What is the Best Dog Food for a Labrador?

February 14, 2025   |   By David Jackson

Labrador Retrievers continue to reign as the UK's most popular dog breed, with an estimated population exceeding one million in 2025.

Their friendly nature, intelligence, and adaptability make them trusty family pets and exceptional working dogs. But with great popularity comes great responsibility - especially when it comes to their diet.

After all, the Labrador's appetite is legendary!

So, what exactly is the best food for a Labrador? Here we will check out the main types of dog food - wet, dry, and raw - to hopefully help you make a fully informed choice for your best pal.

Getting to Know the Labrador Retriever

Labrador are large, sturdy, and highly active dogs with unique dietary and exercise needs.

Size and Weight

Males typically weigh (on average) between 30-36 kg, while females range from 25-32 kg.

Their strong, muscular build means they require a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight and avoid obesity.

Temperament

Labradors are famously friendly, affectionate, inquisitive and eager to please.

Their sociable nature often means they get excited about food - perhaps a little too excited at times!

They're also incredibly intelligent dogs and thrive in environments that provide them with lots of mental stimulation as well as physical.

Energy Levels

Labrador are very energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise.

Whether they're chasing a ball, swimming in a lake, or going for a long hike, they need a diet that supports their active lifestyle.

And that's just the show lines!

Working line Labradors are diligent dogs with high energy and drive having been bred specifically to hunt and retrieve game or help in field work.

They often appear slightly leaner and more athletic than the show lines as they're typically bred for functionality over looks (although we think they're all stunning no matter what…).

Common Health Issues

Like other medium to large breeds, Labradors are prone to obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, and joint problems.

This makes a healthy diet a crucial factor in maintaining their long-term health and to keep them happy and full of that Labrador zest for life.

The Best Wet Food for Labradors

Wet food is typically made from a mixture of animal proteins, carbohydrates and vegetables, packed in a gravy or jelly base.

It has a significantly higher moisture content than other food types, making it an excellent option for hydration.

Pros of Wet Food for your Labrador

Hydration Support

Since wet food contains around 70-80% moisture, it helps keep your dog hydrated. This is particularly beneficial for Labrador who may not drink enough water on their own.

Highly Palatable

Labradors love food, but if you ever have a picky eater or a senior dog with a reduced appetite, the rich aroma and softer texture of wet food can make mealtime more appealing.

Supports Muscle Maintenance

Many wet food options contain high-quality protein sources, which help sustain muscle mass and overall strength in active Labrador.

Just always read the ingredients list and choose a food that has a named protein source like beef, chicken or salmon for the animal protein.

Try your best to avoid terms like animal derivatives.

Less Processed Ingredients

High-quality wet foods often contain fewer artificial preservatives compared to dry kibble.

Cons of Wet Food

Shorter Shelf Life

Once opened, wet food needs to be stored in the refrigerator and used quickly to avoid it going rotten.

More Expensive

Feeding a medium to large dog like a Labrador exclusively on wet food can be costly compared to dry food.

Messier Feeding Experience

Some owners find that wet food can be messier to serve and clean up after compared to dry kibble.

Bulkier Storage

Large cans or pouches take up more space compared to a bag of dry food.

The Best Dry Food for Labradors

Dry food, or kibble, is made by cooking and processing ingredients into small, crunchy pellets. These processes include extrusion, cold-pressing, air-drying and freeze-drying!

It's one of the most popular dog food choices due to its convenience and long shelf life.

Pros of Dry Food for Labradors

Easy to Store & Serve

Dry food has a long shelf life, doesn't require refrigeration, and is easy to measure out for consistent portion control. This is particularly handy for helping to keep your dog's weight under control.

Cost-Effective

Dry food is often more budget-friendly than wet or raw diets, especially for medium to large breeds like Labradors.

Nutritionally Balanced

Many high-quality kibbles are formulated to meet a dog's nutritional needs, often fortified with vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids, so you won't need to add toppers or extras.

Convenient for Training

Small kibble pieces can be used as training treats without an excessive calorie intake.

Cons of Dry Food

Lower Moisture Content

Since kibble contains only about 10% moisture, you need to ensure your Labrador drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Potential for Overeating

Many Labradors are food-obsessed and may overeat dry food if not portion-controlled properly.

May Contain Fillers

Some lower-quality kibbles contain artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers that may not be ideal for a dog's long-term health.

Less Appealing for Picky Eaters

Some dogs may find kibble less palatable compared to wet food.

The Best Raw Food for Labradors

The raw food diet, AKA the Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet, includes fresh, uncooked ingredients such as raw meat, bones, organs, and vegetables. It's incredibly popular and with so many benefits, it's certainly easy to see why.

Some variations also include supplements to balance nutrition.

Pros of Raw Food for Labradors

Mimics a Natural Diet

Supporters argue that raw food closely resembles what dogs would eat in the wild, leading to improved digestion and nutrient absorption.

Improved Coat & Skin Health

Many raw-fed dogs experience shinier coats, reduced shedding, and fewer skin allergies.

Supports Lean Muscle Mass

The high protein content in raw diets helps maintain a Labrador's muscle structure, especially for active dogs.

Potential for Increased Energy & Smaller Stools

Some owners report that raw-fed dogs have more energy and produce less waste due to better digestion.

No Artificial Additives

A properly balanced raw diet avoids artificial preservatives, colourants, and fillers found in some commercial foods.

Cons of Raw Food

Bacterial Contamination Risks

Handling raw meat requires strict hygiene to prevent exposure to harmful bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli.

Nutritional Imbalance Risks

If not properly planned, a raw diet can lead to deficiencies in essential nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and certain vitamins.

Time-Consuming & Expensive

Preparing balanced raw meals requires significant time, effort, and financial investment.

Storage Challenges

Raw food requires freezer or refrigerator space to keep it fresh and safe for consumption.

Which Diet Is Best for Your Labrador?

When it comes to which diet is best for your Labrador, there simply isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.

I know it's not really the answer you'd like to hear right now, but the truth is what works for one Labrador may not work for another. As long as your dog enjoys their food, is fit, healthy and happy - then what you're feeding them is "the best."

Furthermore, the best choice depends on your dog's individual needs, lifestyle, and your own circumstances as an owner, for instance:

• • If your Labrador struggles with hydration or has a sensitive stomach, a mix of wet and dry food might work best.
• • If convenience, affordability, and a balanced diet are a priority, high-quality kibble is a great option.
• • If you prefer a natural, whole-food approach and are willing to invest the time and effort, a well-balanced raw diet could be ideal.

Regardless of the type of food you choose, always ensure it meets your Labrador's nutritional requirements and consult with your veterinarian for guidance if you get a little stuck.

You could also check out our community group on Facebook! There you will find thousands of fellow dog owners who have a wealth of knowledge and experience they'd be happy to share with you if you asked for some advice or opinions.

In Conclusion

Feeding your Labrador well is one of the most important aspects of ensuring they live a long, happy, and healthy life, and we hope shedding a light on the nuances between wet, dry and raw food will help you make a great choice for your pup.

No matter which diet you choose, providing them with the best possible nutrition will help them thrive. So tell us, what's in your Labrador's bowl tonight?

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