per cup and a fat content of 7%, Nutro has created this diet with a seriously chunky large dog in mind. Because this is designed for large breeds you can be sure that all of his other nutritional needs are met too, and just because this recipe skimps on fat, it doesn’t skimp on support for his joints or protein needs.

We love the Nutro brand and this is one of the best dog foods for Labrador Retrievers that are overweight.  With a strict diet and exercise, your dog will be fit and fabulous in no time.

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Final Thoughts

Labrador Retrievers are large muscular dogs who are very energetic, so they need high quality kibbles that will provide them with a high protein content and high energy levels. At the same time, because he is prone to putting on weight quickly, he shouldn’t be fed any excess energy, and as such many Labrador owners often find it tricky to achieve the right balance.

Now that you have read this article, you are equipped with the knowledge you need to look for the best dog food for your Lab, and by sticking with our recommendations you can be sure that you will quickly find the right balance to achieve a healthy diet for him.