The first Labradoodle was not intended to be a designer dog but a non-shedding functional guide dog. They still share 99.9% of their DNA with wolves, but whereas wolves are picky about what they eat, Labradoodles eat whatever they want.
However, if you don’t know what to feed your dog, he may grow ill, gain weight, or swallow something harmful. So, what is the finest Labradoodle diet?
Labradoodles should consume a protein-rich diet that includes chicken, turkey, beef, venison, duck, or fish. Nutrients can also be found in grains, fruits, and vegetables, such as brown rice, pumpkin, apple, peas, and carrots. Doodles also require fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber to be healthy.
In this article, I’ll go over the ideal diet to give your Labradoodle and which things they may and cannot consume. I’ll also go through the main dog food categories in greater detail so you know what to give your Doodle and how often. Let’s get this party started!
Labradoodle Nutritional Needs
Knowing what to give your puppy as a new Labradoodle parent might be difficult. Where do you even begin when there are so many options? Review what you need to know about the best Doodle diet to keep your dog fed, active, and healthy.
Labradoodles are small to medium-sized canines. When mating Labradoodles, a female Labrador is nearly always paired with a male Poodle since the female must be the larger of the two to ensure a safe birth. As a result, Labradoodles are nearly the same size as ordinary Labradors.
Larger dogs require more protein than smaller breeds. However, they require a sufficient amount of carbohydrates and good fats. Because Labradoodles were bred to be working dogs, they require high-quality food to meet their energy and cognitive demands.
Labradoodles require a high-quality protein-rich diet that contains 18-22% protein. They can also gain nutrients from cereals, fruits, and vegetables. On the other hand, Doodles must maintain the appropriate quantities of protein, lipids, carbohydrates, and fiber to maintain their boundless vitality.
Knowing what macronutrients your Labradoodle requires is essential for providing food that will promote his growth as a puppy while keeping his lively and playful character. Without the proper protein-to-fat or protein-to-carbohydrate ratio, your Doodle may grow overweight or even malnourished.
What you feed your Labradoodle varies on their age as well. Puppies, adults, and older people all have distinct nutritional requirements.
Select a diet based on your dog’s life stage when reading pet food labels. Multivitamins, joint support, and probiotics can be added to a Labradoodle’s diet.
Protein and Fat Ratios
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) establishes the minimum nutritional guidelines for dog food. Because the paperwork can be somewhat lengthy, here is my shortened version:
Puppies and pregnant or nursing females require at least 22% protein and 8% fat, whereas adults require 18% protein and 5% fat.
| Life Stage | Protein (Minimum) | Fat (Minimum) |
| Gestation/Lactation | 22% | 8% |
| Growth (puppies) | 22% | 8% |
| Adult Maintenance | 18% | 5% |
| All Life Stages*** | 22% | 8% |
Other feeding considerations based on age include:
Labradoodle Puppies
Hip dysplasia is rather frequent in a variety of medium-large breeds. It occurs when the thigh bone no longer fits correctly in the hip joint, resulting in arthritis and lameness. Because Labradoodles are prone to hip dysplasia, they should avoid consuming too much calcium when developing, as this can raise the chance of joint problems later in life.
Senior Labradoodles
Some senior dogs may require more protein than younger canines and may benefit from a diet with a greater protein-to-calorie ratio. Weight management and anti-inflammatory foods, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, may benefit older dogs with osteoarthritis. Always consult your veterinarian first to determine your pet’s best course of action.
Your Labradoodle’s dietary requirements vary depending on size, activity level, and overall health. As an example:
- An active and growing Labradoodle puppy may require twice as many calories as an adult.
- A pregnant or lactating female will require significantly more calories.
- A senior Labradoodle may need 15-20% fewer calories per day than a similar-aged dog.
Fortunately, dog food manufacturing has improved, so you no longer need to arrange your dog’s diet like a Hollywood actor seeking to lose 28 pounds for a role. You only need the fundamentals to select the best dog food package for your Labradoodle, which I provide here.
