Best Dog Food for Lab Puppies – A Buying Guide!

Lab puppies are cute, but they can be a lot of work, especially when it comes to feeding them. What’s the best dog food for lab puppies? That’s a question that many owners wrestle with.

In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a buying guide for the best dog food for Lab puppies.

We’ll share our 10 favorites made with high-quality ingredients that will help your pup grow healthy and strong.

And we’ll also answer some common questions about feeding labs, such as how much to feed them and how often. By the end of this blog post, you’ll know exactly what to buy for your furry friend!

So if you’re looking for the best dog food for lab puppies, let’s get started.

Best Dog Food for Lab Puppies: Our Top 3 Picks!

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10 Best Dog Food for Lab Puppies

Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Food – Best for Large Breeds

If you have a large breed of lab puppy, then you’ll want to start them off on a food that’s designed for their size.

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Hill’s Science Diet Dry Puppy Food is an excellent choice and our top pick for the best dog food for lab puppies.

This formula contains DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy brain and eye development in large breed puppies. It’s also made with high-quality ingredients like chicken, lamb, and oats for easy digestibility.

Plus, it has added calcium for strong bones and teeth. And it’s free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. If you’re looking for high-quality food that’s specifically designed for large breed puppies, then this USA-made dog food is the option for you.

Key Features:

• Contains EPA omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain and eye development
• Made with high-quality ingredients like chicken, lamb, and oats
• Added calcium for strong bones and teeth
• Free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Pros:

• Size-specific formula for large breed puppies
• Contains DHA and EPA for healthy brain development
• Made with high-quality ingredients

Cons:

• One of the more expensive options on our list

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Taste of the Wild Premium Dry Dog Food for Puppies – Best Premium Dry Puppy Food

Taste of the Wild is a popular dog food brand that makes high-quality, premium formulas.

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And their Taste of the Wild Premium Dry Dog Food for Puppies is our recommended pick for the best premium dry puppy food.

This formula is made with real roasted meats like venison and bison and potatoes for easy digestibility. It also contains DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids to support healthy brain and eye development in puppies.

Plus, it’s made with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries and raspberries. And it’s free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives which is always important.

USA-made, this formula is nutrient-rich and highly digestible for growing puppies. And it’s a great option for puppies with sensitive stomachs since it’s made with easily digestible ingredients.

Key Features:

• Made with real roasted meats and potatoes – perfect for puppies with sensitive stomachs
• DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids for healthy brain and eye development
• Rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables like blueberries and raspberries
• Healthy ingredients – free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• USA-made

Pros:

• Nutrient-rich and highly digestible
• Great for puppies with sensitive stomachs
• No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• USA family owned

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive than some other brands

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Iams Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best for All Breed Sizes

Iams Puppy Dry Dog Food is one of the most popular brands of puppy food on the market. Iams is a trusted name in pet food, and their puppy food formula is no exception.

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This dry dog food is made with high-quality ingredients like chicken, lamb, and fish meal to provide your puppy with the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. Iams Puppy Dry Dog Food is also fortified with DHA and antioxidants to support cognitive development and healthy immune systems.

This food is available in multiple sizes, so it’s perfect for puppies of all breeds. Iams Puppy Dry Dog Food is also affordably priced, making it a great option for budget-conscious pet parents.

Key Features:

• Fortified with DHA and antioxidants – ideal for cognitive development and immune system health
• Made with high-quality ingredients like farm chicken, lamb, and fish meal – perfect for growing puppies
• Available in multiple sizes – perfect for all breed sizes
• Made in the USA – trusted pet food quality

Pros:

• Affordably priced
• High-quality ingredients
• Perfect for all breed sizes

Cons:

• Not all puppies will enjoy the taste

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Blue Buffalo Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food – Best Natural Food For Large Breeds

Blue Buffalo Puppy Large Breed Chicken and Brown Rice Recipe is one of the best foods you can buy for your large breed puppy.

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It is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, and it also contains LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune system health, life stage requirements, and a healthy oxidative balance.

This formula also contains DHA and ARA – two fatty acids that are essential for cognitive development and retinal health.

Plus, it has calcium and phosphorus for strong bones and muscles, and it is free from chicken or poultry by-product meals and preservatives.

Key Features:

• Real chicken is the first ingredient
• Contains LifeSource Bits – a precise blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
• Also contains DHA and ARA – two fatty acids that are essential for cognitive development and retinal health
• Free from chicken or poultry by-product meals.

