The Best Dog Foods for Labradors
- Wellness CORE Grain-Free Large Breed Chicken & Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food (Editor’s Pick) 4.9 Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal…
- Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 4.7 Lamb, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes…
- Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food 4.7 Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice…
- Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Dry Dog Food 4.7 Chicken By-Product Meal, Brown Rice, Oat Groats…
- Earthborn Holistic Large Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food 4.6 Chicken Meal, Peas, Tapioca…
- Brothers Complete Advanced Allergy Care Dog Food 4.7 Turkey Meal, Whole Eggs Dried, Pea Starch…
- Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Dog Food
What kind of food should I Feed my labrador retriever?
On the other hand, the adult Labrador Retriever should have already developed a good immune system. So, during the adult stage, you should feed your Labrador Retriever the type of dog food that has been designed to prolong the life of a dog. Nevertheless, some dogs still do well eating the same food at every stage of their lives.
Is it important to find the best food for my lab?
Finding the best food for your Lab’s age is far more important than it is for most other dogs. That’s because Labs are large breed dogs. Which is not a concern for adult Labs. However, unlike adults…
How much food should a 16 week old lab puppy eat?
You should feed your 16-week-old Labrador Retriever puppy 4.2 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day. You may divide this food into two or three separate meals and give it to your Labrador Retriever puppy over the day.
Can Labradors eat grain free food?
Grain-free diets aren’t the best option for Labradors or other large breed dogs unless they are sensitive or allergic to grains. What foods should I never give to my Labrador? Foods that you should never give your labs include almonds, chocolate, cinnamon, garlic, coffee, macadamia nuts, grapes, tomatoes (green), raisins, onion, and nutmeg powder.
How can I switch to a new food… without getting my Lab sick?
In Dr. Gary Richter’s video below… You’ll find a simple feeding tip that can help reduce your Lab’s risk of suffering from digestive upset...
Do Labs need to eat special dog food?
The answer depends on your dog’s age. Adult Labs can eat almost ANY quality dry or wet food. However, to lower your dog’s risk of permanent hip and...
What are the 3 feeding stages of a Lab’s life?
Since dog breeds mature at different rates , the feeding stages below can be used as a general guide to find the food that’s best suited for you...
When can I safely switch my Lab puppy to adult food?
Lab puppies don’t stop growing and aren’t ready to eat adult dog food… until they reach 15 to 24 months of age. 10 11 12 So, switching your pupp...
When is my Lab considered a senior?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association , larger breed dogs tend live shorter lives than smaller dogs… which is why they’re often...
What causes hip disease in Labrador retrievers?
Hip disease in Labs is caused by at least one of 3 factors : Genetics 13 Overfeeding 14 Too much calcium in the diet 15 Since there’s nothing yo...
How can I lower my Lab’s risk of hip disease?
There are 2 things you CAN do to help lower your dog’s risk of hip disease. First, don’t overfeed your puppy. Too many calories in the diet can...
How much food should I feed my Lab?
A landmark study found that dogs fed an amount of food that keeps them at ideal body condition lived almost 2 years longer … than other dogs. 16...
Choosing the Right Food to Feed Your Labrador
Wondering whether to get your Lab dry food or wet food is a question that most pet owners have to ask themselves before deciding what dog food to buy. Although both types of food give your dog the nutrition they need, they also have their pros and cons.
So, Which Dog Food Is Best?
It is up to you. After all, both types of dog food can give your dog the nourishment they need, as long as you get them the kind that gives them the right nutrients.
When and How much to Feed your Labrador
The frequency and amount of feeding your Labrador depend a lot on how old they are. Let’s break it down into two main sections: puppies and adults.
Other Information for Feeding Your Labrador
Prizes for good behavior or training purposes are often treats. However, these bite-sized biscuits should not take the place of meals, so you should use them sparingly. For overweight dogs, you can even eliminate them. After all, they are just add-ons and snacks for your dog.
What is the best food for a Labrador puppy?
This means that it includes natural sources of glucosamine, which is essential for joint development for Labrador Retriever puppies. It also contains good levels of protein, which is important for brain, heart, and muscle development, putting your puppy off to the right start. It is also intended to be easy to eat and digest.
How to feed a 4 week old lab puppy?
You want to add puppy food in gradually to not upset your puppy’s stomach. To do this, you make a mixture of a ¼ puppy food and ¾ water.
How much should a 2 month old Labrador puppy weigh?
At 2 months, your Labrador Retriever puppy should weigh anywhere from 9 to 15 pounds. Any less than that and your puppy is going to need to eat more frequently in order to close the gap. Puppies that weigh more than that should also be watched for food to make sure they are not gaining weight excessively. The placement on the range of your puppy will depend on his natural size, sex, and how much he ate from his mother.
