10 Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles in 2024

Labradoodles are puffballs filled with never-ending energy! Because of this, they need food that will fuel their day-to-day activities and protect their coat and skin. So what is the best dog food for Labradoodles? 

When picking out dog food for your Labradoodle, choose a formula with moderate protein for strong and lean muscles. Don’t forget about vitamins and minerals to support their skin and sometimes picky tummies. 

My personal favorite is Wellness Complete Health dog food. This formula provides essential nutrients like glucosamine for the active Labradoodle. 

We included nine other options for all Labradoodle needs — from puppy to senior age or for Labradoodles with allergies.

Our Top Picks for Labradoodles

• Best Overall — Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food
• Best Budget — American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best Premium — Ollie Beef Dish Dog Food
• Best for Puppies — Nulo Freestyle Puppy Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Best for Seniors — Blue Buffalo Life Protection Large Breed Senior Dog Food
• Best for Active Dogs — Instinct Original Raw Coated High Protein Dog Food
• Best for Food Sensitivities — Natural Balance L.I.D. Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
• Best Wet Food — Nutro Hearty Stew Wet Dog Food
• Best for Weight Loss — Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Dog Food
• Best for Joint Health — VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food

10 Best Dog Foods for Labradoodles Reviewed 

Each of the following dog foods follows the AAFCO nutrient profile guidelines. Before committing to switching your Labradoodle’s food, please consult with your veterinarian. 

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1 Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Ground Barley, Peas
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 12% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 434 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: With Grain; No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: Great overall dog food high in omega fatty acids  

This formula is high in protein and grain-inclusive to support adult Labradoodles and their nutritional needs. 

It’s higher in calories, offering 434 kcal/cup to provide energy to active dogs. And it contains deboned chicken and chicken meal — offering taurine and l-carnitine for heart health and metabolic support.  

The formula provides moderate fat at 12% Crude Fat. And with ingredients like chicken fat and ground flaxseed, it’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, aiding brain health. 

While this food does include grains, they aren’t filler ingredients like soy or corn. Instead, oatmeal and ground barley offer easy-to-digest carbohydrates and prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion. 

Dog owners appreciate the kibble size and love how it helps clean their dog’s teeth as they chew. But many note that “something” in the food tends to cause gassiness. 

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2 American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 34% Crude Protein, 15% Crude Fat, 5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 390 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; No, Corn, No Wheat, No Soy
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Key Feature: Budget-friendly grain-free dog food 

This recipe offers an affordable option for pet parents who need high-quality protein in their dog’s food. 

It starts with deboned chicken and chicken meal — offering 34% Crude Protein. They also provide glucosamine and chondroitin for joint and cartilage function. 

Sweet potatoes and chickpeas replace grains in this formula. These offer beta-carotene for eye health and a soluble fiber called raffinose, which can help ease constipation. 

Although this is a budget food, it still supplements live probiotics to aid in better gut health. But it also contains rosemary extract, an antioxidant that naturally preserves food and boosts immunity. 

Pet owners are ecstatic to find budget-friendly food that still keeps their pups full. But some say the kibble can be a bit dry and stale. 

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3 Ollie Fresh Beef Dish With Sweet Potatoes

• First 5 Ingredients: (Beef recipe) Beef, Peas, Sweet Potato, Potato, Carrot
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 12% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 2% Crude Fiber, 68% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 1540 kcal ME/kg
• Type of Product: Human-Grade
• Life Stage: All Life Stages (including growth of large size dogs)
• Key Feature: Fresh and human-grade dog food customized to your Labradoodle

This brand offers customized dog food with human-grade and high-quality ingredients. You’ll complete a quiz focusing on your dog’s nutritional needs to start.

There are four protein options — beef, turkey, lamb, and chicken. The beef protein option has the highest calories and protein per cup. But remember that it may vary based on your pup’s questionnaire. 

Sweet potatoes, potatoes, and blueberries make this a grain-free recipe. They’re high in vitamins A and C, and blueberries provide antioxidants for a healthy immune system. 

Since this fresh food is measured as wet matter, it’s the highest protein option on this list. The beef recipe starts at 12% Crude Protein per serving, which equals 48% Crude Protein when measured on a dry matter basis. 

Pet parents say this food has changed their dog’s life, and they always get a clean bill of health when visiting the vet. But many note that the subscription fees and delivery times can be inconvenient. 

