The best food for a Labrador

The Labrador Retriever is a breed that is not picky about food. However, for normal development, it requires a balanced diet in which proteins, fats and carbohydrates are optimally combined. It is these dry mixes that are considered in this rating, which presents safe, tasty and affordable products for puppies and adult animals. 20 applicants participated in the selection of the best food for the Labrador, and as a result 7 options were included in the TOP, taking into account the feedback from the owners of the pets.

Labrador feed rating

The TOP is based on the reviews of the owners of this breed and the recommendations of veterinarians regarding the proper nutrition of Labradors at different ages - puppies under 1 year old, adults under 6 years old, elderly. The construction of the rating became possible after studying a number of product characteristics and comparing products for each of them.

The selection parameters were:

• Animal age - puppy, adult, elderly;
• Mix type - dry or wet;
• Packaging - craft bag, spider, can;
• Special needs of pets - allergic reaction, sensitive stomach, etc .;
• Balance and naturalness of the composition;
• The percentage of the main component - meat;
• The amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates and their ratio;
• The presence of vitamins and micro-, macroelements;
• Effects - improvement of digestion, condition of hair and skin, strengthening of teeth;
• Ease of chewing;
• Daily rate;
• The need to increase the volume of water consumed;
• Calorie content and saturation of the body;
• Package volume;
• Shelf life.

The key point was the reaction of the dogs to the food and the lack of addiction, that is, the possibility of a painless change in diet.

Labrador puppy food

The main component here is fresh lean meat - turkey, chicken, beef, veal. It should account for at least 40-60% of the composition. It is advisable to add vegetables, berries and fruits to the mixture to strengthen the immune system. As feed for puppies 3 products, selected by the expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ team for the rating, have proven themselves well.

Sirius lamb with rice

A versatile mix suitable for animals of all sizes - small, medium, large. The product is supplied in 3, 15 and 20 kg plastic bags. If you buy a larger package, you will be able to save a little. It can be used as a complete daily diet for Labradors over 2 months old. For the accelerated and harmonious development of the puppy, the composition has an increased protein content, the source of which is meat.

Sirius is made from 28% poultry and 8% lamb, no bone meal. The rest is accounted for by fat, wheat, rice, corn, carrots, pumpkin, celery. Thanks to the inclusion of vegetables and grains, the growing body is provided with the necessary supply of energy and better resists disease. The dietary fiber in retriever puppy food creates a suitable environment for the development of beneficial microflora in the intestines.

Advantages:

• Improves digestion due to the content of yucca;
• It has an antiparasitic effect;
• Cleans the body of heavy metal ions due to pectins;
• Normalizes liver function;
• Rich in omega-3 and omega-6.

Disadvantages:

• Calorie content per 1 kg - 3900 kcal.

Due to the low humidity - no more than 9%, the owner will have to carefully monitor the presence of water in the animal. Sirius is a source of calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, iodine, copper, manganese, vitamins A, E, B and D3.

Hill's Science Plan chicken

Inexpensive food designed specifically for puppies of large breeds, to which the Labrador belongs. It is designed for ages up to 1 year. The composition is based on chicken and turkey flour (35%), combined with cereals (rice and corn). Egg, beetroot, soybean oil, flax seeds, cellulose were used as additional ingredients. Such a variety of components helps to strengthen the growing body, protect it from diseases and parasites.

Hill's Science Plan contains antioxidants that prevent the negative effects of free radicals. Proteins (27%) and fats (14.8%) are optimally distributed here, which contributes to the maintenance of normal energy levels and body weight gain. The dry mixture is rich in vitamins A, C, E, due to which the animal's immunity is strengthened. There are 3 packs available for sale - 2.5, 11 and 12 kg.

Advantages:

• Small daily allowance - from 195 to 800 g, depending on weight;
• Doesn't bother for a long time;
• Doesn't make you thirsty;
• Easy to combine with wet counterparts;
• Makes the coat shiny;
• Chews up without problems.

Disadvantages:

• Includes cereals.

Due to the energy value of 363 kcal per 100 g, the risk of obesity is reduced with regular feeding. Selective eating is avoided due to the uniform particle size.