How much exercise should a lab puppy get?
The amount of exercise that your lab puppy needs will depend on his age. For example, a 3 month-old puppy needs about 15 minutes total exercise a day. You can work it out by calculating 5 minutes of exercise for every month of his age. A 6 month-old puppy would need about 30 minutes total exercise a day.
When should a Labrador puppy open his eyes?
At 2 weeks old, your Labrador puppy should be with his mother still, drinking her milk. Puppies normally open their eyes around two weeks, but are still entirely reliant upon their mothers. If you have a litter of labs yourself, watch for growth changes among the puppies.
How many meals should a 12 week old puppy eat?
It is still ideal to offer your 12 week old lab puppy 3 meals a day, which can be tricky if you are at work all day, but this is also a prime developmental period. Sticking to 3 meals a day will help with the digestive developmental process and ensure that your growing baby is getting the right nutrition.
How long does a 9 week old lab stay in a new home?
A lab puppy who is 9 weeks old will have been at his new home for about a week normally. It is likely that his food will have been changed or is being changed from what the breeder was feeding the dog to what you as an owner would like to feed your dog. Any food changes should happen gradually to not disrupt their digestive systems.
The Best Dog Food for Labs
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog foods for Labrador retrievers for January 2022.
The Best Puppy Food for Labs
Here are The Dog Food Advisor’s best dog food for Lab puppies for January 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 8 of the most frequently asked questions we get about feeding Lab puppies and adults.
A Final Word
The Dog Food Advisor is privately owned. We do not accept money, gifts, samples or other incentives in exchange for special consideration in preparing our reviews.
Important FDA Alert
The FDA is investigating a potential link between diet and heart disease in dogs. Click here for details.
How many meals should a puppy eat a day?
Since their growth rate is the fastest as it’s ever going to be, they need the necessary calories to keep up with the growth. A puppy will need about 3 or 4 meals a day.
How long does it take for a Labrador to become an adult?
However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult. At this time, you should switch your puppy’s food from puppy food to adult food. You also have to reduce the amount of food you give to your dog as it will not need as much food as an adult as it is needed as a child.
Why do puppies like wet food?
A puppy might prefer wet food over kibble as it looks and tastes way more appetizing. However, as in the case of dry food, if you choose a cheap brand, it will not have the essential nutrients your puppy needs. So choose high-quality brands that will ensure the nutrition that your puppy needs. An advantage of wet food, compared to dry food, is that it contains a higher percentage of liquid, which helps hydrate the dog and make it feel fuller.
Do puppies eat more when they are eating?
It is a proven fact that puppies tend to eat more when they are eating in a group, and generally eat less when they are eating less. Hence, for the first few days that your puppy spends without its brothers and sisters, it may not eat as much and have a reduced appetite.
Is raw dog food bad for dogs?
The subject of BARF or raw food is very controversial, some specialists say it is dangerous while others say is the best option to feed your dog. Despite criticism, this type of dog food has some benefits. By feeding your raw dog food, your dog’s poops become less smelly. This makes cleaning after your dog much easier for you.
Is kibble good for dogs?
Kibble is also good for your puppy’s teeth. It is convenient, cost-effective in the long run, and comes in a wide range of flavors. However, dogs can become bored of kibble, and they will never be as excited to eat dry food as to eat actual meat. Image by Chiemsee2016 from Pixabay.
Can dogs eat meat?
Dogs enjoy eating meat more than they enjoy eating dry food. Many people also say that after switching to raw food, their dogs’ allergies and skin conditions become less frequent. However, there are some cons to a completely raw diet. Sharp bones can harm the inside of the dog’s body.
What is the best food for a Labrador puppy?
The best sources of high-quality protein for Labradors come from poultry, lamb, and beef when combined with additional protein sources, such as fish meal, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins. For lab puppies, the protein level in food should be around 22%.
How many calories should a Labrador eat a day?
Due to their size, adult Labradors need around 1500-1600 calories a day. Especially active dogs could need as much as 1900 calories per day, where older dogs probably shouldn’t exceed 1100 calories. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for your lab’s specific situation.
What is Nutro Ultra dog food?
A holistic diet composed of the finest ingredients and nutrients to help adult dogs maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. That’s what Nutro Ultra’s Superfood Blend Dog Food is all about. It includes three different premium proteins sources, including chicken, lamb, and salmon, to provide all of the essential amino acids required for optimal muscle growth and nourishment.
What is Dr Gary's special formula?
