Best Dog Food for Labradoodles : 15 Healthy Recipes Reviewed by Budget, Diet and Life Stage

Labradoodles are a fun loving, adorable breed and currently one of the countries favorite hybrid breed dogs. This designer breed gained prominence in the 1990s because of their distinctive features and friendly personality.

Their size can make it tricky to feed them, however, because of a handful of health issues associated with large breed dogs. While some Labradoodles can be a medium size, many of them technically qualify as large breed and require specific nutritional needs to thrive.

Let’s take a look at how the foods you feed your beloved Labradoodle can affect its health and what you should be looking for in the best Labradoodle food. You may find that your precious dog thrives without you having to break your wallet completely.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this article:

Understanding A Labradoodle’s Diet Requirements

Quality Labradoodle food can help build long term strength and energy. This breed has demanding energy needs but is susceptible to weight gain from cheap fillers and empty calories. For this breed to thrive, it needs the sort of dense nutrition you only get from a premium kibble or wet food.

Many owners find that feeding raw food or cooked diets are best, but not everyone has the time or ability to prepare those foods. A quality Labradoodle food can still give your Labradoodle the best nutrition possible with dense protein and plenty of fats to support the mental health and energy levels of this intelligent breed.

Choosing quality food can help your Labradoodle live well into its golden years without losing mobility or mental acuity. For this breed, immobility could be the worst thing to happen, so quality food is a must for establishing the building blocks for health early on.

Let’s look at some things you should consider when deciding on the right food for your Labradoodle. Not all dog foods are created equal so use the following criteria to choose the right one.

• Quality Labradoodle foods should be able to support the Labradoodle’s boundless energy and inquisitive mind. The biggest thing to look for is real meat from a labeled source as the first ingredient. Dogs are carnivores despite their adaptations to human diets, so the source of protein is the biggest issue with many cheap dog foods.
• Good proteins allow your dog to build healthy muscle tone, which can support joints and bones. It also builds better skin and coat along with providing a source of energy throughout the day. Higher protein amounts are also critical for highly active dogs and their weight maintenance.
• Active dogs like Labradoodles also need high-quality oils as a fat source. Fats are how dogs maintain the bulk of their energy, but also fat is essential for healthy brain activity. Labradoodles are highly intelligent and need that kind of support throughout their lives. Oils help the dog feel full, support the joints and the immune system, and provide critical all-day energy.
• From there, good sources of fiber and vitamins help support the Labradoodle’s bodily systems. These vitamins and minerals should come from quality sources and allow your Labradoodle to receive everything it needs without adding in empty calories.

Special Diet Considerations For Labradoodles

• Dysplasia
• Bloat
• Skin conditions

Overall, Labradoodles are a healthy breed, but they still have the potential to suffer from a handful of common issues either to the breed size or the breed itself. A Labradoodle food may be able to help alleviate the symptoms or stave off the effects of some of these issues.

Dysplasia

Large breed dogs are at risk for a condition known as Dysplasia. It’s genetic and causes the joints to form incorrectly, putting the dog at risk for dislocation. Active dogs are particularly at risk because higher levels of activity can put stress on the joints and cause pain and immobility.

Labradoodle food that supports a healthy weight is critical, but so are foods that use hip and joint support supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help cushion the joint socket and prevent pain. Quality proteins in Labradoodle food can also help tone muscles to support the joint.

Bloat

Large breed dogs are prone to a condition known as bloat. The stomach twists and fills with air and failing to recognize the signs often leads to the death of the dog. We aren’t sure what exactly triggers the condition, but some possible ways to prevent bloat could be feeding less at each meal and using a quality food that’s digested more easily. Allowing dogs to have better nutrition in smaller serving sizes could really help reduce the risk of bloat.

Skin Conditions

Labradoodles are considered mildly hypoallergenic for their human companions, but they often suffer from conditions that cause skin irritation. Good Labradoodle food removes common sources of food allergies and offers plenty of healthy fats to support the skin and coat. If your Labradoodle itches constantly or begins losing fur, food should be the first place you examine for issues.

Labradoodle Feeding Chart

Labradoodles are large breeds, so feeding them requires a different plan than small or toy breeds. Your veterinarian is an excellent source of information for making sure your Labradoodle receives the right amount of nutrition without adding weight issues or messing with proper digestion.

