Every dog is unique – from their looks to their personalities, but also when it comes to their dietary needs.
Labrador Retrievers have traits distinct to their breed, some of which--size, activity and predisposition to certain health conditions--can impact their nutritional requirements. Here’s what that means for their diet.
Labrador Retrievers were originally bred for physically demanding activities – as their name suggests, their original role was to retrieve hunter’s prey, more specifically ducks, which involved running, swimming, and fetching in harsh weather conditions. Naturally, dogs who were bred for tough work such as being hunting companions may have more energy than others, and unfortunately, with modern life, they might not get to exercise as much as they should, which can contribute to obesity, as well as lead to joint issues.
Another thing that can be common with Labs is a tendency to overeat and eat too fast – both of which may be related to their high-activity past but nowadays may bring them health issues. They are notoriously prone to obesity and can quickly gain excess weight that might endanger their wellbeing.
They are also susceptible to allergies, both food and environmental, which can affect their skin and coat health, causing itchiness, dandruff, dull hair, and even hair loss. Their diet should be adapted to help support their skin and coat health, and if they are allergic or sensitive to certain foods, formulated to exclude these ingredients.
Their history as a working, sporting breed makes Labradors unique and dictates their dietary requirements, as well. While most Labs are energetic, not all of them are active enough, so their food should be formulated to be nutritionally dense but not fattening, as they can quickly gain weight and put additional pressure on their joints and hips.
Hips and joints can be a sore spot for the Labrador breed, as they may be more likely to suffer from joint and hip pain, and issues such as hip dysplasia, which is why it is a good idea to give them supplements or foods enriched with compounds that support joint and hip health.
To keep your pet’s beautiful coat glossy and their skin healthy, no matter if they’re a yellow, black, or chocolate Lab, you might need to tweak their diet as they age and their nutritional needs change.
They are also known as greedy eaters, so if you notice that your Labrador Retriever has a tendency to gobble down their food in seconds, you might want to work on their eating habits. Not only is eating too fast and too much not good for their digestion in general, but it can also cause various health issues. Slow-feeder bowls might be a good idea or feeding them multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than one big one.
Royal Canin is famed for their breed-specific formulas which cater specifically to certain breeds and meet their unique nutritional needs, and their Labrador Retriever formula is no different. Designed with every unique trait and quirk of Labs in mind, this dry food can help your Lab live their best life!
The precise amount of calories and fat that is tailored to Labrador Retrievers means your pet can maintain their healthy weight while still getting all of the necessary nutrients, and that their joints and hips won’t be under unnecessary pressure from excess weight. What’s more, as aching hips and joints are important for Labs, especially as they age, Royal Canin also includes EPA, DHA, and glucosamine inside their formula, to support healthy cartilage, and essential fatty acids that support cognitive health and a healthy immune response. There’s also an exclusive mix of nutrients that reinforce the skin barrier and help keep their coats and skin healthy and glowing.
And to really prove they are thinking about every single detail, Royal Canin made a special shape of kibble for Labrador Retrievers – the donut shape will encourage your pet to slow down and chew rather than gulp down everything at once. The product your Labrador Retriever needs to stay happy and healthy – all bundled up into a single kibble formula!
