Choosing the right food and establishing a consistent feeding routine are crucial for your Labrador’s overall health and well-being. Labs are known for their enthusiastic appetites and a tendency to gain weight, making a well-managed diet and feeding schedule essential. This guide will help you navigate the complexities of feeding your Labrador, from puppyhood to adulthood, ensuring they receive the nutrition they need.
Labrador Feeding Guide: Understanding Portions
The amount of food your Labrador needs will depend on their age, activity level, and the specific food you choose. As a general guideline, Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests the following daily serving sizes for adult dogs:
- 40 – 45 pounds: 205 – 230 grams
- 50 – 55 pounds: 240 – 265 grams
- 60 – 65 pounds: 270 – 300 grams
- 70 – 75 pounds: 300 – 335 grams
- 80 – 85 pounds: 330 – 365 grams
- 90 – 95 pounds: 355 – 395 grams
It’s important to note that these are just estimates for dry kibble and can vary significantly between brands. Always refer to the specific feeding recommendations on your chosen dog food packaging. For detailed information on feeding puppies, please consult resources specifically on feeding your Labrador puppy.
What’s the Best Dog Food for Labs?
Experts generally agree that the best food for any dog is a balanced diet that promotes excellent health at a reasonable cost. However, there can be differing opinions on what constitutes a perfectly balanced diet, the best feeding methods, and which kibble brands are superior. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions.
Different Methods to Feed Your Labrador
Two primary feeding approaches are popular among Labrador owners: dry kibble and raw meat and bones (often referred to as the BARF diet). Both methods have their proponents and detractors.
Dry Kibble
The majority of Labrador owners opt for dry kibble due to its convenience. It’s readily available, easy to store without refrigeration, and has a less pungent odor compared to raw food. Kibble also serves as a convenient option for training treats.
However, kibble can have disadvantages. It often contains fillers that are not fully digested, leading to larger and smellier stools. Kibble-fed dogs may also require more frequent dental cleaning and potentially have a slightly increased risk of bloat. Additionally, some owners report that kibble-fed dogs are more prone to coprophagia (eating their own feces) compared to raw-fed dogs.
Raw Meat and Bones (BARF Diet)
Raw feeding, while gaining popularity, has also attracted some controversy and extreme viewpoints. It requires more preparation and storage space (freezer and refrigeration) and emphasizes good hygiene practices, similar to preparing meat for human consumption.
While raw feeding can offer benefits, it’s crucial to ensure a balanced nutrient profile, especially for growing puppies who are more vulnerable to dietary imbalances. For families with very young children, raw feeding might be less ideal due to the potential for mess and the difficulty in ensuring strict hand-washing hygiene to prevent pathogen transmission. Ultimately, there isn’t a single “right” way to feed a dog, and the “best” method for a balanced diet can vary.
Deciding Between Raw and Kibble
Consider these factors when making your choice:
- Puppies: Kibble might be a more comfortable choice for very young puppies.
- Young Children: If you have children under five, kibble may offer a safer option.
- Bloat History: If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, a raw diet might be a safer alternative.
- Allergies: Some dogs with allergies may experience improvements on a raw diet.
Choosing a Brand for Your Labrador
While cost is a factor, the cheapest Labrador food isn’t always the most economical in the long run, as you may need to feed larger quantities. Mid-range brands are often a good starting point. Some high-end brands may offer hidden health benefits. For a biologically appropriate option in kibble form, brands like Orijen, which typically contain a high percentage of meat and vegetables with no grain, can be considered. If you decide to switch your dog’s food, do so gradually over several days to prevent stomach upset.
How Often to Feed Your Labrador
Many owners feed their adult dogs twice a day, which is generally recommended to help mitigate the risk of bloat associated with large meals, particularly with kibble. While once-a-day feeding might be acceptable for raw-fed dogs, it can be too much dry food at once for kibble-fed dogs.
How Often to Feed Labrador Puppies
Labrador puppies require their daily food intake to be divided into multiple smaller meals. Feeding a whole day’s ration at once can lead to digestive issues.
- 8 to 12 weeks: Four meals per day (breakfast, lunch, tea, supper), spaced at least three hours apart. Ensure the last meal is 2-3 hours before bedtime.
- 3 months onwards: Three meals per day.
- 6 months onwards: Two meals per day (breakfast and supper).
How Much to Feed Your Labrador?
Refer to the feeding guidelines on your dog food packaging, but be aware that these are often generous. If your dog is overweight, try reducing the recommended amount by about a third for a few days and then reassess. Your dog may need less food than you think.
How Long Should Your Dog Take to Eat?
It’s generally best to encourage your dog to eat their meals relatively quickly. Leaving food down all day can sometimes lead to picky eating habits. If your dog hasn’t finished their meal within ten minutes, it’s advisable to remove the bowl. For Labs that eat too quickly, consider using a slow feed bowl to help them eat at a more moderate pace, which can also reduce the risk of bloat.
Feeding Household Scraps and Leftovers
While adult dogs can often tolerate occasional household scraps without issue, it’s important to ensure these leftovers don’t unbalance their diet. Avoid feeding foods high in sugar, onions, cooked bones, or anything toxic to dogs. Leftovers should not constitute more than 10% of your dog’s daily food intake. It is not recommended to feed puppies household scraps due to their need for a highly balanced diet.
Dog Feeding Equipment and Storage
Investing in good quality, dishwasher-safe feeding bowls is recommended. Stainless steel bowls are durable, though they can be noisy. Avoid raised bowls, as some studies have linked them to an increased risk of bloat. For kibble storage, sealable bins are ideal for keeping the food fresh and can hold large quantities.
Providing Water for Your Labrador
Water should be accessible to puppies and older dogs at all times. It’s acceptable to remove water an hour before bedtime for puppies to aid in housetraining. Dogs on a kibble diet tend to drink more water than those on a raw diet.
When Feeding Problems Require Veterinary Help
Regular veterinary check-ups are essential, especially for puppies. During these visits, you can discuss any dietary concerns or questions you have about your dog’s welfare. While some dogs may eat less in hot weather, sudden or significant changes in appetite can be a sign of illness. If your Labrador suddenly goes off their food, don’t dismiss it as just old age; consult your veterinarian.
