The Best Puppy Food for Labs

Written by Kirstin Harrington
Updated: January 9, 2023
© Andrew Yates/Shutterstock.com

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While all dogs are cute, we have a special place in our hearts for Labrador puppies. It’s hard to not have a smile plastered across your face when you watch these little furballs play, nap, and simply exist. 

To help keep your lab puppy as healthy and happy as possible, it’s crucial to feed them a proper diet. There are so many options on shelves today, how are you supposed to know what sets one apart from another? 

We’ve made it simple by doing the work for you. Below you’ll find in-depth reviews about the best puppy food for labs. We’ve also included some frequently asked questions and reviews from real pet parents. Let’s get started with our favorite choice of kibble for these adorable lab pups. 

  1. Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
    • Specifically designed for large dog breeds
    • Added vitamins and minerals
    • Uses DHA from fish oil to keep coat shining
    • Recommended by veterinarians
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  2. Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed
    • Affordable option
    • The first ingredient is real chicken
    • Added calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bone growth
    • Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy
    • High-quality food specifically for Labs
    • Contains DHA omega-3 fatty acids
    • No harmful chemical preservatives
    • Support correct weight with balanced energy component
    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  4. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy
    • Ingredients include blueberries and spinach for immune system, as well as deboned chicken for strong bones and flaxseed for coat
    • Free of fillers, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives
    • Full of amino acids and minerals
    Check Chewy Check Amazon

A-Z-Animals’ Top Picks for Puppy Food for Labs

#1 Best Overall: Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food is our choice for the overall best food for your Labrador puppy.

Just by looking at the packaging, you can tell your little pup is going to love this food. It’s specifically designed for large dog breeds and provides plenty of calcium to help your puppy’s bones grow strong. It includes a healthy balance of vitamins and minerals to aid in Fido’s overall health and DHA from fish oil to support their healthy brain and eye development.

This dry puppy food includes high-quality protein to help large puppies like labs build and maintain lean muscle. There are approximately 400 calories per cup, the perfect amount to keep your dog full while helping their body fill out.

Pet parents appreciate that Hill’s Science makes their food right here in the United States. With that being said, there are some ingredients that come from outside of the U.S. Lastly, we chose this tasty kibble as the top choice because it’s recommended by veterinarians. 

Reviews for this puppy food were overwhelmingly positive, but a few reviewers reported that their pups had diarrhea after eating it.

Pros and Cons of Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Dry Dog Food

ProsCons
This veterinarian-recommended, large breed puppy food includes calcium to help puppies’ bones grow strong.A few pet parents said that their puppies had diarrhea after eating this food.
Vitamins and minerals support puppies’ overall health.
DHA from fish oil supports their healthy brain and eye development.
Each cup contains approximately 400 calories, the right amount to satiate puppies while helping their bodies develop.
It’s made in the U.S. from globally sourced ingredients
Overall Best
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Large Breed
  • Specifically designed for large dog breeds
  • Added vitamins and minerals
  • Uses DHA from fish oil to keep coat shining
  • Recommended by veterinarians
Check Chewy Check Amazon

2. Best Budget: Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed

Our choice for the best affordable food for lab puppies is Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed.

Do you remember Chicken Soup for the Soul books from the late 1990s? While those heart-touching stories put a smile on our faces, their dry dog food does even more.

Owning a Labrador puppy can cost quite a bit of money. In addition to expensive vet visits, dog toys, training classes, and indoor dog houses, puppy food can add up. Thankfully, Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed is an affordable option.

The first ingredient is chicken to provide your pup with plenty of protein for their growing body. It’s calcium and phosphorus fortified to promote healthy bone growth as well. We love that it’s packed with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for immune system health. While it is on the cheaper end, it may take some time for your dog to get used to the taste. Perhaps mix it with their favorite wet food when you switch. 

Some reviewers said that it was too expensive, while a few reported that their puppies didn’t like it.

Pros and Cons of Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed

ProsCons
This large breed puppy food is affordable, but high quality.Some reviewers said that it’s too expensive.
The first ingredient is chicken, which provides protein for puppies’ developing bodies.A few pet parents reported that their puppies didn’t like it.
The recipe is fortified with calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bone growth.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids support immune system health.
Best Budget
Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed
  • Affordable option
  • The first ingredient is real chicken
  • Added calcium and phosphorus to promote healthy bone growth
  • Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best High-End Food: Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if you’re looking for premium puppy dog food, look no further than Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy.

Royal Canin is known for making incredibly high-quality breed-specific puppy and dog food. This dry food recipe, which is specially formulated for lab puppies, contains DHA Omega-3 fatty acids to help with your pup’s vision and cognitive development. It also promotes optimal stool quality with high-quality proteins and prebiotics.

This formula is free from the harmful chemical preservatives you don’t want to feed your puppy. And the kibble is specially designed to be easy for lab puppies to pick up and chew. While it does cost more than the average dog food, you’re paying for higher-quality ingredients that could pay off in the long run.

Pros and Cons of Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy

ProsCons
Royal Canin is renowned for making breed-specific puppy and dog foods.It’s expensive.
This recipe for lab puppies contains DHA Omega-3 fatty acids to support vision and cognitive development.
High-quality proteins and prebiotics support optimal stool quality.
It’s free from harmful chemical preservatives.
The kibble is designed to be easy for lab puppies to pick up and chew.
Best High-End Food
Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Labrador Retriever Puppy
  • High-quality food specifically for Labs
  • Contains DHA omega-3 fatty acids
  • No harmful chemical preservatives
  • Support correct weight with balanced energy component
Check Chewy Check Amazon

4. Best Dry Food: Wellness Core Natural Dry Dog Food

Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken is specially formulated to provide whole-body nutritional support for large breed puppies like your lab.

