Labrador croquettes: which ones to choose for your dog?

October 4, 2022

Which kibbles for a Labrador dog?

If a Labrador Retriever could decide which diet is best for him, he wouldn't need to ask too many questions. The main thing for him would be that there is plenty of food , because this breed is not very demanding in terms of nutrition, but it has a certain appetite . Humans also have a hard time resisting the gentle, faithful and hungry gaze of their Labrador , so they tend to overfeed it . However, it is not good to let a Labrador get fat, as he can quickly become overweight or obese . This is why, in the rest of this article, we are going to explain to you how to feed this type of dog and we are also going to tell you how to choose the right kibbles for a Labrador .

What type of food for a Labrador puppy?

Originally, the Labrador Retriever was used for hunting, but over time it has become the ideal family dog , as it has a friendly character and enjoys human company. His type of diet will mainly depend on his lifestyle and his level of physical activity .

Healthy food for strong bones

Since the Labrador puppy is a large breed puppy , it is important that he does not eat high energy foods to prevent him from developing too quickly. The consequence of excessive energy intake is that the dog grows faster than expected and its bones do not form well.

Due to this bone fragility , the skeleton might not withstand the muscular pull and pressure of high body weight , which could lead to limb misalignment. However, Labrador puppies need a lot of nutrients to grow to around 35 kg as adults .

In order for your puppy to start a healthy life, the proportion of energy, minerals, trace elements and vitamins in his food must be balanced and adapted to his needs. You must therefore choose kibbles for Labrador puppies or for large breed puppies .

What kibbles for a Labrador puppy?

For a puppy of this breed, it is advisable to opt for cereal-free puppy croquettes, since this type of food offers different compositions for each period of growth of the dog. Rich in protein , these croquettes which do not contain gluten have several advantages:

a size and shape of kibble adapted to the size of the jaw;
a nutrient content adapted to each stage of development;
high protein content (poultry, salmon, lamb, etc.);

a high fiber content which acts as a probiotic and promotes good digestion.

The kibble ration for a Labrador puppy

When the puppy is weaned, that is to say that it no longer needs breast milk (approximately at 40 days), you must start giving it Labrador puppy food . The animal must eat at fixed times at least 3 times a day: morning, noon and evening. The Labrador puppy must eat 300 grams of kibble per day, spread over the three meals (100 grams for each meal). At the age of 3 months , you will have to keep the three meals, but increase the dose of croquettes by passing to 400 grams per day (about 130 grams at each meal).

What type of diet for an adult Labrador?

As the Labrador enters adulthood, their diet should be changed to a diet suitable for adults. It is therefore necessary to switch to kibbles for adult Labrador . In the case of very active dogs, the food may contain a higher amount of carbohydrates to provide them with the energy they need. On the other hand, if they are sedentary, it is necessary to ensure that the carbohydrate content is moderate so that they do not become overweight. And it is better to bet on foods rich in protein .

Healthy food for better health

It should also be noted that the proportion of fat should be kept at an average level. Of course, in terms of weight, it is not only the level of activity of the dog and the type of meal chosen that are decisive, but also the rations served. It is important to monitor the number of treats and snacks given. The ideal is to deduct candy for dogs from the grams of the daily ration of kibble.

Labrador Retrievers often struggle with joint problems, which is why foods with components that protect the joints, such as mussels , are very suitable. Carrots, apple pulp and other fibers also have a positive influence on the intestinal flora .

Which kibbles for an adult Labrador?

The kibbles of an adult Labrador should have a balanced, complete and appetizing recipe. So even the pickiest dogs will crave these foods. Labrador dog kibble should contain a lot of fiber to aid digestion . The recipe must contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids . It must have a high protein content for the dog to keep a shiny coat and to stay healthy.

The kibbles must have a special shape that allows the Labrador's teeth to be cleaned very gently. Finally, there are certain foods to avoid including in your Labrador's diet. Indeed, avoid kibbles that contain wheat or soy or those that have a high rate of carbohydrates . To be sure that your pet can digest well, you can opt for kibbles with good cereals such as rice rather than wheat and for kibbles rich in protein .

The kibble ration for an adult Labrador

An adult Labrador of around 30 kilos should consume around 500 grams of kibble per day. The amount of kibble indicated should be spread over the day over several meals for better digestion. Remember that a Labrador's stomach is quite delicate and fragile and any risk of twisting the stomach should be avoided . Don't forget to leave plenty of fresh water for your big dog .

How to feed a senior Labrador?

Changes in the dog's body due to age lead to special dietary needs . Decreased activity leads to decreased energy requirements , so it is advisable to reduce energy intake from food. Since over the years the sense of smell and taste deteriorates, very tasty food may appeal more to a senior dog . An older Labrador's meal should contain:

high sources of easily digestible protein, with duck and veal;
a high amount of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids;
ginseng and grape seed extract for immune system support;
herbs, red fruits, roots and seeds in very small quantities can promote the proper functioning of the organs.

What budget should I plan to feed a Labrador?

The budget for the kibbles of a Labrador amounts to 560 euros over the year, which gives approximately 50 euros per month. Indeed, it is necessary to count a bag of kibbles of 20 kilos every 1 month and a half, which gives approximately 8 bags per year. And you should know that this type of packet of croquettes is worth around 70 euros in the trade.

Of course, if you buy low-end kibble , you'll save money, but if your dog gets sick, you'll ultimately have to pay for vet bills. So to have a dog in good physical condition and to extend its lifespan, we advise you to buy only premium (top-of-the-range) kibble for your Labrador.

Labrador dog food FAQ:

What food for a Labrador?

A Labrador tends to gain weight quickly. You must measure your diet and offer a ration of 500 g of croquettes per day over two meals (one in the morning and one in the evening).

How much kibble for a Labrador?

If you are the parent of a sterilized female Labrador, her kibble ration should be reduced to 388 grams per day. But if your dog is an unsterilized Labrador, then the daily ration should be 500 grams divided between morning and evening.

How do I satiate my Labrador?

To satiate a Labrador, you have to give him kibble that contains 30% protein, fiber, oil and little or no cereal. Meals must be given at regular times and if the dog is really hungry, the ration must be split into 3 meals a day.