Feeding your individual Labradoodle will take some time and some input from the veterinarian to get exactly the right serving size for your specific Labradoodle’s size and life stage. Until that happens, here are some general recommendations just so you can get an idea of what you’re getting into with feeding your Labradoodle.

• Puppies: Your vet will probably change your Labradoodle food recommendations throughout your puppy’s growth period because you don’t want your puppy to grow too quickly. You must balance offering nutrition for proper growth with the rapid growth experienced by large breed puppies that can lead to issues with the joints and bones later.
• Adults: The average Labradoodle will need three to four cups of quality Labradoodle food per day depending on weight and the chosen food. These recommendations may change for true working dogs, lactating dogs, or dogs that are highly immobile (on the opposite end of the spectrum). Make sure you discuss with your veterinarian what your dog’s individual needs are.
• Seniors: Seniors receive much of the same nutrition as they did when they were younger, but this may be an excellent time to reduce serving sizes if your Labradoodle has gotten heavier. Some foods can also help support aging brains and joints and may be a good option for your older Labradoodle.

Best Dog Food For Labradoodles: Our 2023 Picks

Your Labradoodle food should support overall health and build on what you started in the puppy years. Healthy Labradoodles have a high amount of energy and need plenty of support for muscle tone to support their larger skeletons. They could feel lethargic throughout the day if their energy needs aren’t met with quality food. Here are our top picks for the best Labradoodle food to get you started.

Our 2023 Picks: Labradoodle Food Recommendations
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Ziwipeak Lamb Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$15.74/lb	A+
Best Value	Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.74/lb	A+
Most Popular	Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.20/lb	A+
Super Premium	NomNomNow Tasty Turkey Fare Buy Online Customer Reviews	Varies	A+
Allergies	Zignature Goat Limited Ingredient Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.40/lb	A
Sensitive Stomachs	Merrick Limited Ingredient Duck And Chickpeas Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.95/lb	A
Grain Free	American Journey Salmon And Sweet Potato Grain Free Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.66/lb	A
Whole Grains	Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$5.87/lb	A
Allergies	Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato And Venison Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.69/lb	A

Best Overall – Ziwipeak Lamb Recipe

Ziwipeak’s unique air-dried recipe contains 96% meat in a carnivore-based diet that gives dogs plenty of energy and support for muscle tone. Raw foods are often some of the best options for dogs and their health, but few people have the time or resources to feed raw. Ziwipeak’s unique process uses air drying to preserve all the nutrition of their meats while eliminating common bacteria and pathogens.

It features high-quality lamb and lamb organs for rich protein and plenty of good fats to support muscle growth and the health of the skin and coat. It contains no artificial colors or flavors and uses no cheap fillers. Potatoes don’t appear in the recipe, and there are few ingredients besides lamb and lamb organs.

Holistic ingredients support the immune system and digestive health. Because the food is so nutritionally dense, you won’t’ need to feed as much per serving sizes as you would a cheap kibble. It will support muscle growth and energy levels even for highly active dogs; good news for your Labradoodle!

• Pros: limited ingredient formula, 96% meat-based diet using a single protein source, natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin
• Cons: on the expensive side, some dogs may not like the smell

Best Value – Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Recipe

Taste of the Wild formulas are made to be what your Labradoodle’s canine ancestors would have eaten. The recipe uses salmon and ocean fish to provide a rich source of protein with plenty of healthy fats for skin and coat support. It uses fruits and vegetables to provide a source of vitamins and minerals for immune system support and fiber for digestion.

The recipe is free of cheap fillers such as corn or soy and uses no artificial ingredients that can alter the taste or appearance of the food. The kibble is suitable for most Labradoodles and should be easy to digest. You won’t have to feed as much per serving as you would some of the other cheaper kibbles, which makes it easier on your wallet as well.

It does use potatoes and peas in the recipe so make sure you discuss the implications with your vet. The good news is that they aren’t in the first three ingredients, and the overall formulation is healthy for most adult Labradoodles.

• Pros: clean protein sources, plenty of healthy fatty acids, a balanced blend of carbs and proteins
• Cons: some dogs may not like the taste, bags sometimes contain more kibble dust than usual

Most Popular: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe

Blue Buffalo’s recipe is a premium kibble using whole chicken and chicken meal for a dense, nutritious protein. Balanced carbohydrates and healthy fats help your dog feel full all day without adding excess calories or empty fillers.

