10 Healthiest & Best Dog Food for Labradoodle [Updated May 2023]

Have you just brought a new Labradoodle into your life? Or perhaps you are a long-time owner looking for more information about the Labradoodle's optimal diet? This guide aims to answer any questions you may be asking about Labradoodle nutrition.

A cross between the much-loved Labrador and Poodle breeds, Labradoodles are loyal, friendly, and intelligent dogs with a playful nature. They belong to the so-called designer breeds and are known for their curly coats and sweet faces.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR LABRADOODLE

Although these affectionate pups are healthy for the most part, designer breed dogs tend to be less healthy than many crossbreed or mixed-breed puppers. 

Your dog food choice is, therefore, a big decision for any Labradoodle owner. This guide will show you the best dog food for Labradoodle pups, as well as explain other important concepts for feeding your new pet.

Breed Overview 

Pedigree: Crossbreed

Size: 

• Standard Labradoodle –  22 to 24 inches in height for males; 21 to 23 inches in height for females
• Medium Labradoodle – 18 to 20 inches in height for males; 17 to 19 inches for females
• Miniature Labradoodle – 14 to 16 inches for both genders

Weight: 

• Standard Labradoodle –  50 to 65 pounds for males and females
• Medium Labradoodle – 30 to 45 pounds for both genders
• Miniature Labradoodle – 15 to 25 pounds for both genders

Energy Level: Highly Energetic

Lifespan: 12 to 14 years

Fast Facts

The Labradoodle breed was created by a man named Wally Conron to serve as a hypoallergenic service dog for a woman whose husband was allergic to the standard breeds used as guide dogs. So Conron took a female Labrador Retriever and crossed it with a male poodle to produce the first ever Labradoodle. 

They aren’t technically hypoallergenic, because no dog is, but the Labradoodle breed is less likely to trigger coughs, sneezes, and other allergy symptoms. That’s because Labradoodles don’t tend to shed often. 

Labradoodles aren’t recognized as a breed by major kennel club associations across America, which is why they vary so much in size, weight, and looks.

Poodles and Labrador Retrievers both love to swim, and those genes have been passed on to the Labradoodle breed. They are such water babies!

Why Quality Food Matters For Your Labradoodle

Most people assume crossbreeds or mixed breeds are hardier than purebred pups. For the most part, they would be right. However, that isn’t true for many designer dog breeds. In fact, they can be most susceptible to common health issues that plague both of the breeds used to produce them.

This is why proper nutrition matters a lot. Your dog’s diet can provide all the proper nutrients your pet needs to keep his body healthier and give him a fighting chance against the diseases his breed is prone to. 

High-quality dog food for your Labradoodle is his first line of defense against ailments and disease, and ensuring that their body is in the proper state to fight them all off.

Overall Best Dog Food for Labradoodles

What Is The Best Dog Food For Labradoodle?

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Turkey Recipe
2. American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
3. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed
4. Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral
5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets
6. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
7. Instinct by Nature's Variety Raw Boost
8. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken
9. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato
10. Wellness Complete Health Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal

 

My Top 10 Best Dog Food for Labradoodles

1. Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries – Best Overall

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Turkey Liver

Rating: 5/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 11%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 7%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 2%

If you’ve read my articles before, you know that I speak from experience when rating Ollie because my dogs are on this diet. I love the semi-moist food recipes because they’re all made fresh and then delivered right to your doorstep.

The recipe uses highly-digestible and dense-nutrient grains, with the meat sourced from farms that provide vegetable-fed and hormone-free turkey. You will have a difficult time finding more organically-sourced dog food on the market today.

I like the use of turkey as the protein source because it’s protein-dense but leaner than chicken. And oats are full of natural fiber, which makes it an excellent source of carbs (quick energy supply), minerals, and B vitamins. The fiber also keeps your dog’s immune and digestive health functioning, regulating your dog’s digestion so that stools are regular and firm.

Key Takeaways

This formula contains 72% moisture, which should ensure your dog will be adequately hydrated while eating the meal. It will also mean that the transition is easier if your dog is currently eating canned dog food, as his digestive system will need less adjustment than changing to dry dog food.

Meals from Ollie may contain a higher proportion of fat than some of the commercially available dog foods, but do remember that all of the foods contain precise nutrients according to your individual dog's weight and breed. 

