Labrador Retrievers are one of the most intelligent, friendly and outgoing dog breeds. Their gentle nature and desire to please their owners make them very popular amongst people with family.
This athletic ball of fun is super energetic. Even as a puppy, their playfulness and liveliness trump most other breeds. That’s part of the reason such a special diet is required, to help them grow and be healthy.
Getting the right dog food for labs is not an easy job, because they should ensure certain nutritional values. We, therefore, made this guide to help you decide the right food for your beloved Labrador canine.
The Best Puppy Food for Labs in 2020
We made this list based on product reviews, prices, and ratings. Have a look at the first 10 products we think are the best choices for your lab pups.
#1. Taste of The Wild High High Prairie Puppy
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Taste of the Wild uses bison, a high-quality meat product in their kibbles which is rich in proteins. They also use lamb meat concentrate which contains 300% more protein than fresh lamb meat.
Apart from the main ingredients, it includes sweet potatoes and salmon oil which provides much needed EPA and DHA to your puppy. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of complex carbs with fiber and beta-carotene.
What We Loved About It
The addition of chicory roots provides insulin and a prebiotic that keeps your puppy’s digestive system healthy. Taste of the Wild is a very good choice which will provide a labrador puppy all the energy he needs for a busy lifestyle.
Pros
- High in protein
- Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- Grain-free digestible formula
- Prebiotic fiber
Cons
- Some complained of receiving fake products
#2. Wellness CORE Natural Puppy Formula
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Wellness CORE Puppy Formula is specially tailored to suit the nutrient needs of puppies. They are 100% grain-free and made with premium chicken, turkey, and salmon. When they say-protein rich, they’re not joking.
In fact, it contains 300% more protein than the usual chicken. This is because chicken meal tends to lose over 80% of its water content when cooked.
Alongside the probiotics and prebiotics included in the formula, it is also loaded with veggies such as broccoli, carrots, and spinach. It also contains apple, blueberries, green tree and rosemary extracts for further protection against infection.
What We Loved About It
We highly recommend the Wellness CORE for Labrador puppy owners because it’s free of all artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Also, in terms of nutrients, it’s rich in vitamins D, B12, E, C and A with minerals like zinc, iron, and calcium.
Pros
- 100% grain-free natural diet
- Rich in protein and carbs
- No preservatives
- Rich in antioxidants
- Contains probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber
Cons
- Puppies may develop bad breath
#3. Eukanuba Large Breed Puppy Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Their large breed puppy food has a perfect balance of proteins, fats and phosphorous that takes care of bone and muscle development. It promotes healthy connective soft tissues by adding chondroitin and glucosamine which are great for large breeds puppies’ health.
Labradors are especially known to suffer from joint problems later in life and this helps develop strong bones that greatly addresses the issue.
What We Loved About It
Eukanuba scientifically categorizes their products not only by different breeds but also their different stages of life. They have no general “one size fits all”.
Pros
- Clinically proven DHA levels
- Specialized fiber ingredients
- Good for nutrient absorption
- 23% high quality protein
- Rich in Omega 6 and 3 fatty acids
Cons
- Some customers received damaged packages
#4. Purina Pro Plan Puppy
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
The key ingredients used to make this puppy food are chicken, lamb, and salmon. The trusted- rice plus chicken formula contains- Glucosamine and DHA which are tailored to provide the perfect protein-to-fat ratio to your dog.
Purina Pro Plan Puppy food is made breed specific since the brand understands that each puppy has a unique taste, preference, activity or lifestyle.
Thus, using their 85+ years of experience in this industry they are offering dog food formulas across distinct nutritional platforms of savor, bright mind, natural focus, and sports of dogs.
What We Loved About It
The best thing is that the Purina team are true experts in this field for generations. Considering their highly qualified scientists and vets who work relentlessly to give your dog the best possible nutrition, you can blindly put your trust for feeding your friend.
