Best Dog Treats for Labrador Retrievers in Australia

Labradors are one of Australia's most popular breeds — and for good reason. They're friendly, trainable, endlessly enthusiastic, and deeply food-motivated. That last part is great for training. It's also the thing that can get them into trouble.

Labs are notorious for eating anything and everything. They're also prone to obesity and, as they age, joint issues. That means the treats you give your Lab actually matter more than they might for other breeds. Here's how to choose well.

Why Labradors Need the Right Treats

A Labrador's relationship with food is intense. They were bred to retrieve game for long days in the field — which means they're wired to keep going and keep eating. In a domestic setting, that drive can translate to weight gain fast if treats aren't carefully managed.

Beyond weight, Labs are prone to:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia — joint problems are common in the breed, especially as they age
• Obesity-related strain — excess weight puts direct pressure on those already-vulnerable joints
• Boredom and destructive behaviour — Labs need mental stimulation; long-lasting chews help

The ideal treat for a Labrador is low in fat, high in engagement value, and ideally offers some functional benefit — whether that's dental health, joint support, or simply keeping them occupied for more than 30 seconds.

Low-Fat, High-Reward: Kangaroo Treats

Kangaroo is one of the best proteins you can give a food-loving, weight-conscious breed like a Lab. It's exceptionally lean — lower in fat than most other meats — and it's a novel protein, which is useful if your Lab ever develops sensitivities.

Kangaroo Jerky is a great everyday treat. It's high in protein, easy to break into smaller pieces for training, and Labs find it genuinely irresistible. For a deeper look at why this protein works so well, see our article on why kangaroo is good for dogs.

Keeping Labs Occupied: Long-Lasting Chews

A bored Labrador is a destructive Labrador. Long-lasting chews give them something to focus on and wear down that relentless energy without adding unnecessary calories.

Bully Sticks are an excellent choice — single-ingredient, digestible, and they take a Lab a good while to work through. Unlike rawhide, they don't carry the same choking or blockage risk, and they won't load your dog up with additives. For a broader comparison of durable options, the guide to best long-lasting chews for dogs is a useful read.

Joint Support: Tendons and Cartilage

As Labs age, joint health becomes a real priority. Tendons are naturally high in collagen and elastin — the same structural proteins that support healthy cartilage and connective tissue. They're not a replacement for vet-prescribed joint supplements, but they're a functional treat that works with your dog's body rather than against it.

Veal Tendon Scrolls are a great option — they're chewy, long-lasting, and naturally rich in joint-supporting nutrients. They're also lower in fat than many other chews, which makes them a sensible choice for a breed that tends to carry extra weight.

Dental Health: Shark Cartilage

Labs aren't known for being fussy chewers — they'll gnaw on almost anything, which actually makes dental health easier to manage. Shark Cartilage is a genuinely useful dental chew. Its texture does real work on plaque and tartar, and it's also a good source of chondroitin — helpful for those Lab joints. It's a two-for-one treat that doesn't add much to the calorie count.

Treat Quantities: Don't Forget to Count

Because Labs are so food-motivated, it's easy to over-treat without realising it. Treats — even healthy ones — should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calorie intake. If you're doing a lot of training, adjust the meal size accordingly.

The article on how many treats to give your dog per day has practical guidance on managing this without turning treat time into a maths exercise.

What to Avoid for Labs

• High-fat treats: Pig ears and similar high-fat options are fine occasionally, but they're not ideal as everyday treats for a weight-prone breed
• Treats with fillers: Cereal, sugar, and artificial flavours add empty calories without any benefit
• Large hard chews for puppies: Young Lab joints are still developing — save the heavy-duty chews for adulthood

Quick Picks for Labradors

• Training treats: Kangaroo Jerky (break into small pieces)
• Chew time: Bully Sticks or Veal Tendon Scrolls
• Dental and joints: Shark Cartilage
• Trying multiple proteins: Consider a variety pack to find what your Lab loves most

The Bottom Line

A Labrador's enthusiasm for food is a joy — and it can also be a liability if you're not intentional about what you're giving them. The good news is that natural, single-ingredient treats align really well with what Labs actually need: low-fat protein for everyday rewards, long-lasting chews for engagement, and functional options that support the joints that Labs are most at risk of struggling with.

Keep portions in check, choose quality over quantity, and your Lab will thrive.