A blend of fruits and vegetables provide critical vitamins and minerals for good health and a robust immune system. It’s grain free and contains no corn or soy, so sensitive dogs may also thrive on this recipe. The kibble is manageable, and Blue Buffalo’s blend of vitamins and antioxidants create all the foundational building blocks for health.

Pros: grain free, dense protein with healthy fats, affordable recipe

Cons: uses peas, may not appeal to really picky eaters

Best Super Premium – NomNomNow Tasty Turkey Fare

If you’ve ever wanted to cook foods for your dog but have been unable or nervous to mix foods yourself, you may find a great option in NomNomNow. This company uses human grade ingredients to create cooked meals that are delivered right to your house each week, making the transition from kibble to cooked food so much easier.

Tasty Turkey Fare uses quality turkey, a lean source of protein, plus plenty of fruits and vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Fish oil helps maintain energy levels and condition the coat and skin. It can also support healthy brain function.

It uses only whole ingredients, and with limited ingredients altogether, it could encourage pickier dogs to finally eat and help alleviate allergies some dogs have to fillers or multiple protein sources. The human grade ingredients could be consumed by both the pet and pet owner, which may make some pet owners feel better about what’s going into their Labradoodle food.

• Pros: human grade ingredients, no peas or potatoes, delivery – you never have to run out of dog food again
• Cons: delivery may not be convenient, more expensive Labradoodle food

Best For Allergies: Zignature Goat Limited Ingredient Recipe

Zignature’s limited ingredient formula uses a single protein source featuring a novel protein that helps alleviate some of the worst allergies. Poultry and beef can be just as allergenic as corn or soy, but this recipe uses none of those things. It’s designed to help dogs acclimate and digest food better while alleviating symptoms of food allergies.

It contains healthy fats and a blend of vitamins and minerals for a robust immune system and healthier skin. It’s 96% meat and offers dogs a highly nutritious meal without all the fillers and irritants.

Zignature’s unique air-dried foods use a gentle processing to remove pathogens and bacteria while retaining the unique nutrition of raw foods. It’s as close to raw as you can get in a shelf stable, bagged food.

Pros: air dried processing, 96% meat-based recipe, highly hypoallergenic

Cons: expensive, some dogs may not like the texture.

Best For Sensitive Tummies: Merrick Limited Ingredient Duck And Chickpeas Recipe

Merrick’s grain free, limited ingredient recipe removes common irritants and focuses on a single source of protein to help dogs digest more easily. It contains a quality protein with healthy fats to give dogs energy all day without sugar spikes and crashes. It uses fruits and vegetables to provide critical vitamins and minerals for a robust immune system.

The ingredients are locally sourced from Merrick’s trusted providers. It uses only premium ingredients and contains no artificial flavors or colors, no empty fillers such as corn or soy, and could help dogs finally eat without painful gas or digestive issues.

Pros: single protein source, good balance of protein and fats, no common allergens

Cons: kibble may not make picky dogs happy, uses peas and lentils

3 More Top Rated Labradoodle Picks

American Journey Salmon And Sweet Potato Grain Free Recipe

American Journey’s recipe uses salmon and sweet potato, a nutritious blend of proteins and healthy fats to provide dogs with energy and the building blocks of health. Fat supports skin health and helps protect the joints while protein builds healthy muscles. Vitamins and minerals build a robust immune system. It contains premium ingredients and contains no empty fillers or artificial ingredients.

Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Chicken Recipe

The Honest Kitchen is a unique dehydrated formula that uses whole, premium ingredients to produce a meal that’s as close to a home cooked meal as possible. A blend of lean protein with balanced carbohydrates is a great way to help your dog feel full all day long. It’s easy to rehydrate and provides critical vitamins and minerals for healthy systems and robust immunity. It’s easy to store and easy to serve.

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Sweet Potato And Venison

Natural Balance is a great limited ingredient recipe that uses a novel protein in venison to combat allergies and sensitivities. A balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats keep dogs energetic all day without sugar spikes and crashes. The recipe has just a handful of ingredients and doesn’t use any of the common irritants found in typical kibbles like corn, soy, or poultry. It should alleviate some of your dog’s difficulties with digestion and skin.