It’s is free from GMO’s, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives and crafted from premium proteins and wholesome grains.

This balanced recipe is supplemented with Omega fatty acids like DHA, essential vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. It’s designed to encourage the healthy development of your puppy’s brain, bones, teeth and muscles. And the nutrients promote the optimal energy your pup needs to play and thrive.

Some pet parents said that their puppies didn’t like this food.

Pros and Cons of Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken

ProsCons
This recipe provides whole-body nutritional support for large breed puppies.Some reviewers said that their puppies didn’t like this food.
It’s free from GMO’s, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives.
It’s made from premium proteins and wholesome grains.
This formula is supplemented with Omega fatty acids like DHA, essential vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics.
The added supplements support the healthy development of puppies’ brains, bones, teeth, and muscles and provide the energy they need to play and thrive.
Best For Puppies
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy
  • Ingredients include blueberries and spinach for immune system, as well as deboned chicken for strong bones and flaxseed for coat
  • Free of fillers, meat by-products, and artificial preservatives
  • Full of amino acids and minerals
Check Chewy Check Amazon

Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Let’s have a look at some important factors to consider while purchasing puppy food for your Labrador. Labradors, like other bigger dogs, require special attention as puppies to ensure that they receive the nutrition they require to start developing bones, a clear brain, and a functional digestive tract.

Preservatives

The sort of preservatives used in your puppy food is the final item we recommend looking for. You should avoid foods that contain the chemical preservatives BHT or BHA. These compounds are found in the human diet as well, but they are dangerous and should be avoided, especially in puppy food. 

Look for tocopherols, which are a type of natural preservative. Vitamin E and rosemary are two others. You don’t need to know all of them; as long as you avoid BHT and BHA, you’ll be good.

Protein

Puppies’ protein needs are typically high, but they’re significantly higher in Labradors. To create muscle and give energy, these muscular working dogs require a lot of protein. Whole meats such as lamb, cattle, chicken, and bison provide protein. 

There are also some unique brands that include alligator and other exotic meats, however, we recommend saving exotic foods for treats because gator meat isn’t something a dog consumes in the wild. 

The first component should be whole meat, such as chicken or beef. You should avoid or at least limit the usage of food that contains animal by-products or has the meat moved down the ingredient list, particularly during this critical time of your puppy’s life.

Omega-3 and Omega-6

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are other important nutrients for your dog. These acids, which are commonly referred to as DHA, aid in brain and eye development. These acids are also beneficial to the heart and liver, as well as preventing cancer and arthritic damage later in life. 

Fish oil fortification, as well as salmon and other fish components, are common sources of omegas. The disadvantage of omega-fortified food is that it smells worse than other foods.

Calcium and Phosphorus

Calcium and phosphorus are two minerals that work together to strengthen teeth and bones. When growing a big dog like a Labrador, finding puppy chow that provides these minerals is critical to ensuring appropriate bone growth. Tooth decay is a serious problem for dogs of all breeds, and buying a meal supplemented with calcium and phosphorus will help your pet avoid it.

Antioxidants

Antioxidant-rich foods will aid in the development of a stronger immune system in your pet. Antioxidants are particularly imperative for your pet while they are young because certain issues that arise now might persist throughout their lives. Antioxidants can be found in berries, carrots, and broccoli, among other fruits and vegetables.

The Different Types of Puppy food for Labs: Pros and Cons Compared

So, how do you know what type of food you should be giving your furry friend? Here are some of the most common pros and cons of the most popular types of food for puppies. 

Organic Puppy Food 

ProsCons
Made with the healthiest ingredientsMost expensive option
Can be designed specifically for your dog Can go bad if not used quickly 
Great for their growing body Must be refrigerated

Dry Puppy  Food 

ProsCons
Available in bigger quantitiesGoes bad quicker than other options
Usually more affordable Can be hard for some dogs to chew
Several flavor options are available
Helps with dental health

Wet Puppy Food

ProsCons
Easier for puppies to eatDoesn’t get rid of tartar or plaque
Can be used to hide medication
Tends to be tastier than dry food

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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

The Best Puppy Food for Labs FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is the recommended amount of water for a puppy? 

Puppies require roughly a half cup of water per two hours on average. You’ll need to keep an eye on your puppy to ensure he’s getting plenty to drink but not too much. Older pups that have been nursed require one-half ounce to one ounce of water per pound of body weight each day.

 

Is it acceptable to wet dry dog food? 

To make dry dog food more appetizing and to improve the dog’s hydration, add water. So, sure, mixing dry dog food with water is OK. Dogs prefer moist dog food over dry kibble, particularly when they are weaning puppies or senior dogs. It has a superior flavor and scent.

 

What makes some puppy food so inexpensive? 

Every product, whether it’s canned dog food, dry dog food, or treats, is extensively tested and re-tested to guarantee it meets those criteria. Some dog foods for puppies are inexpensive because they substitute maize and vegetable-based components for meat.

 

What is the duration of a puppy's requirement for puppy food? 

Between seven and 14 months, based on the puppy’s breed and weight, you’ll most likely move to adult dog food. Puppies require the greatest nourishment between the ages of six and twelve weeks. You’ll have to feed them three times a day at this point. You’ll progressively decrease the feeding to twice a day as your puppy grows older.

 

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