English Labrador Nutrition is Just as Important as Human Nutrition
With all the different dog food available on the market, it is easy to get confused. But understanding your dog’s nutritional needs is as important as understanding human nutritional needs. While both your dog and you are omnivores, meaning that humans and dogs eat both meat and plants, your dog needs a diet that is a bit different from a human diet in a number of different areas. Picking a high-quality meat-based dog food can help you to meet your dog’s specific nutritional needs.
Protein and Fats
High-quality dog food typically lists types of meat as the first two to three ingredients on the label because meat is a very digestible source of protein and fat for your dog. The reason it should be at the start of the list of ingredients on the label is that manufacturers are supposed to list the ingredients in your dog’s food based on how much of the ingredient is in the food. So higher on the list should mean more of that ingredient in the dog food. The source of meat can be chicken, turkey, beef, lamb, bison, or fish - any type of animal meat that provides the base for that food. You may also see eggs listed lower on the list since they are also a great source of protein for your dog.
Carbohydrates
Your dog can also digest some carbohydrates from plant sources like rice, corn, wheat, oats, and barley. Looking at the label, these should be further down the list since they should be a smaller part of the dog food overall. Watch out for some brands of dog food that list multiple types of corn products as a way to avoid showing corn as the first product on the list. This type of ingredient splitting is often a mark of lower-quality dog food.
Vitamins and Minerals
Commercial dog foods are given a balanced combination of vitamins and minerals. They are usually listed by minimum amounts on the dog food bag. To make sure that you are purchasing dog food that has been verified to have the correct amounts of vitamins and minerals for your dog, look for a statement on the dog food bag that the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) has tested the dog food.
Concerns about Grain-Free Diets in Dogs
While there is a limited amount of research that has been done regarding grain-free diets in dogs, the FDA is investigating reports that a grain-free diet may lead to some dogs having canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). This heart condition can be serious, so talk with your vet before considering any grain-free dog foods.
Feeding Your Dog
Once you have picked a high-quality meat-based dog food, a good place to start is by feeding according to the directions. The goal is to help your dog to maintain a healthy weight and have the energy to be active. If you do not have a dog weight scale, learning to assess your dog’s body condition score can be helpful in making feeding decisions regarding your pet. The body condition scores are a good place to start assessing whether you need to add more food to your pet’s meals or to reduce their portion a little. Your veterinarian is also trained in dog nutrition, so they can help you assess your dog’s body condition and nutritional needs.
Most dogs do best on at least two meals a day to help avoid an upset stomach. With all foods, fresh, clean water should be available at all times.
Allergies
Using high-quality meat-based dog food often helps to avoid dog food allergies. But dogs can develop allergies to many different food ingredients. Watch out for persistent upset stomachs, chronically itchy skin, frequently licking paws, and in some dogs, recurring ear infections. If you think that your pet may have a food allergy, you should start by checking with your vet. They can diagnose your dog and also make suggestions regarding the next steps for identifying what ingredient might be the problem.
Our Recommendations
As experienced Labrador breeders, we recommend Royal Canin puppy and dog foods. We also recommend NuVet Plus® as a great supplement for the health and wellness of your dog that you can learn more about on our page on Labrador Puppy Health and Nutrition.
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The Importance of an Active, Healthy Lifestyle For Your Puppy
We believe that if your puppy starts their life off as healthy as possible, both you and your puppy will reap the benefits for their lifetime! We strongly encourage all our new puppy owners to read the information provided. It may be lengthy, but we feel that this is all critical information that every dog owner should know when bringing home a new furry family member!
Make Sure you Order Your NuVET PLUS!
We cannot stress enough to our new Smoky Mtn family to please do your part:
PROPER FEEDING by PROVEN FEED! We unapologetically have proven over and over again the success of Royal Canin in the first year of your puppy’s life.
PROPER SUPPLEMENTS from a PROVEN SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY of American-made products like Royal Canin for all your pup’s needs like Agility, Wellness, Skin, and Coat. Royal Canin is the supreme dietary supplement in the breeder world. We also recommend NUVET supplements, which we use constantly here at our own kennel with all of our puppies and older dogs for joint supplements.
PROPER CRATE TRAINING early on for the benefit of life-long enjoyment and the safety of your forever companion while you are away from home.
PROPER ISOLATION from all pet stores, pet parks, and public places until your new puppy has completed its final 12 weeks of shots and your puppy’s immunity is fully prepared for the outdoors and public places.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, we have a wonderful team here, and we are here for you and your pet during this amazing journey of owning a Smoky Mtn Puppy. We do our best to work with four of the LEADING Veterinarians in our city to ensure that you are taking home a completely healthy pup on day one. We highly recommend you do thorough research in finding a very qualified Veterinarian in your city.
At NuVet Labs®, they know that a major cause of poor health in our beloved pets is the lack of proper nutrition in their diets. This is the main reason they developed NuVet Plus®. NuVet Plus® is the culmination of 8 years of research and development, formulated with the goal of creating a nutrient-rich formula that would surpass mere vitamin replenishment. Instead, the supplement provides full-spectrum nutritional support that focuses on boosting your pet’s immune system and overall health.
