Labradors are renowned for their friendly disposition, boundless energy, and, perhaps most famously, their enthusiastic appetites. Understanding precisely What To Give Labrador To Eat is crucial for maintaining their health, managing their weight, and ensuring they live a long, happy life. As a Labrador owner, you know these dogs are prone to weight gain, making a well-structured feeding plan indispensable. This comprehensive guide, built on expert advice and practical experience, will navigate the complexities of Labrador nutrition, from choosing the right food to establishing an ideal feeding routine, ensuring your loyal companion receives the best possible care. For specific guidance on the youngest members of the family, explore our detailed advice on feeding a Labrador puppy.
Understanding Your Labrador’s Unique Nutritional Needs
The ideal diet for a Labrador Retriever is generally high in fat and protein, with a controlled amount of carbohydrates. A superior diet for a Labrador avoids unnecessary fillers and is packed with essential healthy vitamins and minerals. Given their active nature and genetic predisposition to love food, striking the right balance in their diet is paramount. Ensuring their food provides sustained energy without leading to excessive weight gain is a constant balancing act for Labrador owners.
Labrador Feeding Guidelines: How Much and How Often?
Determining the exact amount and frequency of food for your Labrador depends on several factors, including their age, activity level, and the specific type of food you are providing.
Daily Food Portions for Adult Labradors
The recommended serving sizes will vary significantly between food brands and types (dry kibble, wet food, raw). Always refer to the specific guidelines on your chosen food’s packaging. For instance, a general guide for a high-quality dry kibble might suggest the following daily portions:
- 40 – 45 lb Labrador: 205 – 230 grams per day
- 50 – 55 lb Labrador: 240 – 265 grams per day
- 60 – 65 lb Labrador: 270 – 300 grams per day
- 70 – 75 lb Labrador: 300 – 335 grams per day
- 80 – 85 lb Labrador: 330 – 365 grams per day
- 90 – 95 lb Labrador: 355 – 395 grams per day
It’s crucial to remember that these are just estimates for dry kibble, and individual needs can differ. Active Labradors may require slightly more, while less active dogs might need less. Regularly assess your dog’s body condition to adjust portions accordingly; if they appear a little overweight, reducing their intake by about a third for a few days and then reassessing is a good starting point. Many dogs, especially Labradors, may need less food than the maximum recommended on packaging.
Feeding Frequency for Adult Labradors
For adult Labradors, most owners find success feeding two meals a day, typically once in the morning and once in the evening. While some dogs can cope with a single daily meal after 12 months of age, many prefer their daily rations broken down into smaller, more manageable amounts. This two-meal schedule can also help reduce the risk of bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus), a life-threatening condition, particularly when feeding dry kibble. Giving your dog two smaller meals instead of one large one can aid digestion and prevent them from eating too quickly.
What to Feed Labrador Puppies: Essential Guidelines
Labrador puppies have unique nutritional demands to support their rapid growth and development. Their feeding schedule and diet are critical during these formative months.
Puppy Feeding Schedule
Young puppies require more frequent meals due to their smaller stomachs and higher metabolic rates.
- From 8 to 12 weeks: Your puppy will benefit from four meals a day – breakfast, lunch, tea, and supper. These meals should be spaced at least three hours apart to allow for proper digestion. Ensure the last meal is given two to three hours before their final trip outside for house training.
- From 3 to 6 months: You can typically reduce their daily ration to three portions.
- After 6 months: By this age, most Labrador puppies can transition to two meals a day, mirroring the adult feeding schedule of breakfast and supper.
It’s vital to divide their total daily food requirement into these smaller portions. Attempting to give a puppy its entire day’s ration in one go can lead to diarrhea and potentially harm their developing digestive system, especially as kibble expands after ingestion. For more guidance on specific options, discover safe puppy food options for your growing companion.
Quantities for Growing Pups
The amount of food a Labrador puppy needs will also be detailed on the specific puppy food packaging. Always choose a high-quality puppy formula designed for large breeds, as these are formulated to support healthy bone and joint development. Overfeeding a puppy can lead to excessively rapid growth, which can put undue stress on their developing joints. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor your puppy’s growth and weight, and your vet can provide personalized dietary recommendations.
