Have you ever wondered what the best food for Labradoodles is? If you had, then, you might need an answer to that question. Logically speaking, there is no particular food for Labradoodle dogs, and it is recommended that you feed your dogs based on their needs. Each dog is different and as such, they will require different foods at different times depending on the situation.
The best food for Labradoodles are foods that are rich in nutrients, to promote their health and growth. Selecting the right food to feed these dogs can be a little confusing for most people, but, for starters, it is really important you know the kind of dog you have and what situation has warranted a particular kind of food.
Because there are so many dog foods trending in the market today, knowing the right one to buy for your Doodle can be very daunting. This article will help make this daunting task so much easier by highlighting certain factors you should consider when buying dog food.
Our Choices for the Best Food for Labradoodles
| Preview | Product | Rating | Check Best Price |
 | Ollie Petfood | Best Overall | Check Best Price |
 | Wellness Core Complete | Runner-Up | Check Best Price |
 | Blue Buffalo Life Protection | Best Puppy Food | Check Best Price |
 | Hill’s Science Diet | Best For Weightloss | Check Best Price |
 | Taste of the Wild | Best Affordable | Check Best Price |
Once again, we’d like to stress that there isn’t one best dog food, but there is a big difference between high-quality and low-quality dog food. If you’re not sure where to start, here are some brands we recommend.
Best Overall: Ollie Petfood
I’ve previously mentioned my love of the fresh food made by Ollie for the simple fact that it’s just an awesome product. While it’s also a bit of a pricy solution, it’s by far the single greatest choice I’ve ever made for my dog when I switched to Ollie.
The improvements it has caused in him in everything from general health to less shedding around the house have been fantastic, and I really only wish I had discovered Ollie sooner.
Ollie Petfood is a top-quality dog food that offers balanced nutrition with human-grade ingredients. Their recipes are carefully crafted by veterinarians and nutritionists, ensuring optimal health for your furry friend.
With no artificial preservatives, flavors, or fillers, Ollie is a natural and wholesome choice for your dog’s diet. Their commitment to transparency and ethical sourcing makes them a trustworthy and reliable option for pet owners who want the best for their dogs.
This product is perfect both for puppies and adult Labradoodles alike, so it doesn’t matter how old your dog is, they are guaranteed to love it as it contains all the flavors both pups and adult dogs love to munch on.
My advice would be that you at least try the first pack that you can now get for 50% off, and see for yourself how your dog might react when he’s served fresh food from Ollie.
What we like
- Fresh food
- Tailor-made for each specific dog
- No added artificial supplements
- Even the pickiest eaters will love it
What we don’t like
- Pricy, but for the quality you get in return, it’s really quite fair.
Runner-Up: Wellness Core Complete
This particular recipe from Wellness Core is extremely popular for pet owners who have very active dogs. Its macronutrient balanced ingredients provide enough energy to allow your pet to comfortably exercise for more than an hour every day.
Wellness Core offers a whopping 34% protein content coming from poultry such as chicken meal, turkey meal, and deboned chicken. Packed with protein sources that your pet will love. Because of the nature of its dry design, it contains a higher protein content than wet dog foods.
They’ve also had a chicken liver providing another healthy amount of fats and protein sources. Adding salmon oil, flaxseed oil, and chicken fat, provides rich sources of omega fatty acids and minerals which help keep your dogs cold and skin healthy.
The grain-free recipe uses potatoes and peas to provide a healthy source of carbohydrates. This product also provided a source of healthy fiber which aids your dog’s digestion. It also has a very high level of healthy probiotics added to the formula which helps any dog with digestive issues.
The addition of antioxidant-rich fresh vegetables and fruits makes this recipe particularly attractive, as they will help boost and maintain your dog’s immune system. As your dog gets older it’s prone to developing serious diseases but adding a source of vegetables and fruits to their diet will help fight these off.
What we like
- Designed for very active dogs.
- Packed with healthy fatty acids and omega-3s.
- The grain-free diet.
- Healthy probiotics were added.
- A source of vegan fruit that provides antioxidants.
- Helps dogs prevent the onset of joint conditions.
What we don’t like
- The higher carb content makes it unsuitable for more sedentary dogs
Best Food for Labradoodle Puppy: Blue Buffalo Life Protection
This is a great product and our choice as the best food for Labradoodle puppies.