Pros
- Optimal protein-to-fat ratio
- Glucosamine to support joints and cartilage
- DHA to nourish brain and vision
- High quality ingredients
- Specialized nutrition
- Multiple flavors
Cons
- Not suitable for puppies with a sensitive stomach
#5. Holistic Select Natural Dry Dog
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
The delicious taste and the goodness of dual animal proteins from real lambs and chicken make Holistic Select the most wanted dog treat these days. The natural nutrition of this puppy food is essential for your dog’s healthy muscles, shiny coats, bright eyes, and energetic spirit.
Large breed puppies like labradors require DHA and high calories in their diets for faster physical development. This dog food for lab puppies is proven to promote their growth rate too!
What We Loved About It
Packed with vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting anti-oxidants, this puppy food develops a strong immune system that protects your pup from harmful germs or bacterias.
Pros
- High-quality animal proteins
- Promotes muscular and skeletal growth
- DHA for brain development
- Good for the eyes
- Strong immune system
Cons
- Kibble size is too large
#6. K9 Natural Freeze Dried Dog Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Even if your lab pup is the pickiest eater, it is guaranteed that he’ll fall in love with the yummy taste of K9 natural freeze-dried dog food.
The high protein meat of this puppy food comes from 100% New Zealand grass-fed beef. This country is reputed for supplying the healthiest beef in the world.
Most importantly the brand promises quality puppy food which is completely fillers, gelling agents, colors and grain-free. Nutrition from 90% whole meat, 5% veggies, and other fruits will provide good health and great skin to your active puppy.
What We Loved About It
Storing this freeze-dried food is very easy due to the resealable packaging. Just make sure to use the right amount of dog food with its kibbles and the phenomenal taste is guaranteed.
Pros
- Freeze dried raw taste
- Contains natural beef sourced from New Zealand
- No artificial flavors
- GMO-free
- No Grains
- The goodness of fruits and veggies
- Less smelly
- Good for digestion and immune system
Cons
- Expensive
#7. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Royal Canine is a very popular brand not for their ingredients, but for the fact that they make products which are very breed-specific.
This dog food has 31% protein in its ingredients, which is pretty good as it is well above the average requirements.
Though the protein comes from chicken by-products and brewers rice, protein is still pretty high in this formula. To compensate for all that, the fish oil in the formula is dense in omega oils and prebiotics, which is a treat for your lab pup’s digestion and skin.
What We Loved About It
Don’t forget the small donut kibble which will be easier and more enjoyable for your puppy to chew.
Pros
- Healthy bones and joints
- Helps maintain ideal weight
- Improves mobility
- Supports skin and coat health
- Rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorous
Cons
- Some dogs faced digestion problems
#8. Wellness Natural Dog Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Designed for your puppy’s complete nutrition, this dog food is the perfect combination of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and more.
Large breed puppies like- labradors have special nutritional needs.
That’s why Wellness Natural Dog Food comes with 13% more proteins that coming from premium protein sources like- chicken and salmon.
Plus, rice carbs balance your puppy’s everyday nutrition. It also contains Glucosamine and Chondroitin for healthy muscles and joints.
Be sure that there are no wheat, corn, soy or artificial flavors or colors included. So, it’s both safe and delicious.
What We Loved About It
This dog food is made with well balanced natural ingredients that promote easy digestion and overall wellness of your dog.
Pros Cons
- Balanced ingredients
- 13% more proteins
- Good for the eyes and oral health
- Supports digestive health
- Great for strong bones and muscles
The ingredient white fish is changed to brown rice
#9. CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Dry Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Looking for a complete meal for your labrador pup? CANIDAE brings the best dog food for lab puppies with multi-protein formula and added probiotics for better digestion.
It’s free from fillers like- corn, wheat or soy, just all natural protein which is good for his immune system and growth. In addition, there are Omega 6 & 3 fatty acids that support flawless skin and shiny coat.
What We Loved About It
This puppy food is designed keeping dogs of all ages in mind since many puppies get accustomed to what they eat regularly. Thanks to the formula you can continue feeding these kibbles to your lab even when they grow up.