Choosing the Best Food for Your Labrador: Kibble vs. Raw
When it comes to selecting what to give Labrador to eat, two primary feeding methods are popular among owners: dry kibble and raw meat and bones (often referred to as BARF – Biologically Appropriate Raw Food). Both approaches have their staunch supporters and detractors.
Dry Kibble: Pros and Cons
The majority of Labrador owners feed their dogs commercially prepared dried kibble pellets.
Advantages of Kibble:
- Convenience: Kibble is incredibly convenient. You can simply pour it into your dog’s bowl, saving significant time, which is a major benefit in busy households.
- Storage: It stores well, doesn’t require refrigeration or freezing, and generally has a low odor.
- Training Treats: Kibble makes excellent portable training treats, as it’s easy to carry and portion.
Disadvantages of Kibble:
- Fillers: Many kibble brands contain fillers – bulking agents that are not fully digested by dogs. This can lead to larger, smellier poops compared to dogs on raw diets.
- Dental Health: Kibble-fed dogs may require more frequent dental cleaning to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
- Bloat Risk: There may be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed a dry food diet, especially if eaten rapidly.
- Coprophagia: Some studies suggest kibble-fed dogs might be more prone to coprophagia (eating their own poop), a common Labrador habit.
Raw (BARF) Diet: Pros and Cons
Natural raw dog diets, consisting of meat and bones, have gained significant popularity.
Advantages of Raw Feeding:
- Thriving Dogs: Many raw-fed dogs appear to thrive, exhibiting healthy coats, good energy levels, and excellent muscle tone.
- Digestive Benefits: Raw diets often result in smaller, less odorous stools due to higher digestibility and fewer fillers.
- Dental Health: Chewing raw meaty bones can naturally help clean teeth.
Disadvantages of Raw Feeding:
- Preparation and Storage: Raw feeding is less convenient than kibble. It demands ample freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and strict meat preparation hygiene, similar to handling raw meat for human consumption.
- Nutrient Balance: While generally simple, ensuring a perfectly balanced raw diet, especially for growing puppies, requires more research and attention to ensure all nutrient requirements are met. Puppies, growing rapidly, are particularly vulnerable to poorly balanced diets.
- Hygiene for Families: It’s generally not recommended in households with very young children due to the challenges of maintaining strict hygiene and preventing the spread of raw meat pathogens.
- Controversy: The concept of feeding raw bones still sparks debate among some experts regarding potential dangers.
Making the Right Choice for Your Labrador
Ultimately, there isn’t one “best way” to feed every Labrador. The ideal choice depends on your specific circumstances and your dog’s individual needs.
- For young puppies: Many owners prefer the reliability and measured nutrient balance of a high-quality kibble during rapid growth phases.
- For families with young children: Kibble may be a safer option due to the hygiene demands of raw feeding.
- If your dog has a history of bloat or has close relatives who have suffered from it: Some evidence suggests raw feeding might carry a lower risk, but this should be discussed with a veterinarian.
- For dogs with allergies: A raw diet, due to its simplicity and lack of common allergens found in some kibble, might be beneficial, but again, veterinary consultation is key.
Hungry Labrador looking intently at food bowl, illustrating keen appetite
Selecting a High-Quality Commercial Dog Food Brand
When choosing a commercial dog food for your Labrador, whether kibble or a prepared raw diet, cost is a factor, but the lowest price isn’t always the cheapest option in the long run. Cheaper foods often contain more fillers, meaning you’ll need to feed larger quantities, and your dog will extract less nutritional value. Mid-range to premium brands are often a good starting point, as they typically offer better ingredients and nutrient density.
Look for brands that prioritize high-quality protein sources (like chicken, beef, or fish), healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates (if feeding kibble). Ingredients lists should be clear, and the food should meet AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, all life stages). Some brands, like Orijen, are lauded for their biologically appropriate formulas, often containing a high percentage of meat, some vegetables, and no grains, aiming to mimic a more natural canine diet in kibble form.
Remember that any change in diet should be gradual to avoid upsetting your Labrador’s stomach. Introduce new food by mixing small amounts with their old food, gradually increasing the new food’s proportion over several days.
