Diet and Nutrition Tips for your Lab

In This Section:

Feeding Your Lab

Recommended Dog Food:

Important Announcement!

We have previously been recommending Nutro Natural Lamb & Rice products, but for various reasons we are now using  "Life's Abundance"  dog food products. Click here to learn more about Life's Abundance and why we decided to switch to their products. 1 BIG Plus, is that UPS Delivers this food to your Door. And, If you sign up for the "Auto-Ship" delivery, you will NEVER run out. Because, it's never a "Good Time" to run out and buy Dog Food.

 Delivered to your Door, Via UPS,   And we love good service!

We had a short run, using a good kibble from Costco, and every few days, we had to roll a BIG cart through the "Costco Traffic". Then the warm weather came, and half the kennel ended up up with Hot Spots. Yuck! And the poor itchy dogs!

Life's Abundance foods are made with the finest ingredients, including:

• A proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals
• High-quality protein from chicken meal for strong muscles
• An antioxidant system including vitamins A, C and E.
• A selection of nutritious vegetables and fruits.
• Omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and strong bones
• Dietary fiber to help maintain a healthy digestive tract.
  
  Since we use only wholesome ingredient, this formula contains:
• No artificial flavors
• No artificial colors
• No corn or corn gluten
• No wheat or wheat gluten
  
  Life's Abundance delivers concentrated nutrition in every bowl.
• A balanced blend of calcium and phosphorous to support growing and aging bones.
• Our kibble has tested extremely positively with both puppies and adult dogs, regardless of breed or size.
• Optimal protein levels for growing puppies and adults.
• Unique blend of antioxidants that support dogs throughout their life cycle.

Choose Life's Abundance for your dog because a recipe for a better life is more than meeting minimum requirements. 

If you ever have to switch dog foods, remember to blend the new to the old

Other High Quality Foods:

• Authority
• Beneful
• California Natural
• Canidae
• Chicken Soup For The Dog/Puppy Lover's Soul
• Diamond
• Eagle Pack
• Evolve
• Exceed
• Flint River Ranch

• IAMS
• IVD
• Innova
• Natural Balance
• Nature's Menu
• Old Mother Hubbard
• Royal Canin
• Solid Gold
• Wellness

Feeding Schedule

Begin Each Day, with a NuVet vitamin Supplement

FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR PUPPIES: (as advised from Life's Abundance)
When ready to eat solid food, begin feeding moistened kibble and "free feed" until fully weaned, between 6-8 weeks old. After weaning, feed the "Suggested Daily Amount" of dry kibble according to weight and add at least 25% more. Individual Meal Feeding: From 8 weeks to 4 months, divide the daily amount and feed 3-4 meals in a 24 hour period. From 4-6 months, divide the daily amount and feed 2-3 meals in a 24 hour period. Free Feed: Measure the entire daily amount into a dish and allow your puppy to eat at will over the course of a 24 hour period. This method of feeding may lead to obesity. Food requirements may vary for individual puppies.

FEEDING INSTRUCTIONS FOR ADULTS: (as advised from Life's Abundance)
Start with the suggested amount of Life's Abundance per day. Use the "Suggested Daily Amount" as a guideline. You can increase or decrease the amount you feed by more or less depending on your dog's weight and body condition. Be sure to keep fresh drinking water available at all times.

LIST OF SUPERIOR INGREDIENTS BEYOND THE FIRST FIVE INGREDIENTS!
While the first five ingredients play a significant role in the nutritional make-up of your dog's food, every single ingredient is important. For nearly a decade, tens of thousands of dogs and cats have been eating and thriving on Life's Abundance foods. We attribute this success to our painstaking attention to the detail. Each and every ingredient in Life's Abundance food is carefully chosen to work with the other to supply your companion animal with a highly nutritious and perfectly balanced meal every day, every year over a lifetime.

HIGH-QUALITY PROTEINS:  Proteins are the building blocks of all living organisms. Protein is essential for all bodily functions including those of the brain, heart, skin, skeleton and many others. Life's Abundance dog food contains at least 26% of high-quality protein. Look for identifiable animal proteins such as "chicken meal" rather generic terms like "poultry meal," which can consist of any fowl (turkey, chicken, geese, etc.).