3 More Recommendations For Puppies

Our 2023 Picks: Labradoodle Puppy Food Recommendations
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Instinct by Nature’s Variety Large Breed Puppy Formula Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.49/lb	A+
Most Affordable	Nutro Large Breed Puppy Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$1.98/lb	A+
Most Popular	Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Turkey And Sweet Potato Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.62/lb	A+

Instinct by Nature’s Variety Large Breed Puppy Formula

Instinct by Nature’s Variety has a unique blend of freeze-dried bits and kibble. It provides the food with an extra burst of protein and helps puppies feel interested in eating because of the unique texture. Plus, it has a smell that most puppies love even if they’re freshly weaned.

It has a blend of labeled meats and fish to provide a balanced protein and fat ratio. The recipe has plenty of carbohydrates for all-day energy and provides vitamins and minerals through fresh fruits and vegetables. Healthy oils improve brain function with guaranteed DHA levels. Plus, natural sources of glucosamine help build health joints early on.

Nutro Large Breed Puppy Pasture Raised Lamb Recipe

Nutro’s wet food is proof that your puppy can have a delicious meal without sacrificing large breed benefits. It’s suitable for feeding alone or as a part of a kibble blend. Quality meats provide excellent sources of protein for growing muscles, and healthy fats support your working puppy’s high energy needs. It’s tasty and healthy.

Nutro never uses artificial ingredients or fillers. The recipe won’t encourage puppies to overeat, and it contains no cheap ingredients that can affect digestion. It’s an excellent source of fatty acids, which are suitable for brain development, and sunflower oil helps the coat grow healthy and shiny.

Nulo Freestyle Grain Free Turkey And Sweet Potato Recipe

Nulo’s puppy recipe uses a grain free formula with lean proteins and low glycemic carbohydrates to help your puppy grow without stressing developing bones and joints. It provides guaranteed DHA and calcium for strong mental development and bones, plus plenty of fiber to condition digestion. Whole fruits and vegetables provide fiber and critical vitamins for a robust immune system and healthy systems. It’s a solid foundation for growing puppies while maintaining proper growth patterns.

3 More Recommendations For Seniors

Our 2023 Picks: Labradoodle Senior Dog Food Recommendations
Rank	Dog Food	Price	Rating
Overall Best	Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Senior Chicken Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$3.33/lb	A+
Most Affordable	Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Senior Wet Food Buy Online Customer Reviews	$0.19/oz	A+
Most Popular	Merrick Real Chicken And Sweet Potato Grain Free Senior Recipe Buy Online Customer Reviews	$2.40/lb	A+

Instinct by Nature’s Variety Raw Boost Senior Chicken Recipe

Instinct by Nature’s Variety uses real bits of freeze-dried raw meats to offer a boost of protein and encourage picky seniors to eat. The recipe contains a blend of proteins and high-quality fats to help support healthy brain function and provide seniors with energy for all day. Fats may help cushion joints as well, and added glucosamine and chondroitin support those joints.

If your Labradoodle has gained some weight, this food could be a great way to cut down on excess calories and provide a Labradoodle food that maintains dense nutrition. It uses only high-quality ingredients with no cheap fillers or artificial ingredients that can cause allergic responses.

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Senior Wet Food

There’s always a possibility that your Labradoodle has developed some sensitivities over the years. Blue Buffalo not only offers a senior food but a limited ingredient wet food that could help alleviate some of those allergic reactions and settle your senior’s digestion once and for all.

The formula uses turkey as a lean protein source with a single ingredient protein. It has balanced carbohydrates and fats that can help seniors maintain energy throughout the day. The fruit and veggie blend gives your senior plenty of vitamins and minerals to support things like healthy digestion and a robust immune system. Plus, healthy fats support skin and coat health as well as brain activity.

Merrick Real Chicken And Sweet Potato Grain Free Senior Recipe

Merrick’s chicken recipe uses a lean protein plus a low glycemic carbohydrate to provide balanced energy all day long. It encourages a healthy brain with essential fatty acids while glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy joints.

Seniors who’ve gained a little weight should have plenty of support with lean proteins and plenty of fiber. It supports a robust immune system with vitamins and minerals and contains no grains, fillers, or artificial ingredients.

