Nutritional Needs in Plain Speech : | Nutrient | Sweet Spot (adult Lab) | Why It Matters | |----------|-----------------------|----------------| | **Protein** | 25–30 % | Muscles, immune function | | **Fat** | 12–16 % | Energy & skin health | | **Calcium** | ≤ 1.2 % | Bone growth in large breeds | | **Phosphorus** | ≤ 1.0 % | Works with calcium | | **Omega-3 (EPA/DHA)** | 0.3–0.5 % | Joints, heart, brain | | **Fiber** | 3–5 % | Satiety, stool quality | > **Expert tip** > “Protein quality—yes, it matters, *a lot*. Don’t rely on plant protein alone.” > — **Dr. Linda P. Case**, canine nutritionist (*Dog Food Logic*) Ingredients Worth Paying For : 1. **Named animal proteins**—“chicken,” “salmon,” “turkey meal.” 2. **Joint helpers**—glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil’s EPA/DHA. 3. **Prebiotics**—beet pulp, chicory root, inulin. 4. **Real antioxidants**—vitamin E, blueberries, spinach. 5. **Low-GI carbs**—oats, barley, sweet potato for steady energy. Dog food ingredients to avoid: - Vague “animal by-product meal” with no species named. - Synthetic preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin). - Added sugars or “caramel color.” - Heavy-legume grain-free diets without extra taurine (linked to DCM). - Unnecessary artificial dyes (your Lab doesn’t care if the kibble is red). Switching Foods Without Upsetting Tummies : Go slow over **seven days**: 75 % old / 25 % new for two days, then 50–50, then 25–75, and finally all new. Watch stool quality; if things get soupy, slow the pace.