What makes this the best dog food, in my opinion, is the fact that the main ingredients are limited, there is no artificial stuff, you can’t find fillers in it, and it’s made specifically for each individual pup. That last one is hard to beat. 

Best food for: Dog breeds of all ages and sizes

What I like: 

• Complete and balanced nutrition
• Uses healthy carbohydrates
• Freshly made and crafted in small batches
• Good for sensitive stomach
• Pre-portioned meals take the guesswork out of feeding
• With personalized health insights from experts

What I don’t like:

• It is pricier than commercial foods in the market
• The food needs to be refrigerated, which takes up a lot of space

2. American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

Rating: 4.5/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 34%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 15%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 5%

American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe is my second pick as one of the best dog food options for Labradoodle puppies to adult dogs. If quality and affordability are what you’re looking for, that's probably the best option on this list.

It has a great nutrient profile for its price point and also uses a range of high-quality, well-sourced ingredients to provide a meal that your dog will love.

American Journey has produced affordable dry dog food that contains an above-average amount of protein, a near-average amount of fat, and a below-average amount of carbohydrates. These stats are pretty great for a budget brand of dog food and should provide a good base for the development of healthy bones and joints. 

The first three products in the ingredients list are all animal proteins, which makes this dry food heavily meat-based. There’s also a menhaden fish meal much further down, which boosts the protein content even more.

Key takeaways

Because the dog food is crafted for all life stages, it contains all the essential nutrients puppies need (DHA), seniors require (glucosamine and chondroitin), and tons of nutrients to maintain the overall health of any pup of any age.

This is great if you live in a multi-pet household with dogs of varying ages, as the food can help you to provide all the required nutrients your pets need without breaking the bank.

Best food for: Pup owners who need quality Labradoodle dog food at an affordable price

What I like:

• Affordable dog food option
• No by-product meals or artificial ingredients
• Has a high protein content
• Helps promote a healthy weight
• Grain-free
• Guaranteed levels of omega fatty acids

What I don’t like: 

• Many pet parents say that the recipe must have changed

3. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Formula

First 5 ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils

Rating: 4.25/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 32%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 18%
• Crude Fiber Max) – 4%

Taste of the Wild’s dry dog food recipe is thematically based on what ancestral dogs from the Appalachian Valley would have eaten in prehistoric times. Combined with modern nutritional knowledge, the ancestral diet has now transformed into well-balanced dog food that keeps up with the times. 

This grain-free recipe is the best dog food for Labradoodle pups who are of the smaller type, as it is made especially for small breed dogs. It is reduced into small-size kibble, making it easier for small mouths to eat and digest. 

Small pups generally need more energy as they tend to burn through them faster. This formula contains the perfect amount of proteins and calories to carry them through whatever they might get up to throughout the day. 

The number of meat ingredients alone suggests that most of the proteins are animal-based. I always recommend dog foods whose proteins come mainly from animal sources. While vegetable proteins are good, they lack some of the essential amino acids that dogs require. 

This Labradoodle dog food also features an ocean fish meal, which contains significant levels of omega fatty acids. If your pup needs a boost regarding skin and coat quality, then fatty acids should definitely be a part of your pup’s regular diet. These not only calm skin inflammation, but they also keep hair and coat softer and shinier.

Key Takeaways

I like how this grain-free dry food provides a significantly higher proportion of protein and a lower proportion of carbohydrates than many of its direct competitors. This is due to plenty of meat-based ingredients making up the food, like high-quality pasture-raised venison, lamb meal, and duck meal. 

Another plus is the formula's probiotic and prebiotic fiber content. The proprietary K9 Strain probiotics were only added after the product has been cooked, so your dogs are guaranteed live, active cultures for healthy digestion. 

What I’m not impressed with, though, is the use of canola oil. While this oil certainly has lots of benefits, if you’re the type who shies away from highly processed stuff, dog foods with canola oil would definitely not be on your list. Canola oil goes through too much processing before it gets to the state where it is fit to be in your dog’s bowl.

Best food for: Small dogs who need plenty of protein in their diet

What I like:

• Made from premium and unique animal proteins
• Has prebiotics and live probiotics
• Contains a trio of superfoods
• Grain-free recipe

What I don’t like

• Uses canola oil

4. Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Puppy Formula

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Dehydrated Chicken, Whole Spelt, Whole Oats, Chicken Fat

Rating:  4.75/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 35%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 20%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 1.7%

Typically, dry dog foods contain vegetable-based proteins that are lacking in amino acids as a way of boosting protein content. Instead, this Labradoodle dog food by Farmina has made high-protein dog food with 90% of its protein content derived from animal sources.

