Best Dog Food for Labradoodle Puppies & Adults: Recommended By Actual Doodle Owners

What is the best dog food for Labradoodle puppies? What about adults? Here are the best Labradoodle dog food brands and products that pup parents swear by. We’ll discuss everything you need to know about Labradoodle dog food, so let’s get started! 

Table of Contents

• Best Dog Food For Labradoodles: Brand Reviews
• Common Health Issues of Labradoodles & How Specific Foods Help Them
• What to Look For While Choosing The Best Food For Labradoodle Puppies & Adults
• Ingredients To Avoid In Labradoodle Dog Food
• How To Switch Your Labradoodle’s Dog Food
• Labradoodle Feeding Chart (Puppy to Adult)
• Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Food For Labradoodles

Best Dog Food For Labradoodles: Brand Reviews

1. Purina Pro Plan

Purina Pro Plan is considered one of the most popular and best dog food brands for Labradoodle. That’s no surprise, as they offer a variety of different dry and wet food formulas for puppies, seniors, and adults. 

Also, they have low calorie, low fat, grain-free, and high-protein formulas. Moreover, in case your Labradoodle has any sensitivity, weight, allergy, or other health issues, the Purina Pro Plan product range has got you covered. 

What’s great about their products is that they use many different protein and grain sources. So, if your Labradoodle is struggling with a food allergy, you might not have to switch to another brand altogether. Instead, you can switch the chicken formula for lamb or fish, for example. The same goes for grains.

The Purina Pro Plan Adult Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food is suitable for larger sized breeds. This makes it perfect for all Labradoodles weighing more than 70 pounds.

Chicken is listed as the first ingredient and the total protein content is 26%. Although the list is not short and has some rather tricky names listed, it does contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, and even added glucosamine, which is great for Labradoodles who are at a risk of developing joint problems like hip dysplasia.

It also contains a decent amount of fats like fish oil, and vitamin A that help to keep your Doodle’s skin and coat healthy. Labradoodle owners know how important a beautiful coat is! Additionally, there’s fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics that are all crucial for good digestion. 

The Verdict

Best For: Large-sized Labradoodles

Age: Adult

Special Considerations: Fortified with live probiotics and joint supporting supplements 

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat

2. Fromm

Fromm has formulas for all stages of life, large and small breeds, for weight management, and offers grain-free and grain-inclusive variations. The main sources of protein are beef, chicken, turkey, duck, pork, salmon, tuna, lamb, goose, pheasant, quail, venison, rabbit, and whitefish.

Fromm Adult Gold dry dog food is formulated for normally active adult dogs. Chicken is listed as the first ingredient, but it also includes fish meal, duck, lamb, and chicken liver. Fatty acids from salmon oil, flaxseeds, and chicken fat make up for about 16% of fat in the formula.

This formula is grain-inclusive and uses whole grains like oat groats and barley. Both of these are great sources of fiber and help support your Labradoodle’s digestion. Likewise, other natural ingredients like flaxseed, alfalfa meal, and inulin provide additional fiber.

Not only are the most important vitamins and minerals included, this dry dog food is formulated with prebiotics and probiotics. 

The Verdict

Best For: Overweight Doods who are allergic to chicken or fish, as well as grains

Age: Adult or older dogs

Special Considerations: Grain-free formula

First 3 Ingredients: Duck, turkey meal, dried chickpeas

4. Victor

Victor Pet Food has formulas suitable for all life stages. Additionally, they offer special formulas for joint health, weight management and performance, and grain-free and high-protein formulas.

The Victor Hi-Pro Plus dry kibble formula is suitable for all life stages. As it does have a higher protein content of about 30%, this formula will work great for pregnant and nursing Labradoodles, puppies, and dogs with high energy levels.

Since this formula is nutrient dense and higher in calories, we don’t recommend this for less active and older Labradoodles. Excess body weight can put too much strain on Labradoodles’ joints and cause other health problems.

The Verdict

Best For: More active Labradoodles, growing puppies, and pregnant or nursing Labradoodle mamas

Age: All life stages

Special Considerations: Nutrient dense and high-calorie formula

First 3 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat

5. Science Diet

Hill’s Science Diet has a huge variety of formulas for different life stages, breed sizes, and special care formulas. For some Labradoodles, the food sensitivity, digestion, weight management, and joint support formulas might be beneficial. 

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Recipe dry dog food contains an adequate amount of protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. It also contains ingredients like beta-carotene, broccoli, and carrots, which all support your Labradoodle’s eye health. 

The Verdict

Best For: Normally active Labradoodles to maintain lean muscle mass 

Age: Adult dogs 1-6 years of age

Special Considerations: Features an exclusive blend of fatty acids for a shiny coat in just 30 days

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat

6. Royal Canin

Royal Canin offers formulas that many Labradoodle owners might find useful like special food for large breeds, formulas for food sensitivities, weight management, and digestive health. (All of which Labradoodles are at risk of.) 

Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy dry dog food is specially formulated for 3-15 month old Labrador Retrievers. However, as Labradoodles tend to inherit the health issues of both Labs and Poodles, this option might work well for your Labradoodle.

The Verdict

Best For: Energetic Labradoodle puppies

Age: 2-15 month old puppies

Special Considerations: Specialized kibble to prevent your puppy from eating too quickly

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken by-product meal, brewers rice, brown rice

7. Diamond

As with other brands, Diamond offers a variety of dog food options for different needs. Labradoodle owners might find their formulas for weight management or sensitivity issues helpful.

Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula Adult Dry Dog Food is designed for moderately active dogs. It contains vitamins like Vitamin A, B12, D, and E. It contains a decent amount of fiber that helps with proper digestion, as do added probiotics. In addition, omega fatty acids help keep your Labradoodle’s skin and coat healthy. 

The Verdict

Best For: Moderately active Labradoodles

Age: Adult

Special Considerations: Features specific probiotics, prebiotics, and fiber to support healthy digestion

First 3 Ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, ground white rice

8. Raw/Homemade Food

Raw and homemade dog food is widely popular, yet a bit of a controversial topic – especially raw dog food. Of course, the great thing about both raw and homemade dog food is that you’ll have a complete control over what your Labradoodle eats and where everything comes from. However, there is a risk that you won’t be able to balance all the nutrients that your Doodle needs.

For example, the ratios for each food group in the Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods (BARF) model are: 70% muscle meat, 10% raw edible bone, 7% vegetables, 5% liver, 5% other secreting organs, 2% seeds and nuts, 1% fruit. 

The key ingredients in raw dog food diets are: muscle meats, organ meats like liver, kidney, spleen, brain, sweetbreads, whole, powdered or meaty bones, raw eggs, dog-friendly fruit and vegetables, and sometimes dairy, like yogurt. 

9. Kirkland

Kirkland is another popular dog food brand that Labradoodle parents love. It offers formulas for all life stages, weight management, and also grain-free and organic options.

Kirkland Signature Super Premium Adult Dog Chicken, Rice & Vegetable Formula dry dog food contains fresh chicken and egg, joint supplements, prebiotics, probiotics, and fiber – all of which are key nutrients in a high-quality Labradoodle dog food.

The Verdict

Best For: Moderately active Labradoodles

Age: Adult

Special Considerations: Contains joint supporting glucosamine and chondroitin as well as live cultures for good digestion

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice

Key Nutritional Needs of Labradoodles

Labradoodles, just like all other dogs, need a diet that includes a variety of foods and nutrients. The best dog food for Labradoodle consists of a high-quality protein, carbohydrates, some fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. 

Protein

Meat, poultry, or fish are all great protein sources that should be listed as the first ingredient in dog food formulas. Protein is crucial for your Doodle’s muscles, especially for Labradoodle puppies when they’re still growing. 

