What’s the best food for Labradoodles? A feeding guide

 

A Labradoodle’s high-energy personality demands plenty of fuel – here’s how to make sure they’re getting the proper nutrition

What’s the best food for Labradoodles?

Article outline

Quick takeaways about dogs and excessive hunger

  • Labradoodles are known to be bundles of energy with big appetites.
  • Prioritise a protein-rich diet, like Nature’s Menu, with complete and balanced raw meals.
  • Labradoodles can be more prone to allergies so single protein food might be a good idea.

 

Playful, social and curious, Labradoodles make great dog pals. The breed originated in Australia as a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and now they’re popular pets all around the world.

The right nutrition is crucial to support your Labradoodle’s activity levels and keep them healthy and happy. Here’s a guide to the best food for your pooch.

 

Fast facts about Labradoodles

A Labradoodle's exact characteristics depend on their parents, which means each one is unique.

  • Size: Medium to large-sized dogs typically ranging from 50-65 cm in height
  • Weight: Ranges from 13-32 kg
  • Coat: Wide range of colours with 3 main fur types: fleece, wool and hair
  • Intelligence: Sharp and quick to learn new things
  • Life expectancy: They’re with you for the long haul, living around 12-14 years
 

What’s the best food for Labradoodles?

Labradoodles can thrive on kibble, wet food, or raw food as long as they eat a nutritionally complete and balanced diet.

 

1. Raw food

Complete and balanced raw dog food is a great choice for Labradoodles. The high protein content mimics what your dog’s ancestors ate once upon a time, and raw food can help to keep their coats and teeth in great condition.

You could opt for our 80/20 range with 80% meat and 20% fruit and veg (containing anti-oxidants and plenty of vitamins and minerals) or our 60/40 range.

While Labradoodles love their food, they can also be picky eaters. Raw food can be a real hit, and Nature’s Menu has plenty of options to suit different tastes, from chicken to salmon to rabbit.

 

2. Wet food

Canned wet food is another convenient choice many dogs love. Its high moisture content helps keep your dog hydrated, and it’s easy for dogs with sensitive teeth to chew.

As a bonus, it’s got a long shelf-life and is easy to store. Nature’s Menu offers high-quality, gently cooked wet food with up to 80% protein content.

 

3. Dry food

Dry food or kibble can be a good choice for Labradoodles. Choose a protein-rich option with high-quality ingredients. And don’t forget to keep their water bowl filled – kibble-fed Labradoodles might need extra hydration.

 

4. Treats

You can also encourage a Labradoodle’s natural curiosity with enriching treats and bones.

As a bonus, our raw meaty bones aren’t just mentally stimulating but can also help keep their teeth clean. Just make sure treats are under 10% of their daily calorie intake.

 

What’s the best food for Labradoodle puppies?

Growing puppies need plenty of fuel to support their development. You can introduce your Labradoodle puppy to a raw food diet at around 4 weeks.

We offer personalised puppy raw food delivered straight to your door, specially designed to help your puppy grow up strong and healthy. Check out our guide on everything you need to know about raw food for puppies.

 

How much should I feed my Labradoodle?

The right amount of food for your dog depends on their size and lifestyle. For example, a 20 kg adult Labradoodle needs 800–1245 g of raw food, depending on their activity levels and weight goals.

Try our easy raw dog food calculator to find how much food your dog needs. Hint: you can weigh your dog at the vet or at home by standing on a scale while you’re holding them and then subtracting your weight.

When it comes to puppies, aim to feed them 5–10% of their body weight in raw food. While they’re growing, let your puppy guide you. Pay attention to whether they leave behind leftovers or whether they’re still hungry, and adjust the amount you feed them next time.

 

How often should I feed my Labradoodle?

We recommend feeding your adult Labradoodles twice a day. Spreading out their meals helps maintain steady energy levels and manage their hunger throughout the day.

Labradoodle puppies benefit from more frequent meals. Young puppies may need 3 to 4 meals a day, eventually tapering down to 2 daily ones.

 

What are the most common health problems in Labradoodles?

Some health conditions are more prevalent in Labradoodles. They have a genetic predisposition to joint issues, like hip or elbow dysplasia and dislocated kneecaps. They’re also prone to allergies, blood clotting disorders and vision problems.

That said, just because some conditions are more prevalent in Labradoodles doesn’t mean your dog will develop them. The right nutrition is a big part of optimising your dog’s health and helping to minimise the risk of health issues.

 

The bottom line on Labradoodle nutrition

There’s no one right way to feed your Labradoodle. As long as they’re getting a complete, balanced, protein-rich diet, they’re right on track.

You can feel confident your dog is getting complete nutrition with Nature’s Menu raw meals. We’ll tailor a plan to your dog’s specific needs and deliver it straight to your door.

 

FAQs about Labradoodle diets

Do Labradoodles need special food?

There’s no one special diet for Labradoodles, but as larger dogs, it’s important they’re getting at least 22% protein and 8% fat at mealtime. Our raw food meals are a great way to achieve this balance.

 

Why is my Labradoodle always hungry?

A hearty appetite is a sign of good health, but if your dog is always ravenous, think about making some tweaks. They might do better with larger portion sizes or more nutritionally dense foods to keep them full.

Our Complete & Balanced 60/40 range contains raw meat with healthy parboiled brown rice to keep them satisfied for longer.

 

Do Labradoodles have sensitive stomachs?

It’s normal for dogs to have a bit of loose poo or be sick occasionally, but if it becomes a pattern, talk to your vet.

Once you’ve ruled out any medical issues, try switching up their diet. Choose foods that are easy to digest—raw food is a great place to start, with simple, high-quality ingredients that are easy on the tummy.

 

Are Labradoodles more prone to allergies?

Unfortunately, allergies are common for Labradoodles. They can be allergic to the food they eat or things in their environment, like dust, pollen, mould, soaps, or household cleaning products.

Talk to your vet if you notice any of these allergy signs:

  • Scratching
  • Licking paws
  • Red, scaly or inflamed skin
  • Ear infections
  • Wheezing
 

Help – my Labradoodle is eating poop!

While it’s not ideal behaviour, eating poop is normal for dogs. If it happens every once in a while, your dog should be okay.

But let your vet know if your dog is regularly snacking on poop. You can also try these helpful strategies to try to cut down on the habit.

   
Try a personalised meal plan with high-quality raw ingredients to help keep your dog healthy and happy.