Pros:

• Made with high-quality ingredients
• Contains nutrients that are essential for large breed puppies
• Free from harmful chemicals and fillers

Cons:

• May not be suitable for all large breed puppies (depending on their specific needs)

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Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Overall Dog Food

As a new puppy owner, you want to make sure you’re giving your furry friend the best possible start in life. And that includes choosing the right food.

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That’s why we recommend Nutro Ultra Puppy Dry Dog Food. It’s made with high-quality ingredients like chicken, lamb, and salmon meal, and it’s designed to support your puppy’s growth and development.

Plus, it comes in a smaller kibble size that’s perfect for little mouths, and it’s fortified with vitamins and minerals to keep your pup healthy and strong. With no by-product meals, artificial flavors or colors, it’s also a great option for puppies with sensitive stomachs.

Key Features:

• Made with high-quality ingredients like chicken, lamb, and salmon meal
• Supports your puppy’s growth and development
• Comes in a smaller kibble size that’s perfect for little mouths
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals for essential nutrition
• No by-product meals, artificial flavors, or colors

Pros:

• Quality ingredients support your puppy’s growth and development
• The small kibble size is perfect for little mouths
• Great for puppies with sensitive stomachs

Cons:

• Some puppies may not be as enthusiastic about the taste

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Purina One Large Breed Dry Puppy Food – Best Value Food For Lab Puppies

If you want the best dry food for your lab puppy without breaking the bank, then look no further than Purina One Large Breed Dry Puppy Food.

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This formula is designed specifically for large breed puppies and contains DHA to support healthy brain and vision development. It is also made with real chicken as the first ingredient and has no artificial flavors or preservatives.

High in protein and calcium, this food will help your lab puppy grow into a strong and healthy adult dog. It is also known as tasty food that most dogs enjoy eating, which is always a bonus!

Best of all, this food is very affordable and is a great value for the money.

Key Features:

• Made with real chicken as the first ingredient
• Contains DHA for healthy brain and vision development
• Quality ingredients – contains no artificial flavors or preservatives
• High in protein and calcium – perfect for large breed puppies
• Affordable and great value for the money

Pros:

• Puppy will grow up to be a healthy, strong dog
• Your puppy will have bright eyes and a shiny coat
• Very affordable dog food option
• Tastes nice and is easily digestible

Cons:

• Stools may be a little soft and runny

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Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Nutrient Rich Food

As a large breed puppy, your Labrador Retriever will need plenty of nutrients to help them grow into a healthy adult dog.

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Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food is formulated with DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids to support your pup’s cognitive development and contains the right amount of protein and fat to help maintain their energy levels.

This food is also made with real chicken as the first ingredient and contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Packed with vitamins, this food is suitable throughout your pup’s life cycle and is highly digestible to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need.

Key Features:

• Made with real meat (chicken) as the first ingredient
• Contains DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids to support cognitive development
• Formulated to contain the right amount of protein and fat for energy levels
• Made with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
• Highly digestible to help with nutrient absorption

Pros:

• Great for large breed puppies
• Contains omega-3 fatty acids for cognitive development
• Made with real chicken

Cons:

• Complaints about changes to the food with some dogs not enjoying it as much

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Diamond Naturals Premium Dry Dog Food – Best Healthiest Dog Food for Labs

If you’re looking for the best quality food for your Lab puppy, look no further than Diamond Naturals.

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This dry kibble is made with high-quality ingredients that are designed to support your pup’s health and development.

The first ingredient is real meat, and it also includes omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics. This food is also free of corn, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

With chicken or lamb as the first ingredient, this is a highly digestible and nutritious food that your Lab puppy will love. It also includes DHA and EPA to support healthy brain and eye development.

Key Features:

• Real meat is the first ingredient – chicken or lamb
• Includes omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics
• Free of corn, soy, and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives
• Highly digestible and nutritious
• Includes DHA and EPA to support healthy brain and eye development

Pros:

• High-quality ingredients support your pup’s health
• Free of common allergens
• Supports healthy brain and eye development
• Made with real meat

Cons:

• Some puppies may not be fond of the taste

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Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Diet Food for Lab Puppies

Dogs are carnivores by nature, so it’s important to make sure they’re getting enough protein in their diet – and that’s where Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food comes in.

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It’s made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit, and is 100% grain-free, so you can be sure your pup is getting the nutrition they need.

It also contains DHA and EPA to support healthy brain development, and it’s free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.

Packed full of essential nutrients and healthy ingredients such as chicken, turkey, fish, and eggs, Orijen Puppy Dry Dog Food is one of the best diet options for lab puppies (and adult dogs, too!).

