Labrador Retriever Feeding Guide (Everything You Should Know)

Hello fellow dog lovers, welcome to my ultimate guide to feeding your Labrador retriever.

In this guide I will cover how much to feed your Labrador retriever; how often to feed your Labrador retriever; when to feed your Labrador retriever; what food to feed your Labrador retriever; what food to avoid feeding your Labrador retriever; and other questions you may have about your Labrador retriever’s nutrition.

You can read the article to the end, or go through the table of content below and jump to the section that answers the questions you have on your mind.

Labrador retrievers are one the few breeds that can eat their way to obesity, and with this many health problems that will be fatal. I learned a lot during my internship working with a veterinarian and thus I will be providing correct answers to questions you have and may not know you have.

Labrador retrievers are genetically prone to overeating and thus, will have a health problem that many other dogs do not possess, but worry not as food training with the adequate nutritional requirement can help you curb this risk.

I have created this ultimate guide because I would love to see more healthy happy pets and also save owners the trauma of losing their best friend due to ignorance. I will be covering important points like feeding frequency, feeding time, the type of food nutrition, and many more.

Let’s jump into the article.

What Are The Nutritional Requirements Of Labrador Retrievers?

Since Labrador retrievers suffer mostly from obesity and joint disorders, giving your dog the best nutritional requirements is an absolute must and vital, as low-quality feed can even lead to additional problems for your pet.

A typical quality feed must contain 22%-30% Crude protein and 13% fats, one of these fats is linoleic acid which replenishes the oil coating of your Labrador. There should be at least 0.85% Calcium and 0.75% phosphorus for healthy bone growth.

Other healthy additions are fibers for healthy gut bacteria growth and other nutrients such as Vitamin E and C as immunity boosters and taurine for gut health. Protein sources are; chicken, beef, turkey, salmon and fats; sunflower oil, animal fats and crude fiber; brown rice, and peas.

Nutritional Requirement for a Puppy Labrador Retriever

Growing pups and adolescent Lab’s diet should contain 22%-30% for healthy growth levels. There should be an adequate fat-to-protein ratio where protein takes the lead. A healthy ratio should be between 10% to 15% ratio, some may go as high as 25% which is not bad as dogs can readily convert fats into glucose for energy. 

Potassium acts as a healthy heart preserver and other micronutrients such as glucosamine and chondroitin can help pups that are prone to orthopedic issues.

Nutritional Requirement for an Adult Labrador Retriever

Being a large breed of dog that grows fast, your dog’s diet must consist of micro minerals such as chondroitin, glucosamine, phosphorus, and calcium for healthy bone growth. 

With that being said, your dog’s food ratio should consist of 18% protein, 5% fat, and 4% fiber.

Nutritional Requirement for a Senior Labrador Retriever

At this stage of your dog’s life, it will experience some health issues that come with age, so to help old dogs out, their food should contain more protein, fat, fiber, and micronutrients with low carbs. Nutrients such as chondroitin and glucosamine will be essential to the overall health of your dogs.

A healthy nutritional quota should be 23% protein, 9% fat, and 7% fiber.

What Factors Affect the Feeding of Your Labrador Retriever?

Some factors will affect the diet of your Labrador retrievers, such as the size of the breed, their age, their activity level, and their underlying health conditions.

Let’s take a quick look at those factors before we jump into the quantity of food to feed your dog.

Size consideration

Depending on the sex, the average Lab size is 21.5 to 24.5 inches from the legs to above the shoulder. Labs weigh 55 to 80 pounds. They have wide heads with strong jaws.

The large size of the dog makes it prone to a large appetite, which means the male will require a larger intake of calories than the female to stay healthy and strong.

Age consideration

As different weights and sizes will require different intakes of calories, so too will different ages require a suitable level of nutrition to match their stage of development.

Labrador retrievers grow fast, so the nutritional requirements of a Lab’s puppy will be different from that of a senior Lab’s to maintain its health and agility. 

Activity Level

Healthy, happy, and athletic dogs require a strict diet compared to non-active dogs, so if you want a healthy and happy dog, then you should stay away from certain foods if you want to maintain their athletic abilities.

You should stay away from foods high in fat and sodium. You should probably stay away from fast, cheap foods if you want your dog to stay active and healthy.  

Health Consideration

Labrador retrievers are prone to obesity due to genetic problems, which is why you have to be very careful about the quantity and quality of food you give your furry friend.

How Much to Feed Your Labrador Retriever?