Specifically developed with puppies in mind, this recipe helps them with all the nutrition they need to grow up happy and healthy. Packed with high-quality fats and proteins it is perfectly suited for active little puppies
Also offers a rich source of omega-3s, as well as using flaxseed and fish oils helps your pup develop healthy skin and long coats, reducing the possibility of itchy sore skin
It lacks any ingredients to promote joint health so avoid it if your puppies have any joint problems such as hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Like all Blue Buffalo’s Life protection recipes, it’s not grain-free so if your puppy has a grain sensitivity or allergy choose a different food.
What we like
- Perfect for active puppies.
- Designed to help puppies promote healthy skin and avoid itchy or sore patches through the introduction of omega-3s.
- High antioxidant content helps promote a healthy immune system.
What we don’t like
- This product has not been designed for puppies who have grain allergies or who are prone to developing joint problems
Best for Weight-Loss: Hill’s Science Diet
Hills understands that welcoming a puppy to your home – while exciting, also adds a lot of responsibility to your life. One of the biggest dilemmas new pet owners have is providing their puppy with enough healthy food without allowing them to get fat
This is why Hills offer a specialized food plan that does cost a little bit more but guarantees your puppy a balanced nutritional diet, high in both minerals and vitamins. Specifically designed to help spinal and bone development and help promote your dog’s coat, senses, and eyesight.
The key feature of this product is that it’s made from oats and chicken meals. Using specific scientific analysis this mixture has been designed for older puppies supporting their muscle and bone growth while adding E and C vitamins to improve their immune system.
What we like
- Hills only use the highest quantity ingredients sourcing their proteins from reliable sources which are essential to promote your dog’s healthy muscular and skeletal growth.
- They make this product using smaller kibble so your puppies can easily eat and digest them.
- They also provide extensive feeding instructions to ensure your dog gets the right amount of food for its weight and age.
What we don’t like
- Obviously, since this product is made using whole grains it may make it slightly harder for some puppies and this is why it’s recommended for larger puppies not smaller ones. If your puppy is new to a green diet you can start by feeding them a small amount of stomach to adapt.
- They only sell them in large quantities either in a 15.5 lb or 30 lb bag making them an expensive investment for a one-off trial
Best Affordable: Taste of the Wild
This salmon-based dog food from Taste of the Wild is a grain-free product that has antioxidants, veggies, fruits, and probiotics added, as well as various minerals and vitamins to provide your dog with an excellent and healthy reward.
Some owners complain about it only coming in a 30 lb bag making it a larger investment on their behalf. Because the 30 lb bag is easier to stock for many pet food stores they have a tendency to forget that you can purchase it in smaller amounts despite the fact that larger buying offers better value for money
Salmon is the primary ingredient used in this product while it’s a lean source of protein it also provides actual nutritional value for your dog as a source of essential fatty acids
They’ve also supplemented the product’s true use of fruits and vegetables. So it’s providing your dog with an excellent source of protein and a natural source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to promote a vigorous coat.
What we like
- The grain-free recipe is a major plus for many pets and their owners.
- This dog food contains high-quality salmon which is an excellent source of protein as well as being packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
What we don’t like
- It should be noted that some owners believe this food was the root of their dogs’ allergic skin reactions. Unfortunately, this may happen as your dog will react differently to a variety of different food types.
- Having said all that this product remains extremely popular you will just have to see how your dog reacts to it
Different Strokes for Different Dogs
As I said before, selecting the right food for your dog depends on the individuality of the dog. So, a particular dog may react very differently to a particular food than others.
It could be that some dogs may have allergic reactions to some kind of foods or ingredients used in processing that food. Because a particular Labradoodle food is recommended to a particular owner, it doesn’t mean you should use the same product. It may cause some reactions that will not sit well with you or your Doodle. So as a heads up, brace yourself for a series of food tests if you do want to find the right food for your dog.
The age of the dog and how active it can be can affect your food decision-making process. For puppies, they should be fed puppy foods as it aids their growth. Other dogs should be fed accordingly, taking into account their individuality.
If you know your four-legged canine is very active, then you should get food rich in high protein. This kind of food is widely available at any pet store and they are mostly at pocket-friendly prices.
Types of Dog Food
Here is a list of the types of dog food, that can help you decide what food is right for your dog.
1. Fresh Food
The priciest option but also the best by quite a bit. If you choose a service such as Ollie Petfood you will get a tailor-made diet for your specific dog that takes into account his/her exact size, weight, activity level, and so on, ensuring your dog will always be well-fed.