This preference for animal products means that your dog’s food contains the full range of amino acids his body requires.

Mostly leaning on chicken for protein, this recipe also relies on eggs and fish (herring) to boost the protein content higher. What’s good about the inclusion of herring is that it contains lots of omega fatty acids, even more than salmon or tuna. The addition of fatty acids in your dog’s food is always welcome since their bodies can’t produce these on their own.

Peas and legumes are absent from the formula, making this a great option if your dog has an allergy to either of these ingredients. Or if you just want to stay away from these ingredients due to health concerns. 

Instead, this puppy food relies on a limited amount of grains for fiber, which contributes to healthy digestion. Even with the ancestral grains present in the formula, this puppy food still contains a lower proportion of carbohydrates than average. 

Because this puppy food is designed for medium to maxi puppies, it’s an excellent idea for the brand to include chicken cartilage. The cartilages contain a helping of glucosamine and chondroitin, which support the joints of bigger dogs so that they are able to manage their heavier and fast-growing bodies better.

Key takeaways

Your Labradoodle puppy is in good hands with this formula. Based on my research, it gives little ones plenty of fuel for hours of strenuous play. The ingredients are clean, and there is nothing in it that I would not want to feed my own pups. 

Despite being marketed towards puppies, I also find the nutrition delivered by this Labradoodle dog food to be reasonable for most adults. In fact, you can feed it to working dogs, and they would still have a little leftover energy after a full day of hunting, running, or whatever it is performance dogs do. 

It is also a good idea not to completely exclude grain from your puppy's diet at an early age because some studies have found that this makes it harder for your dog to digest them in the future. 

Best food for: Labradoodle puppies and adults who need a high-protein diet

What I like: 

• High protein content good enough for even-performance canines
• Made for puppies but suitable for all life stages
• Made of 60% animal ingredients
• Promotes healthy skin and coat
• No legumes, peas, or by-product meals
• Contains EPA, DHA, glucosamine, and chondroitin

What I don’t like:

• Smells too strongly

5. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula

First 5 ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Tapioca Starch, Potatoes

Rating:  4.5/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 24%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 10%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4.5%

Natural Balance strives to include only natural ingredients and has created a grain-free dog food blend that has few ingredients but provides your canine with all the nutrition he needs to stay healthy.

As part of the ‘limited ingredient diet' range, this dog food is ideal for a pup who has a sensitive stomach or allergy. Personally, I like limited-ingredient diets because while most are not classed as hypoallergenic, by keeping the ingredients to a minimum, there is less potential for your Labradoodle to have an allergic reaction to the dog food. 

Most kibbles use a combination of animal meat in their formula, but Natural Balance uses only fish (menhaden and salmon), so this is quite a good option if your pet has food sensitivities and can’t handle red meat, pork, or poultry.

While grain-filled recipes have their uses, grain-free ones are also full of benefits for your pup. Natural Balance has paired the fish with legumes and potatoes. These are great choices of carbohydrates as they provide lots of fiber and contain other essential vitamins needed for doggy development.

As for fat, this formula relies on canola oil and menhaden fish oil. Now, canola oil is so-so in our book because it is too highly processed. And while it offers several benefits, it’s just not something that I’d recommend. On the other hand, menhaden fish oil is less processed and naturally loaded with EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health.

Key takeaways

The Natural Balance dog food brand has also packed this product full of omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. Dog owners using the formula claim that it has provided a tremendous impact on their dog's skin and coat, an anecdote well-supported by science. 

Unfortunately, I find that this brand lacks the protein and fat levels present within the other dog food brands mentioned in this guide. However, if your Labradoodle is not a working dog or if your Labradoodle is reacting poorly to high-protein dry dog food, this recipe is worth a try. 

Best food for: Adult dogs who have allergies or sensitive stomachs

What I like about it:

• Limited ingredient formula is good for allergies and sensitive stomachs
• Very high in omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
• Single animal protein source

What I don’t like about it:

• Contains canola oil
• Comparatively lower protein and fat content

More Top Rated Foods for Labradoodles

6. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Canola Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal

Rating:  3.75/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 24%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 13%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 5%

This True Acre dry dog food recipe is a good option if you are a Labradoodle owner on a tight budget but want to feed your dog with premium meat and fresh farm-grown produce. It is a grain-free diet but enriched with omega-3 and 6 to help keep your Labradoodle's coat shiny and healthy.

