Best Dog Foods

With so many dogs and puppy food options on the market, it can be hard to pick which brand is the best.

The decision between dry and raw food can be tough. It’s important to know what type of food your dog or puppy needs, and what they will thrive on.

In this article, we break down the benefits of both types of food, and have created a list of the best food for your pet based on their specific needs.

Best Dry Foods for Adult Labradors

If you’ve ever tried to feed your adult labrador anything other than dry food, you know how hard it is to find a good one that doesn’t make him very sick. Here are some of the best dry foods for adult labradors:

#1

We Feed Raw – Perfectly Balanced Raw Meals

All of our there recipes contain a single source of animal protein and there are no preservatives. High quality ingredients + essential vitamins and minerals. Everything a Labrador needs to thrive.

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#2
ollie dog food

Ollie: Healthier, Human-Grade Dog Food Delivery

Hormone-free* chicken and beef from high-quality, human-grade farms in the US. Ollie’s Fresh recipes are made from real meat, fruits, veggies, and grains, so you can give your pup the best of the best every day.

Ollie official website
#3
Wellness CORE Dry Food

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Crafted using carefully chosen ingredients that include premium proteins, fruits and vegetables. Designed to encourage lean body mass and muscle tone, support a healthy coat and skin, and promote whole-body health.

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#4
Wag Dry Dog Food

Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food Salmon & Sweet Potato, Grain Free 4 lb Bag

Does your furry best friend deserve nothing but the best? Look no further than Amazon Brand – Wag Dry Dog Food Chicken & Sweet Potato! Wag offers products to help keep dogs at their active, thriving best. No added grain, no added colors, no artificial ingredients. Real meat is the #1 ingredient. 

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#5
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Vegan Plant Based Protein and Healthy Grains, Vegetarian Recipe

Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Dry Dog Food with Vegan Plant Based Protein and Healthy Grains, (Vegetarian Recipe)

Made with no animal or dairy products. Vegetarian adult dry dog food with healthy grains including high-quality brown rice, oatmeal, and highly-digestible potatoes. Premium quality nutrition to keep your pets happy and healthy.

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Best Wet Foods for Adult Labradors

Wet foods are one of the most important things to feed your adult labrador. When your canine friend is hungry, he will eat them eagerly and they will provide him with all the nutrients he needs while staying away from unhealthy snacks. Wet food is also important because if you give a lot of dry food, it can affect your dog’s teeth and eventually lead to health problems in the future. Here is a list of different types of wet food for your adult labrador.

#1
ollie dog food

Ollie: Healthier, Human-Grade Dog Food Delivery

Hormone-free* chicken and beef from high-quality, human-grade farms in the US. Ollie’s Fresh recipes are made from real meat, fruits, veggies, and grains, so you can give your pup the best of the best every day.

Ollie official website
#2
The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew

The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew Braised Beef & Lamb Stew with Green Beans & Sweet Potatoes Wet Dog Food, 10.5-oz bag, case of 6

Serve as a complete meal or healthy topper to dogs of all life stages, breeds, and sizes. It’s including ranch-raised beef, grass-fed lamb, green beans, sweet potatoes, and a hint of thyme.

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#3
Weruva Barons Batch Variety Pack

Weruva Baron’s Batch Variety Pack Grain-Free Canned Dog Food

Grain-free wet food variety pack features real meat to support lean muscles from animal-sourced protein. With shredded meats, and veggies so it’s perfect for picky eaters, with zero grain or gluten.

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#4
Purina Beneful Wet Dog Food Variety Pack

Purina Beneful High Protein, Gravy Wet Dog Food Variety Pack, Chopped Blends

Purina dog food variety packs include high-quality ingredients, including real chicken, beef or lamb, and no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. It also features wholesome, real ingredients you can see as well as whole grains and a savory sauce that adds the perfect finishing touch.

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#5
Cesar Gourmet Wet Dog Food Variety Packs

CESAR Wet Dog Food Classic Loaf in Sauce Poultry Variety Pack,. Easy Peel Trays with Real Chicken, Turkey or Duck

Cesar Cannie Cuisine Poultry Variety Pack Dog Food delights connoisseurs with a tantalizing classic loaf in sauce texture, and is enhanced with vitamins and minerals for complete and balanced nutrition.

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Best Dry Foods for Your Puppy Labrador (0-18 Months)

Bringing your new Labrador puppy home from the shelter or rescue is a lifetime commitment and can be a long journey. Below we have put together some of the best dry foods for dogs to help you transition your new pup into the world.

