I’m here to talk about Eukanuba. A new kind of breed-specific kibble is seemingly formulated with high-quality nutrition for breeds like Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, and Labrador Retrievers. Oh, that’s my favorite dog!
According to AKC registration statistics, these dogs are known for their soft golden coats, gentle temperaments, and goofy personalities. With their loving and goofy personalities, it’s important that we consider expert nutrition opinions when choosing any dog food for our Golden Retrievers.
Though all dogs are prone to certain health issues, Golden Retrievers are plagued by genetic joint problems, various forms of cancer, and allergies. Choosing high-quality dog food for your Golden may also reduce his risk for health problems.
To help you find the best dog food for Golden Retrievers, I’m here to find out everything about what’s inside your dog food.
| Products | Type | Special Feature | Our Rating | AAFCO Nutrient Profile(Life Stage) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever | Dry | For Labrador Retrievers | 3 | Adult Maintenance |
At A Glance: Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever
So what are some main things one needs to know about Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever? Here they are:
- 3D dental defense
- Joint support
- Heart Health
About The Brand
Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Support healthy joints
- Animal-based proteins
Eukanuba is owned by Mars, and Mars owns Eukanuba, Iams, Royal Canin, and Pedigree. So, all the big pet food companies.
“Eukanuba” was actually “You-Can-Nuba,” which meant the tops or supreme, whether it be a fast car or a great song. It meant something really good. In 1969, the founder of Eukanuba was looking for something that matched his great new formula. He wanted a great name, so Eukanuba was chosen.
Its name was derived from a jazz term that means “the absolute best,” and its original formulas were designed for lifetime dog owners who were very passionate and put a high value on premium nutrition.
The Eukanuba brand has a rich history with athletic dogs. These owners and their active dogs have played vital roles in advancing Eukanuba’s breed-specific, age-specific, and lifestyle-specific formulas.
Eukanuba has had a long and successful time in the pet food industry. Over the years, they’ve developed diets for different sizes, lifestyles, and life stages, with a particular focus on active dogs.
Who Makes Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever Dog Food in 2023?
Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever dog food was discontinued in 2023, but Eukanuba is made by Mars Petcare. Mars Petcare is the parent company of Eukanuba as well as many other big names.
Five-Factor Analysis of Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever Dog Food
Recipes, ingredients, nutrients, price, and recall; are all the things I’m going to explain in so much detail that it’ll be hard to look away.
1. Recipes | ★★★
Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever dog food recipe is specially made to tackle all the complicated health problems that this breed faces.
Looking at the packaging, we can see that this dog food promises flexibility and joint support.
Your doggie’s dentist will be impressed because this formula features the 3D Dental Defense System, which reduces tartar buildup. It contains high-quality animal-based proteins, L-carnitine, and natural taurine, important nutrients for a healthy heart. This cycle is perfect for keeping your pup’s smile bright between regular check-ups.
A dog uses their mouth for almost everything, not just eating. For tasting, catching, and retrieving other objects, their teeth are very, very important.
If you have a breed outside the one on the bags, no worry, breed-specific recipes can be used on dogs of a similar size and makeup. Just check the back for recommendations. Each bag contains great vitamins and nutrients, as well as fiber and prebiotics to aid in nutrient absorption and digestive health.
2. Ingredients | ★★
When it comes to dog food, the most crucial aspect is the ingredients. You want to ensure that the first ingredient is a real meat source.
The first ingredient on our list is chicken, although after having been cooked, it won’t even retain 80% of its original weight.
The next ingredient is chicken by-products. What the company has done is they’ve substituted real meat, a necessity in the diet of a dog because they are mainly carnivorous. In reality, they are scavengers, but they are mainly carnivorous.
Other worrying ingredients include cornmeal and sorghum. These are cheap filler ingredients that dogs have not evolved to digest, and what that means is it leads to allergies and intolerances because they can’t break these foods down as well.
Yeah, corn meal is connected to allergies, food intolerances, and ADD-like behavior because they break down into sugars, and puppies go crazy on that stuff.
We see chicken flavor, which doesn’t amount to any protein or general nutritional value.
We see fish meal and fish oil on the ingredients list. Fish meal is always better if it is specified what kind of fish is being used in dog food because some seafood contains toxins.
Fish oil is a great source of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These help with having a healthy coat.
Next up, see a whole list of vitamins and minerals.
A long list of additives will tell you that this dog food needs to be put in chemicals to prop up the nutrition side of the food. So, you need to be careful and attentive to the ingredients label on the back of your dog’s food. Remember, you’re feeding your dog these foods; your dog eats the same foods all the time, so you need to be sure that the food is healthy.
3. Nutritional Analysis | ★★★
Another important aspect to consider is the analysis of the food.
| Nutrient | Content (per serving) |
| Protein | 26% |
| Fat | 14% |
| Fiber | 5.6% |
| Moisture | NA |
| Carbohydrates | 52% |
The protein amount is good. Although, as we’ve seen from the ingredients list, the quality is subpar. Real protein contains amino acids that are very important for muscle building.
Paying attention to protein is particularly important for large breed dogs, as it helps support their muscle and joint health. It’s also beneficial to see if the food contains glucosamine, a supplement that can support joint health in dogs and even humans.
You can compare the analysis of protein, fat, and other nutrients between different types of Eukanuba dog food, such as for seniors or puppies. This allows you to make an informed decision based on your dog’s specific needs.
Lastly, if you’re monitoring your dog’s weight, it’s helpful to know the calorie content. In this case, one cup of Eukanuba contains approximately 287 calories. You can multiply this by the number of cups your dog eats per day to determine their daily calorie intake.
4. Price | ★★★
I recommend that when you guys grab this food, you grab the biggest pack if you guys do want Eukanuba. I just grab the biggest bag ’cause a lot of times, it is cheaper, especially if your dog already likes the food.
But if it’s not cheaper to start off with, then getting a smaller bag is better. Grabbing the smaller bags is better if your dog is small or if you’re looking to change the dog food around and you’re not sure if the dog is gonna like it. But anyways, a 30-pound bag is the biggest bag that they have.
If you’re unsure and hesitant about investing in a large bag, the best thing is that Eukanuba offers a money-back guarantee. If you buy the bag and, worst case scenario, your fussy dog doesn’t eat it. You can return to the store and receive a full refund. It’s good to know that there’s that option available.
5. Recall History | ★
This specific dog food recipe has seen no recalls, although Eukanuba itself has been recalled several times. In 2013 it was recalled for salmonella suspicion. Earlier in 2007, it was recalled for melamine. It has had two other recalls besides this on several products.
Feeding Guide
Well, first of all, you want to make sure the diet is complete and balanced so that they’re getting everything they need. You also want to consider the life stage they’re in. If they’re a puppy, they’re going to have very different nutritional needs compared to a senior dog.
Now, let’s talk about feeding guidelines, especially if you’re unsure about how much to feed your dog. You can often use the guidelines provided on the packaging as a good starting point.
For example, if your dog weighs around 90 pounds, it would typically need about four cups of Eukanuba a day.
Although Eukanuba offers recommended feeding amounts for 80 and 100-pound dogs, there isn’t a specific recommendation for a 90-pound dog.
In this case, four cups a day would be a reasonable estimate. But it’s important to consult your veterinarian to determine the exact amount that suits your dog’s needs.
Should You Buy Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever Dog Food?
Before you ask this question, I’d like to put your focus on something else. What many of us dog owners do is put our trust in businesses to provide our dogs with healthy meals, and this trust is so often misplaced.
There are companies out there that are solely their sole mission is to create cheap products and sell them at high prices, so much so that they’ve substituted real ingredients out and replaced them with dangerously substandard ingredients.
So if you want to buy something, go ahead but not without doing proper research.
Besides everything, you may either get your money’s worth or your money back. There’s also a customer care service that will answer all your questions about Eukanuba, so that’s a plus.
Pros And Cons of the Eukanuba Breed-Specific Labrador Retriever dog food
Pros
- Money back guarantee
- Customer support
- Big brand name
- Dental support
Cons
- High in calories
- Non-specific and filler ingredients
- Allergic ingredients
- Prone to be recalled
Our Rating
FAQ’s
Where can I buy Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever dog food?
This product line has been discontinued, so it is not sold anywhere except in a few places online. Buying is not recommended.
Is Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever dog food only for active dogs?
It doesn’t say that on the packaging, but Eukanuba caters mostly to athletic dogs. This dog food has high calorific content, which is not suitable for inactive dogs.
Can I give Eukanuba Breed Specific Labrador Retriever dog food to a different dog?
You can give this dog food to any dog breed similar to Labrador Retrievers, or you may consult your vet.
Before You Go
Wow, ah, hey, Internet. Thanks for reading. When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Golden Retriever, keep in mind that high-quality dog food will have better results in helping to keep your Golden healthy than a portion of lower-quality dog food. If you want to learn some more, be sure to check out our other reviews. Well, that’s all for now.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
