The health of the pet directly depends on the quality and a clear balance in the nutrition for Labrador dogs. In this connection, breeders prefer not natural food, but dry food. This trend is not at all explained by saving time and money, but rather by caring for a four-legged friend. And this decision can be optimal if you know how to choose a really high-quality dog food among the variety of offers that exist today. To decide where to buy and what to look for, the reviews of experienced breeders, as well as experts below, will help.
What are the diets, description
The Labrador Retriever is considered one of the most popular breeds for 2022. But the pet has not only a cheerful disposition, but also such a disadvantage as promiscuity in food, so if the dog is not controlled, it will quickly acquire excessive mass. Today there are 3 popular food models for Labradors:
- Natural diet. An option for hosts who have a lot of free time required to create a dish.
- Made by food manufacturers. It's a great alternative for busy owners as it doesn't take time to put together a menu and prepare a dish as everything is balanced.
- Mixed food. The basis of such a diet is natural and ready-made (industrial) formulations.
Based on this, it is desirable to take into account the following recommendations.
- Fractional nutrition is necessary, the number of meals is calculated taking into account the age of the animal.
- Feeding is carried out only after a walk, otherwise problems with the gastrointestinal tract or volvulus may occur.
- It is advisable to avoid snacks.
- If the main diet of the pet is live foods, they should not be mixed with human food.
- Natural food should be freshly cooked, but not hot, so as not to injure the walls of the esophagus or stomach.
- Porridge should not be very hard or liquid, and it is desirable to make the soup thicker.
- Food should not be salted too much, and spices should be completely excluded for a growing organism.
- Since the breed is prone to allergic phenomena, each innovation should be added gradually, observing the reaction of the body.
- Also, you should not mix the professional mixture with natural food, such a menu can lead to an imbalance in the digestive system.
Do's and Don'ts for Dogs
They are classified as harmless products.
- Boiled fish - mainly sea or from coastal regions with a high content of iodine, phosphorus and protein. But bony river species are best excluded.
- Low-fat type of meat - well-processed offal is also suitable.
- Cereals, except oatmeal and barley. During cooking, you can add a couple - three drops of vegetable oil.
- Dairy products are rich in calcium.
- Egg yolk, dog protein is not absorbed.
- Vegetable and fruit slices (the smaller the better) are good in any form. The presence of greens in the feed will not hurt.
- Sea salt in small quantities.
These products are not recommended.
- All fatty foods should be avoided, even those that are meat products.
- Bones. They do not contain nutrients, harm the teeth, and often cause constipation or intestinal problems. In particular, chicken and tubular ones are contraindicated, which can simply split into sharp pieces when chewed.
- Representatives of the legume family (except green peas), as well as semolina, provoke an upset digestive system.
- Older potatoes and cabbage lead to bloating.
- Sausages, especially smoked. They affect the liver and can even cause the death of puppies.
- Various kinds of sweets. They affect the lacrimal and salivary glands, spoil the teeth and are harmful to digestion.
- Various pickles, spices, spices. Poorly affect the sense of smell and taste buds. They provoke heartburn.
- Dairy and bread products.
- All kinds of citrus fruits, as well as grapes and broccoli.
Characteristics of ready meals
Typically, industrial feed for the Labrador is divided into 4 main groups.
- Classic - including food for puppies as well as adult animals.
- Dietary diet for dogs with health problems and allergies.
- Food for expectant mothers and lactating dogs.
- Food for older dogs.
Based on the quality of the base material, there are factory feeds of several classes:
- economy;
- extra - have a well-balanced composition and are affordable. However, they contain grade 2 by-products and chemical additives;
- super-premium class - contain the highest quality components;
- holistics are enriched with valuable natural ingredients, including medicinal herbs and vitamins. They don't come up for sale often and cost a lot.
It should be noted that young or adult Labrador Retrievers should be given food of at least premium class from the best manufacturers, since these diets often contain:
- prebiotics - they normalize the digestive processes and the pet's stool;
- unsaturated fatty acids - improving the quality of the skin and coat;
- the structure of the granules is designed so that the dog will not immediately be able to gnaw them;
- the product is completely balanced and includes all the necessary ingredients for the proper functioning and strengthening of the internal organs and the skeletal system.
