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What’s the Best Dog Food for a Labrador Retriever?
Finding the best food for your Labrador’s age is far more important than it is for most other dogs.
That’s because Labradors are large breed dogs.
Which is not a concern for adult Labradors.
However, unlike adults…
Labrador puppies have an increased risk of developing a crippling and permanent form of hip disease… if they’re fed a diet that contains too much calcium for their larger breed size.1
Unfortunately…
Only a limited number of foods meet these critical requirements.
For this reason…
The Dog Food Advisor has selected the 10 brands listed below because they contain calcium levels1 considered safe for Labrador puppies… or adults.
Each selection is marked “Best for” to help you make a safe choice for your particular puppy… or adult.
Please keep in mind…
Some Labrador puppies keep growing and aren’t ready to eat adult dog food until they reach 15 to 24 months of age.2
- AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles, Association of American Feed Control Officials, 2018 Official Publication, pages 155-159. ↩︎
Best Dog Food for Labradors December 2024
Here are The Dog Food Advisor's best dog food brands for Labradors for December 2024.
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Best Dog Food for Labradors
Wellness Core Large Breed Adult
Wellness Core Large Breed is formulated with a balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates tailored to larger breeds such as Labrador Retrievers.
This recipe is one of 12 dry foods included in our review of the Wellness Core dog food product line.
The formula derives most of its animal protein from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Our dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 38% protein, 13% fat and 41% (estimated) carbs… yielding a fat-to-protein ratio of about 35%.
The fully balanced, grain-free design contains no corn or wheat but does include omega-rich flaxseed for healthy joints. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Wellness Core Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Omega-rich
- Fully balanced
- High in protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, lentils, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 38% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult Labrdors only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Our Lab is just over a year and quite large. She was on puppy food and this was a first choice for adult food to maintain her great health, coat, energy, etc. it’s a winner. We don’t have to try anything else, so excited she likes it."
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Best Dry Dog Food for Labradors
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Taste of the Wild High Prairie is one of nine dry recipes included in our review of the TOTW dog food range.
High Prairie acquires the bulk of of its meat protein from water buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 36% protein, 20% fat and 36% (estimated) carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
It includes zinc proteinate plus three other chelated minerals for improved absorption and optimal blood levels. A fully balanced nutrient design ideal for adult Labradors. Highly recommended.
Read our review of the full Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Chelated minerals
- Balanced nutriton
- High protein
Main Ingredients Water buffalo, lamb meal, chicken meal, sweet potatoes, peas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 36% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Labrador adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We did careful research before purchasing this brand, and are extremely pleased with the results as our dogs are thriving. Their coats are much improved, and the dry skin/itching has disappeared, so it seems they were allergic to the grain based food they were reared on. Not only that, but they love the flavor and eagerly consume it dry, which they never did before. Their poops are smaller and more concentrated, and you could set a clock by their regularity. Truly great stuff............"
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Best Wet Dog Food for Labradors
Open Farm Harvest Chicken Pate
Labradors are energetic and food-driven dogs with hearty appetites. The high protein and nutrient content in Open Farm Harvest Chicken Pâté supports their muscle maintenance, energy levels, and overall health, while the wet consistency keeps meals exciting and palatable.
This 4.5-star rated food is one of five recipes in our review of the range. It derives the bulk of its protein from and dry matter label analysis reveals it has a protein level of 36.4%, fat 22.7% with an estimated carb content of 33%. The fat to protein ratio is 62%.
Read our review of the full Open Farm Pate Dog Food (Canned) range here
Things we like
- Added taurine
- Chelated minerals
- Natural prebiotics
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken broth, potatoes, chicken liver, sweet potatoes Texture Wet Type Pate Protein Percentage 36.4% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult & senior Labradors Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"I love this for my dog. I like how we can search every bit of the ingredients and know they are getting adequate nutrition. Transparency is imperative. The cost is worth what they are getting in their diet."
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Best Fresh Dog Food for Labradors
Nom Nom Fresh
Beef Mash is one of four fresh human-grade recipes covered in our review of the Nom Nom dog food product line.
The example formula displayed here obtains the major part of its meat protein from ground beef. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 35% protein, 17% fat and 40% (estimated) carbs… creating a fat-to-protein ratio of about 50%.
Nom Nom designs each customized feeding plan based on your dog’s weight, age, breed type, and activity level… and then creates a pre-measured portion size, according to the number of calories needed to keep your dog at ideal weight.
The food is delivered to your home fresh, on a flexible schedule. Store the package in your freezer… and thaw each meal (as needed) in your refrigerator.
Nom Nom is perfect for those who want to feed a scientifically balanced diet that’s as close to homemade as you can get… without all the fuss and hard work. Not cheap. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Nom Nom Dog Food (Fresh) range here
Things we like
- Customized feeding plan
- Scientifically balanced
- Easy to store
Main Ingredients Ground beef, russet potatoes, eggs, carrots, peas Type Grain-free, fresh Protein Percentage 35% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at NomNomNow.com"Mya has suffered from colitis & IBS for many years, and she's also the pickiest with food. Since being on Nom Nom she is eating much better & has perfect poop!!!"
