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Labrador Retriever feeding chart: portions by age and weight

Labradors are popular in many countries and gain weight easily: the AAHA nutrition guidelines name them among the breeds predisposed to weight gain. A 2016 study in Cell Metabolism found a POMC gene deletion in Labradors (allele frequency 12%) linked to higher body weight and greater food motivation, so portion control isn’t optional with this breed.

Daily portion guide (adult, dry kibble baseline)

These are the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s calorie ranges for an average healthy adult dog in ideal body condition. They are starting points, not a prescription.

Weight Calories a day (WSAVA range)
55 lb (25 kg) 940 to 1174 kcal
63.8 lb (29 kg) 1050 to 1312 kcal
70.4 lb (32 kg) 1130 to 1413 kcal
79.2 lb (36 kg) 1240 to 1543 kcal
Weight
55 lb (25 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
940 to 1174 kcal
Weight
63.8 lb (29 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1050 to 1312 kcal
Weight
70.4 lb (32 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1130 to 1413 kcal
Weight
79.2 lb (36 kg)
Calories a day (WSAVA range)
1240 to 1543 kcal

WSAVA gives these ranges for guidance only: dogs are individuals, and some need more or fewer calories to stay at an ideal, trim body condition. To turn calories into cups or grams, use the calories per cup or per 100 g printed on your food’s label: daily calories divided by calories per cup gives cups a day. The feeding guide on that label and your vet set the real amount, and your vet adjusts it by body condition: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines call for a feeding plan tailored to the individual dog.

Split into 2 meals. Energy needs drop after spaying or neutering (AAHA nutrition guidelines), so ask your vet how much to cut back. Recheck Body Condition Score (BCS) regularly and adjust.

Puppy (8 weeks to 15 months)

Use a large-breed puppy formula. Meals taper with age: 4 a day until 3 to 4 months old, 3 a day until 6 months, then 2 (Merck Veterinary Manual; Blue Cross). Switch to adult food at about 15 months, once your vet confirms growth is finished (AAHA’s 2021 nutrition guidelines: a growth diet until skeletal maturity, which for some large and giant breeds is closer to 15 to 16 months).

The WSAVA calorie chart covers adult dogs only, so there are no puppy amounts here. Follow the growth feeding guide on the food’s label, and check the amount with your vet at each puppy visit. VCA advises measured portions at regular times, adjusted to the puppy’s growth rate and body condition.

Age Meals a day Amount
Until 3 to 4 months 4 Growth feeding guide on the food’s label, checked with your vet at each puppy visit
Then until 6 months 3 Growth feeding guide on the food’s label, checked with your vet at each puppy visit
From 6 months 2 Growth feeding guide on the food’s label, checked with your vet at each puppy visit
Age
Until 3 to 4 months
Meals a day
4
Amount
Growth feeding guide on the food’s label, checked with your vet at each puppy visit
Age
Then until 6 months
Meals a day
3
Amount
Growth feeding guide on the food’s label, checked with your vet at each puppy visit
Age
From 6 months
Meals a day
2
Amount
Growth feeding guide on the food’s label, checked with your vet at each puppy visit

Senior (from about 10 years)

Senior age here is the last 25% of expected lifespan (AAHA 2019 Canine Life Stage Guidelines), counted from the breed’s median life expectancy in McMillan et al. 2024 (Scientific Reports). Older dogs do not automatically need less food or a senior formula: AAHA notes that energy needs may fall with age, but not consistently. Ask your vet to check weight, muscle and calories. Ask about joint support if hips or elbows are a problem.

What makes feeding a Labrador different

Hunger genetics. The POMC deletion is linked to greater food motivation, so some Labs act 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. Cornell lists Labradors among the breeds where hip dysplasia is common, and extra weight adds stress to joints. Lifelong lean body condition is the most useful thing you can do for orthopedic health (see AAHA Nutrition and Weight Management Guidelines).

Slow growth puppyhood. Large-breed puppy food (not adult, not regular puppy) until the switch to adult food (at about 15 months). Cornell notes that overfeeding and rapid growth can worsen hip dysplasia in predisposed puppies.

Allergies. The Merck Veterinary Manual notes a possibly higher risk of food allergy in Labrador Retrievers. It often shows as recurrent ear infections, paw licking or 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: the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory describes weakness and collapse after 5 to 20 minutes of strenuous exercise in otherwise healthy dogs, and offers a DNA test for Labradors. Nutrition isn’t the fix. Ask your vet about testing and safe exercise.
  • Joint disease: lean body condition + appropriate puppy formula.
  • Allergies: ear infections + paw licking → vet conversation about elimination diet.

Sample daily routine

Adult, 70 lb (32 kg), moderate activity:

  • 7am: breakfast
  • 7 to 9am: 30 min walk
  • 5pm: 30 min walk / play
  • 6pm: dinner
  • Throughout day: training treats counted toward the total (10% or less of daily calories)

What to keep track of

  • 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 deletion is linked to greater food motivation. Use BCS and weight, not their begging. If BCS is 4 to 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 the daily calorie budget at most (AAHA). Your vet can give you the daily calorie figure for your dog, and the treat label gives calories per piece.

When do I switch from puppy to adult food?

At about 15 months, once your vet confirms growth is finished. AAHA notes that switching too early may short the nutrients a growing dog needs.

Sources