What Foods Can Labradoodles Eat?
The digestive tracts of dogs and humans are not the same. As a result, many foods that are safe for humans may be harmful to dogs. You must know your options when picking safe and nutritious food for your Labradoodle.
Most meats and proteins are acceptable to Labradoodles, including lamb, cattle, chicken, turkey, pork, fish, and eggs. Plant-based proteins, such as vegetables, grains, and legumes, can also be digested. Other than grapes, fruit pieces are also healthful.
In the “can’t eat” part, we’ll go over grapes and their dried varieties. But first, let’s look at each meal option available to Labradoodles.
Labradoodle Diet
Lamb
Labradoodles may eat lamb, a healthy primary food source for dogs. It includes vital amino acids and dietary fat, which help maintain growth and energy while promoting healthy muscles, skin, and coats. It also contains essential vitamins and minerals and is easily digestible by dogs.
With a few fruit-driven carbs in his diet, your Labradoodle can survive on a fully raw and organic diet if your wallet can handle it. Of course, you can boil the meat if you wish.
Beef
Labradoodles can consume beef. Many dog meals use lean beef as a protein source. It contains vitamins B6, B12, selenium, zinc, iron, riboflavin, and phosphorus, among other minerals. Beef aids in maintaining and growing muscular mass, maintaining a lustrous coat, and avoiding anemia.
In terms of macronutrient value, beef, and lamb are nearly identical. They differ in terms of flavor and cost. You can try out both options to discover which one your dog prefers. However, you’ll require external carbs, primarily from grains, fruit, or vegetables, like a lamb diet.
Fish
Labradoodles can consume fish, which is generally considered nutritious and is frequently used as an alternative protein source in dog food. Sardines are a wonderful choice because they are high in Omega-3. Salmon, sea bass, herring, cod, whitefish, tuna, and mackerel can also be fed to your Labradoodle.
Some fish, such as tuna, sea bass, and mackerel, have greater mercury levels, so feed them sparingly. Also, remember that fish can harbor parasite germs, which are normally eliminated during cooking.
Furthermore, fish bones might be an issue, and deboned fish can be costly. Still, fish should not be the primary protein source in your dog’s diet, but it is an excellent supplement. My dog like a little tuna or salmon in her food.
Pork
Labradoodles can consume raw or cooked pork. Pork is a high-protein source that is also quite tasty for dogs. It contains vitamins B6, B12, selenium, niacin, zinc, iron, and phosphorus, among other minerals. Pork proteins are full of amino acids ideal for constructing new muscles.
Avoid processed pig cuts like bacon, gammon, and sausage because they are heavy in fat, salt, and preservatives and will irritate your dog’s stomach. Raw pork is also prohibited because it contains trichinella parasites, which can infect both dogs and humans.
Chicken (and Turkey)
Labradoodles can consume chicken. Chicken (and turkey) are high in protein and provide energy, strong bones and muscles, and a variety of critical vitamins and minerals. They also include Omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial to the coat and skin of your Labradoodle.
Chicken and turkey are significant ingredients in commercial dog food and are less expensive than lamb or beef. However, if you want the best for your dog, avoid chicken meal and by-products containing ground bone, skin, neck, feet, intestines, and other by-products.
Eggs
Eggs are quite healthy for your Labradoodle. They are high in amino acids, which serve as the building blocks of protein. Iron, vitamin A, B2, B5, B12, folate, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, selenium, and fatty acids are among the nutrients found in these nutritious powerhouses.
Eggs are also beneficial to arthritic dogs. According to this study, Eggshell membranes dramatically enhanced joint function and reduced joint discomfort in dogs, resulting in a higher quality of life.
You can feed raw eggs if you follow all food safety requirements to avoid catching salmonella. However, the risk is low, and dogs have been eating raw eggs for hundreds of years, but you should be aware of the possibility and follow the best procedures.