Brit Premium chicken

Brit Premium food is intended for large breeds, including the Labrador. The mixture is sold with a chicken flavor and the main ingredient is poultry. This made it possible to achieve the content of 28% of proteins, with a lack of which the puppy's body cannot fully develop. Fat is only 16%, which reduces the risk of gaining excess body weight. The diet includes fiber that is good for digestion.

Dry food for a Labrador puppy is quite nutritious, which is explained by the combination of meat with cereals - oats, corn, wheat. It has a pleasant smell due to the inclusion of herbs and berries (rosemary, turmeric, etc.) in the composition. The reviews note the positive effect of the diet on wool and digestion. This option is well tolerated.

Advantages:

• Good fineness;
• Humidity 10%;
• The optimal calorie content is 3850 kcal / kg;
• Belongs to the premium class;
• Can be combined with other varieties.

Disadvantages:

• Contains citrus fruits, which is not suitable for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
• Not holistic.

The reviews indicate that the feeding rates indicated by the manufacturer do not meet the needs of the Labrador, and the portions have to be increased.

Food for an adult labrador

These mixtures are based on meat combined with cereals (wheat, oats, corn), vegetables, berries, fruits, plant extracts. Adults are understood to mean animals aged 1 to 6 years. Older pets are called old, and they need their own diet - with limited calories. The editorial staff of expertpro.techinfus.com/en/ studied the characteristics of 10 nominees and added 4 of the safest, most delicious and useful ones to the rating.

Eukanuba Breed Specific

It is one of the few pet food formulated to meet the nutritional needs of a Labrador retriever. It is aimed at an adult pet from 1 to 6 years old, it is not recommended to give it to puppies. Calorie content of 306.63 kcal per cup replenishes energy needs and allows you to quickly fill. This is due to the high concentration of animal proteins - poultry, fish oil, egg powder, cartilage hydrolyzate.

The Eukanuba Breed Specific formula also includes plant-based ingredients such as wheat, barley, and wheat flour, which increase the nutritional value of the dry mix and reduce the serving size. Proteins (23 g) and fats (13 g) are available here, which ensures timely cell regeneration and ensures normal vital functions of the body. Thanks to the inclusion of fiber, digestion is restored.

Advantages:

• Does not harm the kidneys and liver;
• No artificial colors and flavors;
• Not addictive;
• Supports heart function;
• Promotes natural fat burning.

Disadvantages:

• Only large packages are available - 2.5, 10, 12 and 19 kg.

Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Dog Food supplies the body with omega-3 and omega-6 acids, which keep the skin healthy and the coat shiny.

Royal Canin for skin and coat health

Another food made for Labradors. It is specially formulated to maintain healthy skin and coat shine. The minimum recommended feeding age is 1 year, the maximum is 6 years. The mixture belongs to the premium class, in particular, due to the large amount of meat - poultry and pork. This led to the protein content at the level of 30%, which have a positive effect on the immune system, cartilage, liver.

Food from Royal Canin is rich in fiber (4.5%), which makes it especially useful for pets with digestive and liver problems. The low fat content (13%) ensures protection against excess weight gain, and grains provide energy replenishment. The composition also includes a hydrolyzate from cartilage, which strengthens the joints. The energy value of the mixture is high - 3710 kcal per 1 kg.

Advantages:

• The animal eats up quickly;
• Normal digestion;
• Expiration date - 12 months;
• Can be given to the elderly over 7 years old;
• Does not affect kidney function.

Disadvantages:

• It gets boring after 3-5 months.

Due to the balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, the food is suitable for pets prone to overweight.

Grandorf rabbit with sweet potato

Diet for all breeds of animals, including large ones. This is the only holistic in the ranking, developed based on the needs of the body and taking into account the propensity to allergies. Due to this, the likelihood of digestive disorders, disorders of the kidneys and liver is minimized. The value of the dry mix lies in the complete absence of grain components, more than 65% is accounted for by meat.

The grain-free formula works well for pets with sensitive stomachs and does not feel heavy after feeding. The diet is as close to natural as possible. The source of protein, which contains 25% versus 15% fat, is fresh rabbit and turkey meat. Additional should be noted spinach, apples, flax seeds.

Advantages:

• Does not contain dyes;
• Soy and fat are excluded;
• Does not include offal;
• Gentle processing during cooking;
• The balance of vitamins.

Disadvantages:

• Only suitable for adult dogs from 1 year old.

