Labradoodles may be playful, people-loving pups, but their mixed-breed genetics can bring a unique set of dietary challenges. With the potential for joint issues, food sensitivities and weight fluctuations, providing the right nutrition is crucial to help this energetic, affectionate breed live a long, healthy life.  

That’s where real food comes in. In this guide, we unpack what your Labradoodle truly needs to thrive — think high-quality proteins, gut-loving ingredients and joint-supporting nutrients. Whether you’re navigating early puppyhood or fine-tuning an adult diet, we’ll help you cut through the confusion. 

Read more: Labradoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips

How nutrition can help common Labradoodle health concerns

Food sensitivities and allergies

Thanks to their Poodle lineage, Labradoodles can be prone to food allergies and intolerances. Common triggers include chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat, which can cause symptoms like itchy skin, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset.

Look for fresh, real food diets without common allergens and unnecessary synthetic additives. A novel protein diet, such as goat or kangaroo, can reduce allergic responses in sensitive dogs. Plus, ingredients like omega-3s from fish and chia seeds support skin health. 

Try this: 
Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro meals are made with goat and don’t contain common allergens, making them ideal for Labradoodles with sensitive skin.

Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos) 

Joint conditions

Due to their Labrador heritage, Labradoodles may be at increased risk of joint conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, particularly as they age. Maintaining a healthy weight and providing joint-supporting nutrients can be key to long-term mobility. 

Try this:
Ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric, ginger and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil can support joint health and mobility. 

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help?

Weight management

Labradoodles love their food, and without portion control, they can easily become overweight. This not only impacts their joints but also increases the risk of other chronic diseases.

Feeding custom-portioned, nutrient-dense meals can help maintain a healthy weight without sacrificing nutrition. Avoid free feeding and monitor treats carefully.

Try this:
Meals like Lyka are portioned based on your Labradoodle’s unique profile and energy needs to prevent overfeeding.

Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and videos)

How to choose the best food for your Labradoodle

Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?

1. Complete and balanced

Labradoodles, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.

Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.

Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.

Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms

2. Optimal nutrition for your Labradoodle

Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.

Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.

Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.

Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.

Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.

Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Labradoodle? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.

Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?

How much food does a Labradoodle need?

Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.

That’s why Lyka calculates your Labradoodle’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.

It can also be helpful to establish a consistent feeding routine with your Labradoodle to support their digestion.

Do Labradoodle puppies and senior dogs need special food?

Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.

Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs 
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together

Parenting a Labradoodle comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.

Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.

Labradoodles across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.

Join our pack of proud Labradoodle parents today.