Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Veterinarian, MRCVS

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Veterinarian, MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

So, you are on the hunt for the best food for your brand-new Lab puppy. Choosing the best puppy food for your new puppy is a very important decision, since getting the proper nutrition is important for bone development and healthy growth into a full-grown, loveable Labrador Retriever.

Our job is to take the stress from you and prevent you from having to filter through all the available foods on the market. Since not all foods are created equally, we have come up with a list of the top 10 best puppy foods for Labs.

A Glance at Our Winners in 2023

Image Product Details

Best Overall

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy

Non-GMO

No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

Supports healthy growth and immune system

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Best Value

Purina ONE SmartBlend Large Breed Puppy Formula

Fair price

Easy to digest

No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Check Price

Premium Choice

Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription

Great fat-to-protein ratio

Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein

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  • Free Shipping

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain-Free Puppy

Can be used as a topper or entree

Turkey, chicken broth, chicken, and chicken liver are the first 4 ingredients

Contains no grains, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

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Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy Formula

Reasonably priced

Rich in proteins and well-balanced nutrients

Promotes healthy digestion and strong immunity

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The 10 Best Puppy Foods for Labs

Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy gets our pick for best overall puppy food for Labs. This food is not only geared toward large breed puppies, like Labs, but it is wholesome, priced fairly, and meets AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profile standards.

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 30-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3604 kcal/kg, 350 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.5:1

Check Price on Chewy

Nutro guarantees non-GMO ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors. It contains all the necessary vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 fatty acids for proper growth, strong immunity, and overall health and wellbeing. The naturally sourced glucosamine and chondroitin give your pup a head start with healthy joints.

There were some complaints that certain puppies turned their nose up to the food and refused to eat it. This is typical, as not all dogs are going to take well to every food. Overall, this is a well-loved and well-reviewed choice for many owners.

Pros

Supports healthy growth and immune system

Non-GMO

No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

Cons

Some pups may turn their nose up at it

Purina ONE Large Breed Puppy Food gets our pick for the best value choice for the money. This formula has chicken as the number one ingredient, which is more than can be said for some of the most expensive brands out there. This dry food is designed specifically for large breed puppies and contains natural sources of glucosamine, omega-6 fatty acids, a DHA to promote healthy joints, skin, coat, and brain function.

Supports healthy growth and immune system

Non-GMO

No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

  • Supports healthy growth and immune system
  • Non-GMO
  • No artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors

Some pups may turn their nose up at it

  • Some pups may turn their nose up at it

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 31.1-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3,759 kcal/kg, 361 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.2:1

This food is high in protein and is easy to digest. This formula is free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. This food is priced much better than most of the competitors, but some reviewers did complain of runny stools when switching to the food. This can happen with sensitive stomachs and food transitions.

This food may not be the highest-quality puppy food on the market, but it is well-loved by many dog owners and even has better ingredients than some high-priced foods.

Pros

No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Fair price

Easy to digest

Cons

Gave some pups runny stools

3. Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Premium Choice

Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with Nom Nom!

Type: Fresh Food

Quantity: N/A

Caloric Content: 1239 kcal/kg, 182 kcal/cup

Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food comes in at our premium choice. This brand is derived from high-quality ground beef as the primary protein source. If you are looking to spoil your puppy and serve them fresh, top-quality meals, Nom Nom is a great option.

No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives

Fair price

Easy to digest

  • No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
  • Fair price
  • Easy to digest

Gave some pups runny stools

  • Gave some pups runny stools

Nom Nom Fresh is made with only top-quality, human-grade ingredients and is a well-balanced recipe designed specifically by a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, Nom Nom is as good as it gets for your pup.

This fresh food can be offered to all breeds and sizes and meets the nutritional needs of growing puppies. This food is extremely expensive, as fresh food usually is. In addition to the high price, you must subscribe to Nom Nom or enter a trial to try it out, as it is delivery only.

Pros

First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein

Great fat-to-protein ratio

Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

Cons

Expensive

If you are looking for a premium wet food to offer your Lab puppy, Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Puppy is a great choice. This canned, wet food is formulated with DHA to help support brain and eye development. There are no grains, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives in this food. Although it should be noted that grain and gluten allergies are very rare in dogs so most will not need a grain free diet.