Grains
Grain products, including oats, rice, whole wheat, and corn, are all edible to Labradoodles. Dogs may live on a diet high in grains because they are omnivores and carnivores. Grains supply carbs, lipids, antioxidants that maintain a healthy immune system, skin, and coat, and a wealth of nutrients.
Different grains have varying levels of nutrition. For instance, brown rice is usually preferable to white. Feed white rice if your dog has diarrhea because it helps bind the feces.
Avoid believing the fallacy that dogs should eat a diet free of grains and that grains cause allergies in dogs, as promoted by some pet food producers. Dogs seldom develop food allergies, but when they do, they typically react to proteins like beef, poultry, or lamb.
| Proteins for Labradoodles | Grains for Labradoodles |
| Beef | Wheat |
| Chicken and Turkey | Rice |
| Venison | Oats and Oatmeal |
| Lamb | Maize |
| Pork | Corn |
| Duck | Barley |
| Liver, Kidney & Heart | Rye |
| Whitefish | Quinoa |
| Salmon | Buckwheat |
| Tuna, Mackeral & Sea Bass | Millet |
| Eggs | Bulgar |
Fruits
Apples, strawberries, blackberries, bananas, pears, raspberries, and other fruits are edible to Labradoodles. They give them a lot of vitamins and minerals to strengthen their immune systems and keep them fit and healthy.
Please don’t make your Doodle rely solely on fruits to survive, vegan or not. Fruits cannot replace the protein in your Labradoodle’s diet because they only contain an average of 2% to 6% protein.
Fruits should be more of a supplement to your dog’s diet as a source of carbohydrates. Grapes, raisins, and other dried fruit substitutes should not be fed to animals.
Vegetables
Vegetables, including broccoli, green beans, carrots, pumpkin, peas, and sweet potatoes, are edible to Labradoodles. Veggies are a fantastic source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin A. They can be fed cooked, raw, or frozen foods.
Despite being high in carbohydrates, they have more protein than fruit. However, their macronutrient ratio can be employed as a complement to meat in your Doodle’s diet, the same as how fruits can.
Carrots are typically a favorite snack for Labradoodles since they enjoy the crunch. They help keep teeth and gums clean, which is fantastic for promoting dental health.
| Vegetables for Labradoodles | Fruits for Labradoodles |
| Artichoke | Apple |
| Asparagus | Apricot |
| Bell Peppers | Banana |
| Beets | Blackberries |
| Broccoli & Brussels Sprouts | Blueberries |
| Cabbage & Cauliflower | Coconut |
| Carrot | Cranberries |
| Celery | Cucumber |
| Corn | Dates |
| Cucumber | Kiwi Fruit |
| Eggplant | Mango |
| Green Beans & Peas | Melon |
| Lettuce & Kale | Nectarine |
| Parsnips | Peach & Plum |
| Pumpkin | Persimmon |
| Potato (cooked) | Olive |
| Rutabaga & Turnip | Pear |
| Spinach | Pineapple |
| Sweet Potato | Raspberries |
| Squash | Strawberries |
| Zucchini | Watermelon |
Dairy
Your Labradoodle can have some dairy products in moderation if he is not lactose intolerant. Protein, calcium, vitamin D, A, B12, zinc, magnesium, and selenium are all nutrients in dairy foods. They strengthen bones, lower the risk of diabetes, and could benefit your heart.
It’s recommended to test your dog’s tolerance for dairy meals in modest doses first. While some dogs have problems digesting milk, they can eat a few blobs of plain yogurt or little bits of cheese.
Commercial Dog Food
In addition to the foods above, you can feed commercial dog food to your Labradoodle. Labradoodles can eat various foods, including dry, moist, semi-dry, raw, dehydrated, and freeze-dried foods.
You must avoid choosing a food package for a breed other than Labradoodles with different macronutrient needs. The most amazing thing about commercial dog food is how much less expensive, easier to prepare, store, and serve than homemade dog food.