For a Labrador Retriever, the approximate daily feed rate is 400-600 g; the more active the animal is, the higher it should be.

Native high activity dog ​​food

Natural ingredients of Russian origin are used in the production of Rodny Korma dry mix. We are talking about cereals (wheat and corn), which increase the energy value of the diet and contribute to the rapid saturation of the body. However, the main component is ground chicken meat and its fat, due to which it was possible to achieve a content of 25% protein and 1.5% calcium. They have a positive effect on the skin, hair and bones of the animal.

The food is designed for hyperactive dogs. It is easily digested due to the absence of by-products, flavors and dyes in the composition. It also reduces the risk of developing allergies, even in labradors with sensitive digestion. However, you need to introduce the mixture into the diet gradually (over 7-10 days) and monitor the presence of fresh water. The diet includes vitamins A and D3, which are important for vision and joints.

Advantages:

• Made without GMO;
• A large amount of fiber (3%), which improves bowel function;
• Anti-aging natural antioxidants;
• Variety of composition, diluted with apples and pumpkin;
• Balanced formula.

Disadvantages:

• Humidity no more than 10% requires an increase in the amount of water;
• The presence of fat.

The food is suitable for adult dogs over 1 year old, including seniors.The mixture is sold in two packs - 2.045 and 16.38 kg.

How to choose food for a Labrador

The most appreciated mixes with a high content of pure meat (beef, turkey, chicken), belonging to the super premium class. They increase the amount of proteins and improve the development of the animal. Ideally, you need to take specialized rations designed specifically for Labradors, but there are not many of them on the market.

A type

Dog food is divided into dry and wet, which comes in canned food and in pieces in spiders. The last two are less common. Their advantages are higher calorie content, ease of assimilation, improved palatability and balanced composition. However, they are less stored and not very beneficial.

It is better to choose dry food for Labradors in terms of economy, it lasts for a long time and is convenient to store in zip-lock bags or in special containers. Their shelf life sometimes exceeds 1 year. He also takes care of the oral cavity of animals and removes plaque from the teeth when chewing granules. Separately, it is worth noting a wide selection for puppies, allergy sufferers, elderly pets.

Animal age

Puppies' food should contain more meat than adults, as they need protein for normal body development and trouble-free growth. Also important is the presence of calcium and phosphorus in the formula, which are necessary to strengthen joints and cartilage. You can start giving any mixture only when your pet reaches 2 months.

For puppies and adult dogs under 6 years of age, the calorie intake should be high - at least 3500 kcal. Elderly people no longer require so much energy and can buy less satisfying mixtures with easily digestible carbohydrates.

Packaging

There are zip-lock pouches, pouches and cans in which canned food are supplied on the market. After opening, any of these packages must be tightly closed to prevent the odor from escaping. Otherwise, the animal will not eat food with a good appetite.

Special needs

Special needs include allergies to components (most often oats, wheat, corn, soy), sensitive stomach, impaired digestion, old or young age up to 1 year. Information about this should be indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging or in the product description.

What food is best for a Labrador

The most popular dry mixture, which quickly saturates the body, maintains the required energy level, heals and prevents disorders in the functioning of the kidneys, liver and stomach. However, when it is introduced into the diet, it is necessary to increase the amount of water consumed by the pet, regardless of what kind of food the Labrador is fed.

The choice of food is determined by the needs of the animal:

• For active puppies that need a lot of energy, you can feed Sirius lamb with cereal rice.
• To strengthen the growing dog, it is recommended to use Hill's Science Plan dry mix based on chicken.
• In order to avoid gaining excess body weight, especially in prone dogs, it is worth adding Brit Premium with chicken to the diet.
• Between the ages of 1 and 6, Eukanuba Breed Specific with a high concentration of animal proteins is the best option.
• Royal Canin will help maintain healthy skin and coat in a Labrador.
• With a sensitive stomach and an allergic reaction to cereals, you should pay attention to the Grandorf rabbit with sweet potatoes and without cereals.
• For highly active dogs, you can buy products from the Rodnye Korma brand.

Before choosing some kind of food for a Labrador, it is better to carefully study the characteristics of the product and reviews about it. Only by comparing the compositions and effects from the use of the mixture, it will be possible to choose a worthy option.