Labrdoodles are one of the popular varieties of Doodles in the world.
Along with the Goldendoodle cross breed, Labradoodles are one of the most common hybrid dogs thanks to their friendly and playful personalities.
The Labradoodle can also have a coat that possesses hypoallergenic qualities, which is to say it wouldn’t shed a lot if at all.
Just like any dog irrespective of breed or cross breed, Labradoodles can be picky eaters or fussy with their food.
If you own a Labradoodle or you’re thinking about getting a Labradoodle puppy, you could be wondering about the different dog food options for your designer dog.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best dog food for Labradoodles, examining some of the dog food delivery, dry food and raw food options available to pet parents.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. The content of our articles does not constitute veterinary advice. It’s always best to speak with your vet or a certified pet nutritionist before making any changes to your pet's diet or feeding routine.
Let’s dive into some of the best dog food options for Labradoodle options.
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Best Dog Food For Labradoodle
Labradoodles are one of the designer breeds that have taken the world by storm since their introduction in the early 1990s.
They were created for the purpose of acting as assistance dogs for people with disabilities who also have allergies to pets.
Labradoodles are a mixed breed with high energy levels so they’ll need a balanced and complete diet to fuel their active lifestyles.
Most Labradoodles will display a big appetite but some Labrador Poodle crosses could be picky eaters or have intolerances to certain food types.
I’ve experienced the stress of owning fussy eaters given my Alaskan Klee Kai can be extremely picky where their food is concerned.
I previously fed by Klee Kai store-bought kibble but they soon grew tired of these meals even when I changed between brands.
By chance, a Samoyed owner introduced me to the concept of dog food delivery companies in 2018. These companies provide fresh meals that are balanced and complete using high grade ingredients. They’re also formulated by vets.
To my delight, my Alaskan Klee Kai were obsessed with these fresh meals and we haven’t looked back since making the switch. They finish their food, while I’ve noticed other benefits like better energy levels, less tear stains, less shedding as well as clearing up their stomach issues.
While this is my personal experience feeding my dogs these types of meals, you may be interested in giving a dog food delivery company a try. I’ve tested some of the best options in the USA and my preferred option is Nom Nom.
RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies
Having moved to the UK in 2019, I have also reviewed the leading dog food delivery options in Great Britain. We believe Butternut Box are the best value option for British dog owners.
RELATED: The five leading dog food delivery companies in the UK
Dog Food Delivery Companies
Semmy the Labradoodle (Photo: @doodle.semmy / Instagram)
You may be a Labradoodle owner who has been forced to revaluate your Doodle’s meals due to an unforeseen bout of illness.
Perhaps your Labradoodle is a fussy eater and you’ve tried every option at your local pet store or supermarket.
Maybe you want to make the switch to balanced, complete and fresh meals given we, as pet parents, are careful to eat a healthy diet.
We appreciate the service that dog food delivery companies provide given they use fresh and natural ingredients that you’ll recognise. There’s no mystery additives, fillers or nasties in their food.
These dog food delivery companies usually source their fruit and vegetables from local producers, while their high-grade meat is responsibly sourced and USDA-approved.
During our extensive research on dog food deliveries, we were encouraged to see that they usually employ the services of a vet or vet nutritionist to ensure their meals are properly formulated.
These dog food delivery companies will ask you to fill out a questionnaire about your Labradoodle to ensure they get all the key details required to tailor their meals to your Labradoodle’s specific needs.
They usually use pre-portioned packaging or customised scoopers to ensure your pup gets the right amount of food at mealtime. After all, it would be counterproductive ordering custom meals if you get the portion size incorrect.
Feeding my Alaskan Klee Kai was never easier given I only had to worry about defrosting the food, ripping the pre-portioned pouch open and pouring the contents in the dog bowls. It really is as simple as that. There’s no messing about with scales or utensils.
My mini huskies have historically struggled with stomach issues due to their sensitive digestive system and pickiness at mealtime but these health problems were a thing of the past after I made the switch to a dog food delivery company.
RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies
Reasons To Try Dog Food Delivery Companies
Alaskan Klee Kai Copper and Skye with their Butternut Box delivery (Photo: @lifewithkleekai / Instagram)
If you’re giving some serious thought about making the switch to a dog food delivery company, here are some of the reasons why I believe you should consider a subscription to these fresh meals.
• Freshly Prepared – The best dog food delivery companies use fresh fruit and veg as well as high-grade meat in their meals. They’ll usually have a kitchen where your dog’s custom meals will be cooked before being shipped to your door.
