How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Labradoodle Puppies
Labradoodle puppies are adorable balls of fluff. With their enthusiasm for life and charming ways, they are very difficult to resist.
Labradoodles are the product of breeding a Labrador Retriever to a Poodle. They are available in several sizes with something to suit every family. Their coat was intended to be low to no-shedding; however, this most often is not the case. This dog breed has high grooming requirements, and owners must be prepared to commit to that to keep the dog healthy and in good condition.
Labradoodle puppies are exceptionally affectionate. They love all people and are always up for an adventure. But the Labradoodle puppy doesn’t reserve its attention for just people, the breed also loves animals of all shapes and sizes, making it a breed that does well in a multi-pet home.
A breed with exceptionally high activity requirements, the Labradoodle puppy requires a well-balanced diet comprised of top-tier ingredients to thrive. This active breed rarely gains weight as it needs regular, hearty exercise on a daily basis to remain physically and mentally contented.
Labradoodle puppies should be fed high-quality puppy food, preferably one that is designed to meet the needs of large breed pups. These foods are slightly higher in protein content and contain the correct amount of calcium to phosphorus to prevent too rapid bone growth, a problem that can lead to permanent structural challenges.
The best dog foods for Labradoodle puppies contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Labradoodle Puppies
Since the Labradoodle puppy is a highly active fellow, the breed requires a diet that can fuel its energy levels adequately. Labradoodles are still a developing breed. Since they are available in several size variants, it can be challenging trying to determine how much of the best dog foods for Labradoodle puppies to feed a dog.
AAFCO requirements insist that all dog foods list suggested serving sizes on their bags. These can be very helpful in determining what the Labradoodle puppy’s meal portions should be. The puppy’s weight, age, activity level, and appetite will serve as helpful guides in making adjustments.
Though Labradoodle puppies rarely gain weight due to their high activity levels, monitoring all food intake and measuring meals is still recommended. Free feeding should be avoided.
The correct ratio of calcium to phosphorus to look for in a large breed puppy food for Labradoodle pups is 1.2 parts of calcium for each unit of phosphorus.
The Labradoodle puppy will reach full maturity between 18-24 months. However, at 12 months of age, this pup should be transitioned to appropriate adult food.
Dietary Requirements for Labradoodle Puppy Foods
The Labradoodle puppy thrives on a diet that is based on lean meat. This should be the main ingredient in any diet suited to the breed. Whole meats are the preferred selection; however, meat meals are also perfectly acceptable.
Since meat by-products are made from inferior cuts of the animal that are not approved for human consumption, these are undesirable in food for the Labradoodle puppy. In addition to this, plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, corn gluten meal, and wheat are difficult for puppies to digest and should be avoided.
Likewise, it is best to stay away from any food that relies on chemical additives or preservatives as these can trigger sensitivities in Labradoodle puppies.
Carbohydrates play an important role in the Labradoodle puppy’s diet. These are best taken from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables that are biologically complete, and contain high levels of both fiber and antioxidants. Most products contain sweet potatoes which are an excellent source of carbohydrates, and they offer a healthy balance of vitamins A, B-complex, and C.
Furthermore, adding salmon oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed oil to your Labradoodle’s diet is beneficial for its coat and skin, as these are good sources of omega fatty acids. Dogs that have displayed food allergies may do best on grain-free dog food.
Healthy fats help a diet to be well-rounded. They support the Labradoodle puppy’s energy levels, encourage brain and eye health, and even contribute to good skin and coat. These are best derived from animal sources such as oily fish or chicken fat. Some vegetable oils such as canola and safflower are added to the food for Labradoodles to provide vital essential fatty acids.
According to AAFCO, your Labradoodle puppy should get at least 8% of their calories from fat, while adult dogs should get at least 5%. Fat is important to provide essential fatty acids, which help support your pup’s development.
Labradoodle puppies can greatly benefit from a diet that includes supplements to support their health. Prebiotics and probiotics promote good digestion and healthy gut flora. For a boost to joint health, it is wise to select a food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin.
When buying dog food for your Labradoodle puppy, you should consider both wet and dry options. Wet dog food can offer a more nutrient-dense meal for your pup, while dry food can offer more convenience. A mix of both wet and dry food options can provide your pup with the best of both worlds.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Labradoodle Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Labradoodle puppy:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
Lean meat should be the first ingredient in any food suited to the Labradoodle puppy’s needs. Whole meats are the best choice, but meat meals are also highly desirable, contributing concentrated amounts of viable protein.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, fillers, artificial flavorings and colorings, and mystery ingredients provide no nutritional benefit to a growing Labradoodle puppy. Any foods containing these items are best left on the shelf.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements help a diet to be more effective for the Labradoodle puppy. The most beneficial supplements to look for in the best dog foods for Labradoodle puppies include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All foods appropriate for the Labradoodle puppy should bear the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating it meets the standards for a complete and balanced food.