Chicken is a great lean protein and is the main animal meat in this dog food, which contains significantly less fat than some of its competitors. The protein here is boosted by the presence of poultry by-products, peas, canola meal, and soybean meal. 

Now, while the chicken is a great ingredient, the others are not so, in my opinion. These are cheaper ingredients that a manufacturer uses when it wants to save on costs. Peas are a nice addition, but a lot of the proteins here come from by-products, and these don’t contain the full list of amino acids that your dog’s body requires. 

I am also quite wary of the poultry here. It’s a generic name that doesn’t properly identify precisely what kind of meat was used. If your pet is sensitive to one type of poultry but not another, I would not advise that you get this food. The risk of an allergic reaction is just too high.

Now about the fat source, which is fish oil, this kind of redeems the inclusion of by-products. Fish oil is full of omega-3 fatty acids that boost the canines' energy, keep the heart and immune system functioning properly, improve the look and health of their skin and coat, and decrease inflammation in the joints.

Key takeaways 

True Acre’s grain-free formula offers complete nutrition for dogs. It is safe to feed your pup, and I’m sure that many dogs do thrive on it. It is free from artificial stuff, wheat, grains, and corn, which are a big deal to many pet owners. 

It does contain a lot of ingredients that are on the cheaper side, like meat by-products and canola oil. However, if you’re looking for a dog food formula that provides everything your dogs need to live a healthy life, then this recipe provides a lot of nutritional bang for your buck.

Best food for: Adult pups of all breed sizes

What I like about it:

• USA-raised chicken as the first ingredient
• Grain-free, gluten-free, and does not contain artificial colors or flavors
• Crafted with natural fibers for gentle digestion
• Boosts dog's immune system

What I don’t like about it:

• Contains cheaper ingredients like by-product meal and soybean meal
• A lot of the protein is vegetable-based

7. Instinct by Nature's Variety Raw Boost Chicken Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca

Rating:  4.5/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 37%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 20.5%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4%

Nature’s Variety is one particular dog food brand that I like, and its Instinct line is one I am fond of because of its promise to bring the benefits of raw dog food to your Labradoodle. 

It’s an excellent meal, particularly if your pup is highly active and always on the move. It contains 37% protein (from mostly all animal sources) and 20.5% fat. That’s really a lot of protein content, capable of sustaining even performance dogs. 

Nature's Variety has packed organic and high-quality ingredients into this food, namely cage-free chicken, herring meal, freeze-dried chicken, freeze-dried chicken liver, and menhaden fish meal, and freeze-dried chicken heart. That’s quite a long list of animal proteins, and all are the good kind!

Aside from protein, fat is another fuel source. In this recipe, the fat mainly comes from chicken, but that’s not the only fat source. Freeze-dried chicken liver and freeze-dried heart also act as premium fat sources. 

These two are fine inclusions to any meal as they are nutrient-dense, and the taste of organ meat is highly attractive to dogs. So if you’ve got a picky eater, the freeze-dried raw formulation will most likely entice him to eat.

Key takeaways

I like everything in this recipe, from the protein content to the freeze-dried raw formulation and the inclusion of probiotics. There are no grains here, nor potatoes, corn, wheat, by-product meal, soy, or artificial ingredients. In fact, in looking at the label, I can say that everything has been carefully selected, and no corners were cut in producing this food.

However, if your dog is leaning toward the chubby side, it might be a good idea to stay away from this food for the time being. The caloric content is quite high and not at all ideal for overweight pups who prefer spending their time at home.

On the other hand, the high-calorie content makes it a great choice for super-active Labradoodles. If your pup gets a lot of exercise, this dog food might be the best choice to provide for his energy needs.

Best food for: Picky pups and highly active dogs

What I like about it:

• Very high protein content
• Uses cage-free chicken as the first ingredient
• Blended with recognizable, natural ingredients
• Boosted with freeze-dried raw meat
• Promotes better digestive health

What I didn’t like about it:

• Not recommended for overweight pups

8. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas

Rating:  4/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 22%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 9%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4%

Unlike other dog food brands like Instinct or Taste of The Wild, Gentle Giants goes against the ancestral canine diet, instead producing a dry dog food containing 12 non-GMO whole fruits and vegetables. That doesn’t mean, however, that it’s bad. In fact, if your pup is not allergic to produce, this is actually a nice way to ensure that your pup gets lots of naturally sourced nutrients.