Pros
- Protein rich formulas
- Probiotics and antioxidant for a healthy immune system
- Fatty acid ensure beautiful skin
- No wheat, corn or soy
- Vet formulated
Cons
- Frequent changes in kibble sizes noticed
#10. Purina ONE SmartBlend
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Take Purina ONE’s 28-day challenge to see how your pet’s health, taste, energy, digestibility, skin coat gradually improve. The smart blend formula of real chicken, rice and oat meals provides the right amount of nutrition your pup needs.
This premium puppy food formula also contains DHA, dual defense antioxidants, glucosamine to keep his body and brain active. Rest assured as you’ll find no fillers or preservatives in it.
What We Loved About It
The nutritional elements work better inside your dog when it’s digestible. Purina ONE Smartblend is known to be highly digestible which ensures more nutritional values for your lab.
Pros
- High protein from real chicken
- Easily digestible
- DHA for vision and brain development
- Antioxidants for better immunity
- Affordable
Cons
- Can cause smelly poop
Nutritional and Health Requirements for Lab Puppy
It’s only natural that you want the right puppy food for your labrador, so picking just any brand off the shelf simply isn’t good enough. Different breeds have different nutritional and health requirements.
That’s why there are different foods on the market tailored to a dog’s size, age and breed. As your labrador pup is a large breed dog, they have five key nutritional requirements that we’d like to discuss.
Protein
The balanced food for a Labrador puppy should contain premium quality proteins that are essential for developing strong muscle tissue and bones.
Not only is protein responsible for building muscle, it also produces a few hormones and tissues that allow for flexible movement and aid the cognitive development of your puppy.
For example, an amino acid called Taurine found in protein is beneficial for a dog’s eyesight and brain function.
To keep your labrador’s skin and coat healthy and shiny, you need to ensure their food contains the proper protein and fatty acid nutrients they need. Plant proteins lack a few nutritional elements so always go for animal proteins instead.
Remember, at least 22 percent protein is essential for a lab pup’s proper growth and development.
Chondroitin and Glucosamine
Joint problems such as dysplasia, osteochondritis or arthritis are pretty common amongst lab puppies. Therefore, nutritional supplements like chondroitin or glucosamine are vital for strengthening their bones and joint capsules.
Most of the dog foods that we recommended above contains the appropriate amount of chondroitin and glucosamine supplements your dog needs. So, you don’t have to buy these separately unless your vet specifically recommends it.
DHA
DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) is one of the most important nutrients for lab pups which is found naturally in mother’s milk. If your puppy does not get the right amount of DHA they need, they may develop cataracts or retinal dysplasia.
To avoid such eye problems, make sure your pup’s food contains the necessary DHA and amino acids they need for a healthy central nervous system.
Probiotics
Probiotics are microorganisms that can be found in your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. These work like safety guards in your lab’s stomach. With the right probiotics, their immune will strengthen and be protected from harmful bacteria.
Calcium
Large breed puppies grow up fast. In fact, labradors can grow from less than a pound to a fully grown 75-pound dog. Due to their rapid growth, they are prone to many nutritional imbalances, especially the excess intake of calcium.
Consuming too much calcium will increase your labrador puppy’s risk of musculoskeletal deformities. In other words, their bones will grow quickly and the excess calcium will cause deformations.
In contrast, too little calcium also causes adverse reactions in your puppy. So what should you do?
Labrador puppy food should contain a balanced amount of calcium for healthy growth. The safest range is about 2.0 to 4.5 grams per 1,000 calories. You should consult your vet to know more about your pup’s individual calcium requirements.
Labrador Puppy’s Calorie Needs
According to the National Research Council, a 10-pound lab puppy requires about 990 calories per day. These calories are usually produced from 56 grams of high-quality proteins and 21 grams of fat.
Labrador puppies, being large breed puppies, grow very quickly. Too many calories can cause rapid growth and orthopedic problems later on. So, it’s better if you restrict their diet to four meals a day until they are six months old.
Don’t forget to burn those calories too. Shed your dog’s extra calories by taking them on regular walks, weekend hikes or to a playground. This will keep them healthy and active.
