Feeding your Labrador puppy requires careful attention to their nutritional needs to support healthy growth and development. I’ve never known a Labrador who doesn’t enjoy a good meal or for that matter, a tasty treat! Labrador Retrievers can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to provide a balanced diet that meets their specific requirements from the get-go. Each stage of a Labrador’s life will be different. Always check with your veterinarian for your dog’s particular needs.
Under 6 Months of Age
Young Labrador puppies have a lot of energy! They are also in the potty-training stage. It is very, very helpful to keep your puppy on a strict feeding/potty schedule. Life will be much simpler if you do. Puppies from 4 – 10 weeks are usually fed every 6 to 8 hours. So, if you are getting your puppy at 10 – 12 weeks, as is common, it is advisable to continue that puppy feeding schedule for at least 3 – 4 weeks but preferably until your puppy reaches 6 months of age. At that point your puppy will be settled into their new life, and you can switch to a two times a day meal schedule.
During these formative years, it is especially important to choose a puppy food that is specially formulated for large breeds or, more specifically, for Labrador Retrievers. Look for a brand that lists a high-quality source of protein (such as meat) as the main ingredient.
Six Months to One Year Old
Buster and Lily switched from large breed puppy food to adult food after they had been spayed and neutered, at about a year old. Their caloric needs dropped as did their energy levels. Puppy food has higher protein and calories that supports their growth but once your puppy has reached about 80% of their mature side, veterinarians recommend moving to adult food.
Since Labradors are prone to obesity, it is critical that they are fed not only a high-quality food but also the right quantity. I find that the feeding guidelines provided on packaging often, though not always, suggest too much food. These guidelines usually base the amount of food on the puppy’s age and weight but don’t always include activity level. I highly recommend consulting with your veterinarian on the right amount to feed your puppy and also to watch your puppy’s weight closely. If you notice weight gain, cut back immediately. Stick to a quantity of food that maintains a healthy weight.
What is a Healthy Weight for Labradors?
Labradors are prone to becoming overweight or obese if they are overfed or under-exercised. Labradors are susceptible to hip problems and arthritis so keeping a healthy weight for their lifetime will decrease the likelihood of developing these issues and improve their quality of life.
The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention offers a 9-point scale for Body Conditioning Scoring (BCS). They have a step-by-step instructions for performing an at-home condition check as well as steps to take to prevent obesity. The information is not specific to Labradors but is helpful nonetheless. Keep in mind, it is much easier to reduce a dog’s weight while young and in their active years so getting a handle on keeping a healthy weight is paramount.
Don’t Forget to Hydrate
A fresh, clean source of water is also vital to your puppy’s health. Your puppy should always have access to water. As puppies, they should be drinking about 1 oz. of water for each pound of weight. Once they are adults, the rule of thumb is ½ ounce to 1 ounce of water for each pound. That means a 2-year old, 70 pound Labrador should be drinking between ¼ to ½ gallon of water a day. Of course, the higher the activity, the more water they should drink.
A Final Word about Feeding
Your veterinarian can create a customized feeding plan based on your puppy’s specific needs. Factors such as their current weight, growth rate, activity level, and any health concerns should be considered.
Remember that individual puppies may have different nutritional requirements, so it’s essential to adjust the feeding plan based on your puppy’s growth and development. Regular veterinary check-ups will help you monitor your Labrador puppy’s weight and overall health, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments to their diet.
