The decisions you make about your puppy’s nutrition will significantly affect his growth, development, and behavior. Feeding your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food helps set him up for a long and healthy life as an adult dog. This raises a lot of questions for first-time (and even veteran) puppy owners. Namely, how much should you feed your puppy and when? When should you stop feeding puppy food? This article will provide answers to these questions and more, offering advice to help set you and your puppy up for success.
What to Feed a Labrador Puppy
When it comes to feeding puppies, there are a lot of factors to consider. Overall nutrition, breed size, and the type of food all play a role. Here’s what you need to know:
Puppy Nutrition
Puppies need puppy food. Feeding puppies a complete and balanced puppy food ensures they get the proper nutrition to develop and grow into healthy adult dogs.
Puppy foods are formulated with a balance of nutrients to help puppies grow up healthy and happy. Look for formulas rich in high-quality proteins to support their growing bodies. Fat and carbohydrates supply the energy active and playful puppies need, while calcium supports developing teeth and bones, and DHA helps support healthy brain and vision development.
Feeding Puppies Large & Small
Not only do puppies need puppy food, but certain breed sizes can benefit from size-specific formulas. If you have a large breed puppy, he may benefit from a large breed-specific puppy formula. Small breeds can also benefit from small breed-specific puppy formulas. Regardless of breed size, the food should be complete and balanced for growing puppies.
Read also: Benefits of Science Diet for Puppies with Sensitive Stomachs
The difference in formulas comes down to the unique needs of large and small breeds. Large dogs have a higher risk of developing joint problems, so a large breed puppy food should include proper levels of nutrients to support their healthy growth and development. Small breeds may prefer smaller kibble so they can more easily chew their food, which helps ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
According to Purina Nutritionist, Karina Carbo-Johnson, MS, “Small breed-specific dog food is important due to their increased metabolism. This results in a nutrient-dense, high-energy formula which adults and puppies need to support a healthy lifestyle.”
Dry vs. Wet Puppy Food
Although dry kibble is a popular choice, it’s not the only option. As you walk the dog food aisles, you may see both dry and wet puppy foods.
This can make it harder to decide what to feed your puppy. Fortunately, as long as both the wet and dry formulas are complete and balanced for growing puppies, you can feed either one to your pup with confidence.
You and your puppy may have a preference when it comes to dry versus wet. Feeding a combination of the two is also an option.
Read also: Hill's Science Diet Puppy Canned Food: Ingredients, Benefits, and More
According to Purina Nutritionist, Allison Millican, PhD, “If you’re feeding your puppy a combination of wet and dry food, it is extremely important to ensure the total caloric value does not fall short or exceed their daily energy requirement. Use the calories reported on the package to understand how much wet food will replace the dry and vice versa. This allows you to calculate the amount of each product needed to meet your puppy’s nutritional requirements.”
“For example,” Millican explains, “one thirteen-ounce can of wet puppy food may contain four hundred and seventy-five kilocalories and replace approximately one cup of a dry puppy formula with a similar value of kilocalories per cup. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation."
The Importance of a Balanced Diet
Puppy food must be a “Complete” & “Balanced” diet. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet, but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods, particularly including carbohydrates, will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease.
When your Lab reaches 14 months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopedic conditions.
Foods to Avoid
There are several foods that are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided in a Labrador diet:
Read also: Science Diet for Small Paws
- Chocolate and Grapes: These are highly toxic to Labrador puppies or adult dogs.
- Coffee and Tea: They can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system.
- Sweets/Candy/Chocolate: Should never be fed to dogs.
- Onions, Garlic, Raisins: These can be severely toxic in Labradors.
- Raw Meat: This is a potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy.
Additional Food Options
- Egg Yolks: These are an excellent source of protein. If you prefer, you can strain off & dispose of the egg white. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin). This can, in extreme cases, lead to skin and coat problems.
- Liver: Contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity.
- Raw Bone Chewing: This will control tartar buildup on a pup's teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones.
Commercial Puppy Foods
Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large, and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium-sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full-grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. It is usually recommended to feed dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator.
Introducing a New Brand of Food
If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset.
Feeding - Management and Monitoring
New food should be selected according to the 'stage of growth' and the anticipated adult body weight for a medium/large breed dog. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds.
Growing Labradors
Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. The best way to determine the volume of feed is to estimate the lab puppy’s energy expenditure for their age. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provide an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand.
As a rule of thumb, medium-sized dogs weigh up to 25 kg and they reach 50% of their adult weight at about 4 months of age. Large dogs with adult weights greater than 25 kg reach 50% at about 5 months of age. Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 - 18 months of age. Mature female Labradors are medium and weigh approx 25-35kg. Mature males are large and weigh approx 35-45kg.
How Much to Feed a Labrador Puppy
Remember puppies will grow at various rates and body condition may change rapidly. Because puppies grow at such fast rates, they need to start eating a complete and balanced puppy food as soon as they’re weaned, usually between six and eight weeks.
The amount of food your puppy needs depends on how much he’ll weigh at maturity. A Labrador Retriever will weigh more at maturity than a Russell Terrier, for example. So, the larger dog requires more food as a puppy.
The chart below can help you determine how much dry food to feed your puppy. You should also review the specific feeding instructions on the back of his puppy food and consult with your veterinarian.