Of course, good dog food should have animal protein and start with it. This recipe does it with the chicken meal, which is chicken that has had most of the water content removed.

This is a grain-inclusive formulation containing pearled barley, brown rice, and oatmeal, which provide the carbs and fiber.

Carbohydrates are great as fuel sources for those short but strenuous activities that your dog participates in. Protein is good for the long haul, but for short bursts of activities, carbs are essential since these are broken down by the body faster than it does protein.

Carbs also supply fiber, which helps bulk up your dog’s waste and firm it up so it can be eliminated easily. And a nice dose of fiber inhibits the growth of undesirable bacteria in your dog’s digestive system. 

I also like that this recipe features New Zealand green mussels. These are rich in chondroitin and glucosamine-nutritional supplements for reducing inflammation and restoring bone strength.

Key takeaways

This is a recipe crafted for all dogs of all life stages, and it offers up a pretty convincing argument that dogs can benefit a lot from having plenty of fresh produce in their diet. The gentle formulation is excellent for dogs who have digestive issues or are usually allergic to lots of food ingredients.

The non-GMO formulation is a nice touch, as well as the good helping of probiotics and prebiotics to keep your dog’s digestive system calm and functioning well. The only drawback I can see is the protein level of the food. It is a bit on the low side. If your pup is too active, he may need some supplementation for extra fuel.

Best food for: Dogs of all breeds and life stages

What I liked about it:

• Made with 12 non-GMO whole fruits and veggies
• For all life stages
• Contains prebiotics and probiotics

What I didn’t like about it: 

• It’s low in protein

9. Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes

Rating:  4.5/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 34%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 15%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 3.5%

Merrick has produced this dry poultry-free food formula specifically for dogs with poultry allergy issues. This recipe is also grain-free and gluten-free, reducing the risk of triggering some of the most common food allergies in pups.

The deboned beef and lamb, and salmon meals provide a big protein punch, making up a majority of the food. This is great for your dog's bone and muscle strength. Since most of the protein comes from meat, all the essential amino acids are covered. 

The fruits and vegetables present within the recipe make sure to give your dog a stable supply of all the nutrients he needs. Although there are potatoes and sweet potatoes present within the first five ingredient slots of the dry dog food, the volume is minimal because the food focuses more on animal proteins.

There are many sources of fat in this food, and they are all excellent, in my opinion. Sunflower oil provides omega-6 fatty acids, and salmon oil is high in omega-3s. Not to mention that the meal also contains beef liver, which is just full of fat. A big plus in including organ meat? Dogs can’t help themselves when it comes to the liver. They just love the taste.

Key takeaways

This is a nice and meaty recipe for pups who like a bit of variety in their food but can’t handle poultry. The combination of different animal proteins and the inclusion of the liver makes it highly appealing to even finicky doggos. 

It’s a pretty straightforward recipe that contains all the good things you want your pet’s food to have and none of the unnecessary ones. And the nutrient profile is amazing. It goes beyond what dogs require and gives them more. 

Best food for: Dogs who are allergic to poultry

What I like about it:

• Uses natural ingredients
• Composed of 65% protein and healthy fat
• 60% of the protein is from animal sources
• Poultry-free
• Higher moisture content than other dry dog foods
• Crafted with glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids

What I don’t like about it:

• The small kibble size may not be a good fit for larger breeds

10. Wellness Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal Recipe

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Peas

Rating: 4/5

Guaranteed Analysis:

• Crude Protein (Min) – 24%
• Crude Fat (Min) – 12%
• Crude Fiber (Max) – 4%

Wellness has produced a dog food recipe that could be described as a well-balanced one. The dry dog food recipe contains a fairly complete amount of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

It uses whole grains to deliver the fiber that your pet needs for proper digestion and the carbohydrates he needs as a quick energy source. As for the rest of its nutritional content, Wellness delivers just fine. Sweet potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, apples, and ground flaxseed combined give rich levels of omega-3, antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins. 

Chicken is the only animal protein here, which makes it ideal for pups who are allergic to other types of meat proteins. However, the protein content in this recipe is a little bit below what I would recommend feeding your average high-energy Labradoodle, although it still exceeds the requirements set by the AAFCO for dry dog food. If your pup is a little on the calmer and quieter side, this should suffice.

