what to feed lab puppies

Full Answer

What is the best dog food for a lab puppy?

The Best Puppy Food for Labs

• Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy. Large Breed Puppy is one of 8 dry recipes contained in our review of the Purina Pro Plan product line.
• Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy. ...
• Wellness Complete Health Large Breed Puppy. ...
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Large Breed Puppy. ...

How much should I Feed my labrador?

• For a 50-pound Lab feed 2-1/2 to 3 cups daily.
• For a 60-pound Lab feed 3 to 3-1/2 cups daily.
• For a 70-pound Lab feed 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups daily.
• For an 80-pound Lab feed 3-1/2 to 4 cups daily.
• For a 100-pound Lab feed 4-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups daily.
• For a 120-pound Lab (yes, some are that big!) feed 4-3/4 to 5-1/4 cups daily.

What is the best dry dog food for Labrador Retrievers?

What is the Best Dog Food for My Labrador Retriever?

• NomNomNow. NomNomNow is a super-premium, fresh dog food, perfect for your Labrador Retriever. ...
• UnKibble by Spot and Tango Beef and Barley Recipe. UnKibble Beef and Barley recipe is a fresh, human-grade dog food that is dried slowly at low temps. ...
• Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry. ...
• Fromm Heartland Gold Large Breed Adult Recipe. ...

What is the best food for Labrador?

With decades’ combined experience in the organic food industry ... all of its products to third-party lab testing. The results are available on the website to let people know what they are paying for. The best thing about Diamond CBD is that the company ...

What should Labrador puppies not eat?

Chocolate. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine — a bit like caffeine — that's poisonous to dogs. ... Caffeine. Like chocolate, caffeine is a stimulant. ... Onions, garlic, and chives. ... Alcohol. ... Mouldy foods. ... Grapes & raisins. ... Macadamia nuts. ... Yeast dough.More items...•

What is best to feed a Labrador?

Labradors can eat a range of foods that are perfectly safe and healthy. These include proteins – such as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken; grains such as wheat, oats, corn, and rice; dairy such as yogurt and cheese; and fruit and vegetables such as apples, berries, carrots, and peas.

Is rice good for Labrador?

But can dogs eat rice? The answer is yes. You may not even realize it, but rice is an ingredient sometimes found in commercial dog foods. In fact, if you ask many pet owners what they feed their dog when he's sick, they'll likely tell you that white rice is a part of their pup's diet.

Is milk good for Labrador?

Milk is a safe treat in small quantities. A few tablespoons of cow's milk or goat's milk on an occasional basis can be a nice reward for your dog without the side effects of overindulgence.

How often should you feed a Labrador?

How often to feed your Labrador. Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age.

Should I feed My Lab grain free?

As such, we recommend Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food for three main reasons: naming meat as a main ingredient, the addition of glucosamine and chondroitin to protect your Lab's joints, and the fruits and veggies to add much-needed vitamins and minerals. For Labradors, a healthy diet isn't difficult.

How much should you feed a Labrador?

For a 50-pound Lab feed 2-1/2 to 3 cups daily. For a 60-pound Lab feed 3 to 3-1/2 cups daily. For a 70-pound Lab feed 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups daily. For an 80-pound Lab feed 3-1/2 to 4 cups daily.

Do Labradors need large breed food?

Kibble Size- As large dogs, labradors should have a kibble size that's suitable for their breed. Choose medium to large-sized chunks that are easy to chew but difficult to wolf down. Age Appropriate – Remember, labradors have different nutrient needs depending on their life stage.

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.

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.

What happens if a dog bites a bone?

When dogs bite down on a bone, they swallow small fragments that could form a blockage in the intestine. This blockage, in the best-case scenario, causes constipation, and in the worst-case scenario requires immediate veterinary surgery.

When do puppies become adults?

When do you switch from puppy food to adult food? Your puppy becomes an adult when it’s around one to 1 and a half years of age. A small dog like a Chihuahua might become an adult when it is around 9 months of age. However, a larger dog breed like a Labrador will need another 4 to 6 months to become an adult.

Is dry dog food good for puppies?

Dry food is by far the most popular feeding method due to its convenience and price. But is it any good? Depending on the brand you choose, this food is either of very poor quality and ineffective in completing your dog’s nutritional requirements, or is very good quality that provides your puppy with all the nutrients it is going to require.

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.

Why is my puppy overweight?

