Should I feed my lab once or twice a day

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated September 14, 2024

Contributions sourced from

How Often Should You Feed a Labrador? (Dog Routines Matter)

Labrador Feeding Schedules

Labrador adults, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. Twice per day is the standard as it allows the dog to eat and digest properly.

Puppies will require more frequent feedings, though, as they expend far more energy and smaller stomachs to hold their needed food.

If you have a Labrador that gets a lot of exercise, you may want to consider feeding them less food more often, as they will likely feel hungry sooner.

Feed Your Labrador At Least Every 12 hours

Remember that your Labrador shouldn't go more than12 hourswithout food to avoid nausea. Age, size, and the food's nutritional content should determine the amount of food given.

Whatever the frequency, it's crucial for your puppy or dog to have a regular feeding schedule. Disrupting this can cause digestive problems that are unpleasant for the dog and the owner.

According to Veterinary Centers of America, dogs are creatures of habit thatneed the security and predictability of their feeding routine. In addition, keeping the feeding schedule consistent helps your pet cope with other changes that may occur within the household.

Lastly, never free-feed a Labrador. While Labradors may not technically eat themselves to death, they can certainly make themselves sick if you let them decide how much and how often to eat.

What to Do If Your Lab Doesn't Finish Its Meal

Some dogs don't eat their entire portion during mealtime, which is okay as long as it's normal behavior for your Lab. This is especially true while you're trying to establish a set routine for when your Lab will eat its meals.

Feed Your Lab Less Food More Frequently

If you find that your Labrador isn't interested in eating the entire meal in a single sitting, you can add more mealtime if it works for your schedule. To do this, you should take the whole day's meal portion and divide it evenly into the desired number of meals.

For example, if you feed your dog 1 cups in the morning and night, that's three cups total for the day. If you add an extra mealtime, you should serve 1 cup at each of the three meals.

In other words, adding another mealtime doesn't mean that you add more food intake to the day's total.

Use Interactive Food Dispensers

Another option is to use an interactive toy to dispense the food, which may help to keep your dog's attention for the entire mealtime.

For example, I recommend buying Outward Hound Store'sNina Ottosson Interactive Puzzle Game. It is an excellent option to hide food or treats. This particular item is perfect for a Labrador because it will allow your pet to use its intelligence to solve a puzzle and problem-solve while being rewarded with the kibble hidden inside.

Although it isn't a good option for every Lab's mealtime, it is an idea for a pup that loses interest in their food before finishing.

How Much to Feed a Labrador

Your Lab's portions at each meal should depend on a few different factors. First of all, you need to know if your pup is currently at ahealthy weight.

Dogs are typically considered overweight at 15% over their ideal weight and obese if they're 30% over their ideal weight. So the best thing to do in this case is to ask your veterinarian if your Lab is at a healthy weight.

If your Lab is not at an ideal weight, you'll need to talk to your vet and amend the feeding plan. You may also consider a specialized food designed to help your dog reach the appropriate weight.

Your Labrador's activity level will also impact how much he needs to eat each day. It's always a good idea to consult the feeding guide on your dog food and your veterinarian's advice to make an informed decision.

Labrador Feeding Schedule Examples

To give you an idea of a standard feeding schedule and meal plan, here is a chart based on the feeding recommendation from Royal Canin's Labrador Retriever dry puppy food:

Adult Target Weight:	2 months	3 months	6 months	12 months	14 months
57 lbs. (26 kg)	2 cups	3 cups	3 cups	3 cups	3 cups
70 lbs. (32 kg)	2 cups	3 cups	4 cups	3 cups	3 cups
88 lbs. (40 kg)	2 cups	3 cups	5 cups	4 cups	4 cups

*2-5 months: split into three equal portions per day.*6-15 months: split into two equal portions per day.

Here are the feeding recommendations for an adult Labrador Retriever with an average activity level:

Dog's Weight:	Amount Per Day (in cups)	3 months	6 months	12 months	14 months
57 lbs. (26 kg)	4	3 cups	3 cups	3 cups	3 cups
66 lbs. (30 kg)	4	3 cups	4 cups	3 cups	3 cups
75 lbs. (34 kg)	5	3 cups	5 cups	4 cups	4 cups
84 lbs. (38 kg)	5
97 lbs. (44 kg)	6

*Split the daily amount into two equal feedings, morning and evening.

Food specifically for Labradors

If you like the idea of breed-specific dog food formulas, I highly recommend an adult formula like theRoyal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult Breed. For a puppy formula, I recommendRoyal Canin Labrador Retriever Puppy Breed. Both are great because they are specially designed for the nutritional demands of a purebred Lab.

The kibble is shaped to encourage slower eating and more careful chewing. I also like that the food has nutrients to support a healthy coat and joints.

