The beloved original labrador puppy has many endearing characteristics. Well-reputed as a loving family pet, brilliant and easily trained, but equally known for their destructive behavior if they do not get the exercise and attention they desire. Their square-like appearance makes them solid and sturdy, seeming more significant than they are.
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Labs love to work, which is what they were bred for, and their favorite job is- as the name suggests- retrieving. Other jobs they excel at include search and rescue, service and support dogs, and law enforcement roles. Labrador puppies are naturally exuberant and should be trained to tone it down.
Once well-trained, they enjoy other pets and children. Very affectionate, excitable, and friendly, it is easy to see why these dogs are America’sAmerica’s favorite choice for a family pet. They are incredibly athletic and love energy-burning activities like swimming, agility training, hiking trails, dock diving, retrieving, and obedience training.
Health Facts
Labrador retrievers are generally considered healthy, with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Any responsible breeder will do the necessary screening and testing for the commonly associated health concerns to help new owners choose the right puppy. Some ailments related to this breed are joint dysplasia (usually of the hip or elbow), heart conditions, eye conditions such as progressive atrophy, hereditary myopathy, which is the weakness of the muscles, and a known disease as exercise-induced collapse.
Just like with some other large breed dogs, they are also at risk of the inflammatory stomach condition called bloat, which can be life-threatening. Hip dysplasia is an excellent risk to Labrador puppies and may be caused directly by what they are fed.
Causes include overfeeding, excessive calcium intake, and genetics. Good owners would educate themselves on the symptoms of these common conditions in case they occur and the treatments to follow. The national Breed Club recommends some health screening be done by breeders so that they plan to breed to minimize the chances of these diseases occurring.
Nutrition
It’sIt’s crucial to ensure your dog is getting all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients they need from their food. When it comes to nutrition, your Labrador puppy has unique requirements. A high-quality, nutrient-dense formulation of either dry kibble or wet food is recommended. A raw diet of homemade food is also an option, as long as the recipes are reviewed and approved by your veterinarian. A good balance of the necessary vitamins, proteins, fats, and minerals is sufficient to support your Labrador puppy’s growth.
Calorie consumption should be monitored if the dog seems prone to becoming overweight. This is important to note as treats are a very effective learning tool but may lead to obesity if left unchecked. It is essential to balance their food intake with a good training and exercise schedule as arthritis, physical injury, pancreatitis, diabetes, cancer, impaired movement, kidney disease, and a shortened life span are all associated risks of overweight, overfed Labs.
Training And Exercise
The Labrador Retriever puppy is a high-spirited, vibrant breed that needs loads of exercise daily. A original Labrador puppy who doesn’tdoesn’t get enough exercise is likely to become frustrated and present with destructive, hyperactive, and unwanted behavior like scratching furniture, biting linen or pillows, barking, and excessive running as they seek to release the built-up energy. Luckily, these dogs love pleasing their owners and take to training and housebreaking very quickly. They need to be socialized from a young age to get along well with other pets and young children, as they are a top choice of companions for families.
Choosing Original Labrador Puppy Food
With so many alternatives on the market, selecting the best brand of Labrador puppy food may seem intimidating, but it is more straightforward once you know what to look for. It is suggested to eat veterinary-grade food, although some commercial brands also have good content and are considerably more affordable.
All dogs benefit from eating food formulated for their development stage. Puppies need different amounts of nutrients in their food than an adult or senior dogs, so food choices should always be age appropriate. The kibble’s size and texture usually also differ with the age range to best suit the dog’sdog’s current stage.
The dog’s age is so emphasized because Labrador puppies, specifically, are at risk of developing lifelong, crippling complications in their joints if they have foods that are too calcium dense, such as adult food, would be. Since puppies, adults, and old dogs have varied nutritional needs, the proper meal depends on the dog’sdog’s age. The right amount of certain nutrients from their meal benefits their digestion, skin, coat, stamina, cognition, and joints. Additionally, as they are known to be active dogs, they require enough fresh water to keep their body hydrated.
When choosing their food, it is essential to consider their activity and growth needs—also taking into account to pick a food with a lower carbs count to avoid excessive weight gain.
The Top 5 Labrador Puppy Food
With the critical calcium content criteria in mind, these foods are considered the best and healthiest Labrador puppy food. Some Labradors take up to 24 months to fully develop into adult dogs, so be sure to have a vet’svet’s approval before transitioning them to adult food.
Veterinarians approve of the following brands when picking the best Labrador puppy food:
- Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula for its balanced protein-to-fat formulation.
- NomNom Fresh. A human food recipe of beef mash and other safe foods.
- American Journey Large Breed is safe for adults and puppies with a perfect calcium-to-phosphorus ratio.
- Orijen Original Dog Food is an all-stages, meat-flavored favorite.
- Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy is the breeder and vet’svet’s choice for its specific formulation.
Feeding Guidelines for Original Labrador Puppy
It is no secret that original labrador puppy love eating. They may easily overdo it if not kept in check. Studies have shown that dogs fed the recommended amount that maintains optimal physical condition have an increased life span of up to two years compared to dogs that are over or under-fed. Kibble bags and wet food cans come with recommended portions printed on the cover. Always start with these amounts.
Videos are available online to educate you on what to look for before adjusting these amounts. It is also essential to consult with your veterinarian if you suspect overfeeding or obesity as early as possible. Your vet may recommend switching to a particular weight control formulation and increased exercise. The recommended meal intervals are:
- Three hours for four meals for the first three months.
- Four hours for three to six-month-old pups.
- 6 to 7 hours for two meals from six months onwards.
Conclusion on Original Labrador Puppy
Fiercely friendly, kind, and loving dogs, it is a privilege as much as a responsibility to own one of these beautiful dogs. Part of this is choosing the best Labrador puppy food. It takes commitment and genuine love for the breed to give them the best possible life.