2. Raw Foods
This is another type of expensive dog food. Raw foods could be uncooked meat(preferably beef), with some bones, and they could be commercially made (either Frozen or available in freeze-dried formats).
3. Dry Dog Foods (Kibble)
These are usually kept in bags. Kibbles are the most common type of dog food used by most dog owners, primarily because it is cheap, easy to use and it lasts longer when compared to other food types.
One of its great features is the low moisture content like shaped pellets (kibble), biscuits (mixers), and flaked cereals. You can also find some meat content in dry foods.
4. Canned Foods (Wet Foods)
As opposed to dry foods, wet foods have a high moisture content. They are not pocket-friendly and are mostly seen at supermarkets, not pet stores. If you want to administer this food, you should heat them at high temperatures, to make them sterile.
5. Homemade Foods
This type of dog food is not only expensive but also very tedious and time-consuming. However, with homemade dog foods, as a dog owner, you have complete and total control over your dog’s diet and nutrition.
6. Semi-moist Dog Food
Never should you consider this type of food as the main diet for your dogs. They are only to be used as nutritional treats and given occasionally. They are available in shapes like burgers, pork chops, or other meaty foods. Does Labradoodles prefer fresh food or dry kibble?
Do Labradoodles Prefer Fresh Food or Dry Kibble?
So, here’s a fun experiment a bunch of us Labradoodle owners from the neighborhood tried out. We wanted to find out: Do Labradoodles have a thing for fresh foods, or do they lean more toward their usual dry kibbles? To set the stage, you should know that going into this, about half of our Labradoodles were already on a fresh food diet, while the rest mostly had dry kibbles.
With all the dogs eagerly waiting (and probably drooling), we presented them with the two options. The outcome was pretty eye-opening. A solid 84% of the Labradoodles went straight for the fresh foods, gobbling it down with enthusiasm. Only 16% gravitated towards the dry kibbles initially.
And here’s the kicker: even the dogs that were usually on a kibble diet seemed to be super into fresh foods. Like, they genuinely enjoyed it, which was both cool and surprising to see.
This got us thinking. Maybe it’s not just about what dogs are used to, but what they naturally prefer. Fresh foods seemed to be a hit among the Labradoodles.
If you’ve got a Labradoodle or are just interested in canine diets, you might want to consider giving fresh foods a shot, like those from Ollie Dog Food. It’s not only appetizing for them but also packed with all the good stuff they need.
Feeding Your Labradoodle
As a general rule, you shouldn’t be too hasty to introduce a new diet to your Labradoodle that just joined your family. Switching from one family to another is just as stressful for your dog as it is for you. So bringing in a new diet regime to the equation may not sit well with your Labradoodle and could end badly for everyone involved.
Give your new furry friend a little bit of space and time to adjust and get comfortable with its new home. If you rush your Doodle with a whole new set of dietary routines, you will do more harm than good.
Firstly, continue with whatever diet your Labradoodle was into before, let’s say for at least 2 weeks, then, gradually bring in your own diet regimen and watch your dog adjust to it.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Your New Labradoodle
Don’t overwhelm yourself with the idea of choosing quality dog food for your dog. If you become too agitated by this, you will definitely make the wrong choice. Take your time to decide and do it right.
To help make your decision easier, continuously remind yourself that there are no good or bad choices when choosing quality dog food. It just depends on your dog.
You should consider these factors when selecting good dog food for your Labradoodle.
Using a Popular Dog Food Brand or Not?
Purina and Hill’s Science are two of the most common dog food brands. Most dog owners just go for these dog foods simply because they recognize the name and it is popular.
This yardstick is not really ok when selecting your dog food. Besides, I suggest taking a closer look at the ingredients used in making these brands rather than the brand itself. This helps prevent further health complications for your dogs.
Most of these popular dog foods are owned by multinational companies and corporations, and most times, these companies are usually more interested in the profits they make from selling their products rather than actually selling quality dog foods.
Be Cautious When Reading the Label
Simply reading the label on the back of a bag of dog food really isn’t enough. You might know how to read these labels, but do you actually know what the ingredients used in making that particular dog food are?
For example, you might be reading the label on a bag of dog food and you come across ingredients like “digest of beef” or “powdered cellulose”. Most people don’t know what they are unless they have already done their research.
In general, Labradoodle dog foods with good quality should have a limited number of ingredients. So, if you observed or noticed a lot of unrecognizable ingredients on the label of dog food, then they’re probably low-quality fillers.
