Labradoodles are one of the most popular "designer dog" breeds around. It's not hard to see why. First introduced to the world in 1989, Labradoodles have since captured the hearts of millions. These balls of fluff have all the poise of a Poodle with the friendly and outgoing nature of a Labrador. It's a match made in heaven.
Whether you're adding a Labradoodle to your family for the first time or you want to switch up your pup's diet for something healthier than cheap kibble, you've come to the right place.
These dogs have energy for days! They're highly active and playful. As a result, they need a high-quality diet to stay healthy. Cheaper kibbles may not meet your pup's full dietary needs, resulting in low energy and an elevated risk for health problems.
We've taken the liberty of rounding up some of the best dog food for Labradoodles on the market. Check out our top picks below, and read on to learn more about what your Labradoodle needs.
10 of the Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles
1. Purina Pro Plan Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
This large-breed formula from Purina Pro Plan checks off all the boxes for Labradoodles. It's a high-quality formula that contains about 26 percent protein, 12 percent fat, and plenty of digestible fiber.
Chicken is the main protein source, and it can help promote muscle conditioning and maintenance. Other beneficial ingredients include omega fatty acids. They keep your Labradoodles coat in good shape while supporting the joints and overall heart health.
This recipe also contains glucosamine to combat arthritis and an optimal blend of ingredients that encourage nutrient absorption.
2. Instinct Original Grain-Free Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
Here's a grain-free recipe that can benefit Labradoodles with more sensitive stomachs. Premium ingredients like cage-free chicken and a couple of different types of fish ensure that your dog's muscles get all the support they need.
In total, the protein makes up a whopping 37 percent of the formula. It's perfect for highly active dogs needing to stay in peak shape.
Natural ingredients are plentiful. Instinct doesn't use any cheap filler or unnecessary additives. Everything is beneficial to your dog, improving everything from body condition to digestion.
3. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Wellness is another brand that doesn't use fillers, preservatives, or GMO ingredients. This formula caters to large-breed adult dogs. It uses chicken as the primary protein source, but it also contains healthy carbohydrates like chickpeas and oats. There are even carrots, sweet potatoes, and antioxidant-rich berries.
The crude protein analysis is 26 percent. There's about 12 percent fat and 5 percent fiber. Additional ingredients provide a great source of omega fatty acids. The recipe also has probiotics, joint-healthy glucosamine, and more.
4. American Journey Large Breed Adult Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
Next up, we have this product from American Journey. It's specifically for larger breeds. Not only does it meet the needs of bigger dogs like the Labradoodle, but the kibble shape is also crafted to provide a more enjoyable chewing experience.
The main protein source in this formula is deboned chicken. There's also some turkey and fish meal. Complex carbs like chickpeas and sweet potatoes provide all-day energy. Meanwhile, the mix of berries and vegetables gives your dog all the vitamins and minerals they need to thrive.
5. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Reserve Grain-Free Duck & Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Here's an option for dogs with allergies and sensitivities. It's a limited-ingredient formula that contains only the basics. Duck is the primary protein, and it's complemented by digestion-supporting sweet potatoes. The total protein content is 24 percent. There's also a good amount of fiber to promote proper digestion.
What you won't find are unnecessary fillers. Being a limited-ingredient formula, the ingredients list is simple and straightforward. There are no grains, artificial flavors, or harmful preservatives. It's a healthy choice that can provide much-needed relief for allergy sufferers.
Best for Labradoodle Puppies
6. Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Medium & Maxi Puppy Dry Dog Food
From Farmina is this unique chicken and pomegranate puppy formula. Chicken is the star of the show and provides most of the protein. In total, the recipe has 35 percent protein to support growing puppies.
Unique ingredients like pomegranate, apple, and spinach are excellent sources of heart-healthy antioxidants. They also give your dog plenty of essential vitamins and nutrients.
As any puppy formula should, this product from Farmina contains a healthy mix of phosphorus and calcium. They support growing bones and can reduce the risks of joint issues.
7. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food
Large-breed puppies need a premium formula to grow up healthy. Their bodies change more dramatically than smaller dogs, resulting in more extreme dietary needs. Fortunately, this recipe from Diamond Naturals fits the bill.
It contains 27 percent protein, and it comes from unique sources like lamb and fish meal. They provide the muscle-building amino acids your pup needs to thrive. Plus, it has a healthy calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Pair all that with beneficial probiotics and antioxidant-rich fruits, and your Labradoodle puppy is set for a lifetime of good health.
Best Wet Canned Food for Labradoodles
8. Nutro Hearty Stew Tender Chicken, Carrot & Pea Stew Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Here's a flavorful canned option from Nutro. It uses real chicken as the main ingredient. Visible chunks of chicken float in a pork broth alongside vegetables like carrots and peas. Together, these primary ingredients create a mouth-watering blend that no Labradoodle can resist.
The food works well on its own or when you use it as a topper with dried food. It's a simple recipe, but it contains no harmful additives or unnecessary fillers. Everything you see is healthy for your dog, and it's something they'll love!