#1

We Feed Raw – Perfectly Balanced Raw Meals

All of our there recipes contain a single source of animal protein and there are no preservatives. High quality ingredients + essential vitamins and minerals. Everything a Labrador needs to thrive.

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#2
Stella & Chewy's Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixer SuperBlends Dog Food Topper

Stella & Chewy’s Freeze Dried Raw Cage-Free Duck & Goose Meal Mixers – SuperBlends Dog Food Topper – Grain Free, Protein Rich Recipe

Stella & Chewy’s’ Freeze-Dried Raw Meal Mixer SuperBlends dog food toppers are an easy, convenient way to add natural raw, nutrient-rich meat and fruits like strawberries, bananas, and blueberries to your dogs food. Just scoop and serve.

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#3
Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Puppy Dog Food

Purina ONE Plus Large Breed Puppy Food Dry Formula

This food contains real chicken which is a high-protein ingredient. The combination of protein-rich, tender and meaty morsels with crunchy puppy dog food kibble delights his taste buds with a yummy taste.

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Best Wet Foods for Puppy Labradors

With the introduction to a new life, your puppy will be hungry. A well-balanced diet of wet food will help to keep them full and healthy while they learn how to eat and digest properly.

#1
ollie dog food

Ollie: Healthier, Human-Grade Dog Food Delivery

Hormone-free* chicken and beef from high-quality, human-grade farms in the US. Ollie’s Fresh recipes are made from real meat, fruits, veggies, and grains, so you can give your pup the best of the best every day.

Ollie official website
#2
Ziwi Peak Chicken Recipe Canned Dog Food

Ziwi Peak Chicken Recipe Canned Dog Food

This chunky pate contains whole-prey ratios of 92 percent meat, organ, bone, and mussel. It is grain and carb free and is made without fillers like ptoato and soy that are often linked to obesity, food allergies, and other health concerns.

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#3
Nulo Freestyle Turkey, Cod & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain

Nulo Freestyle Turkey, Cod & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Puppy Canned Dog Food

This grain-free, wet food recipe is made with real turkey and turkey broth. It’s also packed with salmon broth, cod, sweet potatoes and has animal-based proteins your dog needs to fuel their bodies.

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Best Supplements for Your Labrador

Every pet owner knows that one of the best things they can do for their beloved animal is to feed them a healthy diet. Labradors especially need good food, as this breed is known for being a little more energetic than, say, a poodle! If you want to make sure your lab is getting the nutrients it needs, check out these fantastic supplements for labradors!

#1

Ultra K9 Pro – Primal Nutrients Drops For Dogs

Ultra K9 Pro is a premium dog supplement made with a blend of natural ingredients, including glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and turmeric. This powerful formula helps maintain joint health, reduce inflammation, and boost your dog’s energy levels, naturally..

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#2

Bio Protect Plus – Supports Your Dogs Gut Health & More

Bio-Protect Plus Uses a proprietary blend of 11 natural ingredients designed to support & maintain your Labradors gut health.

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#3

ElleVet Sciences, The #1 Vet Recommended CBD + CBDA Products

The Only CBD + CBDA Products Proven To Work In Clinical Trials

“My black lab is 14 years old. People who see her are always surprised to learn she’s that old because she’s so agile. She can even still jump up into my SUV. She runs too! I’ve been giving her the ElleVet chews for almost 2 years and credit ElleVet entirely for her agility and youthful mobility. Thank you!”

ElleVet official website

Give your furry friend the gift of optimal health. Learn about the best supplements in our latest article.

Recommended Read: ” Best Supplements For My Labrador Retriever: The Ultimate guide For Optimal Health“

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Foods

That depends on your dog’s age. Adult golden retrievers can eat almost ANY brand of quality kibble. But to lower the risk of permanent hip disease, puppies should eat a diet that’s specially designed to be safe for large breed puppies. View our best large breed puppy foods here.

A: You can switch your dog’s food gradually to allow their gastrointestinal system time to adjust. You can try these steps:

  • Days 1–2: Mix 1/4 new food with 3/4 old food
  • Days 3–4: Mix 1/2 new food with 1/2 old food
  • Days 5–7: Mix 3/4 new food with 1/4 old food
  • Days 8–10: Mix only new food
Since every animal is unique, it’s impossible to predict the exact serving size that’s “perfect” for every golden retriever. So, start with the feeding amount printed on the package. Then, over time, adjust that quantity up or down to reach and maintain your dogs ideal weight.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds and are often considered senior when they reach 5 to 6 years of age. If your golden retriever is over 6, you may wish to visit our best senior dog foods page here.

