Feeding · Sporting group
Labrador Retriever Feeding Chart: Portions by Age and Weight
Labs are the #1 obesity-prone breed. Here's the portion chart by age, weight, and activity — with the genetic context.
Labradors are the most popular dog breed in many countries — and the most obesity-prone. Roughly a quarter of Labradors carry a POMC gene variant that increases hunger drive (study published in Cell Metabolism, 2016 via Cambridge Department of Veterinary Medicine), so portion control isn’t optional with this breed.
Daily portion guide (adult, dry kibble baseline)
| Adult weight | Low activity | Moderate activity | High activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55 lb (25 kg) | 2 ⅓ cups | 2 ¾ cups | 3 ¼ cups |
| 65 lb (29 kg) | 2 ¾ cups | 3 ¼ cups | 3 ¾ cups |
| 75 lb (34 kg) | 3 cups | 3 ½ cups | 4 cups |
Split into 2 meals. Reduce 10% for neutered dogs. Adjust by Body Condition Score (BCS) every 2-4 weeks.
Puppy (8 weeks - 12 months)
Use a large-breed puppy formula (lower calcium / phosphorus to slow growth). Total daily food split across 3-4 meals until 6 months, then 2 meals.
| Age | Daily food (large-breed puppy formula) |
|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 1 ½ - 2 cups |
| 3-6 months | 2 - 3 cups |
| 6-12 months | 2 ½ - 3 ½ cups |
Senior (8+ years)
Adult portion minus 10-15%. Senior or weight-management formula often appropriate. Joint support nutrients (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3) become important for hip/elbow management.
What makes feeding a Labrador different
Hunger genetics. The POMC variant means many Labs feel hungry even when fed adequately. Resist the «but he’s still hungry» urge — measured portions and slow-feeder bowls help.
Joint health is calorie-management. Hip and elbow dysplasia are common; every extra pound stresses joints. Lifelong lean body condition is the single highest-leverage thing you can do for orthopedic health (see AAHA Weight Management Guidelines).
Slow growth puppyhood. Large-breed puppy food (not adult, not regular puppy) until 12 months. Rapid growth correlates with developmental orthopedic disease.
Allergies. Common in the breed. Often present as recurrent ear infections, paw licking, skin issues. Talk to your vet about elimination diet if you suspect food-driven allergy (not a blood test — those are unreliable for food allergies in dogs).
Common breed concerns and feeding
- Obesity (#1 risk): measured meals, no free-feeding, treat budget capped at 10% of daily calories.
- Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) in some lines: nutrition isn’t the fix, but appropriate hydration and avoiding high-intensity sustained exercise in heat matters.
- Joint disease: lean body condition + omega-3 + appropriate puppy formula.
- Allergies: ear infections + paw licking → vet conversation about elimination diet.
Sample daily routine
Adult, 70 lb, moderate activity:
- 7am: 1 ½ cups breakfast
- 7-9am: 30 min walk
- 5pm: 30 min walk / play
- 6pm: 1 ½ cups dinner
- Throughout day: training treats counted toward total (keep ≤ 30 calories from treats / day for portion control)
What to track in Flok
- Weekly weigh-ins (bathroom scale: hold dog, subtract your weight).
- BCS check monthly.
- Treats given (real number, not vibes).
- Meal completion (full / partial / skipped).
The Lab who’s eating less than usual is sometimes the Lab whose ear infection is brewing. Pattern matters.
FAQ
My Labrador acts like he’s starving — am I underfeeding?
Probably not. The POMC variant makes Labs feel hungry even when fed correctly. Use BCS and weight, not their begging. If BCS is 4-5 (ideal) and weight is stable, the portion is right.
Should I switch my Lab to a weight-management food?
If BCS is ≥6 and your vet agrees, yes. Weight-management formulas have lower calorie density so portions stay satisfying.
How many treats per day for a Labrador?
10% of daily calorie budget max. For an adult Lab eating ~1300-1700 kcal/day, that’s roughly 130-170 calories — about 5-10 small training treats.
When do I switch from puppy to adult food?
12-18 months. Large-breed puppies need slower growth; jump too early and you under-nourish, too late and you over-fuel.
Sources
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
- AAHA 2014 Weight Management Guidelines
- AKC — Labrador Retriever breed information
- POMC gene research: Raffan et al., Cell Metabolism, 2016
Related
- Labrador Retriever Vaccination Schedule
- Golden Retriever Feeding
- English Springer Spaniel Feeding
- Dog Daily Routine
This is a general guide. Caloric needs vary by individual. Consult your vet for personalized portions. Last reviewed: 2026-04-28.
All breed feeding guides Dog daily routine pillar First-year puppy guide
