What is the best dog food for Labradors?

Key takeaways

• Plenty of lean protein and good fats keeps energy, muscle and coat in good order.
• Tune calories to age, activity and whether you want to lose, maintain or gain weight.
• Limited-ingredient, gently cooked meals help if your Lab has sensitivities.
• Feed on a reliable schedule and measure portions precisely.
• Support joints and digestion with omega oils and prebiotics.

What should a Labrador’s diet include for optimal health?

Labradors thrive on diets built around high-quality, lean proteins and healthy fats. Chicken, beef, lamb and salmon provide essential amino acids for muscle strength, while beneficial fats help maintain steady energy and a glossy coat. Because Labradors are naturally food-motivated, managing calories and portion sizes is key to preventing excess weight.

Joint health should also be a focus. Omega-3 fatty acids help manage inflammation and support mobility, which is important for a breed prone to hip and elbow issues. Natural sources like fish and flaxseed oils are particularly helpful. Whole vegetables — including sweet potato and spinach — add vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that strengthen immunity and overall wellbeing.

• Lean proteins (chicken, beef, lamb, salmon)
• Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil and flaxseed oil)
• Fresh vegetables (sweet potato, spinach)
• Portion control to help prevent overfeeding
• Digestive aids, including prebiotics (chicory root, yucca)

Which factors influence the best dog food choice for Labradors?

Puppies, adults and seniors each have slightly different nutritional needs. Some foods target one stage, but Marleybones Pantry Fresh® recipes are nutritionally complete across all life stages — ideal for growing pups, active adults and older dogs needing extra care. Highly active Labs may need slightly more calories or functional oils, while quieter or senior dogs often benefit from fewer calories and joint-supporting nutrients.

Labradors sometimes experience food sensitivities, shown through digestive upsets or itchy skin. For these dogs, limited-ingredient and gently cooked meals can make a noticeable difference. Marleybones’ hero recipes — Chic Chicken, Boss Beef, Lush Lamb and Sassy Salmon — avoid unnecessary fillers and artificial additives, including gentle fibres and prebiotics like chicory root and yucca to foster digestion. Fresh, carefully prepared ingredients tend to be more digestible and better absorbed, helping sensitive Labradors stay comfortable and happy.

• Adjust protein and fat for age and activity level
• Look for digestible, minimal-ingredient formulas if your Lab is sensitive
• Choose gently cooked, whole ingredients
• Prioritise foods that are convenient yet truly fresh and nutritious — Pantry Fresh® meals are shelf-stable, slow-cooked in pack to lock in nutrients without refrigeration

Each Marleybones Pantry Fresh® meal box is portioned to suit your dog’s needs, making it simple to feed the right amount every day. If you’d like tailored guidance, try our quiz to discover your dog’s personalised meal plan.

How does Marleybones bring fresh innovation to Labrador health?

Marleybones Pantry Fresh® meals are slow-cooked in their own packaging to preserve nutrients and flavour, then sealed to remain shelf-stable — ideal for convenient, fresh feeding without needing fridge or freezer space. Proteins are gently cooked, vegetables freshly prepared, and every ingredient is selected for quality and nutritional value.

All recipes are complete and balanced for all life stages, supporting a puppy’s growth, an adult’s activity and a senior’s additional needs. Prebiotics such as chicory root and yucca nurture digestive health, while extra omega-3s strengthen joints and maintain coat shine — perfect for Labradors that love to run and swim. The varied hero recipes provide wholesome, interesting mealtime options that are both nourishing and easy to serve.

• Fresh, gently cooked ingredients for easy digestion
• Prebiotics for a healthy gut
• Omega-rich oils for joint and coat support
• Tailored, complete meals suitable for puppies, adults and seniors
• Convenient, shelf-stable packaging

How can Labrador owners support long-term health through feeding habits?

Labradors are famously eager eaters, making routine important. Feed at set times and measure portions rather than leaving food out all day. This measured approach prevents weight gain that can strain joints and shorten active years. Combine balanced nutrition with regular exercise — walks, swims or games of fetch — to keep muscles strong and minds stimulated.

Check body condition regularly: you should be able to feel ribs without pressing hard, and your Lab’s energy should be steady. Adjust portions when their weight or activity changes. If your dog needs additional support — such as a shinier coat or improved digestion — consider functional supplements like Marleybones’ Omega Oil or Gut Health Booster, which complement Pantry Fresh® meals beautifully. Choose healthy, functional treats for rewards to maintain good nutrition habits.

• Feed at set times — don’t “free feed”
• Control portions accurately based on your dog’s needs
• Combine nutritious feeding with daily exercise
• Monitor weight and body condition regularly
• Add functional supplements only as needed, under professional guidance

The final woof

Your Labrador’s enthusiasm deserves food that keeps them active, comfortable and loved. Choose nutrient-dense, lean-protein meals with digestive and joint support, serve measured portions and stick to a consistent routine. Whether you’re raising a pup or caring for a senior, fresh, slow-cooked and portioned meals truly make a difference. With Marleybones Pantry Fresh®, practical convenience meets thoughtful nutrition — letting you focus on the walks, the swims and the companionship that matter most.

FAQ

What is the best dog food for a Labrador with a sensitive stomach?

The best dog food for a Labrador with a sensitive stomach includes gentle, highly digestible proteins and a limited-ingredient recipe. Marleybones Pantry Fresh® meals contain prebiotics like chicory root and yucca to encourage digestive balance and reduce tummy upsets.

How much should I feed my Labrador each day?

Feeding amounts depend on age, weight and activity level. Each Marleybones Pantry Fresh® meal box is portioned to your dog’s needs, making it easier to avoid over- or underfeeding.

Does my Labrador need different food as they age?

Labradors’ nutritional needs evolve over time, but complete and balanced meals are designed to support every life stage — puppy, adult and senior. Adjust the balance of calories, protein and joint-supporting nutrients to match age and lifestyle.

How can I tell if my Labrador’s food is high quality?

Look for real, gently cooked ingredients and recipes that avoid unnecessary fillers or artificial additives. High-quality meals clearly list wholesome ingredients and preserve natural nutrients — values central to every Pantry Fresh® recipe.

Are fresh, slow-cooked meals better than typical dog foods for Labradors?

Fresh, slow-cooked meals can offer improved digestibility and retain more nutrients than many alternatives. This is especially beneficial for Labradors with sensitive digestion or high energy needs. Pantry Fresh® brings the benefits of home-cooked food together with the ease of a shelf-stable format.