Chicken Meal
Some foods contain chicken meat or chicken parts, which naturally hold a fair amount of water. We prefer to use chicken meal because most of the water has been removed, which makes it a concentrated source of protein. This means that there is a greater "protein content" in one pound of chicken meal versus one pound of chicken meat. That's why high-quality chicken meal is a key ingredient in Life's Abundance foods.

Eggs
Eggs are one of nature's most nutrient-dense foods and play an important role in a balanced diet. They are considered a complete protein source, providing essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals (vitamins A, B, E, K, Biotin, and Sulfur). Eggs also provide healthy fats, such as omega-6 for healthy skin and a glossy coat.

Catfish Meal
Our top-quality fish meal is made by drying the freshest catfish at a low temperature, creating a concentrated, highly-digestible protein source. In addition to being an excellent source of protein, catfish meal provides natural DHA and EPA, the most important of all the omega-3 fatty acids.

CHICKEN FAT - We believe the primary fat source in dog food should be animal based because these fats contain a profile of fatty acids that are easily metabolized and generally more available to the body. Animal fats can vary in quality, so look for a species-specific fat like "chicken fat" (versus "animal fat") to be certain of the kind of fat your dog is eating.

WHOLE GRAINS - Whole grains are an excellent source of protein, fiber, B vitamins, iron, zinc and other essential minerals. They also provide the kind of carbohydrates that deliver sustained energy to your dog. We include the natural goodness of Ground Brown Rice and Oat Groats in Life's Abundance Dog Food.

Ground Brown Rice is the entire grain with only the inedible outer husk removed. This whole grain contains manganese, selenium, magnesium, as well as tryptophan and vitamins B1, B3 and B6.

Oat Groats are whole oats that have been cleaned, toasted, hulled and cleaned again. Amazingly, they retain nearly all of their original nutrients after this process. Oat groats contain seven B vitamins, vitamin E, and nine minerals, including iron and calcium.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS:  The proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals in Life's Abundance foods was carefully selected to work in concert with all of the other ingredients to enhance the overall nutritional value of the food.

Vitamins: Ascorbic Acid, vitamin E Supplement, Inositol, Niacin Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, d-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Biotin, Vitamin A Acetate, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Citric Acid, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Folic Acid.

Minerals: Potassium Chloride, Salt, Calcium Carbonate Monosodium Phosphate, Zinc Proteinate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Proteinate, Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Proteinate, Selenium Yeast, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Potassium Iodide.

ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM:  Among other nutrients, our antioxidant system includes vitamins A, C and E plus vegetables and fruits. The colorful skin and flesh of different vegetables and fruits contain phytonutrients, essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber. Each vegetable and fruit was carefully selected for its unique nutritional properties.

Vegetables and Fruit

Beets
Beets contain folate, manganese, potassium, dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, tryptophan, iron, copper and phosphorus. The phytonutrient called betacyanin is responsible for the purple-crimson color of the beet.

Broccoli
Broccoli contains vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, folate, dietary fiber, manganese, trytophan, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, phospshorus, magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B5, iron, calcium, vitamin B1, vitamin B3, zinc and vitamin E. Like other cruciferous vegetables, broccoli contains the phytonutrients sulforaphane and indoles.

Carrots
Carrots contain beta-carotene (vitamin A), vitamins C, D, E, and K, Riboflavin, Niacin, Calcium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Sodium and Iron.

Celery
Celery contains fiber, potassium and vitamin C. It also contains some vitamin A, calcium, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.

Lettuce
Lettuce contains thiamin, vitamin B6, iron and potassium. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate and manganese.

Parsley
Parsley contains vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, folate and iron. It also contains antioxidant phytonutrients called flavonoids including apiin, apigenin, crisoeriol and luteolin.

Watercress
Watercress contains folate, pantothenic acid and copper. It is a very good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E (Apha Tocopherol), vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and manganese.