First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein

Great fat-to-protein ratio

Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

  • First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein
  • Great fat-to-protein ratio
  • Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

Expensive

  • Expensive

Type: Wet Food

Quantity: 12 pack of 12.5 oz cans

Caloric Content: 1,200 kcal/kg, 425kcal/can

Turkey, chicken broth, chicken, and chicken liver are the first four ingredients. Wet food is typically used as a topper but can also be used as an entrée. Blue Buffalo also offers a great-quality dry kibble for large breed puppies.

Reviewers take very well to this wet food and highly recommended it to other owners. Some owners complained of the texture of the canned food while others had issues with their pups turning their nose up at the food.

Pros

Turkey, chicken broth, chicken, and chicken liver are the first 4 ingredients

Contains no grains, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Can be used as a topper or entree

Cons

Unpleasant texture

Some pups refused to eat the food

Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Puppy is sourced from fresh salmon and ocean fish meal. The omega-3 fatty acids come rich in DHA from salmon oil, which offers great support for brain and eye development. Taste of the Wild is reasonably priced compared to some other competitors and still holds high in quality.

Turkey, chicken broth, chicken, and chicken liver are the first 4 ingredients

Contains no grains, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives

Can be used as a topper or entree

  • Turkey, chicken broth, chicken, and chicken liver are the first 4 ingredients
  • Contains no grains, gluten, by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
  • Can be used as a topper or entree

Unpleasant texture

Some pups refused to eat the food

  • Unpleasant texture
  • Some pups refused to eat the food

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 28-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3,600 kcal/kg, 408 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.3:1

There are no grains, corn, wheat, or artificial colors or flavors in this food. The vitamins and minerals are derived from real fruits and other superfoods. Also included in the formula are probiotics, prebiotics, and antioxidants to promote healthy digestion and immune system function.

The biggest complaint among reviewers was that some puppies refused to eat the food. Overall, Taste of The Wild is a highly recommended, great-quality food that dog owners love.

Pros

Reasonably priced

Rich in proteins and well-balanced nutrients

Promotes healthy digestion and strong immunity

Cons

Some puppies refuse to eat it

Orijen Puppy Large gets the majority of its animal protein straight from deboned poultry and fresh fish. This premium, high-quality food comes highly recommended by many reviewers. Analysis of this food has shown a great ratio of fat to protein content and the first five ingredients of this first are either fresh or raw animal protein. In this kibble, the first five ingredients include deboned chicken, deboned turkey, yellowtail flounder, whole eggs, and whole Atlantic mackerel.

Reasonably priced

Rich in proteins and well-balanced nutrients

Promotes healthy digestion and strong immunity

  • Reasonably priced
  • Rich in proteins and well-balanced nutrients
  • Promotes healthy digestion and strong immunity

Some puppies refuse to eat it

  • Some puppies refuse to eat it

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 25-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3760 kcal/kg, 451 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.2:1

This formula offers a freeze-dried coating that adds a lot of enticing flavors to the kibble. This food is an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for your growing Lab puppy, or any large breed puppy for that matter. As mentioned before only a small minority of dogs are grain or gluten allergic so going grain free is a personal preference.

The downside to this food is that it is a bit on the pricey side but the quality more than makes up for the price tag. The manufacturer even explains that the food is made of 85% premium animal ingredients, which is high in comparison to some competitors. Overall, this makes an excellent choice for Lab pups!

Pros

First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein

Great fat-to-protein ratio in analysis

Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

Cons

Expensive

Chicken Soup for the Soul Large Breed Puppy is designed for the large breeds with a formula that contains DHA, calcium, and phosphorus as well as glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. The omega-3s and omega-6s help promote healthy skin and coats. Meanwhile, this food is free from fillers like wheat, corn, and soy. Another perk, chicken and turkey are the first two ingredients on the list.

First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein

Great fat-to-protein ratio in analysis

Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

  • First 5 ingredients are from fresh or raw animal protein
  • Great fat-to-protein ratio in analysis
  • Made with 85% premium animal ingredients

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 28-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3,518 kcal/kg, 367 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.2:1

This food is fair priced and well-reviewed among many dog owners. The downside is that some pups did refuse to eat this recipe. Overall, many owners did rave about getting a good bang for their buck and many pups do take well to this dry food. Some owners even described the healthy coat they noticed on their pups.

Pros

No corn, wheat, or soy

Reasonably priced

Chicken and turkey are the first 2 ingredients

Cons

Some puppies didn’t care for it

  1. American Journey Large Breed Puppy

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Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 24-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3,563 kcal/kg, 374 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.8:1

American Journey Large Breed Puppies is a well-reviewed dry puppy food that is grain-free and meant to support the growth and developmental needs of large breed puppies. The formula puts focus on proper bone development with calcium and phosphorus but is at the top of the recommended ratio range of 1.1:1 and 1.8:1 so monitor growth closely to make sure it is not too rapid for your dog.

No corn, wheat, or soy

Reasonably priced

Chicken and turkey are the first 2 ingredients

  • No corn, wheat, or soy
  • Reasonably priced
  • Chicken and turkey are the first 2 ingredients

Some puppies didn’t care for it

  • Some puppies didn’t care for it

Check Latest Price

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 24-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3,563 kcal/kg, 374 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.8:1

In addition, ARA and DHA are in place to support healthy vision and brain function. This food is made without any grains, wheat, corn, soy, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, and flavors. Real meat is the number one ingredient, and a lot of dog owners turn to American Journey for their quality products.

Reviewers advised that it worked well on puppies with sensitive tummies too. An issue that most foods on the market face, some puppies refused to eat the kibble.

Pros

Supports healthy growth and development

Real meat is the number one ingredient

Contains no grains, wheat, corn, soy, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or flavorings

Cons

Some puppies don’t like the taste

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy gets the majority of its protein directly from chicken, as well as chicken meal and salmon meal. Wellness is a highly regarded brand in terms of quality and this large-breed puppy food scores high on the list for balanced and healthy nutrition for growing pups.

Supports healthy growth and development

Real meat is the number one ingredient

Contains no grains, wheat, corn, soy, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or flavorings

  • Supports healthy growth and development
  • Real meat is the number one ingredient
  • Contains no grains, wheat, corn, soy, by-product meals, artificial preservatives, or flavorings

Some puppies don’t like the taste

  • Some puppies don’t like the taste

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 30-pound bag

Caloric Content: 3,533 kcal/kg, 367 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphorus ratio 1.3:1

This food is developed without the presence of GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives. This formula contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and glucosamine. It truly is an all-encompassing puppy food that is loved by many.

Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy is a bit pricey but that is not so unusual with high-quality foods. Some owners did notice that it sparked itchiness in those with chicken allergies and some pups experienced digestive upset when transitioning.

Pros

No GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives

Most of the protein comes directly from chicken

Well-balanced source of nutrients for large breed puppies

Cons

Expensive

Not for dogs with chicken allergies

May cause digestive upset during food transition

Royal Canin makes this breed-specific puppy food that makes a great choice for Lab owners. After all, this formula is made specifically for Labrador puppies. This dry food is formulated to meet the needs of growing Labs between the ages of 8 weeks and 15 months of age.

No GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives

Most of the protein comes directly from chicken

Well-balanced source of nutrients for large breed puppies

  • No GMOs, meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives
  • Most of the protein comes directly from chicken
  • Well-balanced source of nutrients for large breed puppies

Expensive

Not for dogs with chicken allergies

May cause digestive upset during food transition

  • Expensive
  • Not for dogs with chicken allergies
  • May cause digestive upset during food transition

Type: Dry Food

Quantity: 30lb bag

Caloric Content: 3,584 kcal/kg, 308 kcal/cup

Calcium: Phosphate ratio 1.18:1

Owners love this food and have provided a variety of reviews stating they noticed soft and shiny coats, great energy levels, and healthy growth rates. In addition, this food is designed to promote proper nutrient absorption and to slow down the rate at which your puppy eats by promoting chewing and proper digestion. This can be very helpful since large breeds can suffer from bloat.

Royal Canin is notoriously expensive and while it is formulated specifically for Labs, the price leaves it at the bottom of the list. However, as one of the most respected brands and veterinarian recommended the world over it is a good choice for those with the budget to suit.

