When choosing the food for your Labrador retriever you should put more effort into it than just buying the cheapest dog food on the shelf. Your Labrador Retriever’s health should not be determined by your random choice of dog foods. Every dog’s nutritional health is directly related to the type of food they eat on a daily basis. A lab should have a diet high in protein but it should also include carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Your local grocery store is not always the best supplier of your dog’s food. Most grocery stores carry the least expensive dog food brands, these brands usually advertise a great deal on television and will seem very familiar to you when you’re looking at them at the grocery store. But if you talk with your veterinarian regarding what food is best for your Labrador they will most likely not refer you to your local grocery store to make your purchase.

The three types of food that your Labrador may use in any combination for their diet include: canned, semi-moist, and to dry. Another type of food that your lab may receive is the leftover food from your table; these should only be an occasional treat. None of these types of dog food should be used exclusively as they can present nutritional problems for your dog. A balanced combination of all these types of dog food will work best for your dog’s digestive system and their overall health.

Dry dog food is often recommended by your veterinarian, you can use this type of food and combine it with a little bit of table scraps or canned dog food to make a balanced and delicious diet for your dog. Too much table scraps will defeat the purpose of buying a balanced well-made dry dog food as will too much canned dog food. Table scraps are made of very high caloric fatty foods usually and will not add much to your dog’s nutritional diet. Canned dog foods are made of mostly water and will also not add much to your dogs diet.

At your next veterinarian appointment discuss your ideas for your dogs diet. Your vet should be able to help you decide on a nutritious and delicious diet that will keep your Labrador retriever healthy and happy. Although your veterinarian may recommend a brand of dog food that they sell in their office, be sure to ask them what brand they would recommend you buy from your local dog supply store. Most dog supply stores will carry a variety of types of canned and dried foods ranging in qualities equal to that of the brand your veterinarian is selling. Take your time and do your research to find the dog food that works best for your pet without causing increased stomach problems or other digestive issues.

Feel free to test a variety of foods but always use one main food as the base. For instance once you choose the dry dog food that you like you can add small samples of canned food to see which one your dog enjoys the most. But do not change your dog’s whole diet at one time, that will cause digestive problems for your lab.

Written by Jake Peterson of Oh My Dog Supplies – your source for sturdy wooden dog steps