Puppy Feeding Chart
| Weight at Maturity (lbs) | Weight at Maturity (kg) | 1-1/2 to 3 Months (cups) | 4 to 5 Months (cups) | 6 to 8 Months (cups) | 9 to 11 Months (cups) | 1 to 2 Years (cups) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 12 | 1.4 to 5.4 | 1/2 to 1 | 2/3 to 1-1/3 | 1/2 to 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult | Feed as Adult |
| 13 to 20 | 5.9 to 9.1 | 1/2 to 1-1/4 | 1-1/8 to 2 | 3/4 to 1-1/3 | 1 to 1-1/2 | Feed as Adult |
| 21 to 50 | 9.5 to 22.7 | 1/2 to 1-1/2 | 1-1/2 to 2-3/4 | 1-1/8 to 2-1/3 | 2 to 3 | 2 to 4-1/4 |
| 51 to 75 | 23.1 to 34.0 | 5/8 to 2-1/3 | 1-1/2 to 4 | 1-1/2 to 3-3/4 | 2-1/2 to 4-3/4 | 2-5/8 to 6-1/4 |
| 76 to 100 | 34.5 to 45.4 | 1 to 2-2/3 | 2-7/8 to 3-3/4 | 2-7/8 to 6-1/3 | 3-7/8 to 7 | 5-5/8 to 11 |
| 101 lbs and over | Over 45.4 kg | 2-2/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 3-3/4 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 6-1/3 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 7 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs | 11 cups plus 1/3 cup for each 10 lbs of body weight over 100 lbs |
These are generic recommendations only. Please check the package for product-specific feeding recommendations.
Important Considerations:
- Nestlé Purina Research indicates that avoiding overfeeding of puppies may help their development. Maintaining ideal body condition is key to encouraging proper growth in all puppies, especially large breeds.
- The indicated amounts are only a guideline. If your puppy becomes overweight, a reduction of your puppy’s daily food intake may be appropriate.
- As puppies near adulthood, their calorie needs may drop, and your puppy may begin leaving some food in the bowl. Don't misinterpret this as an indication of dislike for the food. Instead, begin offering less so your puppy doesn't overeat and stays in ideal body condition. You may wish to consult your veterinarian about a weight control program.
When to Feed a Labrador Puppy
Once you know the daily feeding amount, you need to create a puppy feeding schedule. Take the total amount of food your puppy needs each day and divide that into two to three smaller meals. Give those smaller amounts to him at regular intervals each day.
An easy puppy feeding schedule to follow is to feed him when you eat-at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Remember to feed him early in the evenings so he has time to digest his food before bedtime. This can help prevent accidents inside. Consistency is key. Feeding puppies at consistent times each day helps them get used to the routine.
During the early growth phase, the recommended measure of food for Labrador puppies is approximated in an 8 oz. measuring cup. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity.
Here is an example puppy feeding schedule:
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast
- 12:00 PM: Lunch
- 5:00 PM: Dinner
When to Stop Feeding Puppy Food
Eventually, you’ll need to stop feeding puppy food and switch him to a complete and balanced adult dog food.
This transition is dictated by breed size, just as the amount to feed a puppy depends on his breed. Larger breeds may take longer to reach full maturity, so he may need puppy food for up to two years.
In general, however, expect to make the transition to adult dog food between one and two years of age. Talk with your veterinarian to determine the right time to make the switch and for tips on making the change easy on your pup.
From 8 weeks to 14 months, Blackhawk Large Breed Puppy is recommended. From 14 months of age, Blackhawk Large Breed Adult - Lamb & Rice or Chicken & Rice is recommended. At 14-18 months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set.
What About Puppy Treats?
How can you resist rewarding your puppy with some tasty treats? In fact, treats make an effective training tool! It’s important to keep the 90/10 rule in mind, whether you’re rewarding your puppy for good behavior or just want him to feel loved. Of his daily calories, 90 percent should come from his complete and balanced puppy food. The other 10 percent can come from treats.
Following the 90/10 rule can help prevent weight gain and other health problems in adulthood. Those puppy eyes are hard to resist, but remember, you’re building-and training-a dog. Don’t give in to feeding him human food when he begs. Not only are some human foods toxic to dogs, but you’re rewarding undesirable behaviors, which will be harder to break later.
Treats, snacks, and human food should be limited to less than 10% of the total daily food intake. Treats increase a puppy's energy intake and, given in large numbers, may double a puppy’s calcium intake. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionist.
Additional Considerations for Labrador Puppies
The Labrador's Love for Food
It’s no secret that Labrador Retrievers really, really love food. A recent scientific study has shown that a gene alteration specifically found in Labs indicates greater food-motivated behavior than in other breeds. Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator, so you will need to monitor them with portion control.
Nutritional Balance
If you choose a complete food, you can be sure you are providing your dog with all the nutrients they require in exactly the right proportions, so you don’t have to worry about balancing their diet. Dogs aren’t, as is often believed, carnivores. They’re actually classified as omnivores - benefiting from a healthy diet that contains both animal and plant-based foods such as grains. Dogs need a balance of vitamins and minerals, and their food must contain zinc and copper supplements.
Sound Skeletal Development
Sound skeletal development in Labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18 months of age. You wouldn't take a 10-year-old child on a 1/2 marathon. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about 14-18 months of age.
Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance, and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development.
Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing Labrador puppies, and it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including Labradors, and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like Labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders.
Nutritional management will be critical in the prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can be prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels.
A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your Labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation.
Housing safety and activity levels are under your influence. Nutrition is also under your control, and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth.
Feeding Frenzy
While some dogs like to savor every mouthful of their food, you might find that when feeding your Labrador puppy or adult dog, that they scoff down their dinner in seconds, which is really not good for them. Eating food too fast can cause digestive upsets, some of which can be very serious, requiring immediate veterinary attention. An easy fix solution could be that the food itself is not giving the dog enough nutrients and it is constantly feeling hungry. By switching the food you are feeding them to something more nutritionally beneficial you may be able to change your Lab's eating behavior and allow them to slow down.