However, in addition to dry food, canned food and wet diets are also on sale. The main difference of this finished product is the abundance of moisture - 50-90% to 8-12% typical for dry food. They have the following characteristics.
- High fat content.
- An abundance of easily digestible proteins.
- The presence of microbes is excluded.
- Convenient packaging.
And yet it is more desirable to use such feeds as a delicacy, and not to make it the main one.
Overview of the advantages and disadvantages of a dry menu
A dog's diet, consisting of industrial feed, has such advantages.
- The ability to save hours spent on cooking and determining the diet.
- Compact packaging.
- He is well balanced.
- Can be stored for a long time.
- Solid lumps of dry food along the way clean the pet's fangs from plaque, serving to prevent tartar.
But the disadvantages of this type of food should be attributed.
- High quality food is rarely inexpensive.
- In middle-class kits, you can find many different additives that are not particularly useful for a pet.
- Comprehensive information about the composition of the feed is not always available.
- Budget series are usually of low quality, and consist of offal of the last category.
Main selection criteria
The Labrador is unpretentious in food, which is why the owner himself should pay special attention to his diet, guided by financial capabilities, but also by the preferences of the pet itself. A completely different approach can only be when the dog is ill or pregnant. In this case, it is better to consult a veterinarian.
- Before buying, you should carefully study the composition of the food on the packaging or on the website if you are going to order food online.
- Coincidence with the age of the dog.
- Varieties of industrial food intended only for small ones are usually labeled "Puppy" (puppy) or Junior (junior).
- Optimal pricing and availability in the online store.
- As few contraindications as possible.
- Taking into account the preferences of the pet in food will also help to avoid mistakes when choosing. In particular, his predisposition to obesity and food allergies.
- If, nevertheless, the dog managed to gain excess weight, you should pay attention to special therapeutic or preventive feeds.
- Due to the fact that the menu of the Labrador changes with age, when deciding what the diet will be, it is worth considering the fact how much and how often you need to feed a puppy and an adult dog, as well as what the volume of the daily diet will be.
How many months | Single serving size | How many times a day | Daily rate |
1-2 | 50 | 6 | 300 |
2-4 | from 60 to 80 | 5 | from 300 to 400 |
4-6 | 100 | 4 | 400 |
7-11 | 130 | 3 | 400 |
Over 11 | from 350 | 1-2 | from 700 |
Rating of quality food for Labrador puppies
Purina Pro Plan
The Large Puppy Robust OPTISTART line is specifically designed to feed puppies, taking into account the physique of Labrador Retrievers and their tendency to gain weight. The main feature of the food of this brand is the presence in its composition of colostrum - primary mother's milk, rich in antibodies of natural origin, contributing to the formation of natural immunity of puppies.
food for Labradors Purina Pro Plan
Advantages:
- Nice texture;
- the main ingredient is chicken;
- strong packaging;
- with zip-lock function;
- can be given to pregnant and lactating women;
- does not create problems for digestion;
- the dog eats with pleasure;
- the dog does not puff;
- beautiful wool.
Flaws:
- Not all packages have a zipper.
The average price is 1,202 rubles.
Hill's
Science Plan Puppy Healthy Development Large Breed Chicken is specifically designed to feed young Labs with the needs of young large breeds. The composition includes the right amount of nutrients, including omega - 3, minerals and L-carnitine.Formulated with cutting-edge technology and clinically tested, this well-balanced diet is perfect for your pet's daily diet.
Hill's Labrador Food
Advantages:
- Puppy cheerful;
- the baby noticeably gains weight;
- the food is well balanced;
- quality packaging;
- the main ingredient is chicken;
- easily digestible;
- the granules are even, do not crumble.
Flaws:
- The dog often runs to the toilet;
- not available everywhere.
The average price is 3,965 rubles.