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Best Dog Food for Labrador Puppies
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy
This formula is one of the Dog Food Advisor’s favorite large-breed puppy foods as it offerss an exceptional nutrient balance of calcium, phosphorus and calories ideal for growing Labrador puppies.
This particular Large Breed food is one of 13 dry recipes analyzed in our review of the Diamond Naturals product line.
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy receives the lion’s share of its meat protein from fresh lamb and lamb meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 30% protein, 17% fat and 45% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 56%.
As with all Diamond Naturals’ product it is 100% free of anonymous meat by-products, generic fillers or artificial preservatives. Reasonably priced. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Diamond Naturals Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Contains calcium & phosphorus
- No anonymous meat by-products
- Reasonable price
Main Ingredients Lamb, lamb meal, whole grain brown rice, cracked pearled barley, grain sorghum Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 30% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"Really good product. I like the fact that it is a top quality food without the high, high price."
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Best Dog Food for Senior Labradors
The Honest Kitchen Beef Clusters
This 5-star rated food from The Honest Kitchen is an exceptional choice for dog parents seeking high-quality, minimally processed, and nutrient-rich food for their Labrador.
Whole Food Beef Clusters contains fiber-rich vegetables and probiotics, which aid digestion and support gut health—a significant consideration for Labradors, that can prone to sensitive stomachs.
This recipe is one of 10 foods in our review of the range. It derives the bulk of its protein from beef, delivering essential protein for maintaining lean muscle mass; crucial for active and athletic dogs like Labradors.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it has protein content of 29.5%, fat 16.5% and carbohydrate levels of 46%. The fat to protein ratio is 56%.
Things we like
- 100% human-grade ingredients
- High quality protein
- Minimally processed
Main Ingredients Beef, potatoes, peas, beef liver, lentils, carrots Texture Dry Type Grain-free clusters Protein Percentage 29.5% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Adult Labradors and puppies Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"Neeko is a big boy that's always been big and has allergies. We recently started this new food and it has changed him so much! He feels better, looks better and doesn't go back to lick his bowl over and over again so it actually fills him up properly with the right nutrients! He is back to his energetic happy self! His skin is beginning to look better as well! "
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Best Affordable Dog Food for Labradors
American Journey Large Breed Adult Dog Food
American Journey Grain-Free Large Breed Adult is an affordable, all life stages dry kibble, which has recently added to our best budget-friendly dog food list.
It one of 17 dry recipes covered in our review of the American Journey Grain-Free dog food product line.
This formula gets the lion’s share of its animal protein from deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. Dry matter label analysis reveals the recipe contains 33% protein, 13% fat and 45% estimated carbs… resulting in a fat-to-protein ratio of about 40%.
Fully-balanced nutrient content with an exceptional calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. We highly recommended this food for Labrador Retrievers.
Read our review of the full American Journey Grain Free Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Exceptional calcium-to-phosphorus ratio
- Fully balanced
- High protein
Main Ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, chickpeas Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 33% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"My dog has stomach issues and this is the best dog food I have found since Performatin is not available. Have tried Hills Science and most of the other high end dog foods without success. Highly recommend. I use the large dog instead of medium because the kibble is larger - about the size of a nickel."
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Best Food for Labradors with Allergies
Natural Balanced Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice
Featuring protein-packed salmon meat and fiber-rich whole grain brown rice, Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe is a nourishing dog food, great for Labradors with allergies.
Designed to minimize potential allergens, it includes a simplified recipe with fewer ingredients, reducing the risk of triggering food sensitivities.
The bulk of the protein comes from salmon, which is naturally rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps support a healthy skin and coat, often beneficial for dogs prone to itchiness or inflammation from allergies.
Dry matter label analysis reveals it contains 26.7% protein, fat of 13.3% and a carbohydrate content of 52%. The fat-to-protein ratio is 50%.
Read our review of the full Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Limited ingredient
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Free of soy, gluten, artificial colors
Main Ingredients Salmon, menhaden fish meal, brown rice, brewers rice, oat groats Texture Dry Type With grains Protein Percentage 26.7% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Adult dogs Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews"For years, on an off, my dog would chew his paws excessively during the day until bed time. I decided to cautiously switch food and brand to see if my dog had an allergy. After ONE month on this food the paw chewing was reduced to a few moments during the day. It was such a relief. His red paws are now a nice pale skin color."
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Best Grain-Free Food for Labradors
Orijen Original
Orijen Original is one of nine recipes contained in our review of this dry dog food product line.
This particular recipe draws most of its animal protein from fresh chicken, turkey, flounder, and whole mackerel. Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 43% protein, 20% fat and 28% (estimated) carbs… producing a fat-to-protein ratio of about 47%.
