As we know, choosing the right food for your Labrador retriever, is essential to keeping them healthy and happy. Feeding the wrong type of food or too much can cause serious health problems. But, how much should you feed your Lab?
A proper diet ensures that your Labs gets all the nutrition diet, they need without overfeeding them, which can lead to weight gain and other issues.
In this blog, we will discuss how to check a Labrador feeding chart. So, that you can make sure that you are giving your Lab the correct amount of food each day. Along with that, we also provided feeding tips, diet, which cover major factors that one should look after before fixing the feeding schedule.
Keep reading to get all the information, you need to make informed decisions about the Labrador diet.
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Labrador Feeding Chart
In his puppy stage, you used to feed him four times a day, right?
Well, when your Lab reaches adolescent age, you need to stop feeding him so frequently. You need to cut down that frequency to twice a day. This is because now his body has almost developed, and with time his activity level will increase, but that doesn’t mean you will keep feeding him.
Moreover, you need to switch from puppy-formulated food to adult Labrador retriever, food. Because as their weights, age, and activity level increase, their nutrient requirements quantity also vary. We have prepared an adult Labrador feeding chart, which will help you to feed him the correct amount of food.
An adult Labrador retriever, with high activity will need more food than one with less activity. For instance, your adult Lab, whose weights is around 31-32.5 kg, requires 572 grams of food daily with 1685 kcal per day. On the other hand, if he is not an active one then you need to feed, him 1615 kcal per day.
It should be noted that the diet and the feeding chart for male labradors and female labradors differ.
Note:- Always seek advice from the vet before switching your pup’s food. It is suggested to go for high-quality food that is specially formulated for larger breeds. In this way, you will prevent him from getting affected by any joint issues or other severe health problems, which normally large breeds encounter if they rapidly grow.
Labrador Puppy Feeding Chart
Just like other breeds, Labrador puppies also rely on their mother’s milk diet. For at least 4th or 6th week from their birth, they prefer consuming their mother’s milk. It helps to boost their immune system and strengthen their joints. Furthermore, after 6th week your puppy will start adapting to the puppy-formulated food, so it’s suggested to feed him high-quality and quantity food with no fillers.
One of the reasons, for feeding a Labrador puppy the correct amount of food and calorie ratio, is that you don’t overfeed them. Which can lead to weight gain issues in them. It has been observed that Labradors retriever, are prone to obesity. So it’s beneficial if, from the initial stage, you keep a track of their feeding ratio.
That’s the reason we have prepared a Labrador puppy feeding chart, which is bifurcated into the younger and older stage. This will help you to select the feeding ratio for your puppy, as per his age and weight, and won’t end up overfeeding him.
For instance, if you are raising a young Labrador puppy, it’s suggested first to check the weight. If he weighs around 10-14 kg, then 300 grams of food daily is more than enough, with 1354 kcal per day.
So, according to your Lab puppy’s weight, and age, you can refer to our lab puppy feeding chart for better guidance.
Note:- Follow our Labrador puppy feeding guide UK, it will help you to keep a track record of food and calorie ratio.
In one of our feeding blogs, we have covered: The Cockapoo puppy feeding guide!
Senior Labrador Feeding Proportion
At the age of 7, your Labrador turns to seniority, where his activity level and appetite decrease slowly. This is because, with age, their body becomes less immune and infected with several health issues. His health, eating habits, and weight, all vary with time. You just cannot feed him the same ratio which you used to give in the adult stage.
Now, his body requires different nutrients at different proportion levels. For your better reference, we have prepared a PDF of the senior Labrador feeding chart, which is bifurcated into weight. This will surely help you in feeding him correctly.
For example, if your senior Lab whose weight is around 33-34.5 kg, and is moderately active by nature. In such a scenario, it is suggested to feed 405 grams of food daily with a total calorie intake ratio of 1372 kcal per day.
On the other hand, if your oldie Labs are not an active one, then it is suggested to cut down the calorie ratio. Because without any physical activities, and exercises, his metabolism will not work effectively. Further, won’t be able to burn the extra fats, which will lead to weight gain issues and other severe health problems in the future.
How Much Should A Labrador Eat
So far, you read about the Labrador feeding chart. And how the feeding ratio varies as per their life stage, weight, and activity level. Now, let’s have a look at the feeding tips, which will help you to select the appropriate dog food for your furry pal.
It’s true, only referring to the Labrador feeding chart will not help.
Before following the Labrador feeding guide UK. It’s important to have knowledge regarding the nutrients, weight, activity, level, and foods to avoid.
So, you can select the appropriate dog food for your Lab, as per his health. And feed him the correct amount of food.
Let’s quickly explore the important factors:
1. Nutrients Guidelines
Well, checking the nutrient list is one of the essential factors, upon which the feeding schedule is based. Mostly, Labradors are too sensitive, and allergic to grains. It’s suggested to look for non-toxic ingredients, and present them in appropriate nutrient percentages.
Many commercial dog food includes grains, peas, lentils, and other ingredients that are not good for his health. Especially, those who are allergic to grains should not be fed grain food. It can lead to severe health issues in the future.
PetMD states, “Starting a Labrador Retriever on a joint supplement early in life can help slow down or possibly prevent arthritis. Virbac Movoflex, Synovi Chews, Dasuquin, Cosequin, and Flexadin are some examples of joint supplements that have gone through clinical trials and been proven effective.“
We have jotted down the essential nutrient list, which should be there in your Lab’s food in an appropriate ratio.