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4 Nulo Freestyle Puppy Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Turkey Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Whole Peas, Chicken Fat
• Guaranteed Analysis: 30% Crude Protein, 17% Crude Fat, 4% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 428 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Low-Glycemic; Grain-Free; Gluten-Free
• Life Stage: Puppy
• Key Feature: Puppy food with 80% meat proteins and DHA for brain development

This food is high in protein and healthy fats for brain and body support to keep your puppy strong and aid in steady growth.

It offers 30% Crude Protein from deboned salmon, turkey meal, and menhaden fish meal. These also provide glucosamine and chondroitin — two building blocks for flexible joints and strong cartilage. 

This high-quality puppy food is also high in fat at 17%, which works well with growing puppies. This is because it offers omega fatty acids and DHA from the fish meal, which is critical in cognitive function and growth. 

Since puppies need support with their digestion until adulthood, this recipe also supplements live probiotics. These protect gut health and clear out potentially harmful bacteria. 

Puppy parents say the limited ingredients aid in both digestive health and keeping their pup regular. But some admit it smells like fish and passes that smell to their dog’s burps. 

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5 Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Senior Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal, Chicken Meal
• Guaranteed Analysis: 20% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 7% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 343 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: No, Corn, No Wheat, No Soy; With Grain
• Life Stage: Senior
• Key Feature: Lower calorie dog food for seniors with extra glucosamine for joint support

This dry dog food contains probiotics and anti-inflammatory ingredients to support aging digestive systems and joints.  

It’s important to note that this formula is lower in protein, offering 20% Crude Protein. This may not work for a more active senior Labradoodle. Before switching to this food, talk to your vet about what they recommend for your dog. 

While lower in fat to avoid weight gain due to a slower metabolism, this food still contains healthy fats. Chicken fat and fish oil offer omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to lubricate joints and keep cognitive function sharp. 

Superfoods like blueberries, dried kelp, parsley, and turmeric are high in antioxidants for immune health. Parsley is also antibacterial, which can boost oral health. 

Dog parents say the kibble is slightly smaller but crunchy enough to encourage chewing. But some say the high fiber content can cause tummy upset. 

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6 Instinct Original Grain Free Dry Raw Coated Natural High Protein Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat, Tapioca
• Guaranteed Analysis: 37% Crude Protein, 20% Crude Fat, 3% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 518 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; Gluten-Free; No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy,
• Life Stage: All Life Stages
• Key Feature: High protein dog food for the most active Labradoodles 

This dry kibble is dusted with raw liver and freeze-dried chicken — offering extra B vitamins and iron for energy support in active dogs.  

It contains 70% high-quality animal proteins — including chicken, herring meal, and menhaden fish meal. These provide glucosamine for flexible joints and 37% Crude Protein to build and maintain lean muscles. 

This formula is free of grains. Instead, it gives peas, carrots, and tapioca. These offer dietary fiber to maintain bowel health. They’re also high in vitamins A and C, which boost health and your dog’s immune system. 

This recipe is high in calories at 518 kcal/cup, which is perfect for active or working dogs. But keep an eye on your pup for potential weight gain, and cut back if needed. 

Dog moms and dads say the raw bits entice even the pickiest eaters. But some said the high protein content seemed to cause itchy skin in their more sensitive dogs. 

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7 Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dry Adult Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Menhaden Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Cassava Flour, Potatoes
• Guaranteed Analysis: 24% Crude Protein, 10% Crude Fat, 4.5% Crude Fiber, 10% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 373 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Limited Ingredient Diet; No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy; Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Chicken-Free
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: Limited Ingredient dog food for Labradoodles with food sensitivities

This limited ingredient diet offers a chicken-free and grain-free formula for dogs with food allergies. 

It is lower in protein and calories, so it may not be an excellent choice for active Labradoodles. At just 373 kcal/cup, it may require more cups to feed your pup the appropriate calories. 

But, this formula is free of ingredients that cause common allergic reactions in dogs. Instead, it provides a single animal protein source — fish — for protein and healthy fats. 

Menhaden fish oil and flaxseeds are high in essential fatty acids to reduce inflammation in the joints and boost heart health. 

Labradoodle owners say this is the perfect food for dogs with protein and grain allergies. But they say the food will make the whole house smell like fish. 