Our FAQ and Labradoodle Feeding Guide

Feeding your Labradoodle may be confusing at first but doing a little research and getting a few things right will help your Labradoodle so much in the long term. Let’s look at a few things you may be wondering about feeding your Labradoodle.

How Much Should I Feed My Labradoodle?

Your veterinarian will be able to help you determine precisely how much to feed your Labradoodle. Each type of food has recommended serving sizes, but the recommendation can change slightly based on a few different factors. Life stage, mature size and weight, and special circumstances like pregnancy or lactation can alter feeding recommendations altogether.

What Are Some Tips for Feeding My Labradoodle?

It’s best to divide up your dog’s daily portions into smaller meals two or three times a day. Larger dogs are prone to bloat, and smaller sizes are best for helping to prevent that condition. Feeding this way also helps stabilize your dog’s blood sugar and energy levels so they aren’t full one minute and crashing the next.

Also, free feeding may work for a minimal subset of dogs, but for most, it’s important not to leave food around. Allow your dog a certain amount of time to eat and then remove any leftover food. This teaches your dog to eat the food that’s given and discourages grazing which can increase the risk of unnecessary weight gain.

I Want To Change Foods. How Do I Do That?

Transitioning to a new food isn’t hard, but if you change foods all at once, it could cause digestion issues. The best way to move to a different food is to introduce it slowly. Otherwise, your dog could reject the food altogether, making it tough to feed, or your dog could have a few days of digestive issues.

Begin by mixing just a bit of new food in with the old. With each meal, increase the amount of new food until the ratio is all new food. Your dog gets used to the food, and there’s less chance of rejection.

I Have A Picky Labradoodle. How Do I Encourage Proper Eating Habits?

Picky dogs could have a few different reasons for their pickiness, but one thing you know is that it’s frustrating. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help.

Take up leftovers: Leaving food out may seem convenient for you, but there’s no incentive for your dog to eat well. Food is always there. Once your dog realizes that food won’t stay out forever, you may see some improvements in eating habits.

Alternate flavors: Picky dogs sometimes get bored with the food they have, or they don’t like a particular flavor. Changing up recipes within the same company could be the answer. Make sure you transition slowly each time.

Mix something savory: Topping or mixing kibble with something more like a treat could encourage your Labradoodle to eat more consistently. Toppers could be a wet food or a treat such as a small bit of cooked meat.

Try something with limited ingredients: Truly picky dogs sometimes have digestive issues. Limited ingredient diets reduce the wild cards and pare things down to a few essentials. Find the protein your dog prefers and handle the digestive problems, and you could see eating improvements.

Try Cooked Meals: Companies are making cooked meals so much more convenient. A truly picky dog can often be plied with fresh, cooked food. Delivery services can bring it right to your door, and you may never go back to kibbles again once your dog starts eating without fighting about it.

Should Foods Be Grain-Free?

Grain-free is a buzzword, but official research is still divided over whether dogs can digest grains properly. Dogs with sensitivities may do better with grain free foods, especially if they suffer from skin conditions or chronic poor digestion.

Often, grain free foods are highly meat based which we know is better for dogs anyway. Dogs are really carnivores and can derive much of their nutrition solely from meat-based ingredients. Watch out for some grain-free recipes that use potatoes and peas to replace the grains. These can be detrimental to some dogs based on a preliminary study.

Talk to your veterinarian about whether switching to a grain free food could help your dog see some relief from allergies and skin irritation. Your vet will have a better idea of what may be happening and can steer you towards food that makes sense for your Labradoodle.

Labradoodle Dog Food – Final Thoughts

Quality food lays the foundation for a lifetime of health and wellbeing. Once you get rid of cheap fillers and artificial ingredients, you may notice an improvement in your dog’s skin and overall energy. Good food is a vital part of your dog’s best life, so resist the urge to bargain shop, and go with something you know will help your Labradoodle thrive.

Make sure to discuss the best options with your veterinarian and help your Labradoodle lead a long, fulfilling life. Your furry best friend deserves the best you can give, and each of the foods we’ve chosen is carefully created to offer the most significant health returns for your money. Plus, many of the options have a great taste and smell, so your picky dog may actually eat without fussing.

Keep your vet in the loop and give one of these foods a try. You could find your Labradoodle living its best life very soon.