A lack of nutrition can lead to stunted growth and overfeeding can also cause health problems. Too much food during this all-important growth period can not only make your puppy overweight, it can cause their bones to be less dense. This is associated with several orthopedic diseases.

When to switch from puppy to adult dog food?

When it comes to making the switch, your puppy’s personal growth is a better indicator than his age. Some people will make the change when the puppy is as young as 6 months old.

Is kibble good for puppies?

Pros And Cons Of Kibble. Kibble that is specifically formulated for puppies is a popular puppy food choice. Made of ground meal, these dried, ready-made pellets contain all of the nutrients a Lab puppy needs for a healthy balanced diet.

Is wet food better than kibble?

Like kibble, compete wet food offers a balanced diet and should not be combined with other foods. Available in single-serving cans and pouches, it can be a considerably more expensive option when compared to kibble. Some wet food brands will offer more meat protein and fewer carbohydrates than kibble does.

Is raw food good for dogs?

Some benefits of raw feeding include less chance of bloat and improved dental health. It takes much longer for your puppy to eat raw meat and bones, so there’s also a reduced risk of overfeeding. This translates to less obesity and all of the health concerns associated with your dog being overweight.

Can you train a puppy with raw food?

When training a puppy, using raw food is more difficult than using kibble. If you have small children, and they play with the puppy, you’ll need to make sure they wash their hands properly after any contact. Here are links to two articles with more information on a raw diet for dogs.

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 vitamins should I give my Labrador puppy?

Your Lab puppy will thrive when his or her diet includes: Vitamin B12 (especially during puppy development), Vitamins A and E, C, Vitamin D, phosphorus, and calcium, Potassium. Iron. Each of these required vitamins and minerals contributes to a healthy, happy, and. energetic puppy.

How do I support my Labrador puppy?

Feeding your labrador. The single best way to support the long-term health and growth of any dog is to make sure you feed them properly throughout their lives. And this is especially true when you’re raising happy, healthy Lab puppies. As a breed type, Labs are genetically predisposed to put on weight easily, which means what you feed them matters.

How many calories should a puppy eat per gram of fat?

For puppies, this should be 3.5 calories per gram of fat. Sticking to these ratios will help ensure your kibble choice is a healthy one. You can also use this handy feeding chart to track, tweak and adjust your growing puppy's nutritional and caloric needs: HOW MANY CALORIES.

What is kibble for puppies?

Kibble is dried, pelleted food that stores well is easy to eat, and is pre-formulated#N#with everything your puppy needs to thrive and grow in his early developmental#N#months.#N#LAB PUPPY OWNERS LOVE KIBBLE BECAUSE:

What is B.A.R.F. for dogs?

B.A.R.F. stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.” It’s a kind of diet that starts puppies off on a diet consisting of raw meat, raw seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables and more. The acronym may sound gross, but rest assured that it’s not an accurate description of how your dog will feel. But it’s not without some “controversy.” Raw feeding requires a lot of forethought and pre-planning, because you need to determine what the diet ratios for all these ingredients are if you want to create a truly balanced diet for your puppy.

How much raw bone should I feed my dog?

The 10% ratio is a starting guideline. However, many dogs do well on 12% to 15% raw edible bone content.

What is the best oil for puppies?

DHA from omega-rich fish oil helps nourish brain and vision development. Rich in antioxidants to help support a puppy’s developing immune system. Calcium, phosphorus and other minerals help build strong teeth and bones. Vitamin A and linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, promote healthy skin and coat.

How Much Should A Lab Puppy Eat?

The nutritional needs of puppies change quickly, so it’s important to look at each week of this initial life stage.

Why Is Large Breed Puppy Food Important?

Your Lab weighs anywhere between 55 and 80 pounds at maturity, making him a large dog breed. Large dogs grow at a much quicker rate compared to smaller dogs, and this can lead to skeletal abnormalities and joint issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common concern in Labs, so it is important to control skeletal growth.

What Nutrients Do Lab Puppies Need?

Duck is nutrient-dense meat that meets many different nutritional needs.

Keeping Your Lab At The Right Weight

Labradors are one of the greediest dog breeds on the planet, and if you don’t believe us, science actually backs this claim up. Labradors are born with a faulty gene that makes them feel as though they are still hungry. So, it’s up to you to control how much they eat. Feeding a puppy can be just as demanding as feeding a human baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Although we have made the world of Labrador puppy feeding as simple as possible for you, we agree, it’s not as simple as ABC. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions relating to Lab puppies and their feeding schedules.