9. Purina Pro Plan Specialized Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice Entree Canned Dog Food
Earlier, we covered a dried kibble from Purina Pro Plan. This is its canned equivalent! Like dry food, Purina Pro Plan made this food with premium ingredients.
Chicken is the main protein source, but it also contains nutrient-rich liver and turkey meat. The meat joins the white rice to create a hearty stew that your Labradoodle with enjoy.
The recipe is 100 percent balanced and meets the needs of large dog breeds weighing more than 50 pounds. It also has healthy extras like omega fatty acids for shiny fur and healthy skin.
Recommended for Labradoodle Seniors
10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
If you have an older Labradoodle, this recipe from Blue Buffalo is an excellent choice. It has 20 percent protein. That's enough to support and maintain existing muscles but not enough to cause health problems in your aging dog.
Most of the protein comes from chicken, but the kibble also contains pea protein. There's also fish oil for omega fatty acids.
Like other Blue Buffalo formulas, this one contains the iconic LifeSource Bits. They're small morsels filled with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support the overall health of your senior Labradoodle.
About the Labradoodle Breed
As you can probably guess, Labradoodles are a cross-breed between the beloved Labrador and the Poodle. They are one of the most recognizable mixed-breed dogs in the world.
While not officially AKG recognized, there are thought to be around 70,000 in the world. That figure will likely increase as more dog lovers recognize how amazing these dogs are.
Labradoodles are considered large-breed dogs. While they come in a couple of size variations, a male standard Labradoodle can be as tall as 24 inches at the withers. Females are slightly shorter at 21 to 23 inches tall. In terms of weight is between 50 and 65 pounds.
The beauty of creating mixed-breed dogs is that they contain traits of both parent breeds. That's what makes Labradoodles so compelling! They're playful and affectionate while making friends with everyone.
These dogs are also naturally curious about the world around them and are surprisingly trainable.
Easy-going and loving, Labradoodles are the perfect family dog. They're active and enjoy playing, so be prepared to give your pup plenty of exercises and a healthy diet to match!
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Labradoodles
Labradoodles usually don't have a problem scarfing down whatever you put in front of them. They can be a little picky when it comes to texture, but these dogs typically have healthy appetites. But of course, just because they'll eat anything doesn't mean you should provide them with whatever you have in your pantry.
Like any other dog, Labradoodles have strict dietary requirements. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right food.
Muscle-Building Protein
Labradoodles aren't the most muscular dogs around, but they still need ample protein to stay fit. Protein is one of the most important building blocks of muscle. Therefore, the dog food you provide needs plenty of it!
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that healthy adult dogs need food that contains at least 18 percent protein. Puppies need a formula with slightly higher protein analysis at 22 percent.
At the bare minimum, you should choose food with 18 percent protein. But don't be afraid to go higher! Some of the best dog foods on the market today have anywhere between 20 and 30 percent. More protein means more energy and muscle-building potential.
High-quality sources like chicken, beef, fish, and bison can serve your Labradoodle well throughout its life.
Digestible Complex Carbohydrates
There are no AAFCO recommendations for carbohydrate content. But that doesn't mean you should ignore it. Many brands use cheaper carbohydrates as filler. They don't provide much nutritional content, instead offering a sudden energy spike and subsequent crash. Fillers can increase your dog's risk of diabetes and create digestion problems.
Complex carbohydrates are the way to go. They break down slower, resulting in a longer supply of energy. Focus on foods that contain whole grains like oatmeal or barley. Sweet potatoes and chickpeas work well, too.
Beneficial Fats
When most people hear the word "fat," they automatically assume it's unhealthy. The truth is that dogs need fat. It provides energy and makes the food more palatable. Omega fatty acids, AKA "healthy fats," can cushion joints, improve skin quality, and enhance cardiovascular health.
For a curly-coated Labradoodle, those healthy fats can do wonders to keep the coat soft and fluffy.
Some of the best sources of omega fatty acids are fish oil and flaxseed oil.
In total, the AAFCO recommends about 5 percent crude fat for adult dogs and 8 percent for puppies. You don't have to stick exactly to those figures. A little more won't hurt your dog if they're healthy and active.
Decent Fiber Content
Here's another element that the AAFCO has no recommendation for in dog foods. Labradoodles can experience stomach upsets throughout their life. A good amount of fiber can help combat those issues, promoting regularity and better gastrointestinal health.
Look for formulas that contain whole grains, fruits, and fibrous carbohydrates. If loose stools become a chronic problem, you may also want to consult with your vet and explore additional supplements.
Vitamins, Minerals, and More
No diet is complete without a source of vitamins and minerals. Many commercial products contain the essentials through added supplements. However, some formulas use plant-based ingredients to give your dog what it needs to thrive.
Fruits and vegetables are fantastic sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The right blend with plenty of variety can help your dog reach peak health and ensure that every biological function has the support it needs.
You can also explore foods with beneficial additives like glucosamine and chondroitin. They help support joint health, which is a necessity for seniors. However, introducing those minerals early can help stave off joint problems in the future and keep your pooch running for years.
