Puppy Wellness and Information
1. Why Puppy Nutrition Matters
Puppies grow rapidly during their first 12–18 months, and their diet plays a crucial role in their development.
Proper nutrition supports:
• Healthy bone and joint development
• Strong immune system
• Optimal brain and vision development
• Healthy skin and coat
Poor-quality diets may lead to stunted growth, weak immunity, digestive issues, or orthopedic problems.
2. Balanced nutrition and natural ingredients
• High-Quality Protein: Real cage-free chicken, salmon, beef or lamb as the first ingredient to support lean muscle growth.
• DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid): An essential fatty acid from salmon oil that supports brain and vision development.
• Omega Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.
• Antioxidants & Superfoods: Ingredients like blueberries, oranges, spinach, pumpkin, and coconut support immunity
and overall health.
• No Fillers or Artificial Additives: Made without corn, wheat, artificial colors, or preservatives.
• Digestive Support: Probiotics and fiber-rich ingredients like chia seed and pumpkin aid in healthy digestion.
• Life-Stage Specific: Puppy formulas are tailored to meet AAFCO nutritional requirements, including large-breed
puppies.
3. Feeding Tips for Puppy Owners
• Keep your puppy on the same food when they first arrive home to avoid stomach upset.
• Transition slowly if changing foods (mix new food gradually over 7–10 days).
• Divide meals into 3–4 feedings per day until 6 months old, then reduce to 2 feedings per day.
• Always provide fresh, clean water.
• Avoid overfeeding—follow portion recommendations and adjust for activity level.
Recommended Dog Food for Your Puppy
At Green Roof Farm Labradors, we want your puppy to have the healthiest start possible. Choosing a high-quality food is essential for proper growth, development, and long-term health. We recommend
two trusted brands: Diamond Naturals and 4Health.
■ Diamond Naturals
Overview:
Diamond Naturals is a premium-quality dog food made in the USA with carefully selected ingredients. It
provides balanced nutrition with added vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to support your puppy’s overall health.
Key Benefits:
- Real meat as the first ingredient (chicken, lamb, or beef)
- Omega fatty acids for healthy skin & coat
- Probiotics for digestion & immune support
- No corn, wheat, or artificial colors/flavors
- Options available for large-breed puppies and adults
Why We Recommend It:
Diamond Naturals offers a well-rounded formula at an affordable price, making it an excellent everyday
food for growing Labradors.
■ 4Health (Exclusive to Tractor Supply)
Overview:
4Health is a high-quality food line designed to provide premium nutrition at a reasonable cost. It is made without common fillers and focuses on whole-body health.
Key Benefits:
- Real meat as the first ingredient
- Grain-free and grain-inclusive options available- Added probiotics and antioxidants
- Omega-3 & 6 fatty acids for skin & coat health
- No corn, wheat, or soy
Why We Recommend It:
4Health is a reliable choice for families who want quality nutrition that supports their puppy’s growth
without unnecessary fillers.
Feeding Recommendation:
- Puppies should be kept on a puppy-specific formula until 12–18 months of age (especially large breeds).
- Transition gradually if switching foods (mix old and new food for 7–10 days).
- Always provide fresh water.
Final Note:
Both Diamond Naturals and 4Health provide complete and balanced nutrition. Choosing either brand
will give your puppy a healthy start in life, with strong bones, a shiny coat, and steady growth.
■ Tip: Stick with one high-quality food and avoid frequent diet changes to keep your puppy’s stomach
happy
Early Spay/Neutering Information
We recommend Spaying/Neutering your Labrador Retriever no earlier than 18 months. Growth plates for large breed dogs do not close until 18-24 months old. This allows your dog to grow properly and develop into a fully adult dog. They need these vital hormones to do so.
Pediatric spay and neuter procedures can have some health risks for dogs including:
Cancers:
Spaying a dog before bone growth is complete can increase the risk of certain cancers, such as osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and lymphoma.
Orthopedic disorders:
Spaying or neutering before some growth plates close can lead to unnatural proportions, which can impact joint durability and performance. This can also increase the risk of hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament rupture. (CCL)
Urinary tract infections:
Spaying before maturity can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and urinary incontinence in female dogs.
Behavioral problems:
Spaying before maturity may increase the risk of certain behaviors, such as noise phobia.
Obesity:
Spaying or neutering before the appropriate age can increase the risk of obesity in your dog.
Please click the link below for more information on pediatric spay/neuter and its effects
