English Labradors are an extra-special subtype of the Labrador Retriever breed, and yes, they are always hungry! They may not be quite as active as their American cousins but they still need plenty of nutrition to grow and thrive.
Before your start shopping for dog food, you should consider the typical traits and behavior of Labradors, as well as your dog’s age and size. These factors will likely determine the food you choose for your pup.
In this article, we’ll help you decide which dog food is best for both English Labrador puppies and adults.
What is an English Labrador?
The Labrador Retriever breed originated in the the British colony of Newfoundland in the 1830s. The European settlers bred St. John’s water dogs with British hunting dogs. The resulting breed is now known as the Labrador.
In the 20th century, dog exhibitions became popular. Some Labradors were bred to be visually impressive at dog shows (English) while others continued to specialize in hunting and retrieving (American). Note that the terms “English” and “American” are misnomers since all Labrador Retrievers descend from British lines.
English Labradors are energetic and playful, yet more subdued than American Labradors. English Labs also tend to be shorter and heavier with a thicker chest, neck and tail.
What does an English Labrador need to eat?
As with any breed, you should consider the nutritional content and taste to ensure that it’s a good match for your English Labrador. Here are the most important criteria to consider for your dog’s food.
Protein
Here’s a good rule of thumb: the more energy your pup expends, the more protein he will require.
And English labradors have plenty of energy! Even though they have been bred as show dogs, they are descended from hard-working dogs who fetched and retrieved game for hunters. This means they will need plenty of protein to fuel their exercise.
Just remember that protein requirements will change as your dog gets older. Labrador puppies typically need more protein than adults.
Bone and Joint Health
All Labrador Retrievers are at risk for developing hip and elbow dysplasia, a condition where the dog’s joints grind and rub instead of gliding smoothly. This is especially true for large Labradors.
To prevent your English Labrador puppy from developing these joint conditions later in life, you should choose a dog food that is specifically formulated for large breed puppies. These formulas often contain less fat and calcium as well as a carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorous ratio. This will prevent your Lab from growing big too quickly, allowing time for them to develop healthy joints.
You can also choose a dog food that contains glucosamine, which is a supplement that supports healthy joints and relieves pain from arthritis and hip dysplasia. You may also supplementing your dog’s meals with dental chews for Labradors, since these chews may contain calcium and help with oral hygiene.
Overfeeding
Labrador Retrievers are generally prone to obesity. English Labs will usually eat as much as you give them, so make sure you are following your vet’s recommendations to avoid overfeeding your dog.
The Best Dog Food for English Labradors
Taste of the Wild High Prairie
Taste of the Wild is a great brand, mostly due to the high-quality ingredients that they use. The first ingredients in this High Prairie formula are water buffalo, lamb meal, and chicken meal. It’s no surprise that this food is packed with 32% protein.
Other ingredients include peas, sweet potatoes, raspberries, and blueberries, so you can be sure that Taste of the Wild High Prairie delivers plenty of vitamins and minerals.
This formula contains poultry and fish meal, which are both listed as sources of glucosamine and will help develop your dog’s joints. It also contains no corn, soy, wheat, or artificial colors or flavors.
Buyer review: “I’m in the process of switching my lab puppy to adult food & decided on Taste of the Wild. Since she loved it, I decided to see if my 2 senior Cairn Terriers would like it & they do! Win/win!”
Read more at Chewy.com
Eukanuba Adult Large Breed
High-quality chicken is the first ingredient in this Eukanuba Adult Large Breed formula. Lab owners rave about how much their pups love the taste of this food, and how much it helps maintain a shiny, healthy coat.
This formula contains many essential vitamins and minerals, but unlike some other foods in this list, Eukanuba Adult Large Breed food delivers these as supplements instead of using superfoods such as blueberries. This food provides Vitamin E and DHA for brain function and glucosamine for joints.
The protein level (23%) is a bit lower than other Labrador foods, but is still within an acceptable range for an adult dog.
Buyer review: “This food is very affordable and my lab loves it! I use it a lot for training treats and he is so excited to get it.”
Read more at Chewy.com
Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice
The first two ingredients in this Wellness Large Breed formula are deboned chicken and chicken meal, so you can expect your dog will get plenty of protein and meaty goodness in each bite.
Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins are plentiful in this food. It has a ton of glucosamine (750 mg/kg), which is perfect for an English Labrador’s joint health.
The amount of protein is acceptable (26%). We’re glad to see that Wellness included probiotics for gut health. It should also be noted that this formula contains no meat by-products or artificial preservatives.
Buyer review: “My one year old lab can be picky about his dry food, but when this is in his bowl he eats it all and right away. And I’ve always trusted Wellness brand quality.”
Read more at Chewy.com
Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Large Breed
The first ingredient in this Purina formula is chicken and has a crude protein level of 28%, which is great for energetic English Labrador puppies.
This food contains a healthy amount of glucosamine to support the development of your dog’s joints and help prevent hip and elbow dysplasia. It also has fish oil, which is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and provides DHA to promote visual and cognitive function.
It is not grain-free, however, which may be an important factor if your English Lab puppy has allergies or digestive issues.
Buyer review: “Our 6 month old lab, Maggie, does vey well on this product. We had to go thru a few to find the right one, but it was clear quickly Purina Pro Plan was the best for her.”
Read more at Chewy.com
FAQ
What can Labradors not eat?
As with all dog breeds, do not give your English Labrador raisins or any other food made from grapes. They are poisonous for dogs and may harm the kidneys. And of course, never give a dog caffeine or chocolate.
Talk with your vet to learn more about which foods are harmful for your dog.
Why are Labs always hungry?
Many dogs contain a POMC gene that helps regulate appetite. A study in 2016 found that many Labrador Retrievers are missing part or all of this gene. This may explain why so many Lab owners complain that their dog is always hungry! Consult with your veterinarian to ensure that you are not overfeeding your pup.
Can I feed my Lab once a day?
Recent research has indicated that feeding dogs once a day may improve their cognition and overall health. Intermittent fasting may result in cellular-level changes that help prevent deterioration as your dog ages.
However, this does not mean that you should start adjusting your feeding schedule yet. Many organizations, including the American Kennel Club and ASPCA, still recommend feeding dogs twice per day. You should talk with your vet before making any changes to the size and frequency of your English Labrador’s meals.
Conclusion
English Labradors are energetic, loyal, beautiful dogs. They deserve the very best food you can get! As we’ve discussed, you should select kibble with a fairly high level of protein and a balance of vitamins and minerals that is appropriate for your Lab’s age. Hopefully you have found this article useful for choosing the best dog food for your English Labrador.