Health & Nutrition

The Importance of an Active, Healthy Lifestyle For Your Puppy

We cannot stress enough to our new Smoky Mtn family to please do your part:

PROPER FEEDING by PROVEN FEED! We unapologetically have proven over and over again the success of Royal Canin in the first year of your puppy’s life.
PROPER SUPPLEMENTS from a PROVEN SCIENTIFIC LABORATORY of American-made products like Royal Canin, for all your pup’s needs like Agility, Wellness, Skin, and Coat. Royal Canin is the supreme dietary supplements in the breeder world. We also recommend NUVET supplements which we use constantly here at our own kennel with all of our puppies and older dogs for joint supplements.
PROPER CRATE TRAINING early on for the benefit of life-long enjoyment and the safety of your forever companion while you are away from the home.
PROPER ISOLATION from all pet stores, pet parks, and public places until your new puppy has completed its final 12 weeks shots, and your puppy’s immunity is fully prepared for the outdoors and public places.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, we have a wonderful team here, and we are here for you and your pet during this amazing journey of owning a Smoky Mtn Puppy. We do our best to work with four of the LEADING Veterinarians in our city to assure that you are taking home a completely healthy pup on day one. We highly recommend you do thorough research in finding a very qualified Veterinarian in your city.
At NuVet Labs®, they know that a major cause of poor health in our beloved pets is the lack of proper nutrition with their diets. This is the main reason they developed NuVet Plus®. NuVet Plus® is the culmination of 8 years of research and development, formulated with the goal of creating a nutrient-rich formula that would surpass mere vitamin replenishment. Instead, the supplement provides full-spectrum nutritional support that focuses on boosting your pet’s immune system and overall health.
Keeping your pet’s immune system strong is crucial in today’s environment. Household toxins, fertilizers, pesticides, and even many of today’s pet foods leave your pet’s immune system susceptible. Regular and even premium brand pet foods can contain toxins, bad bacteria, and “meat by-products” (an industry term for anything other than meat). Other common ingredients are fillers like corn, wheat, and barley. These food ingredients and other environmental factors are prime sources for poor health in your pet.
Their team of pet industry scientists, veterinarians, and medical specialists created NuVet Plus® to be a high-quality supplement that incorporates a precise formula of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, herbs, and more. NuVet Plus® brings together vital ingredients that perform synergistically to help improve your pet’s health and keep them healthy. Their supplement is made using Natural ingredients that are formulated in a FDA Registered Facility using CGMP standards.
NuVet Plus® ingredients and nutrients are compounded to maintain their integrity and bio-digestibility for complete cellular infusion. They use special “paddle dried,” whole chicken liver that provides vitamin potency, as well as a taste your pet will love. TO ORDER BY PHONE, call 1-800-474-7044, Order code # 487890

Your puppy’s health and nutrition are of upmost importance to us. We do extensive research on all of our local vets that care for Smoky Mtn litters, the food we feed our puppies and adult dogs, and the needs of English Labradors because we want your puppy to come home to you as healthy as possible. However, the importance of your puppy’s health does not stop once they go to their new home! We want to make sure that you have all the knowledge you need before you bring your new puppy home. We have provided crucial information that ever puppy owner should know, and as always, our team is available to answer any other questions you may have!

Why is SPAYING and Neutering important?

HOW MUCH EXERCISE Does my dog need?

IMPORTANCE of PUPPY ISOLATION and immunizations

PSYCHOLOGy of PUPPY PICKUP

AKC Crate Training Tips

What should you feed your puppy?

We believe that a healthy puppy starts with a healthy diet; that is why we highly recommend quality food and supplements. For years, we have fed Royal Canin to our dogs, and they are considered a very reputable and high-ranking dog food. Royal Canin have committed to putting in the time and research to create a great line of dietary care for your puppy!

Keeping Your English Lab Hydrated Is of Utmost Importance

When planning a healthy diet for your English Lab, you must never neglect water. Just like humans, dogs require a consistent intake of water to maintain their bodily functions. Dehydration can lead to numerous health issues, so it's crucial to ensure your English Labrador Retriever has access to fresh water at all times. Place a bowl of water in an accessible location so that your canine food can live a hydrated, healthy life. Hydration is especially important for a very active dog, as they'll need all the water they can do to regulate their temperature and bodily functions.

The Important Nutrients Every Dog Needs

Vitamins and minerals are important components of any dog's diet. These essential nutrients are key to your English Labrador's overall well-being, supporting their immune system, bone health, and more. Dog foods specifically formulated for English Labrador retrievers will contain the right balance of vitamins and minerals to keep your canine friend in optimal health.
The protein content in your dog's food also plays an important role in their nutrition. Labrador retrievers are known to be very active dogs, and protein is vital for muscle development and overall energy levels. Therefore, feeding your English Labrador a diet with adequate protein ensures they'll be able to live an active and fulfilling life.
Fats are another essential element of a dog's diet, as they provide a concentrated source of energy and help support various bodily functions. As a result, including the right amount of fats in your English Labrador's diet is crucial for maintaining their weight and health. Commercial dog foods often contain the appropriate balance of fats for your dog's needs, but check the ingredient labels to make sure that there's enough for your English Lab.
Carbohydrates are also an important component of a balanced dog's diet. While dogs primarily require protein and fats, carbohydrates can provide an additional source of energy. However, it's important not to overfeed carbohydrates, as an excessive amount can lead to weight gain.

Should Your English Labrador Eat Wet or Dry Food?

When it comes to feeding an English Labrador, many dog owners often wonder whether it's better to choose wet or dry food. Both options have their merits, but it largely depends on your dog's specific needs. In general, wet food is a good choice for puppies, older dogs, or dogs with dental issues, as it's easier to chew and can help with hydration. Dry dog food, on the other hand, is often more convenient and can even aid in dental health. To choose the best dog food for your individual English Labrador, it's important to understand their unique needs and preferences.

The Foods Your English Lab Should Ever Eat

While knowing what kinds of foods you should feed your English Lab is important for providing them with a healthy diet, you should also familiarize yourself with the foods that they should never eat. For example, you should never feed raw meat and cooked bones — cooked bones can splinter and cause serious health issues.

In general, avoid feeding your Labrador retriever any foods that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, grapes, and certain spices. You'll also want to be cautious of raw feeding, which is a popular but controversial trend, and understand the risks of a raw food diet. A commercial dog food designed for Labrador retrievers typically contains all the nutrients your dog needs and is a safer option for their nutrition than a raw diet.

Helpful Resources for New English Labrador Owners

The Smoky Mtn Method

New Puppy Owner Advice

For Further Information on English Labrador Nutrition, Call Us Today

If you need help picking the right food for Labrador Retrievers or want more details on how much food they should eat, don't hesitate to give us a call. The team at Smoky Mtn Labradors has years of experience breeding, training, and feeding English Labs and will be happy to share that knowledge with you to ensure that your new family member eats a balanced diet with essential vitamins.