Labrador Retriever Food

Here's something to always follow if you have a Labrador - never let a Labrador go past their breed's standard weight. Whilst Labradors are a hardy breed, they are prone to obesity and its deadly diseases. Overfeeding and under-exercising Labradors is a growing problem amongst Labrador parents who find themselves struggling to increase the quality and quantity of life once their Labrador surpasses optimum weight. Speaking of which, food is often the primary source of obesity in Labradors. Hence, it is best to feed your Labrador age-appropriate food and keep treats to a minimum. Given the breed's increasing popularity, Labrador dog food diets are curated to meet the breed's nutritional needs whilst ensuring delectable taste and long-lasting satiety. 

Protein

Protein is an important macronutrient required to build and repair tissues, enhance skin and coat health, maintain hormonal balance, and regenerate cells and enzymes. Labrador Retrievers need dog food with over 30% of protein content, whether it is plant-based or meat-based. In order to determine the right type of protein for your Labrador Retrievers’ body, it is best to draw up a diet chart with your veterinarian or a certified canine nutritionist. Young Labrador Retrievers, i.e. those below the age of 1, require more protein than adults because their bodies are still growing. Here, the best labrador puppy food is one that offers tailored, breed-specific nutrition for growing puppies. Likewise, Labrador Retrievers that are over 9 years old need to switch onto a senior dog diet with more protein to replace lost muscle mass due to ageing, 

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are necessary sources of energy and brain activity for Labrador Retrievers. However, the amount of carbohydrates your Lab requires depends on his/her age, activity level, and possible allergens. An active Labrador Retriever, i.e. one who receives more than 4-5 hours of daily exercise, require more energy than dogs who receive anywhere between 2-3 hours of daily exercise. It is often believed that carbohydrates are the source of obesity in Labrador Retrievers - whilst that is partially true, obesity from carbohydrates stems from overfeeding and underexercising. A Labrador Retriever that lives a sedentary lifestyle does not burn calories while sitting down after a walk, they only burn calories when they’re active through play, walks, swimming, and other forms of exercise. 

Fat

Fat in labrador dog food is anywhere between 12 -18%. Healthy fats are often in the form of oils - fish oil, cod liver oil, olive oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and more. Healthy fats help with cushioning organs, improving brain function, maintaining healthy skin and coat, decreasing allergies, and improving digestion. 

Vitamins & Minerals

Essential vitamins and minerals for your Labrador are found in vegetables, fruits, and seeds. Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, magnesium, zinc, and iron are essential minerals found in nutritious labrador dog food. Likewise, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are essential vitamins. Vitamins and minerals are necessary for proper hormone function, strengthening of joints, maintaining skin health, and boosting the immune system.