- Meat Protein
- Omega-3
- Omega-6
- Carbohydrates in moderate amount
- Grain-free
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Vitamins and Minerals
Now, you are well aware of the essential nutrients that should be present in your Labrador’s diet. One more thing, these nutrients list will keep changing as they grow old. Plus, follow our Labrador feeding chart UK, it will surely help you feed the right amount to your furry pal.
Read Next: How much should a chihuahua eat in a day?
2. Activity Level
Labradors retriever, are highly energetic, and extremely active both physically, and mentally. It’s important to feed them the correct amount of food and calories, to boost their energy level, and metabolism works effectively.
Let me explain it to you with an example, suppose you are raising an adult Lab, whose weight is around 33-34.5 kg. Your furry pal is a super active one, carries out all the physical activities, etc. In such a scenario, it is recommended to feed, him,1764 kcal per day.
You don’t have to worry about Lab’s digestive system, their metabolism works effectively during the adulthood stage. If you feed him the correct amount of food and calories, it will digest easily, and no stomach issues will be faced by your furry pal.
Also Read: Cocker spaniel feeding guide, & How much should a pug eat a day?
3. Weight Consideration
As we have an idea, Labradors are one of the greediest dog breeds, it’s there in their genes they never feel full. So, this is one reason they keep demanding more food and tempting treats, even when they are not feeling hungry.
Since they are prone to obesity, it’s double your responsibility. You need to be extra careful with his diet, weight and feeding ratio. We recommend you first check his weight, and then select the feeding ratio from the guide. In this way, you can prevent him from getting overweight with our labrador feeding chart, and there will be fewer chances of getting any severe health issues.
For instance, if you are raising an adult Labrador who weighs around 31-32.5 kg, it is suggested to feed him 572 grams of food daily. Make sure, the total calorie intake ratio should be around 1685 kcal per day.
Note:- Overweight leads to several health problems, such as diabetes, cardiac conditions, joint issues, etc… We know Lab are prone to obesity, and it doubles the risk, that’s the reason keeping weight track is important for his better living.
4. Foods to Avoid
Well, another factor while feeding your Labrador is that you cannot feed every type of food to your furry pal. Their body is designed differently, so you need to be careful with the ingredients and food, and check whether diet is suitable for their body.
We have dome footwork and jotted down the list of ingredients, which you should avoid feeding your Labrador.
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Onion and Garlic
- Alcohol
- Milk
- Ice cream
- Cheese
- Caffeine
- Yeasty Dough
While purchasing food for your Lab, don’t forget to check the ingredient list. Make sure, there are no toxic ingredients, or flavours added to your Lab’s food. We know the majority of Labradors are too sensitive, and if not taken care of, they might encounter skin allergy issues in the future.
Note:- Consult the vet before selecting commercial dog food for your Lab, they will guide you better with the ingredients. You can also refer to our Labrador feeding chart. It will give you an idea regarding the food and calorie ratio. So that you won’t jumble up and end up overfeeding your furry pal.
FAQs
How much should you feed a Labrador per day?
Generally, it is recommended that if you are raising an adult healthy Labrador, then 1764 kcal daily is enough for him. But this feeding ratio varies and depends on your Lab’s life stage, weight, and activity level. For more reference, you can check our Labrador feeding chart UK, it will give you a clear view regarding the feeding, and calorie ratio.
When can a Labrador go to 2 meals a day?
Well, Labradors growing can go to 2 meals a day when they reach their adulthood stage, i.e. when they turned one year old. Before that, it is recommended to feed them thrice or four times a day because they are at the puppy stage and their body needs more food and calorie for proper development.
Is it OK to feed my Lab once a day?
No, feeding Labrador once a day is not recommended because not only lab but all other breeds need to be fed at least twice a day. They cannot go hungry for more than 12 hours gap. If you miss his meal, there are chances his stomach will become hyperacidity, which can even lead to nausea issues.
Why are Labradors always hungry?
Labrador enjoys eating, you must have noticed that he will keep on demanding more food, tempting treats. This doesn’t mean he is hungry, or you are not feeding him correctly, due to their eating habits they demand more food. It’s very tricky to find out whether your Lab’s tummy is full, so follow one policy, feed him the correct amount of food. This will ensure that you are not feeding him less, and occasionally you can spoil him with his favourite treats.
Do Labradors stop eating when full?
Well, Labradors are the greediest ones, they can never stop themselves from eating. Even if his stomach is full, he will not stop, until unless you take away the dish from him. For them, it’s a tough job to say no to food, treats, or any munching snacks.
Well, It’s a Wrap!
Now, we know feeding a Labrador involves choosing high-quality food, and feeding them the correct amount of food. Furthermore, keep a track of their weight, and activity level, and accordingly feed them. This will prevent you from overfeeding him. We hope thorugh our blog, “Labrador Feeding Chart” we have provide you with all required information.
Labradors are the greediest breed, even if their stomach is full, they will demand more treats. So, you have to be very careful, while feeding him, and make sure your pup carries out daily exercises.
By following these guidelines, you can help your Lab maintain a healthy weight and enjoy a long and happy life.
Feel free to download our Labrador feeding chart, for your future reference.