Your Labrador retriever, just like any other dog breed, will require a different amount of food according to their stage of development. The amount of food a puppy will need will be different than the amount of food an adult will need according to their nutritional requirements.

On average, feed your puppy Labrador retriever 1 to 3 cups of food that has 1000 to 2000 kcal per day depending on their weight; feed your adult Labrador retriever 3 to 4 cups per day that has 2000 to 2,500 kcal per day according to its activity level; and feed your senior GSD 3.5 cups per day that has 1,300 to 1,600 kcal per day.

I will provide you with the charts below to help you plan your dog’s meals from its puppy years to its senior years. However, this meal plan is not a one-size-fits-all. It’s just a general guideline that should be followed based on your dog’s needs and recommendations from your vet or dog nutritionist.

How Much To Feed Your Puppy Labrador Retriever

The meal meant for your puppy and adolescents should be very rich in protein and contain a moderate amount of fat that can be gotten from animal meat for them to grow into healthy adults.

A Labrador Retriever puppy should be given 1 to 3 cups of food per day that contains 1,000 to 2,000 kcal of nutrients based on its age, weight, size, gender, and physical activity.

The feeding requirements of your puppy are given in detail in the charts below:

Puppy Labrador Retriever Feeding Chart

Following the guidelines above will aid in bone development, muscle growth, and strengthen their immune systems to fight off common bacteria and viruses that can lead to some health complications.

How Much To Feed Your Adult Labrador Retriever?

Adult Labs are prone to overeating and, do not forget, due to genetic factors, they can easily become obese. So, knowing this, you should be conscious of how much you feed your furry buddy. Food for adult Labradors should contain fewer carbs and fewer fats but more vital nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

A mature and adult Labrador Retriever should be given 2-3 cups of food per day that contains 1,700 to 2,000 kcal of nutrients based on their age, weight, size, gender, and physical activity.

The chart below will give you an understanding of the daily consumption needs of an adult German shepherd to help you with their meal plan.

Adult Labrador Retriever Feeding Chart

How Much to Feed Your Senior Labrador Retriever?

Senior Labrador retrievers are generally less active than their younger counterparts due to fragile bones and joints. This means their meals will contain fewer quantities of calories, protein, fat, and vitamins and minerals that may come from other supplements in their feed.

Geriatric Labrador Retrievers frequently suffer from a variety of health issues, including bloating, joint disorders, and orthopedic problems. Geriatric dogs tend to be picky eaters when it comes to commercial dog food and their favorite kibble.

Senior Labrador Retrievers should be given 2-3 cups of food per day that contains 1,300 to 1,600 kcal of nutrients based on their age, weight, size, gender, and health issues.

The table below gives you some details about the meal plan of an older German Shepherd.

However, you must still ensure that they get the essential nutrients they need.

Senior Labrador Retriever Feeding Chart

You can continue giving your senior dog the same food you gave them as an adult, only in a lesser quantity as they don’t need as many calories as adult dogs. However, you should still consult your vet or pet nutritionist to be on the safe side.

How Often To Feed Your Labrador Retriever?

Your Labrador Retriever’s meal frequency will vary as much as the feeding amounts, which are majorly dependent on its age. Below is the list of how often to feed your Labrador Retriever:

How Often To Feed Your Labrador Retriever Puppy?

• During the weaning process or at 8 weeks old and below, feed them four times a day at equally spaced intervals. This can be two full cups divided into four parts to avoid obesity
• From 8 weeks to 9 months old, feed them three times a day at equally spaced intervals.
• From 9 months to 12 months old: gradually transition to feeding them two times a day with 12 hours of spacing between meals. Ideally, one meal in the morning and the other in the evening.

How Often To Feed Your Adult Labrador Retriever?

You should feed your adult Labrador retriever two times a day, with 12 hours of spacing between meals.

How Often To Feed Your Senior Labrador Retriever?

You should feed your senior Labrador Retriever two times a day except given a specific schedule by a vet.

When To Feed Your Labrador Retriever?

• Labrador retriever puppies should be fed in the morning, afternoon, evening, and night due to a faster metabolism in comparison to their adult colleagues
• Adolescent Labrador retrievers should be fed in the morning, afternoon, and evening to help them transition properly into adulthood.
• Adult Labrador Retrievers and Senior Labrador Retrievers should also be fed in the morning and the evening unless stated differently by your vet or pet nutritionist.

As a general rule, you should be cautious about the amount of food given to your lab, as they are prone to overeating and may act hungry all the time. This usually requires your intervention and will keep your furry buddy in line and out of danger of any health issues.