Aside from being a single animal protein diet, there are no artificial preservatives used here, which reduces the risk of reactions in highly sensitive pups. If you’ll look closely at the label, you’ll find that the brand instead relies on herbs to keep the food fresh for your pet.

The food is a little high in calories, though. Something to think about if your dog is on the heavy side or needs a weight management type of food.

Key takeaways

I like how Wellness keeps this recipe clean by crafting it without GMO ingredients, fillers, artificial preservatives, or meat by-products. Personally, I always opt for dog foods with high-quality ingredients that are as fresh and natural as they can be, and the less processed they are, the better.

While I do not view it as the best dog food formula, it will certainly deliver a complete and balanced diet to your furry companion. Plus, it’s great for pups who need digestive support since it is packed with live and viable microorganisms and a healthy dose of fiber. 

Best food for: Adult canines who need digestive support

What I like about it:

• Non-GMO ingredients
• Complete and balanced diet
• Promotes a healthy immune system
• Supported by probiotics, taurine, and other supplements
• Antioxidant-rich for strong immunity
• No by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives

What I didn’t like about it:

• Pieces are big and not ideal for smaller Labradoodles

Common Health Issues of Labradoodles

Labradoodles are hybrids that have a bigger potential to develop genetic health problems common to the Labrador and Poodle breeds, especially if you’re not careful from which breeder you buy from. 

These health conditions include:

• Joint Problems – Being a somewhat larger dog, Labradoodles are prone to joint issues as they age. They are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Make sure they are eating high protein foods to promote muscle growth and use.
• Bloat – This can be avoided by splitting your Labradoodle's food into 2 or 3 smaller meals a day rather than 1 large meal.
• Allergies – Food allergies can be common in Labradoodles under 2 years old, so be sure to monitor your dog's reaction to any new food that has been introduced.
• Eye Problems – Both poodles and labs are prone to inherited eye diseases and a Labradoodle is no exception. Make sure to schedule an annual visit to the vet to check that your Labradoodle's eyes are still in peak condition. Antioxidants and vitamins may be used to help slow the retinal deterioration, but ask a vet before using them.
• Addison’s disease – This condition is caused by trauma, infection, or damage to the dog’s adrenal glands or tissue. Take care to feed your pup with a diet that’s low in salt to avoid excessive thirst and urination.

What To Look For In Dog Food

Since there are so many choices in the market, here are some guidelines on choosing the best dog food for your fluffy buddy. These will hopefully help you narrow down the choices by a lot:

1. The first five ingredients matter. Unless your pup is on a special diet, you should look for foods that start with a meat ingredient (in dry food). In wet food, water or broth are fine to start the recipe but there should be enough meat in there within the first five slots.

Why the first five? Recipes list down ingredients according to their volume so the first ingredient will have the most volume, the second the second-most volume, and so on.

2. Look for premium meat ingredients. We always recommend that pet owners go with a dog food that’s made with high-quality meat. The reason is that cheaper ingredients like by-product meals are too processed and will have little nutrition left. In instances like this, manufacturers usually add synthetic vitamins and minerals to compensate.

3. Check the labels. The label will indicate how much nutrition each dog food product provides. Active pups need more protein than doggos who like to lay around and sleep. Chonky pooches will need less calories in their diet than dogs with average weights for their breed. 

4. Go with a recipe made for your pet’s specific dietary needs. Always select dog food recipes that are crafted for your pet’s specific life stage. If you have more than one dog in your house and they differ in age, a dog food that’s designed for all life stages is good too.

Do keep in mind your pet’s other health needs too. Does he need extra support for the joints? Does he need extra care for his skin and coat? 

Ingredients To Avoid

To cut on costs, a lot of dog food brands sometimes resort to using ingredients that may not be the best for your dog’s health in the long run. These include:

1. Fillers. Fillers are those ingredients that brands add to give the food bulk but don’t really contain a lot of nutrition for your pet. Examples of this are corn, corn gluten, and soy. If your pup isn’t allergic to these, they aren’t really harmful. But they don’t provide benefits either.

2. Unspecified meats. These are especially risky if it turns out that your pup is allergic to any animal protein. It will be hard to track exactly what triggered your pup’s allergies or sensitivities.

3. Artificial ingredients. Artificial ingredients are also common triggers of allergies. Your pup won’t care that his kibble is brown instead of colorful. He doesn’t need dye in his food.4. Too many potatoes or peas. While these can be good ingredients in moderation, too many of these in your pet’s food can be harmful. Recent studies show a link between grain-free foods that are heavy on the potatoes and peas and DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) in dogs.