• Customised – One of the big advantages of signing your Labradoodle up to a dog food delivery company is their meals will be tailored to meet your Doodle’s needs. They’ll ask for the basic details as well as some additional information to ensure they can customise your Labradoodle’s meals.
• Recipe Variety – If you’ve got picky eaters like my Klee Kai, you’ll appreciate having a lot of recipe variety to keep your Labradoodle guessing about what meal will be in their bowl that particular night.
• Formulated By Vets – Labradoodle owners can have peace of mind knowing that their dog is getting balanced and complete meals given dog food delivery companies usually have a vet or pet nutritionist to formulate their recipes.
RELATED: The five leading dog food delivery companies in the UK
• Portion Control – It would be counterproductive to feed your Labradoodle these custom meals only to get the portion size wrong and give your designer dog too much food. We like when these dog food companies use pre-portioned pouches.
• Perfect For Picky Pups – I was skeptical about whether my dogs would like these custom meals when I signed up for their dog food delivery service. However, my dogs loved these meals, licking their bowls clean.
• Reliable Deliveries – If you’re placing your trust in a dog food delivery company to provide meals for your four-legged pal, dog food delivery companies will need to deliver regular meals that arrive on time.
• Flexible – As we all know, life can get in the way. Dog food delivery companies usually offer a flexible subscription plan so you can cancel or pause if your circumstances change.
Best Tailored Dry Food For Dogs
UnKibble by Spot & Tango (Photo: Spot & Tango)
I’m a big believer in the benefits of a dog food delivery company. However, some Labradoodle owners may prefer to stick to kibble if that’s what their Labradoodle is accustomed to eating.
If you’re reluctant to make the switch to fresh meals, you can still feed your Labradoodle a balanced and complete diet using tailor-made kibble free from nasties.
We’ve reviewed a number of dry food companies that customise their kibble to ensure your dog’s specific needs are met whether you’ve got an active or chill Labradoodle.
These dry food companies will only use fresh ingredients in their kibble to ensure your dog is getting all the necessary minerals and nutrients required in their diet.
Crucially, these dog food delivery companies won’t use any mystery ingredients in their custom kibble. They’re free from unwanted additives or fillers.
They allow pet parents to stick to a dry food diet but shift their dog’s diet into the 21st century if Labradoodle owners have previously fed their furry pooch kibble bought from the pet store and supermarket.
With regards to signing up a to a dry dog food company that provide custom meals, it’s similar to dog food delivery companies. They’ll usually require Labradoodle owners to fill out a questionnaire to learn more about your designer dog.
Once they’ve learned all the key details about your Labradoodle, they’ll be able to put forward a meal plan for your Doodle to promote a balanced and healthy diet.
We’ve reviewed some of the leading dry dog food companies in the USA. Our top picks are UnKibble by Spot & Tango and Hungry Bark. You can check out our top six selections via the link below.
RELATED: The six best tailored dry food options for dogs
Best Raw Dog Food
Raw dog food (Photo: Adobe)
You’ve probably encountered the concept of raw dog food. There are a lot of owners who believe in the benefits of a raw-fed diet. Our contributor Claire feeds her Samoyed Sally a raw diet.
A raw dog food diet usually involves feeding your Labradoodle raw meat with some fruits and vegetables. Advocates of a raw diet will usually explain that they feed their dogs raw food because that’s what their ancestors would have eaten in the wild.
Most raw dog food companies will provide a raw diet comprised of organ meat, muscle meat, whole ground bone, raw eggs, dog-safe fruit and vegetables. They’ll add some minerals and vitamins.
It’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with a raw-fed diet for your dog. In doing so, you can make a fully informed decision about whether this is the right choice for you and your Labradoodle.
Raw dog food companies should carry out bacteria tests on their products given bacteria in raw food can pose a threat to human health and dog health.
Generally, it’s no advisable to opt for raw dog food if you live in a home with an immunocompromised person or young children.
The FDA provide a list of tips and information about raw pet food so you can learn more about this controversial type of dog food before you make a decision about whether it’s the right choice for you and your Labradoodle.
We’ve reviewed some of the leading raw dog food companies who are operating in the USA right now. You can read our extensive raw dog food guide via the link below.
RELATED: The five best raw dog food companies
Labradoodle
Bram the Labradoodle (Photo: @labradoodle_bram / Instagram)
Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. The result is a dog that is intelligent, energetic, playful and sociable.
