Australian Labradoodle Nutrition: What to Feed Your Puppy
Feed your Australian Labradoodle puppy a high-quality all-life-stages or large-breed puppy food that lists real meat as the first ingredient, contains no by-products, no corn, wheat, or soy, and no artificial colors or preservatives. From 8 weeks to 6 months, feed 3 to 4 small meals a day. From 6 to 12 months, drop to 3 meals. After 12 months, transition to 2 meals a day for life. When switching foods, do it gradually over 7 to 10 days to avoid digestive upset. At Bestland Australian Labradoodles in Rome, GA, we feed every puppy Life’s Abundance, a premium all-natural formula we have used for years, and we include a starter bag of it in our Signature Bestland Puppy Layette so your puppy stays on the same food when they go home.
Here is a complete nutrition guide for your Australian Labradoodle puppy, from the first meal at home through their adult years.
Quick Feeding Schedule at a Glance
| Age | Meals per Day | Food |
|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 weeks | 4 small meals | High-quality puppy food (slightly moistened if needed) |
| 3 to 6 months | 3 meals | High-quality puppy food |
| 6 to 12 months | 2 to 3 meals | Puppy food, begin slow transition near 12 months |
| 12+ months | 2 meals | Adult or all-life-stages formula |
What to Look For in Puppy Food
Choosing the right food is the single most important nutrition decision you make for your dog. Australian Labradoodles tend to be moderately active dogs that do well on premium kibble, but the brand and ingredient quality matter enormously.
**Look for these on the ingredient label:**
– **Real meat as the first ingredient.** Chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, salmon, or whitefish (not “meat meal” or “chicken by-product”)
– **Named protein sources.** “Chicken” or “deboned turkey” is better than vague terms like “poultry”
– **Whole grains or healthy carbs** (oats, brown rice, sweet potato, peas, lentils)
– **Omega fatty acids** (fish oil, flaxseed, salmon oil) for coat, brain, and joint health
– **Probiotics and prebiotics** for digestive health
– **Balanced calcium and phosphorus** for healthy bone development
– **DHA** for brain and vision development in puppies
– **AAFCO statement** confirming the food meets nutritional standards for the puppy’s life stage
**For large-breed puppies (standards approaching 45+ lbs):**
– Look specifically for “large breed puppy” formulas
– These have controlled calcium and phosphorus to prevent rapid bone growth, which can stress joints
Ingredients to Avoid
Some ingredients are red flags. Skip foods that list:
– **By-products or by-product meal** (lower-quality protein sources, often unspecified animal parts)
– **Corn, wheat, or soy** as a top ingredient (common allergy triggers, used as cheap fillers)
– **Artificial colors** (Red 40, Yellow 5, etc.)
– **Artificial preservatives** (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin)
– **Artificial flavors** (the food should be palatable from the actual ingredients)
– **Generic “meat” or “animal fat”** (unspecified protein sources)
– **Sugar, corn syrup, sucrose** (added sweeteners are unnecessary)
– **Propylene glycol** (linked to anemia in dogs)
Cheap foods are cheap for a reason. The savings up front usually show up later as digestive issues, skin problems, dull coats, allergies, and vet bills.
Life's Abundance: What Bestland Feeds and Why
At Bestland, every puppy is raised on Life’s Abundance puppy food. We chose this brand years ago because it meets the standards we wanted for our own dogs and our breeding program:
– **No chicken or poultry by-product meals**
– **No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives**
– **No corn, wheat, or soy** (the three most common allergy triggers)
– **Made in small batches** with quality control on every shipment
– **Real chicken as the first ingredient**
– **Added prebiotics, probiotics, and antioxidants** for digestive and immune health
Marcela, our co-founder, has severe allergies. That personal stake in clean, allergy-friendly nutrition shaped how we approach every aspect of our program, including what we feed. We include a starter bag of Life’s Abundance in our Signature Bestland Puppy Layette so your puppy keeps eating the same food during the transition home, and we provide full details if you want to continue feeding it long-term.
That said, the best food for your dog is the one that:
- Meets your puppy’s nutritional needs
- Your puppy eats consistently
- Produces firm stools, a shiny coat, and steady energy
- Fits your budget without compromising quality
If you decide to switch, do it gradually and watch your puppy’s response closely.
How Much to Feed: Age and Weight Guidelines
Portions depend on age, weight, activity level, and metabolism. The feeding chart on the food bag is a starting point, not a strict rule. Adjust based on your puppy’s body condition.
**General guideline by age and approximate weight:**
| Age | Mini (under 25 lbs adult) | Medium (28–38 lbs adult) | Standard (40–48 lbs adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 weeks | 1/2 to 3/4 cup per day | 3/4 to 1 cup per day | 1 to 1.5 cups per day |
| 3 to 6 months | 3/4 to 1 cup per day | 1 to 1.5 cups per day | 1.5 to 2 cups per day |
| 6 to 12 months | 1 cup per day | 1.5 to 2 cups per day | 2 to 2.5 cups per day |
| Adult (12+ months) | 1 to 1.25 cups per day | 1.5 to 2 cups per day | 2 to 3 cups per day |
These are total daily amounts. Divide across the number of meals.
**How to check if you are feeding the right amount:**
– You should be able to **feel** your puppy’s ribs without pressing hard, but not **see** them
– The puppy should have a visible waist when viewed from above
– The belly should tuck up slightly when viewed from the side
– Energy levels should be steady, not sluggish or hyperactive
– Stools should be firm and well-formed (loose stools usually mean too much food, food intolerance, or a recent diet change)
If your puppy is gaining too fast, reduce by 10 to 15%. If they are too thin, increase by 10 to 15% and check with your vet.