The AAFCO Nutrient Requirement for Dogs states that puppies need at least 22% protein in their diet, and adult Labradoodles should get at least 18% protein. 

Carbohydrates

Also, high-quality carbohydrates can provide an additional support to your Doodle’s health. Ideally, the best dog food for Labradoodle contains whole grains, as they are less processed and include more fiber and nutrients. 

Nevertheless, some Labradoodle owners choose to opt for grain-free dog foods. For instance, if a dog suffers from a food allergy due to some type of grain. The culprits are usually grains that are higher in protein like wheat and soy. 

Fats

Fat is another important macronutrient that should be included in your Labradoodle’s diet. Not only does it improve the taste of dog food, but also provides your Labradoodle essential fatty acids that are necessary for many different physiological processes. Fatty acids help your Doodle’s body absorb other nutrients better. They also provide support for your Labradoodle’s hair, skin, eyes, and organs. 

The AAFCO requires that puppy food contains at least 8% fat for growth and reproduction, and 5% for adult dogs. 

Other Key Ingredients In Labradoodle Dog Food

Another key ingredient in Labradoodle dog food is fiber. It’s essential for the normal functioning of your Doodle’s digestive system. Fiber can be helpful for both constipation and diarrhea, as it helps bulk up the stool and pass along the digestive system. Fiber also has benefits on the overall health of your Labradoodle.

Likewise, vitamins, minerals, and other supplements are crucial for your Labradoodle’s health and wellbeing. These include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, taurine, glucosamine, folic acid, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, K, and more. 

Of course, a commercial dog food should consist of high-quality ingredients anyway. But, some vitamins and minerals should be added for an all round support for your Doodle’s health. In addition, as you may know, many dog food brands offer dog foods for special needs, life stages, and breed sizes. This ensures that your Labradoodle gets all the important nutrients in the right amounts based on their own unique needs. 

Common Health Issues of Labradoodles & How Specific Foods Help Them

Even though Labradoodles are considered healthier than their purebred Labrador Retriever and Poodle parents, they are still at risk of developing hereditary health issues. Let’s have a look at the most common health issues that Labradoodles may experience and how specific foods can help.

Sensitive Stomachs

Labradoodles are predisposed to tummy issues. Signs of sensitivities include vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, constipation, stomach cramps, weight loss and mucus in the stool. The best dog food for Labradoodle with a sensitive stomach might need to contain more fiber and/or less fat. Fiber helps with proper digestion, whereas too much fat can irritate your Doodle’s tummy. 

In addition, Doodles can also experience a variety of food intolerances. For example, lactose intolerance. 

Allergies

Both Poodles and Labrador Retrievers are prone to allergies. Therefore, keep an eye on your Labradoodle in case you notice any symptoms that might indicate an allergic reaction.

The most common types of allergens are protein sources like chicken, beef, and dairy. In addition, grains like wheat and corn can also act as allergens. Therefore, switching the protein or grain source could be very helpful. For instance, if your Doodle doesn’t feel well after eating dog food that contains chicken, try switching it out for lamb or fish. Same goes for grains.

Eye Diseases

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia are all hereditary diseases that can come from both the Labrador Retriever or Poodle parent’s side. Eye diseases have a progressive nature and can lead to blindness if left untreated. 

The best dog food for Labradoodle at risk of eye diseases should contain vitamin A, carotenoids, antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, eggs, carrots, essential fatty acids like omega-3, or broccoli.

Joint Problems And Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia (and elbow dysplasia!) is another common hereditary disease in Labradoodles. Hip dysplasia weakens the hip joints, which can result in weak limbs. Consequently, it may appear as if your Doodle has a difficult time rising up and walking.

Both Labrador Retrievers and Poodles are at a risk of developing hip dysplasia. The risk factors include excessive growth rate, being overweight, exercising too much or too little, and improper nutrition. 

For instance, too much body weight puts a pressure on a Labradoodle’s joints, which in turn can cause hip dysplasia. Likewise, large Labradoodle puppies might need special large breed puppy food to avoid excessive growth and thus skeletal disorders. 