Golden retriever puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult food until they reach 12 to 24 months of age. Switching your puppy to adult food sooner than that may increase your golden’s risk of developing crippling and permanent hip damage.

Protein is a critical component of a dog’s diet and its importance cannot be overstated. It plays several essential roles in a dog’s overall health, well-being, and lifespan.

Protein is crucial for building and maintaining muscle mass. It provides the amino acids needed for muscle growth, repair, and strength. Proteins serve as the building blocks for enzymes and hormones that regulate various bodily functions. These include digestion, metabolism, and the immune system.

Amino acids from dietary protein are essential for the production of antibodies and other immune system components. A well-balanced diet rich in protein can help dogs better resist infections and diseases.

High-quality protein sources can help dogs feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating and obesity. Puppies, in particular, require higher levels of protein for growth and development. Pregnant and lactating females also have increased protein needs.

When selecting dog food, it’s essential to consider the protein content and source. Look for dog foods with high-quality protein sources, such as real meat (e.g., chicken, turkey, beef, or fish) listed as the primary ingredient.

While protein is essential, excessively high-protein diets may not be suitable for all dogs and could lead to health issues. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal protein level for your dog. Balancing protein intake with other essential nutrients like fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals is key to providing a well-rounded and nutritious diet for your dog.

When looking for a quality dog food, it’s essential to pay attention to the ingredients listed on the packaging. Here are some key ingredients to look for:

  • Real Meat: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality source of real meat, such as chicken, turkey, beef, or fish. Meat should be listed as the first ingredient, and ideally, it should be named rather than generic meat meal.
  • Healthy Fats: Look for sources of healthy fats such as chicken fat, fish oil, or flaxseed. These fats provide energy and support skin and coat health.
  • Fruits and Vegetables: High-quality dog food often includes fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, or blueberries. These ingredients offer vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
  • Protein Sources: In addition to the primary meat source, quality dog food may include other protein-rich ingredients like eggs or legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas) to provide a well-rounded amino acid profile.

Natural Preservatives: Quality dog foods use natural preservatives such as tocopherols (a form of vitamin E) or rosemary extract instead of artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin.

There are several red flags and harmful ingredients that pet owners should be aware of and avoid when selecting dog food. These ingredients can be detrimental to a dog’s health and well-being. Here are some of the most important ones to watch out for:

  • Artificial Preservatives: Avoid dog foods that contain artificial preservatives such as BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene), and ethoxyquin. These chemicals have been associated with health concerns in some studies.
  • Artificial Colors and Flavors: Artificial colors and flavors serve no nutritional purpose and may be linked to allergic reactions or behavioral issues in some dogs.
  • Excessive Fillers: Dog foods that contain excessive amounts of fillers like corn, soy, and wheat offer limited nutritional value and may contribute to digestive issues or allergies.
  • Generic/Unnamed Byproducts: Ingredients like “by-products” are vague and can include lower-quality, less desirable parts of animals. Look for specific, named sources of meat.
  • Added Sugar: Some dog foods contain added sugars, which are unnecessary and can contribute to obesity, dental issues, and diabetes.
  • High Salt (Sodium) Content: Excessive salt levels can lead to health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Check the sodium content on the label.
  • Unspecified Fats: Avoid foods that simply list “animal fat” without specifying the source. High-quality dog foods should clearly indicate the type of fat, such as chicken fat or fish oil.
  • Unidentified Protein Sources: If the protein source is generic (e.g., “meat meal” or “animal protein”), it’s unclear what type of meat is included, making it challenging to assess quality.
  • Corn Syrup and Corn Sweeteners: These ingredients are often used as cheap sources of sweetness and should be avoided.
  • Chemical Additives: Look out for artificial additives like propylene glycol (used as a preservative and sweetener) and propyl gallate (used as an antioxidant), as they may have health concerns associated with them.
  • Rendered Fat or Protein: Ingredients labeled as “rendered fat” or “rendered protein” can include low-quality, processed materials and are best avoided.
  • Mystery Ingredients: Dog food labels should be transparent, so be cautious of foods that list generic terms like “animal digest” or “natural flavoring” without specifying their origin.
  • Inadequate Nutritional Information: Ensure the dog food provides complete and balanced nutrition according to established standards, such as those set by AAFCO or FEDIAF. Check for an AAFCO statement on the packaging.

Unnatural Preservatives: Some natural preservatives like rosemary extract are safe, but excessive use can lead to health issues. Check for the presence of any natural preservatives in excessive amounts.

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