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8 Nutro Hearty Stew Wet Dog Food

• Chicken Recipe First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Pork Broth, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Carrots
• Guaranteed Analysis: (wet matter basis) 9% Crude Protein, 3% Crude Fat, 1% Crude Fiber, 82% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 279 kcal/can
• Type of Product: Grain-Free; Non-GM
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: Non-GMO and grain-free wet dog food 

This wet dog food works well as a high-protein and tasty topper for picky pups. 

Since it’s canned, the moisture content helps dogs without teeth chew their food and can supplement water if your pup doesn’t drink enough. But it’s not recommended as a complete food source since large breeds need more calories. 

It contains 9% Crude Protein when measured on a wet matter basis and about 38% Crude Protein compared to kibble. And it provides chicken and chicken liver for iron — aiding in higher energy levels. 

In place of grains, this food offers peas and carrots. These provide complex carbohydrates that keep your dog satiated. 

Pet parents say this food is perfect for picky eaters and older dogs who need chew support. But some admit that the gravy can get messy. 

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9 Purina Pro Plan Adult Weight Management Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-Product Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Grain Wheat
• Guaranteed Analysis: 27% Crude Protein, 9% Crude Fat, 13% Crude Fiber, 12% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 364 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: High Fiber; Low Fat; With Grain
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: High-protein and low-fat dog food to help Labradoodles lose weight 

This weight management formula offers a lower calorie option for sedentary Labradoodles. 

With just 364 kcal/cup and 27% Crude Protein, this recipe aids in weight loss but can help your dog retain muscle. 

It’s lower in fat, too, at 13% Crude Fat, but still provides beef fat and fish meal for omega fatty acids. These can help rev up their metabolism and boost their mobility. 

This recipe is grain-inclusive. But as a note, the ingredients it includes — like whole grain wheat and whole grain corn — tend to be cheaper fillers.

Many pet parents say their vet recommended this food. We recommend avoiding it even if your pup is sensitive to grains. 

Dog owners say this is a great weight management food for adult and senior dogs who still need a balanced diet. But some note that the kibble is small. 

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10 VICTOR Purpose Performance Formula Dry Dog Food

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Millet, Chicken Fat, Blood Meal Conventionally Dried
• Guaranteed Analysis: 26% Crude Protein, 18% Crude Fat, 3.8% Crude Fiber, 9% Moisture
• Caloric Content: 399 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: Gluten-Free; Pea-Free; No Corn, No Wheat, No Soy; With Grain
• Life Stage: Adult
• Key Feature: Dog food high in glucosamine for Labradoodles with joint problems 

This dry dog food is high in fat for dogs who need mobility and joint support. 

It includes chicken fat, pork meal, and vitamin E — offering 18% Crude Fat. These aid in healthy joints, supple skin, and a shiny coat. 

This formula also contains inulin — a prebiotic that can help reduce inflammation in the digestive system and joints. This can increase flexibility and mobility. 

It does include grains, so it may not be suitable for dogs with grain allergies. But if they can, it provides whole grain millet and grain sorghum. These are healthy carbohydrates that are packed with fiber.

Pet parents say this food is excellent to add some pep into your dog’s step. But some say the grains caused itchy skin and diarrhea in their sensitive pup.

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How to Choose Food for Your Labradoodle

Unlike other dogs their size, Labradoodles don’t need anything too particular when it comes to their food. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Nutritional Requirements

Here’s what to know before choosing your Labradoodle’s new food. 

Moderate Protein

Although they are active, most Labradoodles won’t need a super high protein diet (unless they work or are underweight). You can follow the AAFCO nutrient requirement for dogs.  

It states that puppies need at least 22% Crude Protein in their diet, while adults need at least 18%.

Meats like beef, poultry, and fish are excellent protein sources, which can help build and maintain your Labradoodle’s muscles.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats offer your Labradoodle essential vitamins and omega fatty acids for their joints and muscles. They can even help with heart and brain health. 

Just like with protein, Labradoodles only need the minimum AAFCO requirement — that means only 8% Crude Fat content to thrive with their diet. 

Of course, it’s okay if your dog food is slightly higher than this. Just focus on healthy fats like salmon oil, chicken fat, or flaxseed. 