Blueberries
Blueberries contain vitamin C, manganese, vitamin E and dietary fiber. The antioxidant phytonutrients called Anthocyanins are responsible for the blue-red pigments found in blueberries.

Pomegranate
Pomegranate contains vitamin C and potassium. The polyphenols in pomegranate (hydrolyzable tannins called punicalagins) are responsible for the red color.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Omega-3 fatty acids are some of the most extensively researched natural nutritional ingredients in the world. Among its many health benefits, the omega-3's in Life's Abundance help support healthy skin and a shiny coat. We also included flaxseed meal for its outstanding nutritional profile and its contribution to healthy skin and coat.

FLAX SEED MEAL
Flaxseed meal is the richest plant source of antioxidant lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. Flax seed meal also has a very high level of highly-digestible protein and essential amino acids. In addition, flax seed meal contains significant amounts of fiber, vitamin E, folic acid, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6 and is extremely rich in the minerals potassium, calcium and phosphorus.

BREWER'S DRIED YEAST
Brewer's dried yeast is loaded with highly-digestible protein with an exceptional amino acid balance. It also contains an abundance of natural minerals and vitamins, featuring B complex vitamins (except B12).

BEET PULP (SUGAR REMOVED)
Fiber is required in every diet to maintain healthy intestinal tract and proper nutrient absorption. We use beet pulp, which is the fiber from the gray sugar beet (sugar removed). Many studies have demonstrated that beet pulp performs better than many other types of fiber.

DIRECT-FED MICROBIALS
These ingredients are similar to those found in supermarket yogurts. Direct-fed microbials help support healthy immune and digestive systems. Life's Abundance contains the following direct fed microbials: Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Dried Lactobacillus casei Fermentation Product, Dried Bifidobacterium thermophilum Fermentation Product, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product.

Raw Food Diets

If you have the time to Feed "RAW," here's a recipe I found. The most natural and healthiest of diets if you have the time and patience. Remember, the dog needs to fast 1 day/week

Breakfast:

• 3/4 cups raw ground beef or ground turkey or chunks of beef mixed with about 1/2 cup of raw mashed veggies
• 1 tsp kelp powder
• 1 tsp alfalfa leaf
• 1 raw egg (once or twice a week)
• 1 500 mg Vitamin C capsule
• 1 400 IU Vitamin E capsule
• 1 Vitamin B-50 tablet
• 1 tsp cod liver oil 3x a week or 1 capsule salmon oil
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• pinch of minced garlic
• 1 tsp ground flax seed
• 2 Glucosomine caplets (if needed for arthritis)
• 1 Shark Cartilage capsule (if needed for arthritis)

Dinner:

• 2-3 raw chicken backs each with all the fat and skin removed
• or 6-7 raw chicken necks
• or 1-2 raw turkey backs (these are harder and take longer to chew)

Snacks:

• raw marrow bones every once in a while to gnaw on
• raw chunks of apples
• raw carrots
• raw banana
• raw celery
• ice cubes made from mashed fruit

Useful Websites for Lab Diet and Nutrition

• Dangerous Vegetables
• FuzzyFace Dogfood guide
• Kibble Ingredients
• Polluted Pet Food
• www.dogfoodanalysis.com

Human Foods that Poison Pets

Chocolate toxicity

Chocolate contains theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and it will be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhoea are also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous effect. Theobromine will either increase the dogs heart rate or may cause the heart to beat irregularly. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise. After their pet has eaten a large quantity of chocolate, many pet owners assume their pet is unaffected. However, the signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours, with death following within twenty-four hours. Cocoa powder and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms. A 10-kilogram dog can be seriously affected if it eats a quarter of a 250gm packet of cocoa powder or half of a 250gm block of cooking chocolate. These forms of chocolate contain ten times more theobromine than milk chocolate. Thus, a chocolate mud cake could be a real health risk for a small dog. Even licking a substantial part of the chocolate icing from a cake can make a dog unwell. Semi-sweet chocolate and dark chocolate are the next most dangerous forms, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous. A dog needs to eat more than a 250gm block of milk chocolate to be affected. Obviously, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to eat.

