Labrador Retrievers are known for their playful nature, loyalty, and, yes, their bottomless appetites. But with great appetite comes great responsibility—especially when it comes to their health and nutrition. If you’re wondering what to feed your Labrador Retriever to keep them happy, healthy, and full of tail wags, you’re in the right place. At Petdirect, we get Lab! We’ll help you find the best food tailored to your Labrador’s needs, with expert advice to match.
Why Nutrition Matters For Labrador Retrievers
Labradors are active dogs with solid frames and big hearts, which means they need a balanced diet to match their energy levels and support their joints. Unfortunately, they’re also prone to weight gain, so choosing the right food—quality over quantity—is key.
At any life stage, your Lab’s diet should include:
- High-quality animal proteins for strong muscles
- Omega fatty acids to support skin and coat health
- Fibre and prebiotics for digestive wellbeing
- Glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support
Whether your pup is a playful puppy, a busy adult, or a graceful golden oldie, nutrition needs to evolve with them.
The Best Food For Labrador Puppies
Labrador puppies are bundles of bouncing energy that grow rapidly, so they need calorie-dense, nutrient-packed food to support healthy development. Choose puppy-specific formulas that cater to large breeds, which help manage their growth rate and support developing joints.
Great puppy food options include:
- Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Puppy – gentle on the tummy and packed with DHA for brain development
- Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy – breed-specific kibble tailored to how your Lab eats and grows
- Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed Chicken – high-protein formula with added joint support
You can find more options in our full puppy food range here.
Healthy Adult Labrador Diet Options
Once your Lab hits 12–18 months, it's time to transition to an adult formula that supports their daily energy levels and maintains a healthy weight. Look for formulas rich in protein and fibre and low in unnecessary fillers.
Some popular adult options include:
- Black Hawk Original Adult Chicken & Rice – natural, no-nonsense nutrition from Aussie-raised ingredients
- ACANA Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food – excellent balanced nutrition with high-quality animal ingredients perfect for adult Labradors.
- ZIWI Chicken Wet Dog Food – a nutrient-dense, highly palatable wet food that’s great for adult Labs, especially picky eaters or those needing extra hydration.
- Wild Paw Adult Chicken, Beef, or Active Kangaroo Dry Dog Food – a Petdirect-exclusive range made with real meat, designed to support everyday health, strong muscles, and active energy levels
If you’re after convenience and flexibility, our Autodeliver service makes sure you never run out of your Lab’s favourite meals.
Senior Labrador Nutrition Needs
As your dog enters their golden years (usually around age 7), their metabolism slows and joint care becomes a top priority. Switching to a senior-specific diet can help maintain their weight, energy, and mobility.
Look for foods with:
- Lower fat and calories to prevent weight gain
- Enhanced joint support (glucosamine, chondroitin)
- Antioxidants to support ageing immune systems
Try options like Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ or Hill’s Science Diet Adult 6+ for Large Breeds. You can also top up their nutrition with joint-friendly supplements designed for senior dogs.
Things To Avoid Feeding Your Labrador
Labradors love to eat just about anything, but that doesn’t mean they should. Common food dangers in NZ include:
- Cooked bones – they can splinter and cause harm
- Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and xylitol – all toxic to dogs
- Excessive fat – avoid too much bacon or table scraps to prevent pancreatitis
Need healthy snacks for a food-motivated Lab? Explore treats made for dogs from trusted brands like Nutreats and K9 Natural.
How To Choose The Right Food For Your Lab
Every Lab is a little different, so it’s smart to factor in their age, weight, allergies, and preferences. Not sure where to start? Look for top-rated picks trusted by other Kiwi pet parents in our Top Rated Picks collection.
If you're switching your Lab’s food, remember to transition slowly over 7–10 days by mixing the new food with the old one. This helps avoid tummy upsets during diet changes.
Your dog might also enjoy meal toppers for added flavour and nutrition. And for hydration on the go, consider investing in one of our smart water fountains designed for dogs.
We Get Lab – And We’ve Got Their Nutrition Sorted
Feeding your Labrador Retriever is about more than full tummies—it's about fuelling their joy, energy, and lust for life. At Petdirect, we believe that healthy dogs are happy dogs, and we’re here to help you at every life stage, with expert advice, trusted brands, and convenient services like Autodeliver.
Start exploring our full range of dog food and treat your Lab to the nutrition they deserve.
Want to know more about your Labrador bestie? Check out our full Labrador dog breed profile.