Pros

Aids digestion

Supports healthy growth

Made specifically for Lab puppies

Cons

Expensive

Aids digestion

Supports healthy growth

Made specifically for Lab puppies

  • Aids digestion
  • Supports healthy growth
  • Made specifically for Lab puppies

Buyer’s Guide – How to Pick The Best Puppy Foods for Labs

A dog’s nutritional needs will vary with each stage of life, which is why you will see so many pet food companies have special formulas for each life stage. Your Lab puppy is going to require a different balance of nutrients than an adult Lab.

Why Is Breed Important When Choosing a Dog Food?

A dog’s size and breed are huge factors when determining the best food, which is why we created this breed-specific list. Different dog breeds are susceptible to different genetic health conditions. Larger breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Nutrition plays a vital role in preventing certain health issues. In recent years concern has been raised about a possible link between grain free and non grain free diets that list legumes high on their ingredient list causing heart disease.  This may be of consequence to labradors as the breed is more prone to heart conditions than others.

Studies have shown that certain factors heavily influence these conditions, including feeding methods, the dog’s rate of growth, food consumption, and specific nutrients and electrolyte balances in their diet. This does not just include Labs, but owners of any large or giant dog breed should be aware of this important information so they can make the most well-informed decision.

Choosing the Best Food

While having a list of the best puppy foods is a great start, you still must narrow it down to one. So, how does one choose from a list of great choices? Below we will cover some of the most important things to consider before making your final choice.

What Does Your Veterinarian Recommend?

First and foremost, you should discuss your new puppy’s dietary needs directly with their veterinarian. A veterinarian will be the first to tell you how important the proper diet is for any pet’s overall health and well-being. Chances are that your veterinarian has dealt with purebred Labrador Retrievers many times before. Don’t be afraid to get their advice on what food is best for your pup, and make sure you discuss any dietary changes or questions with them anytime you are unsure.

Dog Food Brand

You want to ensure you are choosing a dog food brand that is reputable. Finding a brand that is made with veterinary nutritionists and is backed by scientific research is ideal. If a brand advertises that they participate in AAFCO feeding trials, this means they have invested in research to ensure there are no nutritional deficiencies in the food. Getting a balanced diet is very important for a puppy’s development and all brands do not offer the same quality.

Ingredients

The most important ingredients in your puppy’s diet are protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. The ingredients in any pet food will help you determine the quality of the food. Look for foods that contain real meat as the number one ingredient. Below is a list of ingredients that are best avoided:

Ingredients to Avoid

Propylene glycol

Corn syrup

BHA

BHT

Sodium nitrite

Nitrate

MSG

Artificial colors

Ethoxyquin

Quantity

Since your Lab is considered a large breed puppy, you may want to opt for larger bags so you are not making constant trips to the store for a new bag of food. Quantity will also play a huge role when you determine cost.

Propylene glycol

Corn syrup

BHA

BHT

Sodium nitrite

Nitrate

MSG

Artificial colors

Ethoxyquin

  • Propylene glycol
  • Corn syrup
  • BHA
  • BHT
  • Sodium nitrite
  • Nitrate
  • MSG
  • Artificial colors
  • Ethoxyquin

Cost

Cost is important when making purchasing decisions. Keep in mind that more high-quality puppy food may come with a higher price tag. It is very important not to skimp out on quality for cheaper food that is friendlier on your wallet. There are some reasonably priced good-quality foods out there, just remember to look at the label and consider the brand’s reputation. After all, your dog’s health is of the utmost importance.

Conclusion

While we like all those on this list, the Nutro Ultra Large Breed Puppy is our best overall choice. It not only comes with high-quality AAFCO standards but is also fairly priced. Purina ONE Smartblend Large Breed Puppy is a great option if you’re looking for food that provides good quality but is also easy on the wallet. Nom Nom Fresh is about as top-quality as you will find. Made from human grade-fresh ingredients, you can’t go wrong with the overall benefits of Nom Nom. Good luck in finding your Lab puppy their favorite new dish!

See also:

  • Best Puppy Foods at Petsmart– Reviews and Top Picks
  • 11 Best Canned & Wet Puppy Foods- Reviews & Top Picks
  • 10 Best Puppy Food for Pit Bulls – Reviews & Top Picks
  • 10 Best Grain-Free Puppy Foods – Reviews & Top Picks
  • 10 Best Affordable Dog Foods for Labs  – Reviews & Top Picks
  • 11 Best Dog Foods for Labs – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: SasaStock, Shutterstock