Different Food Options for Labrador Puppies
Expert opinions differ on what to feed a labrador puppy. Some say that kibble is best for puppies whereas others believe that raw food is best.
In reality, puppy foods should be selected depending on your pup’s digestion abilities, weight, and physical condition. It’s different for different dogs.
Your puppy must be accustomed to a particular form of dog food. So, you need to decide which one is best for your young lab.
However, there are three major forms of lab puppy foods available on the market. Let’s discuss them.
Kibble or Dry Puppy Foods
The most popular dog food amongst breeders is kibble. Kibble is ready-made puppy food that comes in airtight packaging. The small size makes it easy for puppies to eat.
Premium quality kibble like the ones we suggested above are high in nutritional value. They contain no fillers or artificial elements that can lead to obesity.
BARF- Biologically Approved Raw Food
Vets usually prefer kibble over biologically approved raw food but BARF fans believe that raw food is the best diet option for large breed puppies like labradors. They usually have two types – homemade and commercial.
Homemade raw foods are generally made from raw animal meats or organs. These also contain fresh fruits, veggies or beans. Whereas, the commercial type is made from fresh or frozen meat-based putty.
Though your lab puppy might be more tempted by raw foods due to its natural taste and unique flavor, this type of food can be harmful to your dog’s health.
Because it’s raw, BARF may contain harmful pathogenic bacteria that can cause life-threatening diseases for both dogs and humans. Therefore, it’s better to stick with dry dog foods like kibble.
Wet Food
Another form of puppy food that labrador puppies love is wet food. However, while lab puppies love the taste of wet food, it is actually quite low in nutritional value.
Mostly made with meat and animal by-products, wet puppy foods are difficult to store once you open the cans and have a short shelf life. So, unless your dog is highly dependant on these foods, you should purchase kibble for more nutrition and a longer shelf life.
Labrador Puppy Feeding Guide
Before you go ahead and buy the best food for your labrador puppy, here are a few facts to consider.
How Often to Feed Your Lab Pup?
The amount of food you give your pup will be defined by their age, weight, size, and energy levels. Ideally, it’s best to give them four meals a day—one every four hours.
This will ensure they get a constant flow of energy and will also get rid of any gas they may have.
How Much Should You Feed Your Puppy?
Labrador puppy owners should be extra careful about feeding their pup the right amount of food. Overfeeding your young Lab may cause obesity and skeletal abnormalities.
Large breed dogs like Labradors tend to grow very fast. So, you should maintain a strict diet routine to keep them healthy. Refer to the feeding chart below to measure the right portion size for your lab pup.
Maintaining the Right Weight
Labradors are very energetic and athletic—they need a good amount of exercise to keep them happy. It’s a good idea to pay attention to your puppy’s behavior to get an idea of how much food they need to consume.
We encourage you to contact your vet or pet breeder for professional advice on the breed and age-specific nutrients your puppy needs.
On the market, you will find many dog food brands that claim to be appropriate for a labrador puppy. However, in reality, that’s far from the truth. Many store-bought foods are lacking in the basic nutrients a ab pup needs to grow.
Follow Feeding Guidelines on Packaging
The puppy food you buy will have a few guidelines on the quantities you should be feeding your dog. If your pup does not fall in the weight category of the diet chart we mentioned above, you should follow the guidelines on the back of the packaging.
When to Feed Your Puppy
Don’t feed your puppy the moment you wake up. Instead, decide on a set routine and time for feeding them their breakfast that they can get used to. This way, they’ll be less likely to bug you early in the morning for food.
If your puppy is eight weeks old, you can feed them at 7 am, 11 am, 3 pm and 7 pm. These times will make your pup more disciplined and ensure a healthy eating routine.
Also. remember not to feed your dog just before bedtime. Leave a few hours’ gap between your Lab’s last meal and their bedtime.
Health Concerns for Labrador Puppies
Lab puppies are prone to certain health conditions, due to a lack of nutrition or overfeeding. As a pet parent, you should be aware of the vulnerabilities of your lovely companions.
