We have tested 11 puppy foods of different puppy food brands and found Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Food to be one of the best and healthiest options.
It can be considered the best puppy food for labs for several reasons. First, it contains only natural elements. There are no artifical colors, flavors, or preservatives. Also, it was created with all the nutritional needs of a young labrador.
Second, Royal Canin has been on the market since 1968 by providing high-quality dog food for many years. It is one of a few companies that offer such unique diets for different dog breeds, including labradors.
In this part of the article, we are providing detailed reviews of all 11 puppy foods that have been tested.
1. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Food
When Labrador retrievers grow too fast, they are prone to various developmental disorders that may affect them for the rest of their lives. Therefore, puppies need breed-specific nutrition for their proper development. Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Dry Dog Food is exactly the type of nutrition your puppy needs. It is uniquely created for Labradors regardless of their color and helps puppies thrive.
The first ingredient is a chicken by-product meal that is made from what is left of a slaughtered chicken. According to AAFCO, chicken by-products contain nearly all parts of chickens that are usually not consumed by people. They include the liver, kidneys, lungs, stomach, bones, intestines, and others.
The second ingredient is brewer’s rice. It is the small fragments of rice kernel that are separated from large kernels of rice.
The third ingredient is brown rice that is rich in fiber and minerals, including phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese. All these elements are important for the puppy’s growth. Moreover, brown rice is good for the sensitive digestive system of puppies.
Other ingredients contained in Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Food include corn gluten meal, wheat gluten, corn, and chicken fat.
Here is a list of the benefits of this food puppy dog food:
- It was created to to address the nutritional needs of lab puppies
- It is designed to slow the rate of ingestion and encourages puppies to slow down when they are eating and chew their food.
- It consists of a complex of antioxidants including vitamin E that supports your dog’s natural defenses.
- There is the proper mineral content (including phosphorus and calcium) that is needed for the development of strong bones and healthy joints.
- This puppy food is formulated with high-quality protein that supports the digestive system of your dog and makes sure your puppy has a healthy stool.
- There are additional macronutrients that help your young Labrador remains active.
According to reviews from Labrador owners, this dog food helps puppies stay active, encourages them to eat slowly, and contributes to a firm stool. Moreover, it also makes a dog’s coat shiny and helps dogs grow fast like a healthy weed. Also, many dog owners pointed that this food helps control the weight of their growing puppies and prevents them from becoming overweight.
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2. Purina Pro Plan Puppy
If you choose nutrition from Purina for your lab puppy, you can be sure that your dog is getting high-quality and balanced food. Purina Pro Plan Puppy is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that is well known as a great source of animal protein. One of the most important things is that protein should always be listed as the first ingredient. In this case, the protein choice is chicken that is necessary for supporting the joints and cartilage of a growing puppy.
The second and third ingredients are rice and corn gluten meal. Corn gluten meal is also known as a great source of protein, even though it has a lower biological value than meat.
The fourth ingredient is corn that provides your puppy with energy, and the fifth ingredient is poultry by-product meal. The good thing about by-product meals is that they contain nearly 300% more protein than fresh poultry.
Other ingredients of Purina Pro Plan Puppy are beef fat, wheat, dried egg product, pea fiber, and some other items. Here is a list of this dog food’s benefits:
- It is specialized nutrition for puppies and growing dogs that are active and energetic
- It is known for its delicious taste.
- It consists of high-quality ingredients that contribute to the overall health of your dog.
- The ratio of fats and proteins is higher than average.
According to reviews, dogs love this food because it tastes delicious, and they really enjoy eating it. Also, puppies fed with Purina Pro Plan Puppy have firm stools, good looking coats, and are full of energy.
3. Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
This high-quality dry dog food provides your Labrador puppy with the precise nutrition necessary for a long and healthy lifestyle. It is manufactured in the United States, meaning that all the ingredients meet strict requirements for nutrient content and purity by exceeding industry standards. You can feel absolutely safe when putting this food in your dog’s body.
The first and the main ingredient of this dog food is protein. In this case, it is a chicken meal. It is produced by baking and grinding chicken skin and meat.
