Labradors grow from wiggly infants to rambunctious teens in just a couple of brief years. Throughout this moment, they must receive sufficient nourishment so they can become happy, healthy, and balanced adults. If you’re unsure you’re feeding your lab the ideal food for their demands, you’ll wish to continue reading to find out our pick for the Best Puppy Food for Labs.
As a loyal and loving dog owner, you only want the best for your furry friend. When it comes to something as important as food, you need to do your research to make sure you’re giving your pup the best possible nutrition. If you’re the proud owner of a Labrador retriever, you’ll want to know what the best puppy food options are for your breed.
Here at Fido’s Feeding Frenzy, we understand that every dog is different and has specific dietary needs. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 10 best puppy foods for Labs. We’ll take into account factors like ingredients, price, and reviews from other dog owners just like you. So sit back, relax, and let us we’ll give you our top 10 choices for the best puppy food for Labs
Contents
- 1 10 Best Puppy Food for Labs
- 1.1 1. Orijen Pup Big Breed
- 1.2 2. Nutrisource Large Type Pup Food
- 1.3 3. Nutro Wholesome Basics Canine Food Large Breed Pup
- 1.4 4. Nutro Max Huge Type Young Puppy
- 1.5 5. Purina Pro Strategy Puppy Big Breed
- 1.6 6. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Puppy
- 1.7 7. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food
- 1.8 8. Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
- 1.9 9. NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Puppy Dry Dog Food
- 1.10 10. Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy
- 2 What is the Best Puppy Food for Labs?
- 3 Why Do Puppies Need Unique Food
- 4 Just how to Pick a High Quality Young Puppy Food for Your Lab
- 5 The Length Of Time to Feed Pup Food
10 Best Puppy Food for Labs
1. Orijen Pup Big Breed
ORIJEN Puppy Large is a premium, grain-free dry dog food crafted for growing large breed puppies. It boasts 85% animal ingredients, including fresh or raw chicken, turkey, and wild-caught fish. With a biologically appropriate formula, it supports muscle growth and joint development through balanced protein and fat. WholePrey ingredients mimic a natural canine diet, ensuring optimal nutrition. Free from grains, corn, wheat, and soy, it suits sensitive puppies. Though higher in price, its ingredient quality and digestibility justify the investment for pet owners prioritizing holistic health and growth.
Key Specs:
- Protein Content: 38%
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole eggs, mackerel (fresh or raw)
- Grain-Free: Yes
- Omega Fatty Acids: Rich in DHA and EPA
- Special Features: Biologically appropriate, whole-prey formula
Pros:
- Extremely high protein content supports muscle growth and energy.
- Features fresh or raw, regional ingredients with no fillers.
- Includes freeze-dried liver for palatability.
- Grain-free and ideal for sensitive stomachs.
Cons:
-
Premium pricing may not fit all budgets.
2. Nutrisource Large Type Pup Food
NutriSource Puppy Food offers a balanced formula for large breed puppies, blending real chicken and rice with healthy grains. This 30LB dry food supports proper digestion and bone development, featuring essential nutrients like DHA and calcium. NutriSource’s Good 4 Life system promotes gut health and immune support, making it ideal for sensitive puppies. The kibble size suits larger jaws, while its natural preservatives and quality protein ensure long-term growth. A reliable choice for owners wanting digestibility, value, and nutrition in one.
Key Specs:
- Protein Content: 26%
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal
- Grain-Free: No
- Fortified With: Probiotics and prebiotics
- Special Features: Large breed-specific formulation, supports gut health
Pros:
- Well-balanced formula for large breed growth control.
- Wholesome grains support sustained energy levels.
- Supports immune and digestive health with added probiotics.
Cons:
-
Slightly lower protein content compared to other premium options.
3. Nutro Wholesome Basics Canine Food Large Breed Pup
Nutro Natural Choice for large breed puppies is crafted with non-GMO ingredients, led by farm-raised chicken and brown rice. The 30-lb formula supports brain and skeletal development with DHA and calcium, while added antioxidants boost immunity. This dry food excludes artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, making it a clean, wholesome option. It’s tailored for large breeds, offering joint support and balanced nutrients. Nutro’s commitment to natural ingredients makes it a smart pick for pet owners focused on transparency and long-term puppy health.
Key Specs:
- Protein Content: 26%
- Main Ingredients: Deboned chicken, chicken meal, whole brown rice, split peas
- Grain-Free: No
- Free From: GMO ingredients, corn, wheat, soy
- Special Features: Designed for joint health and growth management
Pros:
- Clean, natural formula with no artificial additives.