What Foods Can Labradoodles Not Eat?
Chocolate, macadamia nuts, black walnuts, onions, garlic, grapes, and avocado are off-limits to Labradoodles. Additionally, avoid giving a Doodle any alcohol, sugar, salty, or caffeine-containing meals. Fruit pits should be kept out of your dog’s reach because they are hazardous if consumed in large numbers and can result in choking.
The reasons for avoiding each “must avoid” food are listed below.
- Raw fish
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Sweeteners
- Grapes (& Raisins)
- Nuts
- Cooked bones
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Fruit pits
- Sugar
- Yeast Dough
- Moldy Food
You have two choices from the list of foods that you “must avoid.” The first step is to plan a Labradoodle diet that avoids those above. The second is to choose canned dog food.
It is challenging to create an organic diet for your Labradoodle because so many “allowed foods” conflict:
- Fruits are fine to give your Doodle but stay clear of the pits.
- Potatoes are acceptable to feed to dogs as long as they are neither raw nor green.
- Specific fruits, particularly grapes, and starfruit, can be poisonous to Labradoodles.
- You can give vegetables to your dog, but be careful with the garlic and onions.
- Fish can be given to dogs, but not if it is entirely uncooked.
Organic food is healthier than extruded kibble, which loses nutritional value when cooked at high temperatures. However, packaged dog food is simple to obtain, feed, and store.
Best Type of Dog Food For Labradoodles
After discussing specific foods that Labradoodles can and cannot eat, it’s time to examine the many varieties of dog food that you can feed your Doodle.
Dry Dog Food
Most Labradoodles enjoy dry dog food, but some refuse it. Dry dog food is specifically created to meet the energy requirements of a Doodle, provided it is of the highest quality and has a lower calcium content for puppies.
Dry food doesn’t require refrigeration, is less expensive, and lasts longer. It will be alright if you leave it out for a long time. Check out my most current investigation here, How Much Does Dog Food Cost a Month, if you’re searching for an estimate of monthly expenses.
Kibble is also beneficial for your dog’s teeth because it cleans them as it goes along, preventing tooth and gum issues.
Wet Dog Food
Try wet dog food instead of dry kibble if your Labradoodle rejects it because it has a significantly higher moisture content. While some larger dogs enjoy it, others prefer a little crunch. However, since you will need to offer a lot more for dogs the size of Labradoodles, canned wet food might be pricey.
Given that wet food has a high water content verify the protein amount. However, it might be suitable for dogs who don’t drink much water, have hydration issues, or have urinary issues.
Dry and Wet Mix
You get the best of both worlds with this food variety, one of the most popular for Labradoodles. Most Doodles prefer a wet and dry combination over dry or wet food. Changing the texture and palatability of dry food with a few scoops of wet food makes it more delicious for your dog.
If your dog is a picky eater or has a general loss of appetite due to sickness, add water to dry dog food to make it more palatable and easier to digest. I admit, my dog enjoys it when I add warm water to her kibble, turning it into a nice “gravy” or “porridge.”
Alternatively, top the kibble with anything like chicken, steak, fruit, vegetables, cheese, or plain yogurt. To give your dog more variety, remember to modify the calories.
Additionally, think about semi-moist dog food. As a result of its low nutritional content, high price, and addition of salt and sugar to extend its shelf life and retain moisture, it is unusual.
Homemade Dog Food
Not all wet dog food is produced in factories. You may make homemade dog food using any of the many dog chow recipes available. Given that they have complete control over what they feed their dogs, some dog owners prefer cooking at home for them.
A homemade diet can be time- and money-consuming to prepare, though.
If you intend to feed your Labradoodle at home, you should speak with a canine nutritionist to ensure it receives all the essential nutrients it needs. To help you locate one in your area, look through the American College of Veterinary Nutrition’s list of accredited veterinarian nutritionists.