Please avoid spoiling your furry friend with too many treats as they may grow too attached to them. Treats should be given as a reward for training completed.

What Food To Feed Your Labrador Retriever? 

The food you feed your Labrador Retriever should specifically cater to large breeds and contain the required nutrients necessary for a strong and healthy dog.

The kinds of food to feed your Labrador retriever include dry dog food, wet dog food, a home-cooked diet, and biologically appropriate raw food to ensure your dog eats a balanced diet.

Let me touch on these few points to make you understand what to feed your dog:

• Dry Food: When you are out shopping for your furry friend’s dry food, keep in mind that there are two types. There are grain-free ones made from whole food sources, so they can be easily digested and there is usually a balance of carbohydrates and fats. The other type of commercial kibble is the type that has been cooked at high pressure to remove water content. This brand of kibble usually contains fewer fats, less protein, and fewer carbs. Also, make sure that the rice, in particular, is fortified with vitamins. These products are perfect for pet parents concerned with their pet’s weight.
• Wet Food: Commercially made just like kibble, but unlike kibble, wet foods have more fats, proteins, and fewer carbs. Wet foods are great for your furry buddy because they are tasty and easy to eat by most dogs, not to mention their high nutrient profile that contains some essential amino acids and vitamins for healthy bone growth and heart.
•  Home-Cooked Diet: For pet parents concerned about their pet’s nutrition or simply skeptical about commercially made food. Then home-cooked food is your best bet. This type of food is not only nutritious, but it also allows pet parents to monitor the nutrition of their beloved pet, keep track of their weight, and incorporate essential nutrients or supplements into their pet food. Food like this is not just nutritious but also allows pet parents to monitor the nutrition of their beloved pet, watch their weight and also incorporate vital nutrients or supplements into their pet food.
•  Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) Diet: Pet parents should think of barf as the kind of food their dog or cat will probably be eating in the wild. Barf consists of raw meat, raw eggs, crushed animal bone, probiotics, vegetables, and other natural ingredients. Barf should be used as a substitute for commercially made food that may or may not contain preservatives. Pet parents should make sure they consult their vet before embarking on this diet.

What Food To Avoid Feeding Your Labrador Retriever?

Sometimes, as a loving pet parent, you simply cannot resist sharing your food with your beloved pet. However, I would advise against this as some of our human foods are very harmful to our dogs.

Most of the fruits, foods, and vegetables we eat contain toxins that are not compatible with our pets. Giving your pet food will only increase the number of visits to the veterinarian.

Human foods to avoid feeding your Labrador retriever or any breed of dog are: grapes. Sultanas (chocolate, macadamia nuts, onions, avocado, garlic, tea, and coffee) Sweet potato, Alcohol, Nutmeg, Lemons Lime, Raw yeast dough

When Can You Transition Your Labrador Retriever From Puppy Food to Adult food?

You should transition your Labrador Retriever puppy from puppy food to adult food when he’s around 15–18 months old.

Given that puppy feed contains more calories, it would not be ideal to feed your adult Lab puppy feed as it contains more proteins and more fats that the puppy needs for growth. These are nutrients that adult Labradors do not need at high levels, or else they are in danger of being overweight.

The most important thing to remember is that when you are about to change your pet’s diet from puppy feed to adult feed, it’s wise to do this gradually, preferably over 10 days, by gradually introducing new adult food into your dog’s diet until it can eat adult food alone.

Why Is My Labrador Retriever Not Eating?

When your Labrador puppy stops eating, it might be an indication of some underlying illness like stress, dental problems, or a reaction to medication. Pet parents should be vigilant about their puppy’s eating pattern because sometimes it may not be an illness and your puppy might return to normal within a day or two but the safe bet is to see a vet. 

Why Is My Labrador Retriever Always Hungry?

Labradors tend to overfeed if they are not trained or left to forage due to a specific gene that always signals the brain hunger switch. The good part about this is that you can use their food obsession to train them properly.

Frequently Asked Questions On Labrador Retriever Feeding

Final Thoughts on Labrador Retriever Feeding 

I hope that this article has enlightened you about your Labrador retriever’s nutrition. One of the most important points is not overfeeding them because they are prone to obesity, and also making sure your Labrador gets enough exercise for a healthy life.

Also, pet parents should desist from free feeding their beloved pets as this can lead to overfeeding or picking up germs that can lead to serious health complications.

Please, if you need further information about your Labrador retriever, as a pet parent, you need to consult a vet to ensure you are giving the utmost best to your furry friend.