Digestible Carbohydrates

For dogs like Labradoodles, who tend to have gastrointestinal problems, whole grains can help.

Focusing on dog foods that offer whole grains — like oatmeal and barley — can keep your Labradoodle’s tummy happy and keep their digestion on track. 

However, if your Labradoodle has a grain allergy, a grain-free diet will be recommended by your veterinarian. Just ensure that other carbohydrate sources, like sweet potatoes and chickpeas, are added for fiber. 

Fiber

Fiber is super important for dogs with digestive issues, including Labradoodles. It’s essential for normal digestion and to keep constipation and diarrhea at bay.

You can find fiber in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. As long as your Labradoodle’s food has these ingredients, you can be sure they have enough fiber. However, your vet may recommend a supplement if they tend to suffer from constipation or diarrhea. 

Vitamins and Minerals

Commercial dog foods already supplement the vitamins and minerals your dog will need. But, your Labradoodle may need higher amounts, depending on their individual needs. 

Calcium, glucosamine, and vitamin A are the most helpful. They help provide immune support, keep their eyes healthy, and aid in heart and joint health. Focus on dog foods that offer these. 

What to Consider When Buying Food for Labradoodles

When buying dog food, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Here’s what to consider. 

Age

Your dog’s age is vital in the food they need. Puppies, for example, need a puppy formula to aid in healthy growth and brain development. But senior dogs typically require fewer calories and a lower fat diet to avoid weight gain. 

Activity Levels

Is your dog active or sedentary? Depending on their activity level, they may need less or more food.

In some cases, you’ll also want to choose a low-calorie or low-fat dog food if your pup needs to lose weight. 

Kibble Size

Because Labradoodles are considered large breed dogs, they need bigger kibble. This helps them avoid choking and also keeps them busy chewing. This can help keep them from overeating or eating too fast. 

Food Texture

Labradoodles aren’t known to be super picky, but some may prefer some food textures over others. If you have a fussy eater, you may want to add wet food as a topper to their regular kibble. 

And look for moist or fresh food. While they tend to be more expensive than dry kibble, they can entice even the pickiest eaters. 

Budget

No matter your budget, there is dog food that you can afford. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality if you want an affordable formula.

Focus on cheap dog foods with real meats or meat meals containing whole grains and healthy fats. 

Ingredients to Avoid

As a pet owner, you want to give your dog the best dog food money can buy. But there are a few ingredients you should actively try to avoid. 

A few examples include preservatives like BHA and BHT, artificial colors and flavors, corn syrup, and nitrates. 

Instead of BHA and BHT, find dog foods naturally preserved with ingredients like rosemary extract or vitamin E oil. BHA and BHT have been known to cause digestive issues and other health problems, so avoiding them is always good. 

And while artificial colors and flavors may make the food tasty, you should also avoid them. They’ve been known to cause allergy flare-ups and other issues with digestion. 

On top of that, corn syrup and nitrates affect food absorption, which means your Labradoodle won’t get all the nutrients they should from their food. 

Other ingredients, like wheat, soy, and corn, should be avoided but are okay in smaller doses. 

Labradoodle Feeding Guide

Labradoodles are known to beg for scraps of human food and eat their food incredibly fast. Because of this, they are prone to health issues like gas and bloat. 

Plus, it’s easy to overfeed your dog if you’re not careful. Here’s how to properly feed your Labradoodle. 

Puppies

Puppies need slightly more calories, fat, and protein than their adult counterparts. Their growth stage requires more nutrients to keep the puppies going. Puppies also need to eat about 3 times a day in smaller feedings — not larger meals.  

When feeding your Labradoodle puppy, try to give 30–35 calories of food per their adult ideal weight. This would mean feeding them about 1,800 calories since the average Labradoodle is between 55 and 60 pounds. 

Also, focus on foods high in DHA for brain development and glucosamine to protect their fast-growing legs, joints, and muscles. 

Adults

Once your Labradoodle becomes an adult (around 18 months), you can slow down on calories. An adult Labradoodle can eat 1,500 to 1,800 calories daily, depending on their activity level. 

Remember, feedings should generally be divided into two meals to lower the chances of gastrointestinal issues. 

Seniors

Once they reach seniorhood, Labradoodles don’t need as many calories. Still, they will need just as many nutrients — like fiber — to keep them regular. 