Raw Dog Food
Of course, you can always buy your Labradoodle a top Wagyu steak if you understand the concept of giving chow made from leftover meat. Raw meat, organs, and bones are all part of a raw food diet. In recent years, this way of feeding your dog has become more and more well-liked.
A raw diet can be made at home, much like a home-cooked dinner (but raw), or it can be purchased already complete and balanced raw food, which is more practical.
If you decide to create a raw diet yourself, you must confirm with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist that you are giving your dog the right foods in the right amounts.
Dehydrated Dog Food
Because dehydrated dog food is technically dry (sometimes air-dried), it is frequently mistaken for dry dog food. To get the food into the proper serving form, you must, however, add water.
Because it uses a low-heat and gentle drying technique, dehydrated dog food is a nutritious and lightly processed feeding choice. It combines dry food’s practicality with raw food’s dietary advantages. Although it is far more portable and easy to store, it can be expensive.
Freeze-Dried Dog Food
Freeze-dried dog food is made in a facility, transported into its wet state, and then dried into solids that dissolve in water. At a lower temperature, it becomes dehydrated. This diet is the most “organic” dry dog chow because the nutrients are largely unaffected.
Once the food is enclosed in packaging, there is no moisture left for bacteria to survive, so it may take years for the food to decay. It is still uncooked when you purchase freeze-dried dog food. However, it is pricey and beyond the means of the majority of owners.
How Much Food Should a Labradoodle Eat?
Choosing how much food to feed your dog can be complicated. The amount of food your Labradoodle needs will mostly depend on size, age, activity level, metabolism, and general health.
For instance, a Labrador and Standard Poodle mix will require far more food than a much smaller Lab and Toy Poodle mix.
However, as the majority of Labradoodles are medium-sized dogs, the following is a general recommendation for a Labradoodle to get a sufficient amount of daily exercise:
A male adult Labradoodle requires 2 cups of dog food daily, one cup each meal. A smaller adult female needs two meals of 1.75 cups of dog food. A Labradoodle puppy requires 12 to 16 ounces of food per day, broken up into three meals at first and then two once the puppy reaches the age of six months.
Labradoodles typically have good weight management. Most people can tell when they are hungry and when to stop eating. However, certain dogs could be overly motivated by food and greedy, particularly if they have the POMC gene mutation, which makes Labradors more ravenous.
The truth is that there is no simple answer to the question of how much to feed your Labradoodle, but as long as you adhere to the recommendations on the container, you shouldn’t have any problems.
Labradoodle Feeding Schedule
When planning a healthy feeding schedule for your dog, consider the energy they use throughout the day. For instance, mini Labradoodles will expend energy faster than the regular kind.
To prevent canine bloat, providing one cup of dry dog food or its equivalent is recommended, and then waiting eight hours before giving another cup.
You must divide your Labradoodle’s intake into 3 or 4 meals when he is a puppy. Due to your schedule, not his, feeding your dog can be tricky. To avoid feeding your dog shortly before or right after a time of heavy activity, wait at least three hours before adding the next dish to the puppy’s bowl.
Labradoodle Puppy Meal Plan
Puppies require more frequent feedings because they require more calories for growth and energy.
Up until the age of three months, labradoodle puppies should be fed four meals daily. From six months until adulthood, they should be fed three meals daily.
| Age of Labradoodle | Daily Meals |
| 6 to 12 weeks | 4 |
| 12 to 24 weeks | 3 |
| 24 weeks onwards | 2 |
Conclusion
You now know the ideal diet for Labradoodles. Doodles are good at controlling their food intake but could be better at spotting rotten food. If you buy high-protein food, your dog will get the balance he needs.
Effective pet care necessitates a good diet to preserve your Labradoodle’s health and ability to respond to disease and injury; therefore, here are some suggestions on what to give your Labradoodle: Adapt your dog’s food to their stage of life. Pick a dog food variety that works with your schedule. Purchase the best dog food that you can afford.