Dietary Considerations For Your Labradoodle Dog

Try Not To Overfeed. Overfeeding Your Labradoodle Can Cause Him To Grow Too Quickly For His Bones To Support And Result In Painful Bone And Joint Problems Later In Life.

Avoid Supplemental Calcium. This can exacerbate hip dysplasia. A complete and balanced dog food usually has everything that your dog requires.

Provide dog foods with joint support. If your pup is suffering from mobility issues, look for dog foods that contain chondroitin and glucosamine to support his hips and joints. 

Provide enough moisture. Make sure that your dog has enough water throughout the day. If your furry bud does not like to drink all that much, a wet food diet may be more ideal to get more moisture into his body. 

Key Nutritional Needs of Labradoodles

• Protein – promotes muscle growth and usage
• Amino Acids – only found in animal protein, crucial for a variety of canine body development
• Omega 3 and 6 Fatty Acids – vital for a healthy coat and skin
• Fats – Bolster the immune system and vital for energy
• Carbohydrates, fiber, and probiotics – Needed to ensure healthy digestion

Puppy Feeding Chart

As the Labradoodle is not a standardized breed that comes in a variety of sizes, it is difficult to provide feeding information that applies to all Labradoodle puppies. This guide will just focus on the most common, standard-sized Labradoodle.

6-Week-Old Labradoodle – Average Weight – 2.4-4.0 lbs – Your puppy should ideally still be nursing from its mother. If this can't happen, you should be trying to equal the micro and macronutrients provided by the milk.

10-Week-Old Labradoodle – Average Weight – 6.0-10.0 lbs – Your puppy should have transitioned onto puppy food by now. Some vets recommend that this transition should occur with wet canned dog food. If you do choose to opt for dry dog food, it might be a good idea to add some additional moisture to help your puppy to get used to digesting whole foods.

12-Week-Old Labradoodle – Average Weight – 9.0-15.0 lbs – At this stage, your puppy should begin to eat dry food. To begin the transition but avoid an immediate exchange of foods. This can cause your dog to become unwell, so mix in wet food with dry food and slowly add more and drier food over the coming weeks.

3-Month-Old Labradoodle – Average Weight – 13.6-21.0 lbs – The transition from wet to dry dog food should now be complete. Continue to feed your Labradoodle puppy specific dog food to ensure that it's getting the protein, fat, and vitamins necessary to facilitate growth.

5-Month-Old Labradoodle – Average Weight – 27.0-35.0 lbs – At this age, you can begin to introduce other types of animal product into your Labradoodle's diet. Be careful about adding too much however, you don't want to risk your dog consuming too many calories and becoming overweight.

1-Year-Old Labradoodle – Average Weight – 45.0-65.0 lbs – Your Labradoodle's physical growth is complete at this stage. As they no longer need as many calories to fuel growth, they may need to be eating fewer cups of dog food than before. This varies depending on the dog however as some dogs will exercise more as adults than they did as puppies. Continue to break down their meals into twice a day as this should help aid your dog's digestive system.

 

Breed Feeding Guide

Having Labradoodles as pets can be a very rewarding experience due to their friendly and loyal nature. To make sure that your Labradoodle remains healthy for years to come, you will need to know how much and what to feed them at each development stage of their life. This feeding guide will give you the knowledge to best meet your dog's nutritional needs.

Puppy – Due to their rapid growth, puppies will require more calories proportionally than adult dogs. This stage is the most important to get right as it forms the base for your dog's future health.

This is also the stage of life where dogs are most likely to suffer from allergies, so be aware of any negative reactions your dog might be having towards new food. Initially, you will want to be at least equaling the calories your Labradoodle was being fed by its mother's milk.

To work out the correct amount of food to give to your puppy, consult the box that your dog food came in, then match it up to the weight of your dog. Standard size Labradoodles can reach full size after 9-10 months.

The size of your labradoodle is highly dependent on which breed of Poodle the Labrador was crossed with, so treat these average weights with a pinch of salt.

Average Labradoodle Puppy Weight:

• 2 months – 7-12 lbs
• 4 months – 21-25 lbs
• 6 months – 30-38 lbs
• 8 months – 35-42 lbs
• 10 months – 45-65 lbs

There will also be variance here depending on if your dog is a male or female.