Onion and garlic poisoning

Onions and garlic are other dangerous food ingredients that cause sickness in dogs, cats and also livestock. Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Onions are more of a danger. Pets affected by onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, where the pets red blood cells burst while circulating in its body. At first, pets affected by onion poisoning show gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhoea. They will show no interest in food and will be dull and weak. The red pigment from the burst blood cells appears in an affected animals urine and it becomes breathless. The breathlessness occurs because the red blood cells that carry oxygen through the body are reduced in number. The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the onion. All forms of onion can be a problem including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic. Left over pizza, Chinese dishes and commercial baby food containing onion, sometimes fed as a supplement to young pets, can cause illness. Onion poisoning can occur with a single ingestion of large quantities or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. A single meal of 600 to 800 grams of raw onion can be dangerous whereas a ten-kilogram dog, fed 150 grams of onion for several days, is also likely to develop anaemia. The condition improves once the dog is prevented from eating any further onion While garlic also contains the toxic ingredient thiosulphate, it seems that garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be eaten to cause illness.

The danger of macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are another concern. A recent paper written by Dr. Ross McKenzie, a Veterinary Pathologist with the Department of Primary Industries, points to the danger of raw and roasted macadamia nuts for pets. The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. Dogs develop a tremor of the skeletal muscles, and weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters. Affected dogs are often unable to rise and are distressed, usually panting. Some affected dogs have swollen limbs and show pain when the limbs are manipulated. Dogs have been affected by eating as few as six macadamia kernels (nuts without the shell) while others had eaten approximately forty kernels. Some dogs had also been given macadamia butter. Luckily, the muscle weakness, while painful, seems to be of short duration and all dogs recovered from the toxicity. All dogs were taken to their veterinary surgeon. Pets owners should not assume that human food is always safe for pets. When it comes to chocolate, onions, garlic and macadamia nuts, such foods should be given in only small quantities, or not at all. Be sure that your pets cant get into your stash of chocolates, that food scraps are disposed of carefully to prevent onion and garlic toxicity and that your dog is prevented from picking up macadamia nuts if you have a tree in your garden.

Other potential dangers

• Pear pips, the kernels of plums, peaches and apricots, apple core pips (contain cyanogenic glycosides resulting in cyanide poisoning)
• Potato peelings and green looking potatoes
• Rhubarb leaves
• Moldy/spoiled foods
• Alcohol
• Yeast dough
• Coffee grounds, beans & tea (caffeine)
• Hops (used in home brewing)
• Tomato leaves & stems (green parts)
• Broccoli (in large amounts)
• Raisins and grapes
• Cigarettes, tobacco, cigars

Dr Cam Day BVSc BSc MACVSc is a veterinary surgeon, an animal behavior consultant and media presenter. In 1995 he qualified as a Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in the discipline of Animal Behavior and is one of only 15 veterinarians with this qualification in Australia. He works full time in animal behavior management in Queensland.

Dietary Supplements & Hygiene Products

Vitamin C Supplements for Your Lab

Our dogs receive daily Vitamin C from when the mother is first breed, until the end of days. First, the weaning pup is given powdered Vitamin C (200Mg) on the semi-solid food, until it can swallow the pill form. Powdered Vitamin C supplement is available at ANY good Health Food Store. If it is unattainable, we suggest over-the-counter Vitamin C (Like found at Costco) 500mgs at early a.m. and 500mgs at sundown.

NuVet™ Multi-vitamin Herbal Supplement

We have found a supplement from NuVet Labs™ that we firmly believe in. Your puppy has been on NuVet™ since the mother was pregnant with him/her.

To get YOUR dog on the road to a HEALTHY life, CLICK HERE for the NuVet Labs™ Website.
Use Order Code # 32892 to get our price on orders

At Susana Labradors, with our variety of Black , Chocolate, and Yellow labs we feed a quality food. with a good Protein base, that a Labrador can digest well. We also include NuVet vitamin supplements. With our recommended nutrition package, we will guarantee your dog until 25 months of age.