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What You Need to Avoid
Take one look at what's lining the aisles of your local pet shop, and you'll find tons of variety. There are plenty of good choices, but there are also many bad ones. The key to choosing what's good for your Labradoodle is to understand what constitutes a good diet and what you should avoid.
Here are some of the less-than-ideal ingredients you want to steer clear of when shopping.
Cheap Fillers
We have already touched on how some low-priced brands use cheap carbohydrates as fillers. Some of the worst offending ingredients are corn and soy. Those ingredients don't add anything to your dog's diet, and many pups have a hard time digesting them.
You might not notice any adverse effects now, but a lifetime of eating those cheap fillers can take its toll. Every ingredient in the formula should add value.
Chemical Preservatives
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are two commonly used chemical preservatives. They can be problematic for many reasons, but the primary concern is that the chemicals are known carcinogens. They may increase your dog's risk of cancer and other avoidable health problems.
There are many natural alternatives to chemical preservatives. Take Vitamin E and mixed tocopherols as an example. They prolong the shelf life of dried dog foods without the risks.
Chemical Additives
It's also a good idea to avoid any unnecessary additives. Many brands use additives to enhance the color or flavor of a product. However, they serve no real value to dogs. Canines don't care about the color of a food, and you can easily create a tasty flavor with natural ingredients like beneficial fats and high-quality proteins.
Other additives like corn syrup and nitrates are a no-go, too. They can cause digestive troubles and negatively impact your Labradoodle's ability to absorb nutrients.
How Much Food Does a Labradoodle Need?
How much food your pup needs depends on many factors. Age, body condition, and activity level play big roles in your dog's dietary needs. Highly active Labradoodles will need far more calories than an aging senior.
You also have to remember that dog food formulas can vary dramatically. Some are calorically denser than others, impacting the average serving size.
Generally, healthy and active adult Labradoodles will need in the ballpark of 1,300 calories a day. Puppies will need slightly more as their bodies grow and develop. Meanwhile, less-active seniors may need closer to 1,000 calories to stay healthy.
Consult with your vet if you're not sure of how much food to provide. They can take the many factors into account to help you get a better idea. Then, a bit of trial and error will help you settle on the perfect portion sizes.
Feeding Tips
Feeding a Labradoodle is pretty easy. They have healthy appetites and love to explore different flavors.
Generally, it's better to avoid free-feeding these dogs. Their appetites can cause them to over-eat, resulting in unnecessary weight gain. Stick to two or three portioned meals a day.
If your dog isn't super excited about the food you provide, consider exploring more premium options with better ingredients. You can also consider using food toppers or mixing a bit of wet canned food. Doing so can improve the texture and make meals more palatable.
Most vets recommend providing dry kibble for most of your dog's life. The crunchy texture can help improve dental health. But if your dog has existing dental problems, canned foods can be beneficial. Many vets also recommend incorporating wet foods for seniors.
Common Labradoodle Health Problems
Labradoodles can encounter many health problems. When you mix two breeds, the offspring inherits the genetic health risks of both parents. The right diet can make a difference, helping you avoid health problems and manage symptoms.
Bloat
Labradoodles are deep-chested. Therefore, they can experience bloat. In canines, bloat isn't just a problem of mild gas. It can be lethal.
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) is a serious health problem that requires immediate veterinary intervention. It's caused by a buildup of gas. The best way to avoid it is to split your dog's dietary requirements into small meals.
You can also avoid physical activity after eating and invest in slow-feeding accessories to limit how much air your dog takes in.
Sensitive Stomach
This complication comes from the Poodle side of your Labradoodle's ancestry. These dogs often experience diarrhea and upset stomach, which makes high-quality ingredients and plenty of fiber important.
We always recommend bringing your dog to the vet if sensitivities become a regular problem. Vets can rule out medical issues and help you find a diet that's easier on the system.
Food Allergies
Like Labradors, Labradoodles can have food allergies. You may find that your dog is allergic to common ingredients like chicken or grain.
If that's the case, you'll need to work with your vet. Switching to a specialty formula with novel ingredients or a limited-ingredients recipe can provide some much-needed relief.
Joint Problems
Arthritis and hip dysplasia are, unfortunately, common in Labradoodles. The key to addressing these conditions is to maintain a healthy weight. Avoid overfeeding your dog, and do what you can to keep them active. It's also wise to invest in dog foods that contain joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin.
Eye Diseases
Labradoodles can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and other ocular conditions that have the potential to drastically affect your dog's vision. These diseases are genetic, so they're not always preventable.
However, providing a diet that's rich in eye-healthy ingredients like Vitamin A, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids may make a difference.
A Final Word
Your Labradoodle deserves the very best. As dog owners, we have to understand that we only have so much time with our furry friends. Keeping them healthy for as long as possible should be your priority.
With high-quality dog food, you can provide an amazing life for your Labradoodle and keep them in good shape for years to come.
Category: best dog food by breed
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