The second ingredient is whole grain wheat. It a dog food, it is considered an excellent source of carbohydrates,vitamins, minerals, and protein that are necessary for supporting your dog’s overall health.
Other ingredients found in this dog food include Whole Grain Sorghum, Corn Gluten Meal, and others. They all provide your canine with the necessary amount of antioxidants, fiber, iron, zinc, and vitamins B1 and B2.
The reviews say that Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed food is an excellent choice for labradors by helping them grow like a weed and be full of energy.
4. VICTOR Purpose Active Dog & Puppy Formula
This dog food is formulated to meet the nutritional requirements established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). It provides lab puppies with a healthy and all-around diet. This dog food is made with premium-quality beef and fish meals that are good not only for puppies but also for pregnant and lactating dogs, as well as dogs with special physical demands.
The first ingredient is protein, and in this case, the protein component is beef. The beef from any cattle breed is cooked, dried, and finely ground. It does not only provide protein, but also enriches your puppy’s diet with animal fat, amino acids, and minerals.
Peas is the second ingredient that is a great gluten-free source of protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. Pea products are needed in pet food because they provide a dog with energy, vitamins, and minerals, without which the healthy development and growing of a puppy is impossible.
The third ingredient is a sweet potato that is known as a great source of antioxidants, minerals, fiber, and grain-free carbohydrates.
Other ingredients that can be found in VICTOR Purpose Active Dog & Puppy Formula are mixed tocopherols and chicken fat.
This dog food is a common choice of many labrador owners because of the following benefits:
- Composed of 77% meat protein
- A unique blend that supports the immune system of your puppy
- Ideal not only for puppies but for adult dogs as well, including pregnant and lactating female dogs.
5. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy
Nutro Natural Choice Puppy is one of the safest choices of puppy food on the market. It is a great-tasting and natural dog food that was formulated especially for growing puppies with sensitive digestive systems. It provides an optimal blend of proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins that are important for a healthy metabolism. In addition, it also contains chondroitin and glucosamine – the elements that are responsible for healthy joints and strong bones.
The first ingredient in this puppy food is protein – farm-raised chicken that contains natural antioxidants and does not contain any GMO ingredients.
The second ingredient is chicken meal that is also considered an excellent source of protein. It is produced by baking and grinding chicken.
Other ingredients include whole-grain barley, whole grain brown rice, potato protein, chicken fat, rice bran, and others.
Many owners of lab puppies choose Nutro Natural Choice Puppy for the following benefits:
- The first ingredient is farm-raised chicken
- It is good for puppies up to 12 months old
- It contains Omega-3 fatty acids that support proper eye and brain development.
- It is a great source of calcium that is necessary for healthy bones and joints.
6. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food, Puppy Large
If you are looking for a lab puppy food that is packed with protein, this dog food is exactly what you need. The ingredients include multiple meat sources, including turkey organs, deboned chicken, and a variety of fish. In total, there is 38% of protein, which is more than enough for making your puppy’s muscles and bones strong.
In addition to meat, there are also such ingredients as fruits, vegetables, and the kibble contains. The variety of plant ingredients provides puppies with all the minerals, and vitamins that they need for proper growing and development.
The key benefits of this dog food include the following:
- Produced in the United States with the world’s best ingredients
- The first five ingredients are fresh protein
- 85% quality animal ingredients.
7. Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Large Breed
This puppy food for labs is a perfect choice for those who want their dogs to grow up strong and big. It is a special and unique recipe for large breed, including labradors, that include wholesome quality ingredients and no fillers at all. This dry food is packed with minerals, vitamins, and other healthy elements that are important for supporting the puppy’s growing and developing muscles, including their healthy hearts. In addition, this food is also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and E, selenium, and zinc that support the dog’s immune system. Every serving of this food is formulated to help your young dog to grow active and healthy.
It is one of the Labrador retriever puppy foods recommended by veterinarians that has the following benefits:
- The very first ingredient is chicken that provides a puppy with 100% healthy nutrition.
- Every serving consists of glucosamine – the element that supports healthy joints and strong bones
- It has omega-6 fatty acids that are responsible for making the coat of a dog shiny and beautiful.