Joint Problems
Lab puppies are generally very playful, friendly, strong and smart dogs. Plus, they have well-proportioned body structures. They often face two critical joint conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia.
These health issues are mostly genetic but can be caused by a lack of nutrition or proper exercise. Puppy food that has the right amount of protein, calcium and amino acids can greatly influence your dog’s health.
Obesity
Lab puppies love to eat and tend to eat very fast. So, as a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to fix their diet and encourage them to do regular exercise.
Extra weight can cause serious heart and liver diseases. It can also lead to skeletal problems if not properly taken care of. Exercises like playing fetch, running with your dog or taking them on regular walks can keep your puppy’s weight under control.
Ear Infections
Lab puppies have big and floppy ears that can get filled with bacteria. This may lead to a severe ear infection.
Clean their ears regularly, dry them after a bath or swimming, use hair clippers to clip off excessive hair from their ears, and check regularly for any signs of infection. Consult a vet immediately if you suspect something abnormal.
Skin Problems
Your dog’s immune system may overreact to substances like dust, food, bacteria or other chemicals. Lab puppies tend to be more prone to allergies as their immune system produces a protein called Immunoglobulin E.
Food allergies, bacterial allergies, and flea allergies are the most common forms of allergies in Lab puppies. To avoid food allergies, pick puppy foods that contain no corn, soy, gluten, wheat or by-products.
Consult your vet if you notice anything abnormal about your dog’s skin after consuming such foods.
Lab Puppy Foods Buyer’s Guide
As dog parents, we all want the best for our puppies. But we need to be careful to feed our dog the right kind of food to support their health and nutritional needs.
A labrador puppy has very different food requirements to an adult dog. Here’s what you should consider while buying dog food for Lab puppies.
- Kibble Size
The most popular Labrador puppy foods are smaller sized kibble that are richer in nutritional content. The small size will prevent your puppy from choking and the nutrients will support your puppy’s growth.
- Quality Over Price
Many pet owners are tempted to buy the right dog food for Lab puppies based on the price tag. While saving money is important, it’s vital that you don’t sacrifice quality.
Cheap puppy foods typically use low-quality ingredients, fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives and an insufficient amount of nutrients required for you pappy’s proper growth.
- Complete and Balanced
A quality product will be balanced and full of essential vitamins and minerals. Since they contain no fillers, your puppy will require lower portions of food to get their fill.
- Why Should You Go for Naturally Dry Kibbles?
Naturally Dry Food or kibble is the best type of puppy food for Labs. They can be properly measured, have a long shelf life and are not too hard on your wallet. The dry kibble is also good for your ab’s teeth and gums.
- Pick Age Appropriate Food
Dogs of different ages have different weight and dietary requirements. So, you should be extra careful while reading the guidelines, quantities, instructions and, most importantly, the age limit mentioned on the packaging.
- Is it Safe for Your Puppy?
There are many dog foods available on the market that promise premium quality dog food but actually contain harmful fillers and preservatives.
You need to stay away from buying these products by doing your research. First, check the ingredients of the product you’re thinking of buying for your pup. Go for well-reputed or trusted brands even if it costs you extra.
Additional Best Foods for Labrador Puppy
There are a few more puppy foods outside the best ones we suggested above. These kibbles are also quite popular among lab puppy breeders and have great reviews too. Check out the products below.
#11. Nutro Wholesome Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Dog foods that are made from high-quality protein sources like- chicken, lambs or salmon are usually adored by dogs around the world. Thus, Nutro Wholesome followed the same recipe for producing puppy food in the cleanest possible way.
Yes, the revolutionary puppy food is made with non-GMO products that contain no by-product meals, soy proteins or artificial flavors.
Additionally, it includes calcium and fatty acids in plenty to provide stronger bones and healthier growth.
What We Loved About It
The company handpicks the ingredients from their trusted farmers and suppliers. Thus the products are all natural and puppy friendly.
