Nutritional needs: Labradoodle

The Labradoodle originated in Australia in the 1980s with the goal of breeding the ideal assistance dog for people with allergies. Breeder Wally Conron crossed a Labrador Retriever (known for its work ethic and friendliness) with a Standard Poodle (known for its intelligence and non-shedding coat). Although the dog is immensely popular, the breed is to this day not officially recognized as a dog breed by the international umbrella organization for cynology (FCI).

Character: Smart, social, and clownish

Its character is the primary reason for the dog's great success:

• Highly intelligent: Thanks to its Poodle and Labrador genes, the dog learns extremely quickly and enjoys working for its owner.
• Empathetic and sensitive: Labradoodles often mirror the emotions of their family. Because of this, they are used worldwide not only as family dogs but also as therapy and assistance dogs.
• Cheerful and energetic: They are active dogs that require plenty of physical exercise (walking, swimming) and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
• Does not cope well with being alone: A Labradoodle is strongly focused on human companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods.

Types of Doodles

There is a fundamental difference between the types of Doodles found in the Netherlands:

• The 'ordinary' Labradoodle: This is a direct cross between a Labrador and a Poodle (a so-called F1, F2, or multigenerational cross). Because the bloodline is not strictly defined, appearance, character, and coat type can vary greatly within a single litter. Some of these dogs do shed.
• The Australian Labradoodle: This is a carefully developed dog. In addition to the Labrador and Poodle, genetic material from the English and American Cocker Spaniel, among others, was introduced in the past. These dogs have strict pedigree control (via breed associations such as the ALAEU). They have a guaranteed 'asthma- and allergy-friendly' coat that does not shed and does not emit a typical dog odor.

Sizes and coat types

Labradoodles are bred in three sizes:

• Mini: Height at the withers of 35 to 42 cm.
• Medium: Height at the withers of 43 to 52 cm.
• Standard: Height at the withers of 53 to 63 cm.

In addition, there are two main coat types: the curly coat (thick, poodle-like curls) and the fleece coat (wavy, soft hair). Both coat types do not lose loose hair, but dead hair remains trapped in the coat. This requires intensive, weekly brushing and regular trips to the groomer to prevent painful tangles and mats.

Age and kibble nutrition

Adjust the kibble nutrition to individual needs:

• Difference in age (e.g., a puppy and an adult dog): Give the young dog special puppy kibble with high protein and fat content for even bone growth, such as the Puppy kibble or the Pressed Medium; the adult dog an Adult kibble and the older dog a Senior variant. This can be a crunchy or pressed kibble.
• Difference in weight or size: A larger Labradoodle needs kibble with extra joint support, such as the Weight Control with glucosamine, chondroitin, and salmon oil. For the Medium Doodle, the crunchy BF® Adult Crunchy, Bio Chicken, and Adult Turkey are good options. Among the BF® Pressed kibbles, these are the Pressed Lamb and Pressed Adult. A Mini Doodle actually needs a smaller kibble size to chew well, e.g., the BF® Lamb & Rice or BF® Adult Mini.
• Allergies or sensitive intestines: If the Doodle is sensitive, suffers from itching, hot spots, or thin stool, then a hypoallergenic gluten- or grain-free kibble based on one unique protein source is wise, such as BF® Adult Turkey or BF® Pressed Salmon and for the small Doodle BF® Lamb & Rice or the BF® Sensitive mini.

Wet food

Adding wet food to a Labradoodle's kibble offers four important nutritional and practical benefits, with the organic range from BIOFOOD, part of BF®Petfood, providing a perfect, pure supplement:

1. Better hydration
   Labradoodles do not always drink enough on their own. Wet food consists of approximately 75% to 80% moisture. This supports healthy kidney function and helps effectively prevent bladder stones or urinary tract problems.
2. Faster satiety for weight management
   Wet food has a low calorie density but a large volume. This fills the Labradoodle's stomach more quickly without consuming too many calories. This is perfect for keeping dogs on weight who are receiving the Weight Control & Sterilised kibble.
3. Healthy variation for picky eaters
   While some Doodles are sensitive eaters, others can be very picky. BIOFOOD's certified organic wet food uses pure ingredients from organic farmers, without artificial additives. The variants are completely grain- and wheat-free and hypoallergenic, which fits perfectly with the sensitive digestion, skin, and lush coat of the Labradoodle.
4. Ideal for hiding supplements
   Does the Labradoodle need extra support for intestinal flora or joints (such as loose probiotics or salmon oil)? This can be added to the food. Wet food mixes perfectly with this, ensuring that even the most critical Labradoodle eats medication or supplements without issues.
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The BIOFOOD Organic wet food range for the Labradoodle:

• BIOFOOD Organic 100% Chicken or Beef: Flavorful, pure organic meat from animals that have had plenty of space. Excellent to combine with the pressed or grain-free kibble.
• BIOFOOD Organic Beef or Turkey Menu: Complete meals enriched with organic vegetables and herbs, which have a very high acceptance rate among difficult or picky Doodles.

Meat nutrition

For the active and sensitive Labradoodle, the steamed BF®Petfood Meat Nutrition offers a healthy, gluten-free, and extremely flavorful supplement to the daily menu. These high-quality, steamed meals are rich in fresh meat, fresh fish, and natural herbs. They are ideal to use to enrich the meal experience and keep the intestines calm.

• Optimal weight management: Thanks to the pure, steamed ingredients, it offers sufficient volume in the stomach without unnecessary fats or ballast, which fits perfectly with the Weight Control & Sterilised kibbles.
• Support during transition: Labradoodles switching from a crunchy kibble to a pressed variant can be extra supported by this meat nutrition for a smooth and mild transition for the stomach.
• Practical and shelf-stable: The meals in the variants Chicken/Duck, Chicken/Salmon, and Chicken/Lamb are shelf-stable outside the refrigerator. This makes them very handy as a healthy treat after intensive training, brain games, or a long walk. Suitable for every Doodle, from puppy to senior. Also available as an 800g sausage.

Guideline for combining

Combining wet food or meat nutrition with dry food provides nice variety and a balanced diet. This can be done by mixing it, but it can also be given separately (e.g., kibble in the morning and wet food in the evening). If you add wet food, you must reduce the amount of kibble to prevent overweight. A general rule of thumb is: replace 100 grams of kibble with approximately 300 to 400 grams of wet food.

Additional products

The additional products from BF®Petfood are extremely suitable for the Labradoodle because they have been specifically developed to support dogs in a natural way without burdening them with unnecessary additives such as artificial fragrances, colors, flavors, sugars, or many carbohydrates. This makes the BF®Petfood range ideal for this sensitive breed, which benefits from a hypoallergenic approach and optimal coat care from within.

• Low-carbohydrate meat snacks (Meat Chunks & Meat Bars): These pure meat snacks are completely grain- and gluten-free. They contain only high-quality proteins, making them perfect as a healthy reward while training the inquisitive and intelligent Labradoodle, without the dog gaining unnecessary weight.
• Nurturing fats and salmon oil (Sheep fat & Liquid fat): The sheep fat bonbons (with salmon, etc.) and liquid fats are rich in essential omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They nourish the intensive, fast-tangling curly or fleece coat of the Labradoodle from within, support the joints, and protect the sensitive stomach and intestinal flora.
• Functional 3-in-1 cookies: These easily digestible, low-fat cookies offer a triple action with herbs as a base. They support the Doodle's digestion, help maintain firm stool and prevent poop and grass eating (Grass and Poop), provide a calming effect for sensitive dogs (Bark & Relax), or ensure the Labradoodle is less attractive to unwanted guests (Garlic & Herb).
• Rawhide chews: Made from high-quality, natural subcutaneous connective tissue. These chews are completely digestible, hypoallergenic, and low in calories. They force the Labradoodle to chew for a long time, which stimulates the production of calming hormones (against stress or boredom) and ensures effective cleaning of the teeth.
• Supplements: Labradoodles are active, athletic dogs that stress their joints intensively during running and playing. The Souplesse products protect the cartilage and keep the joints supple. Because Doodles have a sensitive digestive system, BF®Probiotics (liquid, bonbons, or tablets) restores the intestinal flora and reduces gas formation. In addition to the natural yeast tablets with garlic, which make the dog less attractive to unwanted guests in a safe and effective way, BF®Petfood also has special tablets to support healthy teeth and fresh breath, beautiful skin and coat, and to reduce stress.

For more information email: info@bfpetfood.nl or use the contact page.