- There are no fillers, artificial colors, or preservatives to help your puppy’s digestive system function properly and prevent any problems with it.
- The food is manufactured in Purina-owned U.S. facilities, which guarantees that the food meets your standards.
8. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural Puppy
The main priority of the brand Blue Buffalo is to put real meat first. Therefore, the main and the first ingredient of this dog food is chicken – an excellent source of protein. Growing puppies need protein in order to build and maintain healthy muscles.
The formula of this dog food is tailored especially for puppies, so your labrador retriever puppy will definitely benefit from DHA and ARA – the fatty acids that are found in the mother’s milk and that are needed for support of the puppy’s immune system, eyes, and cognitive abilities.
Buffalo uses only the finest and most natural ingredients enhanced with beneficial minerals and vitamins. There are no by-products, fillers, or any artificial elements. The food is manufactured in the United States, so you can be sure that only premium meat, fruits, and vegetables are used for making it.
Many labrador owners choose Bue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for the following benefits:
- Only real meat is used. Meat is always the first and the main ingredient.
- It contains DHA and ARA that are contained in the mother’s milk and are necessary for puppies’ proper cognitive function and retinal health.
- The food is made with the finest natural ingredients without any added by-product meals, such as corn, soy, or any artifical flavors.
- It is approved and recommended by veterinarians and animal nutritionists.
9. Diamond Naturals Premium Large Breed Puppy
This dry formula is enhanced with the necessary probiotics and superfoods needed for large breed puppies to grow and develop properly, This food provides puppies with all the necessary minerals and vitamins that they need for their young and active lifestyle. It also contains omega fatty acids that contribute to a shiny and good-looking coat. If you want your little labrador to achieve a balanced holistic diet, Diamon Naturals Premium is exactly what you need.
The first ingredient is lamb meat that has plenty of protein that your puppy will need for proper growth and development.
The second ingredient is whole grain brown rice that your canine with the necessary amount of carbs and is digested slowly. Rice is actually a perfect ingredient for dog food because most dogs tolerate it, and it does not cause any digestive issues.
The next ingredient on the list is cracked pearled barley that is a slow-digesting ingredient as rice. It is also an excellent source of carbs and energy that your young labrador needs.
Other ingredients include chicken fat, dried yeast, ground white rice, salmon oil (that is the source of DHA), and some others.
10. Pedigree Complete Nutrition Puppy Dog Food
This dog food was created to help your young growing labrador to keep up with bigger and older dogs. This food contains all the elements, minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that puppies need to grow into active and healthy dogs. The most important thing about this puppy dog food is that it has DHA (element contained in the mother’s milk) that contributes to the healthy and strong bones of a puppy. In addition, it also features a special fiber blend that promotes healthy digestion.
Dogs love this food for several reasons. It does not only tastes good, but it is also crunchy, and canines really like it. If the food is too crunchy for your puppy, you can always drizzle some water over it to make it softer.
The key benefits of this puppy dog food are the following:
- It is rich in phosphorus and calcium – elements that puppies need for the development of their healthy teeth and bones.
- Small crunchy pieces are not also easier to eat for puppies, they also help clean your dog’s teeth, which is for your canine’s oral health support.
- Provides balanced nutrition with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribure to a healthy lifestyle of a puppy.
- No artificial flavors, sugar, or high fructose corn syrup.
11. Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food
This dog dry food is unique – it contains 22 key nutrients that are found in the mother’s milk. A combination of these nutrients helps your puppy to grow strong, big, active, and healthy.
The first ingredient of this food is farm-raised chicken that is the primary source of protein. Your puppy needs protein for developing strong muscles.
It also contains Omega-3 DHA for smarter, move active, and more trainable puppies. In addition, there are plenty of antioxidants that every dog needs in order to maintain a strong and healthy immune system.
Iams Proactive Health Puppy Dry Dog Food is great for puppies up to 12 months old, as well as for pregnant and lactating female dogs.
Buying Guide: What To Look For When Buying Puppy Food For Labs
It may be challenging and confusing to choose the best and the healthiest food for your labrador puppy, especially with so many food choices available on the market. Here is a list of some tips for buying puppy food that may help you. You will learn what to look for when you are shopping for your puppy’s food and what you should pay attention to.