From its founding, Champion Petfoods, the fabled maker of Orijen, has always favored and touted a meat-based, “biologically appropriate” canine diet… a proven, balanced formula which makes this food a top choice for Labradors of all ages. Both puppies and adults. Enthusiastically recommended.
Read our review of the full Orijen Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- Balanced formula
- High in protein
- Biologically appropriate for Labradors
Main Ingredients Chicken, turkey, flounder, whole mackerel, chicken liver Texture Dry Type Grain-free Protein Percentage 43% AAFCO Standards All Life Stages Best For Labrador puppies and adults Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"I am so grateful to have found this food for so many reasons! Both of my picky pups enjoy it and devour every bite! I’ve had such a difficult time finding a food they actually want to eat but this is it!! I also really appreciate the honest marketing. The ingredients hold up to what they promote which makes this dog mama very pleased!"
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Best Food with Grains for Labradors
Nutro Ultra
Nutro Ultra Adult is a grain inclusive food which contains no BHA, BHT or other high-risk chemical preservatives. It is tailored to meet the needs of active, medium-to-large breed dogs such as Labrador Retrievers.
This highly recommended food is one of nine dry recipes rated in our review of the Nutro Ultra dog food product line. The major part of its animal protein comes from fresh chicken and chicken meal.
Dry matter label analysis reveals the product contains 27% protein, 17% fat and 49% (estimated) carbs… which creates a fat-to-protein ratio of about 63%.
High in meat content with no plant-based protein concentrates, the formula has a natural, balanced amino acid profile.
Read our review of the full Nutro Ultra Dog Food (Dry) range here
Things we like
- No artificial colors or preservatives
- No plant-based proteins
- Natural and balanced
Main Ingredients Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain sorghum, whole grain barley, whole grain oats Texture Dry Type Grain-inclusive Protein Percentage 27% AAFCO Standards Maintenance Best For Labrador adults only (not for puppies) Sample buyer review...
Read more buyer reviews at Chewy.com"We have tried several foods once we decided to switch from Blue Buffalo. Lots of bags donated to the shelter. When we could no longer get Royal Canin I was forced to find, yet again, another food. After hearing that grain free foods are linked to heart disease, I decided to switch from Natural Balance to Nutro. Best decision ever. Not only do they love it, their coats look better, less itching, their weight is good and it’s less expensive without skimping in quality! Finally a food I can continue giving my dogs without worry if I am giving them the right food!"
More Top Picks
To view more top dog foods by category… click the link below that best meets your personal feeding needs.
Here are 8 of the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Labrador Retriever puppies and adults.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I switch to a new food... without making my Labrador sick?
In Dr. Gary Richter’s video below…
You’ll find a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your Labrador’s risk of suffering from digestive upset… whenever you switch to a new food.
It’s best to transition your Labrador to a new food… gradually.
Start by mixing 20% “new” and 80% “old” food together. Then, gently increase that amount to a full 100%… over the next 8 to 9 days.
| Transition Schedule | Old Food | New Food |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1 and 2 | 80% | 20% |
| Days 3 and 4 | 60% | 40% |
| Days 5 and 6 | 40% | 60% |
| Days 7 and 8 | 20% | 80% |
| Day 9 | 0% | 100% |
Do Labradors need to eat special dog food?
The answer depends on your dog’s age. Adult Labradors can eat almost ANY quality dry or wet food. However, to lower your dog’s risk of permanent hip and joint disease, Labrador puppies should be fed a food that contains a safe amount of calcium for large breed puppies. For more options, be sure to visit The Dog Food Advisor’s best large breed puppy foods page.
When is my Labrador considered a senior?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, larger breed dogs tend live shorter lives than smaller dogs… which is why they’re often considered seniors when they reach 5 to 6 years of age. If your Labrador is over 6, you may wish to visit our best senior dog foods page for some safe recommendations.
What causes hip disease in Labrador Retrievers?
Hip disease in Labradors is caused by at least one of 3 factors:
Since there’s nothing you can do to change your Labrador’s genetics, be sure to avoid overfeeding your puppy. And choose a dog food that contains a calcium level that’s made to be safe for Labradors and other large breed puppies.
How can I lower my Labrador's risk of hip disease?
There are 2 things you CAN do to help lower your dog’s risk of hip disease. First, don’t overfeed your puppy. Too many calories in the diet can increase your Lab’s risk of developing lasting hip damage.
Next, avoid dog foods that contain too much calcium for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.
How much food should I feed my Labrador?
A landmark study found that dogs fed an amount of food that keeps them at ideal body condition lived almost 2 years longer… than other dogs.15
So, to help your Labrador live a longer life…
Start with the feeding instructions printed on the bag. Then, adjust that amount up or down… to keep your Labrador at ideal body condition.
The following short video explains exactly how to help your Labrador achieve and maintain an ideal weight.
Final word
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