Is large breed puppy food essential for my Labrador's healthy growth?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  I was taught by my professors (who were specialist in the field) hat large breed puppies should eat a large breed puppy formula until they are at least 1 year old. As you can see, on your label it indicates the minimum amount of Ca and Ph but it does not indicate the maximum, all that you know is that it minimally has that amount. Typically there will be differences in the amount of calories and protein as well.
  All life stages are either feeding essentially a regular puppy food or a normal adult dog food. The main issue I see with this of food is that is can cause adult dogs to get heavy because it has the calorie content for a growing puppy.
  Given that Charlie is now one year old, you are likely fine to feed an adult dog food and I recommend to stick with a large breed formula as it has a lower calorie content and additives for joint health.
  In general, my favorite brand of dog food is an easy to digest food such as Royal Canin. Many dogs who eat this diet have nice coats, good stool quality and low stool quantity (which indicates not a lot of fillers in the diet). They do make a formula specific for Labs so it's breed specific nutrition. I also like Purina ProPlan and Hill Science diet.
  I hope this helps to point you in the right direction!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 8th, 2019

  I was taught by my professors (who were specialist in the field) hat large breed puppies should eat a large breed puppy formula until they are at least 1 year old. As you can see, on your label it indicates the minimum amount of Ca and Ph but it does not indicate the maximum, all that you know is that it minimally has that amount. Typically there will be differences in the amount of calories and protein as well.
  All life stages are either feeding essentially a regular puppy food or a normal adult dog food. The main issue I see with this of food is that is can cause adult dogs to get heavy because it has the calorie content for a growing puppy.
  Given that Charlie is now one year old, you are likely fine to feed an adult dog food and I recommend to stick with a large breed formula as it has a lower calorie content and additives for joint health.
  In general, my favorite brand of dog food is an easy to digest food such as Royal Canin. Many dogs who eat this diet have nice coats, good stool quality and low stool quantity (which indicates not a lot of fillers in the diet). They do make a formula specific for Labs so it's breed specific nutrition. I also like Purina ProPlan and Hill Science diet.
  I hope this helps to point you in the right direction! Please feel free to post any additional questions.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful