Best Dog Food for Labradors with Ear Infections (UK)
The best all-round food for a Labrador with ear infections is Pooch & Mutt Skin & Coat. Herring omega-3 plus linseed keep the ear-canal lining and skin barrier resilient - the right long-term support for a Lab whose ears are moisture-driven rather than allergy-locked. Below we explain why this breed is prone to ear infections, what to look for, and our full breed-specific picks. Last updated 4 June 2026.
Why Labradors Are Prone to Ear Infections
The Labrador is the UK's most popular breed and ear disease is its single most common health problem. In the RVC's VetCompass study of canine otitis externa (22,333 dogs under UK primary care), the Labrador had 1.72 times the odds of otitis externa versus crossbred dogs (95% CI 1.40-2.11) and was the single most frequently recorded breed among all otitis cases (9.44% of them). But the Labrador's ear story is different from both the flat-faced breeds and the allergy-led Golden. A companion RVC study (Pegram 2021) found otitis externa to be the breed's number-one most common disorder, yet did NOT find Labradors over-represented for atopic (allergic) dermatitis - so for most Labs the ears are driven by moisture, a water-loving lifestyle and the breed's pendulous ear carriage (which itself carries 1.76 times the odds of otitis) rather than by an underlying food allergy. That changes the lever: drying the ears thoroughly after every swim or bath does more for a typical Lab than chasing an elimination diet, while skin-and-coat-supportive, omega-3-rich nutrition keeps the ear-canal lining resilient and is the sensible food choice. A true food trigger is less common than the breed's reputation suggests, so reserve a vet-supervised elimination trial for the dog whose ears keep flaring despite good ear hygiene.
What to Look for in Food for a Labrador with Ear Infections
At 25-36kg and high activity, an adult Labrador eats roughly 300-400g of dry food daily, so a skin-and-coat recipe is a meaningful monthly cost - buy larger bags to keep the per-kg price down. The Lab's key advantage over the Cocker and Frenchie is that its ears are usually NOT locked in by skull shape or allergy: thorough ear-drying after the swims this breed loves, plus an omega-3-rich diet, prevents most flare-ups. Watch the waistline - the breed's POMC appetite quirk drives obesity, and a heavier Lab swims and rolls in damp grass just as much while being harder to dry off. Always treat an active infection, sudden pain, head-shaking or a single-ear problem (grass seed, mites) with your vet rather than with food.
- High omega-3 (fish-based) to keep the ear-canal lining and skin barrier resilient
- Skin-barrier nutrients (linseed, zinc, biotin, vitamin e)
- Controlled calories - obesity is the lab's #2 problem and a heavy, food-obsessed dog is harder to keep dry and active
- Named single protein only if ear flares persist despite good hygiene (reserve elimination trials for the vet)
Our Top Picks for Labradors with Ear Infections
🏆 Best Overall: Pooch & Mutt Skin & Coat
Herring omega-3 plus linseed keep the ear-canal lining and skin barrier resilient - the right long-term support for a Lab whose ears are moisture-driven rather than allergy-locked.
Check Price →Symply Fresh Turkey
Single turkey protein, no chicken or grain - a clean elimination base for the minority of Labs whose ears keep flaring despite good hygiene, and lean enough to portion strictly.
Check Price →Millie's Wolfheart Riverside Mix
Duck and trout novel proteins with high omega-3 - the forum go-to when a working Lab's skin and ears need extra support.
Check Price →Quick Comparison
| Product | Protein | Meat % | Fat | Price/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canagan Free-Run Chicken | 33% | 60% | 17% | £8.33/kg |
| Orijen Original | 38% | 85% | 18% | £13.33/kg |
| Lily's Kitchen Chicken & Duck | 28% | 50% | 16% | £7.86/kg |
| Symply Fresh Turkey | 26% | 50% | 14% | £6.33/kg |
| Eden Holistic Original Cuisine | 36% | 80% | 18% | £10.00/kg |
| Harringtons Grain Free Turkey & Veg | 22% | 30% | 10% | £2.00/kg |
| Forthglade Natural Lifestage Chicken | 24% | 50% | 12% | £7.50/kg |
| Acana Classics Prairie Poultry | 31% | 60% | 17% | £9.17/kg |
Feeding Tips for Labradors with Ear Infections
- Transition slowly — switch foods over 7-10 days, mixing increasing amounts of the new food in, to avoid digestive upset.
- Portion to ideal body weight, not current weight — and weigh meals rather than eyeballing them.
- Give one change time — allow 4-6 weeks before judging whether a new food is helping.
- Keep a symptom diary during any change so you and your vet can see what's working.
When to See Your Vet
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Speak to your vet before making major dietary changes — especially if your Labrador has persistent symptoms, sudden changes, weight loss, or isn't improving after a few weeks on a new food. Diet can help manage ear infections, but some cases need medical treatment.
Last reviewed 4 June 2026 by the PawPicks editorial team. We recommend foods on merit only — see our affiliate disclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Labrador keep getting ear infections?
Ear infection (otitis externa) is the Labrador's single most common health problem - RVC VetCompass data found Labs have 1.72 times the odds of otitis versus crossbred dogs, and the Labrador is the most frequently recorded breed among all ear-infection cases in the UK. Unlike the Cocker Spaniel or French Bulldog, though, a Lab's ears are usually driven by moisture and lifestyle rather than allergy or skull shape: their pendulous (drop) ears trap warmth and water, and the breed loves to swim and roll in damp grass. The same research found Labs are NOT over-represented for atopic dermatitis, so for most Labs the answer is keeping the ears dry, not chasing a food allergy.
What is the best food for a Labrador with ear infections?
Choose a skin-and-coat food high in omega-3 (a fish-based recipe with herring or salmon) plus skin-barrier nutrients like linseed, zinc and biotin to keep the ear-canal lining resilient. Because a Labrador eats 300-400g a day, buy larger bags to keep the cost down and watch the calories - obesity is the breed's second most common problem. Only switch to a single novel protein for an elimination trial if the ears keep flaring despite good ear-drying, and always treat an active infection with your vet.
Can changing my Labrador's food stop the ear infections?
Less than you might think - because a typical Lab's ear disease is driven by moisture and a water-loving lifestyle rather than by food allergy, the biggest single thing you can do is dry the ears thoroughly after every swim or bath. An omega-3-rich, skin-supportive diet helps keep the ear-canal lining healthy and is the sensible food choice, but for most Labs it's ear hygiene, not an elimination diet, that prevents flare-ups. Reserve a vet-supervised food trial for the minority of Labs whose ears keep recurring despite good drying.
Do Labradors' floppy ears cause their ear infections?
They're a big part of it. Pendulous (drop) ear carriage carries about 1.76 times the odds of otitis because it traps warmth and moisture against the canal - and Labradors compound this by loving to swim, which keeps the canal damp. Combined with the breed being NOT especially allergy-prone, that makes moisture the main culprit: dry the ears after every swim and bath. A single painful ear, sudden head-shaking or a one-sided infection is more likely a grass seed or mites and warrants a vet visit rather than a food change.
Sources: our answers reflect UK veterinary guidance, including the BVA position on diet choices and Which? veterinary nutrition reporting. Always consult your own vet before changing your dog's diet.
Related Guides
- The full guide: Best Dog Food for Ear Infections (all dogs)
- Your breed: Best Dog Food for Labradors
- Labradors with Allergies — if that's also a concern
- Labradors with Itchy Skin — if that's also a concern
- Labradors with Weight Management — if that's also a concern
- All breed feeding guides
Understand Your Options
Before you switch your Labrador's food, it helps to understand what you're actually buying:
- How to read a dog food label (UK) — decode the ingredient list, guaranteed analysis and marketing claims.
- Cold-pressed vs kibble vs raw — the pros, cons and safety trade-offs of each format.
- Grain-free vs regular dog food — what the evidence actually says about going grain-free.
- Wet vs dry dog food — how moisture, cost and palatability really compare.
- How to run a dog elimination diet (UK) — the gold-standard way to pin down a food trigger behind your Labrador's ear infections, step by step.
Our Top Picks — Full Reviews
Orijen Original
Milo testedThe gold standard of grain-free dog food. 85% quality animal ingredients with multiple protein sources mimicking a natural diet. WholePrey ratios include organs and cartilage for complete nutrition without synthetic supplements.
- 85% animal ingredients — highest on this list
- Multiple protein sources (chicken, turkey, fish)
- WholePrey ratios include organs for natural nutrition
- No synthetic amino acid supplements needed
- Very expensive — £13.33/kg
- Rich formula may cause loose stools initially
- Strong fish smell some owners dislike
Best for: Active dogs, Multi-protein diet, Premium nutrition
Canagan Free-Run Chicken
Milo testedPremium British-made grain-free kibble with 60% chicken content. Includes joint-supporting glucosamine and MSM, plus sweet potato for slow-release energy. One of the most popular grain-free options in the UK.
- 60% chicken content — genuinely high meat
- UK-made with traceable ingredients
- Includes glucosamine + MSM for joints
- Sweet potato instead of white potato
- Premium price — £8.33/kg
- Only one protein source (chicken)
- Some dogs dislike the small kibble size
Best for: Adult dogs, Chicken lovers, Joint support
Eden Holistic Original Cuisine
Milo testedExceptional 80/20 formula from a small-batch UK manufacturer. Gently prepared at low temperatures to preserve nutrients. Six animal proteins in one recipe for a varied, biologically appropriate diet.
- 80% meat content — outstanding
- Six different protein sources
- Small-batch UK production
- Low-temperature preparation preserves nutrients
- Not widely available in shops
- Multiple proteins = not ideal for elimination diets
- Price increase over last year
Best for: Multi-protein fans, Quality-focused owners, Active/working dogs
Symply Fresh Turkey
Milo testedOutstanding value grain-free option from a well-regarded UK brand. Uses freshly prepared turkey as the sole protein — ideal for dogs with chicken sensitivities. Sweet potato and pea-based carbohydrates.
- Excellent value at £6.33/kg
- Single protein source — great for allergies
- UK-made with high-quality turkey
- No chicken or common allergens
- Lower protein than premium brands
- Limited flavour range
- Less well-known brand
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, Allergy-prone dogs, Turkey-only diets
Acana Classics Prairie Poultry
Milo testedFrom the same makers as Orijen but at a more accessible price point. 60% quality poultry ingredients with 40% fruit, vegetables, and botanicals. A solid mid-range option that delivers excellent nutrition.
- Same manufacturer as Orijen — trusted quality
- Good balance of quality and price
- Multiple poultry proteins
- Includes wholesome fruits and botanicals
- Not as premium as Orijen sibling
- Contains some legumes (lentils, chickpeas)
- Can be harder to find in shops
Best for: Quality on a mid-range budget, Poultry fans, Orijen alternative
Lily's Kitchen Chicken & Duck
Milo testedWell-known premium British brand offering natural grain-free recipes with 50% freshly prepared meat. Certified B Corp with ethical sourcing. Popular choice with good availability in supermarkets and pet shops.
- Widely available in UK supermarkets
- B Corp certified — ethical production
- No artificial preservatives, fillers, or derivatives
- Good range of flavours and sizes
- Lower meat content than competitors (50%)
- Contains potato starch as filler
- Premium price for the meat percentage
Best for: Convenience seekers, Ethical buyers, Fussy eaters
Forthglade Natural Lifestage Chicken
Milo testedDevon-based family brand making natural dog food since 1971. Grain-free cold-pressed option that's gentle on digestion. Known for excellent palatability and steady energy release.
- Cold-pressed for better digestion
- Over 50 years of UK manufacturing
- No synthetic preservatives
- Steady energy release throughout the day
- Cold-pressed kibble different texture — some dogs take time to adjust
- Moderate meat content
- Smaller bag sizes available
Best for: Sensitive stomachs, Tradition seekers, Devon dog lovers
Harringtons Grain Free Turkey & Veg
Milo testedThe most affordable grain-free option in the UK, widely available in supermarkets. Good entry point for dogs transitioning to grain-free. Lower meat content than premium options but genuine value for money.
- Incredible value at £2.00/kg
- Available everywhere — Tesco, Asda, Pets at Home
- No artificial colours, flavours, or preservatives
- Good for transitioning to grain-free
- Only 30% meat — lowest on our list
- Potato-heavy recipe
- Basic nutritional profile
Best for: Budget buyers, Grain-free starters, Multi-dog households