- Supports bone and joint development with calcium and glucosamine.
- Quality protein for lean muscle growth.
Cons:
-
Not grain-free, which may be an issue for sensitive pups.
4. Nutro Max Huge Type Young Puppy
Nutro Max Large Breed Puppy Food features real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient, delivering protein-rich nutrition in a 25-lb bag. Made with whole grains and no by-product meals, it supports healthy muscle growth and digestion. Omega-3 fatty acids aid in brain development, while vitamins and minerals foster overall health. It’s free from artificial flavors, preservatives, and fillers. Designed specifically for large breed needs, Nutro Max offers an affordable, natural food solution that doesn’t compromise on ingredient quality.
Key Specs:
- Protein Content: 27%
- Main Ingredients: Chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain brown rice
- Grain-Free: No
- Free From: Artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives
- Special Features: Tailored for large breed puppies with natural ingredients
Pros:
- Budget-friendly without compromising on quality.
- Farm-raised chicken offers a high-quality protein source.
- A simple ingredient list supports digestion.
Cons:
-
May lack some of the advanced nutrients and supplements found in premium formulas.
5. Purina Pro Strategy Puppy Big Breed
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food is a high-protein formula made with real chicken and rice, designed specifically for growing large breeds. This 34-lb bag includes DHA for brain and vision development, along with glucosamine for joint health. Fortified with live probiotics, it promotes digestive and immune health. Its taste appeals to picky eaters, and its scientific formulation ensures balanced growth. While not grain-free, it uses quality grains and no artificial colors. A vet-recommended, cost-effective choice for large breed puppy owners.
Key Specs:
- Protein Content: 28%
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, rice, poultry by-product meal
- Grain-Free: No
- Enriched With: DHA from fish oil, glucosamine
- Special Features: Developed with veterinarians and pet nutritionists
Pros:
- Backed by extensive research and vet-recommended.
- Supports brain and vision development with DHA.
- Contains glucosamine for growing joints and bones.
Cons:
-
Contains by-product meals, which may deter some pet owners.
6. Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Puppy
Wellness CORE Puppy is a grain-free, high-protein formula tailored for growing pups. With deboned chicken and turkey as the primary ingredients, it supports muscle development and overall vitality. This formula also includes DHA for brain and eye health, along with antioxidants, probiotics, and omega fatty acids to promote immune and skin health. It’s made without corn, wheat, or soy, making it ideal for sensitive puppies. SEO-wise, this product targets key terms like “grain-free puppy food” and “high-protein dog food.”
Key Specs:
- Protein Source: Deboned chicken and turkey
- Grain-Free: Yes
- Bag Size: 12 lbs
- Key Nutrients: DHA for brain development, omega fatty acids for skin and coat
Pros:
- High-protein formula ideal for active Lab puppies
- No artificial preservatives or fillers
- Supports immune health and digestion with added probiotics
Cons:
-
Smaller bag size may not last long for large breeds
7. Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Puppy Food
Formulated with premium chicken, oatmeal, and salmon, Wellness Complete Health Puppy delivers balanced nutrition with wholesome grains. It includes DHA for cognitive development, calcium for strong bones, and antioxidants for immunity. The addition of salmon enhances palatability and supports skin and coat health. This formula avoids artificial additives and is ideal for puppies needing balanced nutrition with gentle grains. From an SEO perspective, keywords like “natural puppy food with grains” and “chicken and salmon puppy formula” drive search relevance.
Key Specs:
- Protein Source: Chicken and salmon
- Grain-Free: No (includes wholesome grains like oatmeal and barley)
- Bag Size: 30 lbs
- Key Nutrients: DHA, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids
Pros:
- Balanced formula supports whole-body health
- Large bag size suitable for growing Labs
- Wholesome grains aid in sustained energy release
Cons:
-
May not be ideal for Labs with grain sensitivities
8. Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food
Purina Pro Plan Puppy features real chicken as the #1 ingredient, paired with rice for easy digestion. It contains DHA from omega-rich fish oil for brain and vision development, and a high protein content to support active growth. Fortified with live probiotics and essential minerals, it’s suitable for large and small breed puppies alike. From an SEO lens, this product effectively ranks for “high protein puppy food” and “chicken and rice puppy formula.”