Lower the calories to about 20–25 calories per pound with a senior dog. For the average 60-pound Labradoodle, that’s 1,200 to 1,500 calories a day.

Daily Amount of Food 

You should read the feeding instructions on any dog food you choose since they have charts on how much to feed your dog. But most Labradoogles do well on the following amounts of daily nutrition.

Age	Serving Size
Under 3 Months	½-1 cups, supplemented by mother’s milk
3 Months – 4 Months	1-2 cups
4 Months – 6 Months	1-2 cups
6 Months – 1 Year	3-4 cups
1 Year – 5 Years	3-5 cups
6+ Years	2-4 cups

Common Labradoodle Health Issues 

A generally healthy breed, Labradoodles are a mix between Labradors and Poodles. Because of this mix, they can inherit health issues from both breeds.

Most problems that a Labradoodle will face are the tummy and joint issues. However, these are important to pay attention to, as they can affect your Labradoodle’s energy levels and overall health. 

Here are some common Labradoodle health issues to keep in mind. 

Sensitive Stomachs 

Because they are deep-chested, Labradoodles are more prone to have sensitive stomachs and possibly bloat. Their Poodle ancestors are predisposed to tummy issues. Allergens and food intolerances can also worsen stomach issues. 

The most common signs of a sensitive stomach include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating, and unintentional weight loss. See your veterinarian if you notice these symptoms often happen, especially right after eating. If untreated, chronic enteropathies can occur.

Choosing food that doesn’t include what your dog is allergic to can lessen the chances of a sensitive stomach. But you could also have them eat less food at once, feed them more frequently, and ensure they’re getting enough fiber to help their digestion. 

Allergies

Poodles and Labrador Retrievers are prone to allergies — since Labradoodles are a mix of the two, it’s most likely yours is prone as well.

Common allergens for Labradoodles are protein sources like chicken, beef, and dairy. Wheat and corn may also cause issues.

To mitigate this, try switching to a single protein source food without grains that may cause flare-ups. You can take them to the veterinarian to determine what your Labradoodle is allergic to. 

Eye Diseases 

Eye diseases are common amongst Labradoodles and are usually progressive. If left untreated, they can lead to blindness. Labradoodles’ most common eye diseases are progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. 

Of course, eye diseases are genetic and aren’t entirely preventable. However, focusing on nutrients like vitamin A, antioxidants like lycopene, and omega fatty acids can help slow them down and protect the eyes against worse symptoms. 

Joint Problems and Hip Dysplasia

Joint problems — specifically hip dysplasia — are a common issue amongst Labradoodles. Hip dysplasia, or when the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip joint, typically happens to larger breeds and overweight dogs.  

If this occurs, your Labradoodle may walk funny or even have arthritis if they have it long enough. Other joint problems like elbow dysplasia are common as well. 

To prevent this as best as you can, feed your Labradoodle the proper diet, and make sure they maintain a healthy weight. Also, focus on dog food that provides glucosamine, omega fatty acids, and DHA for joint strength and lubrication. 

Gas/Bloat 

Gastric Dilation Volvulus (GDV) — commonly known as bloat —happens when a dog’s stomach fills up with air or fluid and twists itself, blocking oxygen and blood to other organs.

This condition can become incredibly painful and, in extreme cases, even cause death. This is usually not as severe with Labradors, but it is common for Poodles.

To keep bloat at bay, focus on slowing down your dog’s feeding and providing smaller meals more often. Wet food can also be helpful because it coats the stomach, thus protecting it from air build-up. 

While gas doesn’t automatically turn to bloat, it can affect how your Labradoodle feels and functions.

However, immediately take your dog to the veterinarian if you notice symptoms like a distended belly, trouble breathing, vomiting, or even excess drooling. 

Our Verdict

Labradoodles are easy to get along with and even easier to feed. They’re relatively healthy dogs that don’t require too much of a single nutrient.

But, as their pet parent, you still want to give them the best food available to support their overall health and energy. 

I recommend Wellness Complete Health dog food — it will give them exactly what they need for vitamins and minerals but doesn’t include anything they don’t need, like unnatural preservatives and other fillers. 

Plus, what Labradoodle could resist real chicken, chicken fat, and oatmeal in a convenient food bowl? Not yours!  

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