Pros
- Antioxidants, Vitamin E and A for better immunity
- Tasty real chicken for muscle growth
- Made with non-GMO ingredients
- DHA for brain developments
Cons
- Lack of consistency between batches
#12. Fromm Family Foods
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
As the name suggests, this puppy food is followed by family recipes which incorporates the love and care while preparing each kibble. The kibble size is also perfect for large breed puppy dogs like labradors.
The goodness of this secret homemade formula includes protein sourced from fresh duck, chicken, lamb whole eggs and real cheese.
The protein power of such ingredients make sure your lab pup is healthy, happy and active.
What We Loved About It
As it’s made from pure protein sources and so, the formula is great for your puppy’s bowel movement. There will be noticable changes in his skin and coats as well.
Pros
- Trusted homemade recipe
- High-quality proteins
- Perfect kibble size
- Supports the digestive system
Cons
- Not available in local stores
- Expensive
#13. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Dog Food
Overview
As the name suggests, Hill’s Science Diet dog food is made with the goodness of chicken meat and oats recipe, especially for lab puppies up to 1-year-old. This scientifically researched puppy food contains the right amount of calcium, protein (29% in total), antioxidants, and vitamins for dogs.
Once your pup starts consuming this food, his coat will be shinier and healthier within only a month, thanks to the hand-picked ingredients enriched with vitamin E and Omega- 6 fatty acids.
In addition, for your lab’s strong joints and cartilage, it provides natural glucosamine and chondroitin.
What We Loved About It
Hill’s Science Diet is a familiar brand in the dog food industry. They are popular for their optimal selection of ingredients and nutrients scientifically. Thus, veterinarians around the world highly recommend this product.
Pros
- Promotes healthy bones
- Good for your pup’s skin and hair
- Scientifically measured ingredients
- Great for a healthy immune system
- No artificial elements
Cons
- May cause an allergic reaction to some dogs
#14. Iams Proactive Health Puppy
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Highly recommended by vets, Iams Proactive Health Puppy food is made from farm-raised real chicken bits, garnished fruits, veggies even beet pulps. These ingredients are beneficial for healthy joints and strong muscles of your pooch.
There are 22 key ingredients included in this puppy food which can be only found in mother’s milk. Such elements aid in your puppies cognitive developments.
So, for smarter, healthier and more active puppies, there are no better alternatives than Iams Proactive Puppy Food.
What We Loved About It
We loved the fact that this dog food contains elements not only for your pup’s physical development but for his brain development as well.
Omega-3 DHA is thus very helpful for dogs to become smarter and more trainable.
Pros
- Vet recommended
- Real ingredients
- Promotes strong immune system
- Good for the bones
- Healthy skin and coat
- DHA for brain development
Cons
- Not grain-free
#15. Rachael Ray Natural Dry Dog Food
Overview
American farm-raised chicken provides premium quality protein to develop your lab pup’s strong muscles and a healthy heart. The protein sources are selected carefully and are combined with veggies, vitamins, and minerals to create the ultimate dog food recipe!
Since there no harmful preservatives and by-products it’s absolutely safe to feed your lab pup. Also, to enhance his immunity the recipe includes antioxidants sourced from fresh cranberries.
What We Loved About It
It’s great that this brand is doing charity work too! A portion of their profit is donated to Rachel Ray foundation to support animals in needs.
Pros
- High-quality proteins to maintain healthy organs
- DHA to support brain development
- Essential vitamin B from fiber
- Rich in antioxidants
- Inspired by real recipe
Cons
- Can make your dog feel bloated
#16. Diamond Naturals Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Original pasture-raised lamb is used to make this premium quality puppy food which contains just the right amount of amino acid. Plenty of nutritional elements like- vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, antioxidants are included apart from such high-quality proteins.
The kibbles are smaller in size. For which, these are easily digestible. Brain development essentials like- DHA and Probiotics are included to make sure your puppy remains healthy, happy and active all day long.
What We Loved About It
This puppy food is made with special elements and ingredients using trusted family recipes for generations. So, No fillers or artificial ingredients are added.