Keeping your pet’s immune system strong is crucial in today’s environment. Household toxins, fertilizers, pesticides, and even many of today’s pet foods leave your pet’s immune system susceptible. Regular and even premium brand pet foods can contain toxins, bad bacteria, and “meat by-products” (an industry term for anything other than meat). Other common ingredients are fillers like corn, wheat, and barley. These food ingredients and other environmental factors are prime sources of poor health in your pet.
Their team of pet industry scientists, veterinarians, and medical specialists created NuVet Plus® to be a high-quality supplement that incorporates a precise formula of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs, and more. NuVet Plus® brings together vital ingredients that perform synergistically to help improve your pet’s health and keep them healthy. Their supplement is made using natural ingredients that are formulated in an FDA-registered facility using CGMP standards.
NuVet Plus® ingredients and nutrients are compounded to maintain their integrity and bio-digestibility for complete cellular infusion. They use special “paddle dried” whole chicken liver that provides vitamin potency, as well as a taste your pet will love. TO ORDER BY PHONE, call 1-800-474-7044, Order code # 487890
Your puppy’s health and nutrition are of utmost importance to us. We do extensive research on all of our local vets that care for Smoky Mtn litters, the food we feed our puppies and adult dogs, and the needs of English Labradors because we want your puppy to come home to you as healthy as possible. However, the importance of your puppy’s health does not stop once they go to their new home! We want to make sure that you have all the knowledge you need before you bring your new puppy home. We have provided crucial information that every puppy owner should know, and as always, our team is available to answer any other questions you may have!
WHY IS SPAYING AND NEUTERING IMPORTANT?
HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES MY DOG NEED?
IMPORTANCE OF PUPPY ISOLATION AND IMMUNIZATIONS
PSYCHOLOGY OF PUPPY PICKUP
AKC CRATE TRAINING TIPS
What should you feed your puppy?
We believe that a healthy puppy starts with a healthy diet; that is why we highly recommend quality food and supplements. For years, we have fed Royal Canin to our dogs, and they are considered a very reputable and high-ranking dog food. Royal Canin has committed to putting in the time and research to create a great line of dietary care for your puppy!
Keeping Your English Lab Hydrated Is of Utmost Importance
When planning a healthy diet for your English Lab, you must never neglect water. Just like humans, dogs require a consistent intake of water to maintain their bodily functions. Dehydration can lead to numerous health issues, so it's crucial to ensure your English Labrador Retriever has access to fresh water at all times. Place a bowl of water in an accessible location so that your canine food can live a hydrated, healthy life. Hydration is especially important for a very active dog, as they'll need all the water they can do to regulate their temperature and bodily functions.
The Important Nutrients Every Dog Needs
Vitamins
Vitamins and minerals are important components of any dog's diet. These essential nutrients are key to your English Labrador's overall well-being, supporting their immune system, bone health, and more. Dog foods specifically formulated for English Labrador retrievers will contain the right balance of vitamins and minerals to keep your canine friend in optimal health.
Protein
The protein content in your dog's food also plays an important role in their nutrition. Labrador retrievers are known to be very active dogs, and protein is vital for muscle development and overall energy levels. Therefore, feeding your English Labrador a diet with adequate protein ensures they'll be able to live an active and fulfilling life.
Fats
Fats are another essential element of a dog's diet, as they provide a concentrated source of energy and help support various bodily functions. As a result, including the right amount of fats in your English Labrador's diet is crucial for maintaining their weight and health. Commercial dog foods often contain the appropriate balance of fats for your dog's needs, but check the ingredient labels to make sure that there's enough for your English Lab.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are also an important component of a balanced dog's diet. While dogs primarily require protein and fats, carbohydrates can provide an additional source of energy. However, it's important not to overfeed carbohydrates, as an excessive amount can lead to weight gain.
Should Your English Labrador Eat Wet or Dry Food?
When it comes to feeding an English Labrador, many dog owners often wonder whether it's better to choose wet or dry food. Both options have their merits, but it largely depends on your dog's specific needs. In general, wet food is a good choice for puppies, older dogs, or dogs with dental issues, as it's easier to chew and can help with hydration. Dry dog food, on the other hand, is often more convenient and can even aid in dental health. To choose the best dog food for your individual English Labrador, it's important to understand their unique needs and preferences.
The Foods Your English Lab Should Ever Eat
While knowing what kinds of foods you should feed your English Lab is important for providing them with a healthy diet, you should also familiarize yourself with the foods that they should never eat. For example, you should never feed raw meat and cooked bones — cooked bones can splinter and cause serious health issues.
In general, avoid feeding your Labrador retriever any foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, and certain spices. You'll also want to be cautious of raw feeding, which is a popular but controversial trend, and understand the risks of a raw food diet. A commercial dog food designed for Labrador retrievers typically contains all the nutrients your dog needs and is a safer option for their nutrition than a raw diet.
Helpful Resources for New English Labrador Owners
The Smoky Mtn Method
New Puppy Owner Advice
For Further Information on English Labrador Nutrition, Call Us Today
If you need help picking the right food for Labrador Retrievers or want more details on how much food they should eat, don't hesitate to give us a call. The team at Smoky Mtn Labradors has years of experience breeding, training, and feeding English Labs and will be happy to share that knowledge with you to ensure that your new family member eats a balanced diet with essential vitamins.