Managing Eating Habits: Slow Feeders and Meal Times
Labradors are notorious for being “food hoovers.” While some dogs are picky eaters or “grazers” who return to their bowl throughout the day, Labradors are almost always the opposite.
If your Labrador doesn’t finish their meal within ten minutes, it’s generally a good idea to take the bowl away. This teaches them that food is available at specific times, preventing them from becoming overly picky and maintaining a routine. They won’t come to any harm missing a small portion of a meal.
A much more common issue with Labradors is rapid eating, or “scoffing,” their dinner. There’s an association between fast eating and the risk of bloat, particularly with dry kibble. Slowing down your dog’s eating speed is a beneficial practice. The most effective way to do this is by using a specialized slow feeder bowl. These bowls have ridges or obstacles that force your dog to eat more slowly, making mealtime a safer and more extended experience.
Human Foods and Leftovers: What’s Safe and What’s Not
Many owners supplement their dog’s diet with household scraps or leftovers. In theory, this can unbalance their diet if done excessively. In practice, most adult Labradors will not suffer any harm from occasionally receiving some extras, provided these extras are given in moderation (not more than 10% of their total daily intake) and are safe for canine consumption.
Crucial Warning: It’s imperative to ensure your leftovers do not contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Sugar or artificial sweeteners (especially Xylitol)
- Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks
- Cooked bones (which can splinter and cause internal damage)
- Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Avocado
- Alcohol
- Macadamia nuts
For a comprehensive list of items to avoid, please consult our article on foods dogs should avoid. It’s also vital to be aware of unsuitable fruits and vegetables for dogs and generally recognize toxic foods for dogs.
Giving Leftovers to Puppies: Puppies require a very precisely balanced diet for healthy development. Therefore, it is generally not recommended to feed household scraps or leftovers to puppies, as this can easily disrupt their delicate nutritional balance.
Essential Feeding Equipment and Water Supply
Having the right equipment contributes to a healthy and safe feeding routine.
- Dog Bowls: Look for durable, easy-to-clean bowls. Stainless steel bowls are often recommended because they are dishwasher safe, resistant to bacteria, and less prone to showing wear compared to plastic. While they might be noisy, they are a practical and hygienic choice. Avoid raised bowls, as some studies have associated them with an increased risk of bloat.
- Kibble Storage: For storing large quantities of dry dog food, sealable bins are ideal. They help keep the kibble fresh, protect it from pests, and prevent odors.
- Water: Water is just as vital as food. Puppies and adult dogs need constant access to fresh, clean water throughout the day. It is acceptable to remove your puppy’s water bowl an hour or so before bedtime to assist with house-training, but otherwise, ensure it’s always available. Kibble-fed dogs typically drink more water than raw-fed dogs, as their diet provides less moisture.
Content Labrador resting comfortably on a dog bed after a well-balanced meal
When to Consult Your Veterinarian About Feeding Concerns
Regular veterinary check-ups are fundamental to your Labrador’s health. Your puppy’s vaccination appointments are excellent opportunities to discuss any questions or concerns you have about their diet and general welfare with your vet.
While it’s normal for all dogs to eat slightly less in very hot weather, any sudden or significant change in appetite can be a sign that your Labrador is unwell. This includes both a decrease in food intake or an unusually increased hunger. Never simply attribute changes in eating habits to “old age” without a professional veterinary assessment. If your Labrador goes off their food, seems unusually lethargic, or exhibits any other concerning symptoms, consult your veterinarian promptly. Early detection and treatment of health issues are always best.
Conclusion
Providing your Labrador with an optimal diet is a cornerstone of their overall health and happiness. Choosing what to give Labrador to eat involves understanding their specific nutritional needs, selecting between high-quality kibble or a carefully managed raw diet, and establishing a consistent feeding schedule. Managing their enthusiastic appetite, preventing rapid eating, and being vigilant about harmful human foods are all essential practices for responsible Labrador ownership. Always prioritize accurate information from reliable sources and do not hesitate to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice. By investing time and care in your Labrador’s diet, you’ll be laying the foundation for a long, healthy, and joyful life together. Explore more resources on canine nutrition and care to keep your beloved companion thriving!
References
- Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Official Publication.
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). General guidelines on pet feeding and nutrition.
- Various veterinary journals and scientific studies on canine nutrition and health.