Given their active lifestyles, Labradoodles will need a balanced and complete diet to be properly fueled to ensure they remain mentally and physically stimulated.
Are Labradoodles Picky Eaters?
Oreo the Labradoodle (Photo: @oreodoodledo / Instagram)
Labradoodles, just like any other dog, can be picky eaters. Most Labradoodles will have a big appetite but this isn’t always the case.
In our feature on the Labradoodle, we spoke to some Labradoodle owners about whether they’ve experienced this particular issue.
Alfie recently switched Oreo (@oreodoodledo) onto Butternut Box after his Labradoodle became picky with kibble.
I think it depends on the individual dog.. At the moment, Oreo is fussy. We’re transitioning him onto Butternut Box at the moment which he seems to like better than kibbles. It’s a lot of trial and error if you have a fussy dog but you will eventually find food and a routine that works.
Labradoodle Exercise Requirements
Copper and Lily the Labradoodles (Photo: @copper.and.lily / Instagram)
As we mentioned above, Labradoodles can have different needs. If you’ve got a Labradoodle that works as an assistance dog that is using it’s brain and working throughout the day, they may have a bigger appetite than a Labradoodle accustomed to being a lapdog.
By providing a dog food company with your dog’s energy levels in their questionnaire, they’ll be able to tailor their food to meet your Labradoodle’s specific needs.
Sonja gave us an insight into Semmy’s (@labradoodlesemmy) energy levels.
Semmy is not very active, I would say less than is usual. If we do not take her out she is okay with sleeping all day. Often it is the case that if the owner of the pet likes to live an active lifestyle your dog will be raised in this environment and thus like an active life as well!
Labradoodle Health
Labradoodles Mango and Savanna (Photo: @labradoodlemystique / Instagram)
It’s often suggested that cross breeds are healthier dogs given their diverse genetic make up. However, Labradoodles, just like any type of dog, can still suffer with some health issues. They could have a potential allergy or intolerance to certain types of food. If you suspect your dog make be allergic to a food source, you should contact your vet to learn more. You could also supplement your vet’s advice by purchasing a dog allergy kit.
Savanna and Mango’s mom (@labradoodlemystique) added:
They can inherit health issues that may be prevalent with Poodles or Labrador Retrievers, hip and elbow dysplasia. However, a good breeder will have genetically tested and provide health certification/verification.
Anything Else To Consider?
Semmy the Labradoodle (Photo: @doodle.semmy / Instagram)
If you want learn more about the Labradoodle and their eating patterns, we recommend speaking to current owners of the cross breed. In our experience, owners on Instagram are more than happy to offer helpful advice.
We recommend speaking to your vet to learn more about Labradoodle diet as well as ask about making the switch to a new type of food if you’ve decided to go with one of the options that we mentioned above.
It’s usually advisable to make a transition to a new dog food over the course of two weeks. If you make a dramatic switch, it could leave to potential stomach problems.
This article does not constitute expert advice and we recommend contacting your vet if you have any concerns or issues. You can also reach out to the company you’re thinking about subscribing to as they’ll usually have experts on hand to offer advice.
In Conclusion
Bram the Labradoodle (Photo: @labradoodle_bram / Instagram)
We’ve reached the end of our feature on the best dog food for Labradoodles.
We’re big believers in dog food delivery companies that provide fresh meals delivered direct to your doorstep. We like that these companies only use fresh fruit and veg combined with high grade meat to ensure your dog is only getting the best ingredients in their meals.
Their dog food is usually formulate by vets so Labradoodle owners can have peace of mind knowing that their precious pooch is eating meals that are balanced and complete. The fact that they’re shipped to your door can remove the hassle of going to the pet store or supermarket to pick up dog food.
Our top picks are Nom Nom (USA) and Butternut Box (UK) but you can read our extensive guide below.
RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies
If you’ve traditionally fed your Labradoodle dry food, there are some dry dog food companies that use fresh ingredients to create their custom kibble for your four-legged friend. We were particularly impressed with UnKibble and Hungry Bark.
RELATED: The six best tailored dry food options for dogs
There is also raw dog food that some Labradoodle owners may prefer. However, this particular type of pet nutrition is controversial and comes with some risks. We recommend you do a lot of research on raw diets so you can make an informed decision.
RELATED: The five best raw dog food companies
Having experienced owning picky eaters, I really believe in the value of tailored dog food to help curate your dog’s interest in their meals again. If your Labradoodle is fussy, you may find one of the options mentioned in this feature can help trigger their interest in their dog food once more.