Adult – Once 10-12 months have passed, your dog has reached adulthood. Your Labradoodle should ideally be eating at most 3 cups of dog food over two meals a day. This will, of course, be entirely dependent on which dog food you are using, as some contain more calories than others.

To prevent the onset of bloat, it is important not to feed your dog immediately before or after exercise. If you are using dry dog food (which we would recommend), be sure that water is easily accessible whilst your dog is eating to prevent dehydration and digestion issues.

Be sure to select a dog food that is high in both fat and protein, with any of the previously recommended brands being more than adequate nutrition for your adult Labradoodle.

Your adult Labradoodle should weigh around 45-65 lbs.

Senior – At 11 years old, your Labradoodle has entered its geriatric years. At this stage, you should continue feeding it the same diet as before but perhaps cut down on the portion size if they are engaging in significantly less exercise.

As Labradoodles get older, they are at far greater risk of bone and joint pain. Be sure to keep a close eye on your dog's health, consulting with a vet if faced with any lingering issues.

FAQs

Should Labradoodles eat dry or canned food? The answer is entirely up to you — and your pup. It was previously thought that dry food helped reduce plaque and tartar build up, but newer studies show that it doesn’t really make a difference. 

Choose dry food for its convenience or if your pup loves foods that crunch. If your pup needs more moisture in his diet or is picky, canned dog food is the better choice.

Should my Labradoodle eat a grain-free diet? This is totally up to your pup if he can tolerate grains or not. A grain-free diet is not superior to a grain-inclusive one. Some studies, in fact, have shown that grain-free dog foods which put too many legume ingredients in the recipe may be linked with an increased risk of DCM in dogs. 

How much food should I feed my Labradoodle? This is something that will differ depending on the age and weight of your Labradoodle. Refer to the feeding chart earlier in the guide for more information.

How often should I feed my Labradoodle puppy? You should be splitting your Labradoodle's food into 2-3 meals a day. Some Labradoodle experts argue that puppies that are 8-12 weeks old should be fed on a schedule 3 times a day, and cutting down to 2 times a day after they reach 12 weeks old. This will help to ease digestion and reduce the chance of gastric tension.

Do Labradoodles need special food? As long as your Labradoodle is eating healthy dog food (such as any of the types we have suggested) or does not have any medical condition, they should not need any special additional food. Of course, all dogs have individual differences, so be on the lookout for any potential allergies in food that may be negatively impacting your dog's health.

Final Thoughts

As a mixed breed of Labrador Retriever and Poodle, Labradoodles have unique nutritional needs that require careful consideration when selecting the best dog food for them. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. High-Quality Protein: Labradoodles are active and energetic dogs that require ample protein for muscle development and maintenance. Look for a dog food that has real meat or fish listed as the first ingredient, such as chicken, lamb, or fish, to provide the necessary protein for your Labradoodle.
2. Balanced Carbohydrates: Labradoodles can benefit from complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes, and vegetables, which provide sustained energy and fiber for digestion. Avoid dog foods that contain excessive amounts of fillers, such as corn, wheat, and soy, which can cause allergies or digestive issues in some dogs.
3. Healthy Fats: Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat in Labradoodles. Look for dog foods that contain sources of healthy fats, such as salmon oil, flaxseed, or coconut oil, to promote a shiny coat and healthy skin.
4. Limited Fillers and Artificial Ingredients: Avoid dog foods that contain artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors, as these can potentially harm your Labradoodle's health in the long run. Opt for dog foods that are made with natural, wholesome ingredients without any unnecessary fillers.
5. Size and Age-Specific Formulas: Consider the size and age of your Labradoodle when selecting dog food. Puppies may have different nutritional needs compared to adult or senior Labradoodles. Look for age-specific formulas or consult with your veterinarian for appropriate dietary recommendations.
6. Allergen Considerations: Labradoodles may be prone to food allergies, so it's important to monitor for any signs of allergies or sensitivities. If your Labradoodle has specific food allergies, look for dog foods that are formulated to be hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diets to avoid triggering any allergic reactions.
7. Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian can provide valuable insights and recommendations on the best dog food for your Labradoodle based on their individual needs, including their age, size, activity level, and health conditions.

Your Labradoodle is a friendly and outgoing animal who is ready to spend their entire life with you. Giving your pup good food means that you are supporting their physical needs properly so that they can spend as much of their time with you happily and in perfect health.