Key Features:

• Made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit
• 100% grain-free – ideal for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• Contains DHA and EPA for healthy brain development
• Free of artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors

Pros:

• Packed with healthy, natural ingredients
• The grain-free formula is great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities
• High in protein to ensure your pup is getting enough nutrition
• Made with quality ingredients

Cons:

• Pricey compared to other brands

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Wellness Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food – Best USA-Made Labrador Puppy Food

As a large breed puppy, your Labrador needs the right nutrition to help them grow healthy and strong.

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Wellness Natural Dry Large Breed Puppy Food is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients like deboned chicken, salmon, and rice.

It also contains DHA and omega fatty acids for brain and eye development, as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints.

With the right blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, this food will give your Labrador the energy they need to grow and play.

And because it’s made with natural ingredients, you can feel good about what you’re feeding your pup.

Key Features:

• Made in the USA with high-quality ingredients
• Contains DHA and omega fatty acids for brain and eye development
• Includes glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints
• The right blend of protein, fat, and carbohydrates for energy
• Made with natural ingredients to ensure a healthy eating option for your Lab

Pros:

• Made in the USA
• Packed with protein to keep your pup full of energy
• Fatty acids ensure proper cognitive development
• Supports healthy joints

Cons:

• Some dogs may not be fond of the taste/texture

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How to Pick The Best Puppy Foods for Labs

As a new puppy owner, you want to make sure that you’re giving your furry friend the best possible start in life. That includes choosing the right food.

The best dog food for Lab puppies is packed with nutrients and calories to help them grow big and strong. It should also be easy to digest so that their sensitive stomachs can handle it.

Here are a few things to look for when choosing the best food for your Lab puppy:

#1 – Dog’s Size and Breed

Size and breed are two important factors in choosing the right food for your puppy. Large dogs need more calories than small breeds, and active dogs need more calories than sedentary ones.

Labradors are considered medium to large breeds, so they’ll need food that contains more calories than what’s recommended for smaller breeds. 

And since they’re known for being active, you’ll want to choose a food that has slightly more calories than what’s recommended for less active breeds.

Similarly, if your Lab puppy is on the small side, you may want to choose a food that’s designed for small breeds. This will ensure that they’re getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their size.

In addition, some breeds are predisposed to certain health conditions. For example, Labs are prone to hip dysplasia, so you may want to choose a food that’s designed to support joint health.

#2 – Dog Food Ingredients

The ingredients in your puppy’s food are just as important as the calories.

Look for food that’s made with high-quality proteins, like chicken, beef, or lamb. Avoid foods that contain fillers, like corn or soy. And make sure the food doesn’t have any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

The best dog food for Lab puppies will have all of the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. So, take a look at the ingredient list and make sure you’re comfortable with what’s in the food.

The first 5 ingredients are the most important, so pay close attention to those.

Here’s an example of a high-quality ingredient list:

Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, oatmeal, peas…

And here’s an example of a low-quality ingredient list:

Corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, artificial colors…

As you can see, the high-quality food contains more real, whole ingredients while the low-quality food is full of fillers and artificial ingredients. It should contain real meat as the first ingredient, followed by other whole ingredients like vegetables.

Avoid foods that contain by-products, meals, or animal fat. These are low-quality ingredients that provide very little nutrition.

When in doubt, choose a food that’s made by a reputable brand. These brands have strict quality standards and use only the best ingredients in their foods.

#3 – Vet Recommendation

Your veterinarian is a great resource when it comes to choosing the best food for your Lab puppy.

They can recommend foods based on your puppy’s individual needs, like their age, size, activity level, and any health conditions they may have.

So, if you’re not sure what food to choose, ask your vet for their recommendation. Sometimes, they’ll even have sample sizes or coupons that you can use to try out a new food.

#4 – Dog Food Brand

There are dozens of dog food brands on the market, so it can be overwhelming to try and choose one.

When it comes to choosing the best food for your Lab puppy, it’s important to choose a reputable brand that uses high-quality ingredients.

Some good examples of high-quality dog food brands include Wellness, Orijen, Purina, Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science, and Taste of the Wild. These brands use only the best ingredients in their foods and have strict quality standards.

In general, you’ll want to avoid foods that are made by unknown brands. These foods are often made with low-quality ingredients and fillers.

#5 – Quantity

It’s important to feed your Lab puppy the right amount of food. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can cause stunted growth.

Most dog food brands have feeding guidelines on the packaging. These guidelines are based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level.

Some brands sell puppy food in different formulations, like small breed, large breed, or active. If your puppy is on the small side, you may want to choose a food that’s designed for small breeds. This will ensure that they’re getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their size.