Dr. Gary’s special formula is a high-protein, high-energy recipe popular with Labrador owners. Among the various significant nutrients, this blend of kibble is rich in iron proteinate and other chelated minerals that support absorption. The recipe derives maximum animal protein from chicken meal to ensure only a high-quality diet for your luck lab.
What to feed a large breed dog?
Your Labrador deserves nothing but the best, and this recipe has it all! The best part about this food option is the addition of avocados. The fruit is a rich source of essential omegas, vitamins, and minerals to keep your lab’s exterior shiny and in great condition. This diet is designed for adult dogs and may not be suitable for puppies.
What is a holistic diet for a large breed dog?
This holistic diet guarantees a combination of all-natural ingredients and balanced nutrition for your large-breed dog. It contains supreme-quality protein extracted from chicken and turkey, and other essential nutrients to support your lab’s health, wellness, and happiness. This formula is created under expert supervision and is rich in essential omegas for healthy skin and a shiny coat.
What is holistic dog food?
Holistic’s Select Large & Giant Breed Dog Food focuses on providing a diet that fulfills the nutritional requirements of large breeds while supporting and improving their digestive health. The recipe provides essential amino acids required for muscle nourishment through chicken and pork. It also delivers a bunch of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants through real fruits and vegetables like apples, cranberries, and pumpkins.
Labrador Retriever Feeding Chart
Below is the typical feed chart for the Labrador Retriever. This chart provides you a rough guide on how much dry dog food (kibble) to feed your Labrador Retriever.
How to Measure the Right Amount of Dog Food for Your Labrador Retriever
Research has shown that most owners over-measure a cup of dog food. As a result, most dogs owners overfeed their dogs. This is because dog owners do not level off the cup when measuring out the food they give to their dogs.
How Much Food to Feed the Labrador Retriever
You should feed your 16-week-old Labrador Retriever puppy 4.2 cups of dry dog food (kibble) every day.
Best Food for Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retriever Feeding Guide
The Labrador Retriever has different nutrient needs at different life stages. Therefore, the dog food that you feed your Labrador Retriever at different ages should be the type that is appropriate for its age.
Feeding Guide for the Labrador Retriever Puppy: 12 weeks to one year
The dog food that you feed your puppy should have the nutrients that will boost a puppy`s immune system since puppies easily get infected with the disease at this age.
Feeding Guide for the Young Adult Labrador Retriever: Ages 1 year to 6 years
The dog food that you feed a young adult Labrador Retriever should have the nutrients that will make a dog live longer.
Feeding Guide for Mature Adult Labrador Retrievers: 6 years and older
You should feed the mature adult Labrador Retriever food that has been formulated to improve their quality of life, increase their life expectancy, and increase their overall health.
Important things you need to consider when it comes to how much to feed your Labrador Retriever
First off, there is no clear-cut definition as to how much you should feed your Labrador.
How much to feed your Labrador
While how much to feed your Lab is a question that has an open-ended answer. There are some metrics that we can base on. Note that these suggestions are applicable only for adult Labradors.
How much and how often to feed a Labrador puppy
The amount of food to feed a Lab puppy is considerably different. Their diets have to be curated specifically to assist them with growing properly and healthy.
How much to feed an overweight Labrador?
For an overweight Lab, you should definitely not feed them more than they can burn off in a day. You should check with your vet for a suggested diet plan if your Labrador is overweight.
How much to feed a senior Labrador?
Like an overweight Lab, there is no hard rule for how much you should feed a senior Lab.
How much raw food to feed a Labrador?
If you do decide to raw feed your Lab, a good basis to start with how much to feed them is around 2-3% of their body weight.
How much wet food to feed a Labrador?
Generally, feeding your Lab wet food will mean a greater quantity of food for the same amount of calories than kibble.
Labrador Feeding Schedules
Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly.
How Much to Feed a Labrador
Your Lab’s portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at a healthy weight .
Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples
To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin’s Labrador Retriever dry puppy food :
Food specifically for Labradors
If you like the idea of breed-specific dog food formulas, I highly recommend an adult formula like the Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Breed. For a puppy formula, I recommend Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Breed. Both are great because they are specially designed for the nutritional demands of a purebred Lab.
Conclusion
Most adult Labradors should eat twice per day, while puppies will eat less food more frequently until they are around six months old. Be sure to follow the guidance printed on the package of the food you are feeding your dog. Every dog food has different ingredients and recommended portion sizes.
Choosing The Right Food to Feed Your Labrador
- Puppies need less, more nutritious food more often. Their stomachs are still very small, and they are growing and developing full speed. This is the most important time to attend to your pet’s nutritionto ensure healthy growth and development. If you’re whipping up pet food at home, chec…
So, Which Dog Food Is Best?
When and How Much to Feed Your Labrador
Other Information For Feeding Your Labrador