Sudden Changes in a Labrador's Eating Habits

Because dogs are so routine-oriented, a sudden change in their eating habits can be a warning sign. In that case, you should contact your veterinarian to ensure that there isn't an underlying issue.

Conclusion

Most adult Labradors should eat twice per day, while puppies will eat less food more frequently until they are around six months old. Be sure to follow the guidance printed on the package of the food you are feeding your dog. Every dog food has different ingredients and recommended portion sizes.

Only adjust the recommended feeding schedule if your vet advises something different due to medical or dietary reasons. If you are unsure how much to feed your Lab, consult your vet for appropriate guidance.

Labrador Feeding Demystified: A Comprehensive Expert Guide

The best Labrador food is high in fat and protein, but low in carbohydrates. Great diets avoid fillers, and are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. Working out how to feed a Labrador isnt just about picking the perfect menu though. You know Labs are enthusiastic eaters and prone to weight gain, so getting the right schedule and feeding routine can make a big difference to your pets welfare too.

A good rule of thumb is that puppies up to six months of age need four meals a day. Adult dogs can cope just fine with two meals a day, but many prefer their daily rations to be broken down into smaller amounts.

Im going to help you choose the right diet for your dog and answer your feeding questions and concerns about how to feed your Labrador. If your dog is under six months old, youll probably wantto visit our puppy feeding page for detailed information on feeding your Labrador puppy.

Labrador Feeding Guide

The amount you feed your Lab will vary depending on his age and the type of food you are giving him. The Eukanuba Adult Breed Lamb and Rice food suggests these serving sizes:

40 45 pound Lab, feed: 205 230 grams per day
50 55 pound Lab, feed: 240 265 grams per day
60 65 pound Lab, feed: 270 300 grams per day
70 75 pound Lab, feed: 300 335 grams per day
80 85 pound Lab, feed: 330 365 grams per day
90 95 pound Lab, feed: 355 395 grams per day

However, these serving sizes will change depending on the food you use, and only apply to dry kibble! Keep reading to find out how much food your Lab needs if he isnt eating kibble, and when to feed him.

Whats the best dog food for Labs?

Experts agree that the best food for any dog is a balanced diet that keeps him in excellent health at a reasonable price. Unfortunately, thats where the agreement ends.

Theres lots to choose from

Even experts differ on which method of feeding is the most healthy, what makes a diet balanced, how easy it is to feed your dog a balanced diet, and which brand of kibble is best. By the end of this article, youll how everything about how to feed your Labrador.

Different Methods to Feed your Labrador

There are currently two very different approaches to dog feeding that are popular with many Labrador owners.

Both methods of feeding Labradors have their supporters and detractors. At one time a lot of dogs were fed on canned food with an added biscuit mixer. Nowadays, most pet dogs have dried meals.

Although majority of dogs are now being fed kibble, a substantial minority are fed raw. Raw feeding (the BARF diet) was once considered an extremist fad. But raw fed dogs thrived, and interest in raw feeding dogs has grown lately.

Labradordog food choices dry kibble

The majority of Labrador owners feed their dogs on dried kibble pellets. All major pet food companies now supply a dried version of their brands. Youll find a confusing range of choice in pet stores and supermarkets worldwide. But some are better than others.

Advantages of kibble

The main advantage of being able to open a packet and instantly pour food into your dogs bowl is convenience. Busy modern homes are pressed for time. Convenience is an important factor.

Kibble also stores well. It doesnt need refrigerating or freezing and it doesnt smell very strong. Most dogs nowadays are trained with food. So kibble has the added advantage of making portable training treats.

The disadvantages of kibble

Kibble doesnt smell bad, but kibble fed dog poops stink. That is partly because kibble is full of fillers, additional bulking agents that are not fully digested by your dog.

These fillers mean that kibble fed dogs produce much greater quantities of poop and much smellier poop, than dogs fed on raw meat and bones. Kibble fed dogs may also need their teeth cleaning on a daily basis. There may also be a small increased risk of bloat in susceptible dogs fed on a dry food diet.

Kibble fed dogs may also be more likely to snack on their own poop (yes its a very common Labrador habit) than raw fed dogs.

Should I feed my dog raw meat?

Natural raw doggy diets of meat and bones have become increasingly popular, despite some experts giving out dire warnings of the dangers of letting dogs consume bones.

Unfortunately, raw feeding does seem to attract a few extremists. Plus, it can be tricky to find objective and unbiased discussions of the pros and cons of raw feeding on the internet.

The pros and cons

Raw feeding is quite a big topic. It is both complicated and simple. Complicated because we tend to worry about the nutrients our dogs are getting. And we cant see a list of ingredients on a meaty bone. But the truth is, we dont need to.

Raw feeding is not as convenient as kibble feeding, It requires plenty of freezer and refrigeration space, a designated preparation surface, and good meat preparation hygiene. (Just as with meat preparation for people).

