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

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 1 year old | 80 lbs

Does a large breed pup (Labrador in this case) necessarily need to be fed specifically large breed puppy food; or would a puppy food that is complete and balanced for large breed puppies and all life stages be okay? Cal and Pho is the same as the large breed specific food. Please see specific food I’m inquiring about in the photos. Is this a good choice for a Labrador or should I stick to Large breed specific only (I.e. Purina One for Large Breed puppies) once this bag of is finished.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Rebecca, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 8th, 2019

Thank you for using Petcoach (now Boop). Large breed puppy formula’s are formulated specifically for the slower growth of large breed dogs. Large breeds can develop orthopedic diseases such as hypertrophic osteodystrophy and panosteitis related to caloric intake, fat and protein. Large breed dog food have been developed to provide optimum nutrition while reducing the risk of these disorders. I would definitely recommend keeping Charlie on a large breed puppy formula. Parina pro plan is a great choice. Here is a bit more information. On large breed puppy formula. https://www.iams.com/pet-health/puppy-care/why-large-breed-puppy-formulas-are-different http://vetnutrition.tufts.edu/2017/02/confused-about-what-to-feed-your-large-breed-puppy-new-rules-may-help/

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    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!

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