Final Thoughts

The Labrador Retriever is the nation’s canine sweetheart. As you can see from our puppy feeding guide, he needs a little help to develop into that gorgeous Fido that we all know and love.

Best Pet Insurance for Labrador Retrievers

Health Disclaimer: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

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.

Why do Labradors need dry food?

Labradors need dry food to ensure they receive all the nutrients. Also, dog foods that are dry prevent gum issues and help clean the teeth. If you want to nourish your Labrador canned meals, be sure that just a few canned and the remaining part is quality dry food, which is either meat-based or meal-based.

Why do you weigh your puppy weekly?

You are able to weigh your pup weekly to document progress and correct food intake if you are necessarily concerned about the growth of your puppy. Weighing a puppy might seem hard, but it is relatively easy! Simply weigh yourself, then weigh yourself holding the puppy and subtract the difference.

What happens if you feed your puppy?

If you decide to use your brain to decide when to feed your puppy, 2 things will happen: You may end up overfeeding your puppy. You may fall at risk of underfeeding the puppy. Just like humans, body system differs. For lab puppies, in particular, they need to feed whenever they want to.

How does food affect a Labrador puppy?

Labrador Food Guide: How Diet Impacts Your Labrador Puppy’s Structure and Health. Dogs need fatty acids, carbs, minerals, vitamins, and water inside their daily diet. It is important to understand how much to feed a Lab pup. Too little nutrition can lead to stunted growth, and health problems can also be caused by overfeeding.

How long does a Labrador stay with you?

With plenty of love and care, your medium-to-large-sized dog is going to be a household companion for approximately 10-12 years. Generally speaking, your Labrador is going to do well in an age-appropriate and high-grade dog food, which is bought in the store or prepared at home with your veterinarian’s approval.

How to get my dog to work off his power?

As they get old, and if you’re the type that is adventurous, then it’s possible to determine if your dog ready to hike or maybe not. A game of fetch is also a simple way to get your dog working off his power.

What are the factors that determine a dog's needs?

There are factors about the dog itself such as its age, sex, expected adult weight along with other individual differences — after all, each dog is an individual, and you need to make sure their unique needs are being catered to by Selecting a diet tailored for their Unique requirements.

What are the most common allergens in Labradors?

Please consult your veterinarian to discuss possible allergies and foods to avoid and foods to eat. The top 5 food allergens for Labradors include: Beef: Proteins are common allergens. Feeding a single food for years can increase the possibility of your dog developing an intolerance or allergy to that protein.

Why does my dog have hot spots on his skin?

If your pup has hot spots on their skin, sore spots from excessive licking, or constant ear infections (which could be a buildup of yeast), your companion might be suffering from a common food allergy or allergies. Please consult your veterinarian to discuss possible allergies and foods to avoid and foods to eat.

How much does an 8 week old puppy weigh?

For example, an 8-week-old pup might weigh around 16 pounds, and a 4-month old puppy might weigh around 32 pounds. Don’t Miss: When Do Labs Stop Growing. If you’re concerned about your puppy’s growth, you can weigh your puppy weekly to record her progress and adjust food intake if needed.

How big is a Labrador Retriever?

The high-spirited sidekicks can range from 65-80 pounds (for males) and 55-70 pounds (for females) and stand between 21.5-24.5 inches tall. With lots of love and care, your medium-to-large-sized dog will be a family companion ...

How to avoid developing a dog's protein allergy?

To avoid developing, while a puppy, rotate the base protein that you feed. If you suspect your dog has a protein allergy, you can experiment with a different protein to see if his symptoms get better. Dairy: Some dogs are lactose intolerant, leading to fast, diarrhea and/or vomiting. It can also lead to skin itchiness.

When do puppies start eating chow?

The weaning process may begin around 6 weeks of age , and at that time, puppy chow can be introduced. Commercially manufactured puppy food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs for normal development. Puppies start out needing many small meals a day – just like human babies.

Can a Labrador eat high grade dog food?

In general, your labrador will do well on an age-appropriate, high grade dog food, which can be store-bought or home-prepared with your veterinarian’s approval. Puppies, adults and senior dogs all have different dietary needs.

Choosing The Right Food to Feed Your Labrador

So, Which Dog Food Is Best?

When and How Much to Feed Your Labrador

Other Information For Feeding Your Labrador

• Treats
  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.
• Water
  When talking about feeding your Lab, water should also be part of the conversation. Be sure to always have fresh water available for your Labrador at all times. Clean their water bowl regularly to keep the water fresh and clean.

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