Labradoodle Delights: Top Dog Food Picks for Your Fluffy Friend!

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.

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.

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

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.

 

Best Dog Food For Labradoodle

1. Ollie Turkey Dish with Blueberries

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.

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. 

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2. ACANA Wild Atlantic Recipe

When it comes to feeding my dog, nothing feels better than choosing this kibble from Acana.

I love that every bite is packed with high-quality, sustainable ingredients that make me feel confident about what I’m putting in my dog’s bowl.

This recipe is crafted with a variety of wild-caught fish, including whole mackerel, herring, redfish, silver hake and flounder, ensuring a protein-rich, flavorful meal that mirrors what dogs would naturally enjoy in the wild.

What really sets it apart is the cod liver freeze-dried coating on each kibble, which enhances the taste and provides an irresistible burst of flavor that my dog absolutely adores.

Plus, I appreciate that it’s grain-free and includes wholesome fruits and vegetables like pumpkin, collard greens and apples, along with botanicals like kelp and turmeric, to round out the nutritional profile.

With no artificial preservatives or fillers, it gives me peace of mind that my dog is getting the best possible nutrition.

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3. We Feed Raw Beef Patty

This right here is the ultimate choice for pet owners who want the best for their dogs (may it be big or small ones).

As one of their best-selling single-protein recipes, it highlights the natural goodness of premium beef, a powerhouse of essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals that promote optimal health and vitality.

This recipe is carefully crafted to be complete and balanced, ensuring it meets the nutritional needs of dogs at all life stages, from playful puppies to senior companions.

Every detail is thoughtfully designed, with the expertise of a PhD nutritionist ensuring the highest standards of quality and nutrition.

Packed with wholesome flavor and nutrients, it is more than just a meal—it’s a commitment to giving your dog the healthiest, most satisfying diet possible.

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4. Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Puppy Formula

Typically, dry dog foods contain vegetable-based proteins that are lacking in amino acids as a way of boosting protein content.

Instead, this 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 formula 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.

Despite being marketed towards puppies, I also find the nutrition delivered by this 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. 

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5. Canisource Grand Cru Fish Dehydrated Dog Food

This is a top choice for pet parents who want to combine nutrition, flavor and convenience. It begins with real fish as the primary ingredient, providing a high-quality source of protein and omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

It’s thoughtfully crafted with nutrient-rich ingredients like green lentils, chickpeas, fresh apples, carrots and cranberries, ensuring your dog gets a balanced and wholesome meal.

The dehydrated format offers the convenience of kibble while delivering the nutritional benefits of a raw diet, making it an excellent option for health-conscious dog owners.

Free from by-products, artificial colors and flavors, this grain-free recipe is perfect for dogs with sensitivities or those requiring a high-quality, clean diet.

With this one you’re giving your dog a meal that’s as close to nature as it gets, without compromising on ease or taste.

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6. JustFresh Human Grade Home-Cooked Chicken Recipe

A perfect solution for pet parents seeking premium nutrition and convenience. This veterinarian-formulated recipe is crafted in the USA with high-quality, human-grade ingredients, ensuring your dog gets a meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Made with tender, home-cooked chicken as the primary ingredient, it’s rich in essential nutrients and ideal for even the pickiest eaters.

What sets this recipe apart is its shelf-stable format, requiring no refrigeration, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go lifestyles, road trips or travel.

Free from artificial preservatives, this fresh dog food delivers the goodness of a home-cooked meal with the convenience modern pet owners need.

With this meal, your dog enjoys balanced nutrition in every bite, wherever life takes you.

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7. Instinct Raw Meals Grass-Fed Lamb Recipe

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 36% protein (from mostly all animal sources) and 29% fat. That’s really a lot of protein content, capable of sustaining even performance dogs. 

This recipe features responsibly sourced grass-fed lamb as the primary ingredient, providing a protein-rich, flavorful foundation for your pet’s meals.

Complemented by non-GMO fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, apples and butternut squash, it delivers balanced, nutrient-packed nutrition in every bite.

Freeze-dried to preserve the natural goodness of raw ingredients, this recipe retains all the flavors and nutrients dogs crave, with none of the hassle of traditional raw feeding.

With 3x more real meat than kibble, it’s a protein powerhouse designed to support lean muscles and overall vitality.

Grain-free and free from artificial additives, it offers your dog a pure, satisfying meal that aligns with their ancestral diet.

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8. Fur Valley Absolute White Fish & Pork Recipe

This product offers a delectable, nutritious meal made with the highest quality ingredients. It features premium, all-natural white fish and pork, both sourced from trusted suppliers, ensuring that your dog is getting only the best.

Freeze-dried to preserve the natural flavors and nutrients, it provides the benefits of raw food without the hassle. The combination of these proteins delivers a well-rounded, tasty meal that supports lean muscle growth and overall health.

Conveniently packaged in a resealable pouch, it’s easy to store and serve, keeping the food fresh and ready to feed whenever your dog is hungry.

Free from artificial additives and fillers, this recipe is an excellent choice for health-conscious dog owners who want to give their pets the very best.

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9. Merrick Real Bison, Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

Here we have another top-tier, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for dogs of all breeds and sizes. This recipe starts with real, deboned beef and chicken meal as the first ingredients, providing a rich source of protein to support lean muscle growth and overall health.

The inclusion of sweet potatoes adds a healthy dose of fiber and complex carbohydrates, helping to maintain energy levels and promote digestive health.

With 62% protein and healthy fats, combined with 38% produce, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other natural ingredients, this formula offers a balanced, nutritious meal that your dog will love.

It’s completely grain-free, making it ideal for dogs with sensitivities to grains, and it has zero artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.

Merrick’s commitment to using high-quality, wholesome ingredients ensures your dog is getting the very best in every bowl.

Perfect for maintaining a healthy weight and providing optimal nutrition, this recipe is a great choice for supporting your dog’s active lifestyle.

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10. Hound & Gatos Pork & Pork Liver

This is a protein-dense meal designed to meet your dog’s nutritional needs with simplicity and quality.

Made in the USA with 98% pork and pork liver, this recipe provides an excellent source of essential nutrients to support your dog’s overall health and vitality.

Packed with irresistible aroma, texture, and flavor, it’s a meal your dog will love. What sets this wet food apart is its clean ingredient list, free from corn, soy, guar gum and carrageenan, ensuring a wholesome and easily digestible formula.

Perfect for dogs with food sensitivities or pet parents seeking a clean, high-quality diet, Hound & Gatos delivers a complete and balanced meal that prioritizes your dog’s health and happiness.

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

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.