LABRADOR RETRIEVER: DIET

The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. No wonder; they are incredibly patient, exceptionally gentle, and highly intelligent. In short, this is the definition of the perfect dog! Like all dogs, Labradors have dietary requirements unique to their breed, temperament, and lifestyle. Providing your Labrador with a diet perfectly adapted to their needs is the best way to preserve their health capital at each stage of their life.

Labrador Retriever Dietary Needs

Labrador Retrievers may be active dogs but they also have a voracious appetite, which makes them very susceptible to canine obesity. Your Labrador’s diet needs to provide them with all the nutrients they require to cover their daily energy expenditure while helping them to maintain a healthy weight. Hence the importance of understanding their nutritional needs:

• Like most large dogs, the Labrador Retriever has sensitive joints. Certain nutrients can help prevent and relieve certain joint disorders, including hip and elbow dysplasia.

• Their gluttony is legendary but, according to some studies, this is not the only thing responsible for their tendency to become overweight: Labrador Retrievers also have a genetic predisposition to weight gain. Therefore, their diet needs to be both balanced and filling.

• Does your ball of energy have high energy needs? Not really. Your Labrador’s diet should be rich and full to provide them with all the nutrients necessary to keep them in good shape, but their energy needs must be balanced so as not to promote weight gain.

What type of food should I give my Labrador Retriever?

All dogs share the same basic dietary needs. They all need a daily intake of animal protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. It's the proportion of all these nutrients that must be adjusted according to their genuine needs, as well as favouring dog food that meets their specific needs:

• Food adapted to their metabolism: Vegetable fibre contains properties which are beneficial to the metabolism of dogs who tend to gain weight.

• Food that looks after their joints: Omega 3 or glucosamine can help reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. Omega 3 can be added to your Labrador's diet in greater quantities via fish oils.

• Food adapted to their jaw size: Just like in humans, chewing triggers a satiety signal in the brain. It's best to choose a type of dog food that's large enough so that your Lab has to grind it up properly.

What food supplements should I give my Labrador Retriever?

Certain food supplements can promote your Labrador Retriever's health and help to meet their specific dietary needs in a more targeted way, whether they take them occasionally or long-term. These include:

• Vitamins A, B2, B5, B6, and PP contribute to keeping their coat beautiful and their skin healthy. These are found particularly in borage oil.

• Brewer's yeast provides them with group B vitamins, which are ideal for helping your pooch to recover after sustained physical activity.

• Prebiotics and probiotics are excellent for the health of their intestinal flora and contribute towards good digestion.

How often should I feed my Labrador Retriever?

Mealtimes are always a party for this hungry pooch! As we may have mentioned, this is a greedy dog, so it's unlikely that they'll self-regulate. So, it's best to calculate how much food your Labrador needs and divide it into two portions: one for the morning and one for the evening.