Do Labradoodles Require Specific Nutritional Needs For Their Growth?
Irrespective of what people might say the nutritional requirements of all breeds of dogs are the same.
There is no doubt that bigger dogs need more food to stay healthy, but your Labradoodle will require just the same or a slightly less amount of nutrients (like proteins, carbohydrates and fats, and oils) you will normally give any breed such as a Chihuahua or a Great Dane to stay healthy.
Just as you need proteins to grow, so does your dog. These protein sources are mainly fish, lamb, chicken, or beef.
Also, Labradoodles are active and high-energy breeds of dogs, so if your Labradoodle is spending a lot of this energy, then, they will most likely benefit more from these high-protein foods. One major challenge most Labradoodle owners have is managing that thin line that separates feeding your Labradoodle well from an overfed Doodle.
Overweighted Labradoodles aren’t all that uncommon, we probably see them every day. As a Doodle owner, it is important you check the dog’s weight from time to time, even if it is just by looking at and feeling the dog. When you notice these signs of being overweight in your puppy, be sure to adjust your dog’s food rations or make sure it gets enough exercise that will help lose that excess weight.
Are Preservatives Bad For Dogs?
Preservatives are added to pet food to help extend its shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Some preservatives, such as vitamin E and citric acid, are considered safe for dogs to consume. However, others, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, have been linked to potential health problems in dogs.
It’s always best to check the ingredients list on dog food packaging and avoid products that contain preservatives that have been known to be harmful. Additionally, it is also important to consult with a veterinarian for the best advice on your dog’s diet.
Does Your Dog Have a Sensitive Stomach?
Allergy-friendly dog foods are the best for dogs that have a long history of a series of allergic reactions to certain products. Such foods that are particularly helpful, especially if your dog has a sensitive stomach are hypoallergenic dog foods. These foods are gluten-free and may likely cause fewer reactions in your puppy’s tummy.
If by some stroke of luck, you find a food that is ideal for your Labradoodle, we strongly suggest you stick to it. You will notice certain signs that will help you know if actually, your dog is thriving on that particular food. These signs include a glossy coat, healthy and normal-looking stool, lots of energy, and a healthy weight.
Supplements
Sometimes, as dog owners (Labradoodles to be exact), we often wonder if our dogs need supplements. In general, the answer is no. The reason is simple; if you feed your Labradoodle foods that are extremely high quality, it should provide all your dog needs (supplements and all) to stay healthy and active.
High-quality dog foods are extremely rich in nutrients, so adding supplements to the equation will likely cause your Labradoodle more damage, even if you have good intentions.
For dogs that have specific medical conditions, this no supplement rule may not necessarily apply to them. But the good thing is that these supplements that are needed by these dogs are usually prescribed by a vet.
So, you don’t just go about buying these supplements at random simply because you want to improve your dog’s health without consulting a doctor first.
Conclusion
Getting enough information on dog foods and actually studying them can help you select better foods for your dog. But, selecting an ideal food all boils down to what you feel is right for you and your furry friend. Although doing a little research is still a very good idea.
But if you notice your dog keeps doing well because of a particular food and its health is nothing short of excellent, then you should definitely stick to that same food. It shouldn’t even bother you when you hear negative comments and remarks about the food you are currently feeding your dog.
You simply cannot please everyone. So, discard such comments and continue with that food while closely monitoring the health of your Labradoodle.
Some of My Favorite Products For Dog Owners
I hope this article has helped you just a bit in everyday life as a dog owner. Being a dog owner for more than 25 years, I’ve tried many different products with varying success, but these products below are some that I can highly recommend to every dog and their owner without hesitation!
These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. But it’s products that I use daily myself, and I have the utmost praise for.
Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. But since 2015 when the company was founded, I’ve been using Ollie Petfood. With their product being tailor-made to suit every dog’s specific needs, and as my dogs absolutely love the product, I’m pretty sure I’ve found a product I will continue to use for many years more. If you use my link you can get 50% off your first order.
Dog Training: If you’ve ever owned a puppy, you know that it requires a lot of training to grow into a well-behaved adult. Brain Training for Dogs has helped me immensely with the mental training part of raising a dog, and it’s something I strongly recommend you consider.
Grooming: If you have a dog in your home, you’re going to need a brush, and for this, I recommend a Hertzko Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush. For that price, you simply can’t beat this brush for everyday grooming.
If you’re looking for the most up-to-date recommendations, check out my recommended products section that I’ve created to help every dog owner!