Key Specs:
- Protein Source: Real chicken
- Grain-Free: No (contains rice)
- Bag Size: 34 lbs
- Key Nutrients: DHA from fish oil, antioxidants for immune support
Pros:
- High-protein formula designed for muscle growth
- Trusted brand with extensive veterinary research
- Widely available and competitively priced
Cons:
-
Contains some by-product meals
9. NUTRO NATURAL CHOICE Puppy Dry Dog Food
Nutro Wholesome Essentials offers a clean recipe using farm-raised chicken, brown rice, and sweet potato. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids for healthy development and includes calcium for strong bones and teeth. Made without GMO ingredients, artificial flavors, or preservatives, it supports a holistic growth approach. For SEO value, it ranks well under terms like “natural puppy food with brown rice” and “farm-raised chicken dog food.”
Key Specs:
- Protein Source: Farm-raised chicken
- Grain-Free: No (contains brown rice)
- Bag Size: 15 lbs
- Key Nutrients: Calcium for bone development, omega-3 fatty acids
Pros:
- Non-GMO ingredients with no artificial additives
- Good balance of protein and carbohydrates
- Chicken is the first ingredient
Cons:
-
Smaller bag size not ideal for Lab owners buying in bulk
10. Victor Purpose Nutra Pro Dog and Puppy
VICTOR Nutra Pro is a powerhouse formula made for active puppies and dogs of all life stages. It boasts 38% protein content, primarily from beef, chicken, and fish meals, making it ideal for high-energy or working breeds. The gluten-free, low-carb recipe aids digestion and sustained energy. Enriched with essential vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, it ensures peak performance. This product benefits SEO through keywords like “high protein low carb dog food” and “premium dog food for active dogs.”
Key Specs:
- Protein Source: Beef meal
- Grain-Free: No (gluten-free but includes grain sorghum and millet)
- Bag Size: 40 lbs
- Key Nutrients: 92% meat protein, low-carbohydrate formula
Pros:
- Extremely high in protein – great for active or working Lab puppies
- Large bag provides long-lasting value
- Supports immune function and metabolism
Cons:
-
May be too rich for less active or smaller puppies
What is the Best Puppy Food for Labs?
After looking into a variety of huge type puppy foods on the market, we have named Orijen’s Pup Huge Breed as the very best young puppy food for laboratories. This food has absolutely no fillers, the highest possible healthy protein content of any kind of dry food, quality whole-food sourced active ingredients, and all while surpassing the suggestions for large type young puppy food.
This brand name of food will certainly cost you as well and may not be an alternative for all families seeking to feed their brand-new laboratory puppy a high-quality food. The good news is, there are a variety of fantastic foods included on our list from all price varieties. Make sure your laboratory puppy gets every little thing they need to grow up solid and healthy by selecting among these top-quality foods.
Why Do Puppies Need Unique Food
Much like expanding human infants, young puppies have particular nutrient as well as calorie needs to grow correctly. Because puppies expand so fast, it is even more vital that they get the best food during this time. Young puppies need even more healthy protein than the typical adult pet. According to petmd.com, they additionally need various amounts of essential amino acids.
In addition, expanding pups require a whole lot more calories than grown-ups. They especially take advantage of fatty foods. AAFCO, individuals responsible for overseeing and also systematizing the pet food industry, have various demands for nutrients like fats and also healthy proteins that must be satisfied by foods marketed for pups.
By purchasing your new lab puppy a portion of food made especially for young puppies, you can be certain they are getting at least the minimum nutrition they require.
Just how to Pick a High Quality Young Puppy Food for Your Lab
In addition to making sure the food you select for your young puppy is specially produced for young puppies and large breeds, you’ll want to seek particular indications that the food has high-quality components.
- Avoid foods with a great deal of grain and corn, as these are filler ingredients that do not offer pets much nutrition.
- If you require assistance locating quality food for your young puppy of one more breed, you’ll want to read this article.
The Length Of Time to Feed Pup Food
Young puppy food is formulated to offer your dog the nourishment and calories to grow from a tiny newborn to an adult-sized dog in a reasonably short amount of time. You must change your pet over to an adult food for labs when their growth has slowed down, as well as when they are about the size of a complete grown adult. Many labs will certainly reach this point at around 12 or 14 months old.
We recommend erring on the side of caution when it comes to making this button. It is better to feed a young puppy food too long than to switch to grown-up food prematurely. If you discover your dog beginning to grow broader as opposed to taller, it might be time to switch to a lower-calorie food.
On the other hand, if you have changed to an adult diet and also your laboratory starts to slim down or their energy levels drop, you might have made the switch from puppy food prematurely. Visit our homepage to see more products: Valleyfeedandpetsupply.com
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