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Choose The Brand Producing Puppy Food Wisely
A brand is the first thing you pay attention to. When you choose pet food from a certain pet company, you need to make sure that it has undergone AAFCO feeding trials. If the food has undergone a trial, this means that there are no deficiencies and it is safe. Unfortunately, there are many pet food companies that manufacture dog food using their own recipe, but they never test the food before sending it to pet stores.
A good pet food company that produces high-quality dog food will always invest in scientific research in order to know more about the ingredients, contents, and nutritional value. The purpose of this research is to make sure that the food does not contain any artificial stuff and preservatives, and is good for dogs. Moreover, trustworthy and reliable pet food companies also consult with animal nutritionists and veterinarians.
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Lean Towards Dry Food
Puppies can eat both dry and moist food. However, unlike adult dogs are fed twice a day, puppies must be fed at least four times. This is because of the puppies’ growth rate. For this reason, you need to give your puppy small amounts of food frequently. It is easier to feed your young dog with dry food because of the portion control and freshness of the food because dry food does not require refrigeration.
There are also some other benefits of dry food for your puppy. For example, constant chewing of dry food heps to solve certain dental problems, such as the buildup of tartar and plaque on their teeth.
Stick To One Brand Of Dog Food
Once you find the puppy dog food that you and your dog like, it is better to stick to it. Also, make sure that you do not mix the puppy’s food with something else, such as food from the table for example. Any veterinarian and animal nutritionist will tell you that feeding your canine with human food is not good and even dangerous. There are certain products that can be toxic for a dog. For this reason, find the brand of dog food that addressed your needs and requirement and start feeding your puppy with it every day.
If You Do Not Know, Choose Hypoallergenic
Many dog owners do not even know that their dogs have food allergies because they can develop over time. You may be one of them, and if you are, then it is better to be safe and buy hypoallergenic food for your canine. Hypoallergenic food does not cause any harm to your dog if they do not have any allergies, but will definitely protect your canine if they do. Therefore, if you can, find hypoallergenic puppy food and feed your growing dog with it.
Always Read The Label
Many dog owners never read pet food labels, which is a huge mistake. In fact, dog food labels contain very important information and show the ingredients that pet food consists of. Ideally, the list of ingredients on the label should start with chicken/ beef/ turkey /chicken meal, vegetables, fruits, etc. It is better to avoid pet food labels with by-products, ground corn, corn gluten meal, etc. Make sure to check the percentage of the ingredients. As a general rule, look for puppy dog food that has at least 30% of protein and not less than 8% of fat. Since a labrador is a large breed, it is important to make sure that the food you pick does not contain more than 1.5% calcium content.
Also, do not forget to look at the nutritional information that tells you whether the puppy dog food is suitable for your dog’s growing needs.
Research The Sources Of Dog Food Brand You Decided To Choose
The label can provide you with very important and useful information about the contens of the dog food, but it may not be enough. If you pick a certain brand, you should do some investigative work to know the brand more and find answers to the following questions:
- How long this company has been on the market?
- Who are the people who are responsible for formulating the recipes?
- Does the company own its own plants, or they have a contract with someone else?
- Are there any quality control steps?
- What type of research or testing does the brand do on the dog foods they produce? ‘
Conclusion
We have tested 11 different dog foods from different companies, including Royal Canin, Purina, Hill’s Science, Victor, Blue Buffalo, Nutro Natural Choice, and Diamond Naturals.
It is possible to draw the conclusion that all the 11 puppy dog foods are quality and contain all the necessary minerals, vitamins, and microelements to help a lab puppy grow healthy and big. Most of them also contain protein as the first ingredient that can be chicken, turkey, or beef. This all helps puppies grow quickly as a weed and develop properly without any health issues.
Based on our analysis and research, the best Labrador retriever puppy food is Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Food. It was created especially for labs and consists of all the necessary elements, vitamins, and minerals. If you are currently shopping for puppy dog food and cannot make a decision, there are certain things that you should pay attention to. They are the information you can find on the labels, reviews from people who have already tried this food, and others.
You can buy Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy by clicking on this link that leads to Chewy.com.
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