The best dog food for Labradoodle who is at risk of developing hip dysplasia or joint problems should contain joint supplements like glucosamine or chondroitin. Overweight Labradoodles will also benefit from dog food specially designed for weight control. 

Gas/Bloat

Bloating and Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) can be potentially life threatening if your Labradoodle hasn’t gotten immediate veterinary care. GDV is a rapidly progressive disease in which a dog’s stomach starts to dilate, twist, and trap the air inside. 

As a result, the blood flow to the stomach is limited, the stomach wall may rupture and the lungs might not be able to receive enough oxygen. GDV can pose a very huge risk on a Labradoodle’s organs. In many cases, surgery is necessary.  

Studies have shown that dry dog foods that list oils like sunflower oil and animal fats in the first four ingredients put dogs at a higher risk of developing GDV. (Source)

What to Look For While Choosing The Best Food For Labradoodle Puppies & Adults

First and foremost, you should feed your Labradoodle based on their size, age, and special needs. For example, Labradoodle puppies need dog food specially formulated or suitable for puppies. The best food for Labradoodle puppy has more calories and protein, and contains vital nutrients that are necessary for proper growth and development.

As you know, all dogs are unique and have their own special needs. Routine vet check-ups are an absolute must, so that you know what’s going on with your Doodle. Not to mention, when your Labradoodle is not feeling too well or acts unusual. Your vet will be able to recommend a high-quality dog food that takes your pup’s special needs into consideration.

For example, if you have a puppy who will grow into a standard Labradoodle, the food should be formulated for large breed puppies. These special formulas ensure that your Labradoodle puppy won’t grow too fast, which can cause joint problems.

Moreover, a high-quality dog food should meet the Dog Food Nutrient Profiles established by the AAFCO. You should be able to find the nutrient analysis and statement on the dog food packaging.  

Ingredients To Avoid In Labradoodle Dog Food

You already might know that there are ingredients your Labradoodle should never eat. Naturally, responsible dog food brands do not include these ingredients, anyway.

However, there are other ingredients to look out for. For instance, you should avoid all dog foods that include artificial preservatives and additives like BHA and BHT in the formula.

Grain as the main ingredient and high-carb dog foods are not especially great for Labradoodles, either. The best dog food for Labradoodle should have meat or another high-quality protein source as the main ingredient. 

In addition, dog foods listing gluten as one of the ingredients is not the best dog food for Labradoodle. Excess gluten can trigger food intolerances or allergies. As Labradoodles are prone to allergies and sensitivities, it’s better to avoid added gluten.

How To Switch Your Labradoodle’s Dog Food

Switching your Labradoodle’s food should be done gradually. Your Doodle’s digestive system might need time to adjust. And as we already know, some Labradoodles do have sensitive stomachs.

Here’s a great schedule on how to switch your Labradoodle dog food.

Labradoodle Feeding Chart (Puppy to Adult)

As we mentioned above, puppies have different needs when it comes to food. A puppy needs more frequent meals and more energy. Generally, they should be fed puppy food until they’ve reached their full adult size. Usually, this happens around 12-16 months of age, depending on your Labradoodle’s size. 

From 8-12 weeks, puppies should be fed small portions 3-4 times a day. At 4-5 months of age, feed them puppy food 3 times daily. From around 6-8 months of age, you can start adjusting your Labradoodle pup to 2 meals a day. And finally, at around 9-16 months, most Labradoodles can switch to adult food. 

Here’s our Labradoodle feeding calculator, which shows how often, how much, and what food should you feed your Labradoodle puppy.

Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Food For Labradoodles

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So, these are the best dog food for Labradoodle dry formulas that Doodle owners have tried, tested, and loved. In conclusion, we can’t stress enough how important it is that you choose Labradoodle dog food based on your little friend’s special needs and stage of life. Whether they need weight management or support for their joints, you should always consult with your vet and find the most suitable formula.