Royal Canin
The products of this brand have several lines designed for puppies of large breeds and Labradors, in particular, which have already managed to gain a lot of positive feedback from experienced breeders. The Labrador Retriever Junior is a great option for puppies from 2 to 15 months old. The product contains a lot of easily digestible proteins and probiotics necessary for the growth of the baby, contributing to the proper functioning of the intestinal microflora.
food for labradors Royal Canin
Advantages:
- Finely balanced;
- the main ingredient is rice;
- outwardly looks attractive;
- well absorbed;
- hypoallergenic;
- provides excellent condition of leather and wool covers;
- pets eat with pleasure;
- big package.
Flaws:
- May cause bloating;
- the presence of flavoring additives;
- not suitable for everyone;
- high price.
The average price is 4300 rubles.
Top Best Diets for an Adult Labrador
Pedigree
Their new wet food for large breed dogs is a great choice for your daily menu. According to the buyers themselves, the main advantage of food is its low cost, combined with the decent quality of the latter.This optimally balanced diet will please not only your pet. The ingredients included in the feed have a positive effect on the quality of the skin, as well as the Labrador coat itself.
Labrador food Pedigree
Advantages:
- Easy to find, including on supermarket shelves;
- convenient packaging;
- like dogs;
- acceptable cost;
- Helps maintain optimal weight of the pet;
- the main ingredient is meat;
- a wide variety of flavors.
Flaws:
- Unpleasant smell when opening the package;
- wool may fade;
- very large granules.
The average price is 1000 rubles.
Advance
Offered by a Spanish brand, their Adult Labrador series is a high quality specialized food for Labrador dogs. The composition of this mixture includes all the important elements in the right amount.
food for Labradors Advance
Advantages:
- The food is based on ingredients of animal origin;
- a combination of the required amount of fats with natural tocopherols;
- necessary elements for the heart, muscles and bones of the dog;
- normalizes stool;
- the dog eats with pleasure;
- does not cause allergies;
- good granule size;
- food is made especially for Labradors;
- the main ingredient is a bird;
- The food belongs to the super-premium class.
Flaws:
- Presence of chemical stabilizers;
- too large packages are not very convenient;
- very dry;
- a lot of cereals.
The average price is 4,000 rubles.
Eukanuba
An innovative solution from nutrition professionals, designed specifically for Labrador Retrievers based on the needs of the breed.Helps maintain weight and appearance with optimal levels of clinically proven micronutrients. The Breed Specific Labrador Retriever series is distinguished by the presence of such components:
- L-carnitine for the heart and fat processing;
- vitamin - E; fiber - promotes rapid absorption;
- chondroitin sulfate;
- glucosamine for joints;
- omega 3 and 6 for a healthy coat.
Eukanuba Labrador food
Advantages:
- Looks appetizing;
- attractive smell;
- the dog likes it;
- acceptable cost;
- good composition;
- optimally balanced;
- the main ingredient is meat;
- there is a formula for dental care Denta Defense.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for everyone.
The average price is 4408 rubles.
Acana
Complete dry food from a Canadian manufacturer contains up to 55% meat components, including chicken breast grown on organic feed, as well as salmon fillet. Used as a garnish:
ensuring optimum sugar levels in the diet. Also, the basis includes useful plant components, algae, a vitamin and mineral supplement. These feeds do not have any restrictions and are suitable for different breeds.
Acana Labrador food
Advantages:
- Excellent composition;
- the dog eats with enthusiasm;
- anti-allergic;
- significantly improved the quality of wool;
- low glycemic index;
- good taste data;
- suitable for large dogs from one year old.
Flaws:
- High price;
- rarely found in a pet store;
- it is difficult to find a product in a small package.
- pet's weight should be monitored.
The average price is 8431 rubles.