> Free-feeding (leaving food out all day) is not recommended for Australian Labradoodles. They are not greedy, but obesity creeps in when portions are not measured. Stick to scheduled meals.
How to Transition Between Foods
Whenever you change foods, do it slowly over 7 to 10 days. Sudden changes cause digestive upset, loose stools, and sometimes vomiting.
**The transition schedule:**
– **Days 1 to 3:** 75% old food, 25% new food
– **Days 4 to 6:** 50% old food, 50% new food
– **Days 7 to 9:** 25% old food, 75% new food
– **Day 10 and beyond:** 100% new food
Watch your puppy for any signs of intolerance: loose stools, gas, vomiting, itching, or refusal to eat. If you see any of those, slow the transition or revert to the previous food and try a different brand.
Treats: What's Safe and What's Not
Treats are essential for training but should make up no more than 10% of your puppy’s daily calories.
**Good treat options:**
– Small, soft, single-ingredient training treats
– Plain freeze-dried meat (chicken, beef, salmon)
– Fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation (apples without seeds, blueberries, carrots, green beans, cucumber)
– Small bits of plain cooked chicken or turkey
– Dehydrated sweet potato
**Avoid:**
– Treats with artificial colors, preservatives, or vague meat sources
– Rawhide (digestive obstruction risk)
– Cooked bones (splinter risk)
– Pig ears and bully sticks for young puppies (rich, hard to digest)
– Anything from the table while you are eating (creates begging habits)
For more on what to use during training, see our guide on training your Australian Labradoodle, where treat selection is part of the equation. You can also browse curated options through our Georgia Doodle Shop.
Foods Toxic to Dogs
Some human foods can cause serious harm. Keep these strictly away from your Australian Labradoodle:
– **Chocolate** (especially dark and baking chocolate)
– **Grapes and raisins** (kidney failure)
– **Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives** (anemia)
– **Xylitol** (sugar-free gum, peanut butter, some baked goods; causes deadly hypoglycemia)
– **Macadamia nuts**
– **Avocado** (the pit and skin in particular)
– **Cooked bones** (splinter risk)
– **Caffeine** (coffee, tea, soda)
– **Alcohol**
– **Yeast dough**
– **Pork (raw or undercooked)**
Program your local emergency vet number into your phone and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline: 888-426-4435. Call immediately if you suspect ingestion.
Supplements: Are They Necessary?
A puppy on a high-quality, complete and balanced food usually does not need supplements. The food is formulated to provide everything they need.
Supplements may be helpful in specific situations:
– **Joint support** (glucosamine, chondroitin) for large-breed puppies prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, or for senior dogs
– **Omega-3 fish oil** for extra coat support or for dogs with skin sensitivities
– **Probiotics** if your puppy has had recent antibiotic treatment or recurring digestive issues
Talk to your vet before adding supplements. More is not better, and oversupplementation (especially calcium) can cause harm in growing puppies.
Common Feeding Problems
**Picky eating.** Australian Labradoodles are not always food-driven. If your puppy walks away from a meal, do not panic and switch foods. Leave the food down for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove it. Offer it again at the next scheduled meal. Most puppies eat when hungry. Constantly switching foods to chase appetite creates digestive issues and worse picky habits.
**Eating too fast.** Use a slow-feeder bowl or a snuffle mat to slow them down. Fast eaters can develop gas, vomiting, and in larger dogs, bloat.
**Refusing food in a new home.** The first few days after pickup, your puppy may eat less due to stress. This is normal. Stick to the schedule, do not add tempting toppers, and let them adjust. If they refuse food for more than 24 hours, call your vet.
**Food guarding.** Address early. Drop treats into the bowl while they eat. Hand-feed occasional meals. Never bother a puppy who is actively eating, but build positive associations with hands near the bowl.
**Weight gain.** Reduce portions by 10 to 15% and increase exercise. Check with your vet if weight loss is not happening within a few weeks.
Adult Feeding Transition
Around 12 months of age, your Australian Labradoodle is ready to transition from puppy food to adult or all-life-stages formula. Standards may stay on large-breed puppy food until 18 months due to slower bone maturity.
**The transition:**
– Use the same 7 to 10 day gradual switch
– Reduce to 2 meals a day if you have not already
– Adjust portions based on adult weight and activity
– Watch body condition closely; adult metabolism is slower than puppy metabolism
Continue checking the ingredient label with the same standards: real meat first, no by-products, no corn, wheat, or soy, no artificial additives. Many of our families stay on Life’s Abundance into adulthood with great results.
Why Nutrition Matters at Every Stage
A puppy raised on clean, nutrient-dense food shows it in everything: a shiny fleece coat, clear eyes, firm stools, steady energy, healthy weight, and resilience to common issues like ear infections and skin sensitivities. The right nutrition supports the allergy-friendly coat you bought this breed for, which our guide on whether Australian Labradoodles are hypoallergenic explains in more depth.
Cheap food creates expensive problems. Treat your puppy’s diet as one of the most important investments you make in their long-term health.
How Bestland Feeds Every Puppy
Every Bestland Australian Labradoodle is raised on Life’s Abundance from weaning through pickup. You will receive a starter bag in your Signature Bestland Puppy Layette so your puppy stays on the same food during the transition home, along with feeding instructions specific to your puppy’s age and weight. Our breeding program page covers more of what goes into raising a healthy litter from day one, and our home preparation guide walks through everything else you need before pickup day.
Bring Home a Bestland Puppy Started on the Right Food
Call or text 770-709-8497 with any questions about Life’s Abundance, feeding schedules, or our nutrition approach. With 15 years of breeding experience and ALCA-aligned standards, we serve families across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and nearby areas. You can browse current and upcoming litters or start with our adoption process anytime. Domestic delivery is available to major U.S. airports.