In general, you should feed your puppy 3-4 meals per day. As they get older, you can decrease the number of meals to 2 per day.

It’s also important to have a regular feeding schedule. This will help your puppy’s digestive system adjust and make it easier for them to potty train.

#6 – Cost

The cost of dog food can vary widely, from around $20 to $100 per bag.

In general, you’ll get what you pay for when it comes to dog food. The more expensive foods are usually made with higher-quality ingredients and have better nutrition.

That said, you don’t need to spend a fortune on food to feed your Lab puppy. There are plenty of high-quality, affordable foods on the market.

When choosing a food, focus on the ingredients and make sure you’re comfortable with what’s in the food. Don’t choose food based on price alone.

Food Options For Labrador Puppies

Dry Food

This is the most popular type of food for puppies and is also the most convenient. Dry food is easy to store and usually doesn’t require refrigeration. It’s also less messy than other types of food.

Dry food is also usually more affordable than wet food. If you’re on a budget, dry food is a great option.

The main downside of dry food is that it’s not as nutritious as wet food. It also doesn’t contain as much water, which can be important for puppies since they need to stay hydrated.

Wet Dog Food

Wet food is another option that’s available for Labrador puppies. Wet food is often more expensive than dry food and can be messy. However, some puppies prefer wet food because it’s more palatable.

Wet food is also more nutritious than dry food. It contains more water, which can be important for puppies who are prone to dehydration. Wet food can also be a good option for puppies who are picky eaters.

BARF Diet

The BARF diet is a raw food diet that is gaining popularity among dog owners. The diet consists of raw meat, bones, vegetables, and fruit.

The BARF diet is thought to be more nutritious than both dry and wet food. Proponents of the diet claim that it’s closer to what dogs would eat in the wild.

The main downside of the BARF diet is that it can be expensive and time-consuming to prepare. It’s also important to make sure that the meat is fresh and properly handled to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Why Are There Different Dog Foods for Puppies and Adult Dogs?

The nutritional needs of puppies and adult dogs are different.

Puppies need more calories, fat, and protein to support their rapid growth, while adult dogs need less of these nutrients. Puppies also need certain vitamins and minerals in higher amounts than adults do. For example, puppies need more calcium for strong bones and teeth.

Puppy formulas also contain a higher level of fat and protein to help puppies build muscle mass. Puppies are also more likely to be active than adult dogs, so they need food that will give them sustained energy throughout the day.

Our Readers Favorite Questions

How Much Should I Feed My 8 Week Old Lab Puppy?

You should feed your 8-week-old lab puppy 3-4 meals per day. As they get older, you can decrease the number of meals to 2 per day, depending on their size and weight.

Is Labrador Puppy Food Expensive?

The cost of food for Labrador puppies can vary widely, from around $20 to $100 per bag. In general, you’ll get what you pay for when it comes to dog food. The more expensive foods are usually made with higher-quality ingredients and have better nutrition.

How Long Should I Feed My Lab Puppy Food?

You should feed your Lab puppy food until they are about 1 year old. At that point, you can switch them to adult food. This can vary slightly depending on the size of your dog. Smaller dogs may need to stay on puppy food longer, while larger dogs may be able to switch to adult food sooner.

What do Labrador Puppies Need to Eat?

Labrador puppies need a diet that is high in calories, fat, and protein to support their rapid growth.

They also need certain vitamins and minerals in higher amounts than adults do, such as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Puppy formulas also contain a higher level of fat and protein to help puppies build muscle mass.

What Foods to Avoid for Labrador?

There are a few foods that you should avoid feeding your Labrador. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, and onions. Chocolate can be toxic to dogs and grapes and raisins can cause kidney problems. Onions can cause anemia in dogs.

How Much To Feed Lab Puppies?

When it comes to feeding your lab puppy, it is important to know how much to feed him or her. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can stunt growth.

A general guideline is to feed your puppy three to four times per day. Puppies under the age of six months should have about ¼ to ½ cup of food per meal, while puppies over six months old can have up to 1 cup per meal.

Conclusion

Choosing the best food for your Labrador puppy is an important decision. There are a lot of factors to consider, such as cost, nutrition, and your pup’s individual needs.

Each brand of dog food has its own benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to do your research and talk to your veterinarian to find the best food for your pup.

Also, each lab puppy is different. Some may need more or less food than others. It’s important to monitor your pup’s weight and adjust their food intake accordingly.

The most important thing is to make sure your puppy is getting the nutrients they need to grow into a healthy adult dog!

What do you feed your Labrador puppy? Let us know in the comments below!