The best holistics of 2022
Grandorf
The specified food is deservedly ranked as a super-premium class of food for dogs. It is made only from natural ingredients. Due to this, it practically does not differ from the natural diet of animals. The composition is optimally balanced, allowing you to maintain the health of your four-legged friend, as well as a beautiful shiny coat for many years. When creating the product, not only the requirements of veterinary control were taken into account, but also the opinions of professional breeders and buyers. The creators of the product actively use advanced technologies, placing a high emphasis on quality along with usefulness. In the diet itself, one can note the complete absence of such components as:
- beet;
- corn;
- low quality meat products;
- poultry or chicken fat.
These elements very often become the causative agent of allergic reactions. Antarctic krill, a small representative of crustaceans, has become a special component of nutrition, performing the function of a useful dietary supplement for better absorption in the intestines of the animal. Also in this line there are compositions that combine several types of fillets.
food for Labradors Grandorf
Advantages:
- There is rice;
- hypoallergenic;
- many vitamins;
- rich in fats and saturated acids;
- a wide variety of meat components;
- good for the digestive system;
- the dog pleases with its healthy shiny coat;
- nutritious food, a small amount is enough even for a large dog;
- no problems with the digestive tract.
Flaws:
GO! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient
Products GO! NATURAL SENSITIVITY & SHINE will fit into a pet's diet, but its primary purpose is a balanced diet for pets with sensitive digestion.The diet includes only carefully selected components of proteins, carbohydrates, along with Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. It is distinguished by the presence of pre- and probiotics, antioxidants. Products GO! is a properly balanced holistic for dogs, designed taking into account their characteristics.
food for Labradors GO! Sensitivities Limited Ingredient
Advantages:
- Ideal for allergy sufferers;
- acceptable price;
- delicious smell;
- economical consumption;
- the dog eats willingly;
- no gases;
- has medicinal properties.
Flaws:
The average price is 2151 rubles.
Applaws
The company, which has been successfully conquering our markets since 2009, offers breeders exclusively natural feed with a large amount of:
- vitamins;
- minerals;
- trace elements;
- nutrients.
Experienced veterinarians and nutritionists specializing in the dietary habits of large breed dogs took part in the creation of holistics. This line of grain-free food has about 24 diets - both dry and wet. According to reviews, the main part of the product produced is intended for adults, but the company's assortment also includes nutritional mixtures for young animals. They do not contain gluten, since it often causes allergic reactions, it is successfully replaced by natural potato starch and corn flour.
Applaws Labrador food
Advantages:
- Low cost compared to analogues;
- high content of natural protein;
- when creating food, only natural ingredients of the highest quality are used;
- Suitable for representatives of large and medium breeds.
Flaws:
- In some cases, it is manifested by bloating;
- experts do not recommend giving such food to pets with liver dysfunction.
The average price is 3,000 rubles.
NOW Fresh
The new product from the Canadian manufacturer Now Natural Holistic belongs to the super-premium class and is completely grain-free with only natural meat and vegetables that do not contain hormones or by-products. This carefully balanced holistic is a great choice for babies of all breeds.
Labrador food NOW Fresh
Advantages:
- As part of the fillet, vegetables and fruits;
- all components are clearly balanced;
- contains proteins and fats in the right proportions;
- by-products are excluded;
- without dyes;
- no GMO;
- without preservatives;
- has a good smell;
- aesthetic packaging.
Flaws:
- There is no clasp on the package;
- no small packages;
- not available everywhere;
- a little expensive.
The average price is 5167 rubles.
Outcome
The above rating is based on many facts - the cost, the naturalness of the composition, as well as the comments of the owners themselves, and so on. When deciding to get a cute puppy, you need to be aware of your responsibility, be prepared for care and excitement for the life, as well as the health of your pet. That is why you should approach with the utmost responsibility, the choice of the right balanced diet, which will affect the physical condition and good spirits of the pet. An important role in determining which company's product is better is played by the advice of specialists and nutritionists from the world of dog breeding, but the advice of experienced breeders and just amateurs is no less important.Nevertheless, the owners themselves will have to decide which one is better to buy, taking into account not only the popularity of models for 2022, but also the addictions and needs of their dog, otherwise this can cause intestinal discomfort with all the attendant problems.