Pros
- Optimum protein from real lamb
- Amino acid profile for strong muscles
- Proprietary Probiotics for better digestion
- DHA for brain development
- No artificial flavor
- Breed size specific
Cons
- Kibbles are too dry and gritty
#17. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Popular for featuring 100% real meat, Blue Buffalo Natural Puppy Food is the real deal. The ingredients of this puppy food are packed with high-quality proteins, whole grains, fresh fruit, and veggies. These are vital for your puppy’s muscle growth and immune system.
The other part of the ingredients known to be the “Life source bits” contains holistic vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The product claims to be all natural and free from any kind of artificial elements.
What We Loved About It
This puppy food contains DHA and ARA that’s available only in mother’s milk. These elements help a lot in developing your lab’s cognitive function and retinal health.
Pros Cons
- Made with real meat
- High-quality protein for healthy muscles
- Fresh grains, veggies, and fruits included
- Contains DHA and ARA
- Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
- No artificial flavors
Cons
- Few complained of receiving fake products
#18. Eagle Pack Natural Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Lab puppies are energetic by nature. Thus, it’s important to feed them with a balanced diet that’s rich in proteins, glucosamine, and chondroitin. Your dog will get the nutrients of triple animal proteins and balanced calories that’ll ensure optimal growth rate.
The ground black seeds and olive oil are helpful in making his skin glossier. Don’t worry if your pet has digestion problems because the fibers sourced from the brown rice and oatmeal will solve it.
What We Loved About It
Enriched with skin friendly ingredients that are high in vitamins, minerals this puppy food works as a holy grail for puppies who have allergies.
Pros
- The goodness of triple animal proteins
- Fiber from healthy digestion
- Glucosamine for active dogs
- Controlled calories
- Great for skeletal growth
- No fillers or preservatives
- Vitamin C supports healthy immune system
Cons
- New formula comes with very large kibbles
#19. Instinct Dry Dog Food
Check Latest Price on Amazon
Overview
Finding the right dog food that fits the budget is very hard these days. Don’t worry, as Instinct Dry Dog Food brings you the best quality kibbles with high nutritional values for your puppy to enjoy.
Duck, beef, chicken, rabbit, veal, and Buffalo produces the right amount of protein and fat your dog needs. The freeze-dried raw components along with crunchy kibbles are great for dogs with sensitive GI tract.
This protein-packed dog food is minimally processed and includes probiotics for better digestion and healthy skin. Calcium and Phosphorus give strong teeth and bones.
What We Loved About It
This puppy food contains healthy fat from duck meat and organs which are helpful for the growth of lab pups. Also, there are multiple flavors that you can try out alternatively to bring a change in your dog’s appetite.
Pros
- Healthy kibble plus raw formula
- Protein-packed
- Natural probiotics
- High in Omegas and antioxidants
- Good for digestion
- Minimally processed
- Non-GMO
- Affordable
Cons
- Very few raw pieces compared to kibbles
#20. Orijen 13 LB Puppy Food
Overview
With the goodness of high-quality proteins sourced from real chicken, turkey, wild caught fish, and lad eggs, Orijen Puppy Foods are lab dog favorites. 38% of richly nourishing protein ensures your dog’s rapid growth and development.
Not only meat, but this puppy food includes proteins from chicken and turkey cartilage. For your lab’s healthy digestion system, it contains the nutrients of various fresh fruits, veggies, and beans.
Infusious frozen chicken is known to enhance the taste or palatability of dogs.
What We Loved About It
The low glycemic carbohydrates are limited to as low as 16%, so it’s perfectly balanced for large breed puppies and their biological needs.
Pros
- High in proteins
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Limited carbohydrates
- Freeze-dried to enhance flavors
Cons
- Not for dogs allergic to beans and lentils
Conclusion
A healthy puppy is a happy puppy. With proper care, nutritious food and lots of love that puppy will grow into a fine companion. There are many conflicting reviews regarding dog foods, but, hopefully, this guide has helped you make an informed choice in getting the perfect food for your lab pup.
Don’t forget to share your experience with us, so that future readers can benefit from it.