Small puppies need more research to be raw fed, as they are growing fast and are vulnerable to diets with a poor nutrient balance.

Raw fed dogs and small children

I dont recommend raw feeding in families with very small children. This is because raw fed dogs get messy. It is hard in this situation to keep raw meat juices containing pathogens, away from children too small to understand the importance of hand washing

The fact is that there is no rightway to feed your dog. No best way to provide a balanced diet.

Deciding Between Raw and Kibble

If you have a small puppy you may be happier feeding kibble
With children under five, it may be safer for you to feed kibble
If your dog has a close relative that has suffered from bloat, he may be safer eating raw
If your dog suffers from allergies, he might do better on raw

Choosing a brand for your Labrador

Cost matters, but choosing the lowest price Labrador food is not always the cheapest option. Very often, you will need to feed larger quantities of the cheaper food. Mid range dog food brands are usually a good starting point, but the most expensive brands can come with a hidden health benefit.

Biologically appropriate kibble?

I like the Orijen brand, it is what my dogs have as training treats or when I cant provide raw.Orijen is perhaps the closest thing to biologically appropriate food that youll find in a kibble at 80% meat and 20% vegetable with no grain at all.

Remember that a change in diet can upset your dogs stomach. So if you decide to switch brands, do it gradually over the space of a few days by adding a little more of the new food and a little less of the old, each day.

How often to feed your Labrador

Many dog owners continue to feed their dogs twice a day throughout their lives. Some people feed their dogs once a day after twelve months of age.

We do know that there is an association between bloat and large meals. Though this may only apply to kibble. Once daily feeding is probably fine if you decide to feed raw meat. But with kibble it may be too much dry food in one go. I recommend that you feed your adult dog morning and evening.

How often to feed Labrador puppies

The amount of food that your Labrador puppy needs to eat each day must be divided into several portions. If you try and give him the whole days ration in one go, he will probably give it his best shot. But it will almost certainly give him diarrhoea and could damage his stomach as kibble swells after drinking.

From eight to twelve weeks your puppy will benefit from four meals a day. Breakfast, lunch, tea and supper. Space the meals at least three hours apart to give him chance to digest them properly. And make sure the last meal is atwo tothree hours before his last trip to the toilet at bedtime.

Once your puppy gets to three months old you can divide his daily ration into three portions, and by six months to two. Breakfast and supper.

How much to feed your Labrador?

Recommended quantities can be found on kibble packaging and these will vary quite widely from brand to brand. They are also often on the high side. If your dog is a little overweight, feed about a third less than recommended for a few days and then re-assess his appearance. Your dog may well need less food than you think.

How long should your dog take to eat his dinner?

Some people leave food down for their dogs to graze on. I prefer my dogs to eat their meals up fairly quickly. Some dogs are more likely to be picky if they know they can come back to their dinner later on. I recommend you take up your dogs bowl after ten minutes if he hasnt finished. He wont come to any harm if he hasnt devoured the lot.

How to feed a Labrador slowly

A much more common problem in Labradors, is the dog that scoffs his dinner in a heartbeat and then begs for more with pleading eyes. There is an association between bloat and rapid eating, so if you can slow down your dog a little, it is probably good thing. The best way to do that is by using a slow feed bowl.

Feeding household scraps and left overs to dogs

Many people will add household scraps to their dogs dinner bowl. In theory, there is a risk that this will unbalance his diet. In practice, most adult dogs will come to no harm if they occasionally get some extras in their bowl.

Make sure that your leftovers dont contain sugar, onions, cooked bones or any common human foods that are toxic to dogs. And to keep the diet balanced, make sure that left overs dont comprise more than 10% of your dogs dinner.

Giving leftovers to puppies

Puppies need a very well balanced diet, so it is not a good idea to feed your puppy on household scraps.

Dog feeding equipment and storage

Good dog feeding bowls are dishwasher safe and not easily breakable. Cheap and colorful plastic bowls can look tired after a few trips through the dishwasher, so I like stainless steel. Although I admit it is quite noisy, and not as pretty as some of the ceramic products. Avoid raised bowls if possible as some studies have associated these with bloat.

For kibble storage I recommend sealable bins, which you can fit large quantites of dried dog food into and keep fresh.

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Giving water to your Labrador

Puppies and older dogs need water available to them at all times during the day. It is ok to take your puppys water away an hour before bedtime to help with housetraining.

Kibble fed dogs drink quite a lot of water, raw fed dogs drink very little.

When feeding problems need veterinary help

All puppies need regular veterinary check ups and when you take your puppy to the vet for his vaccinations. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have on his diet and welfare generally.

All dogs may eat less in very hot weather. But changes in appetite, especially sudden changes, can be a sign that your dog is not well. If yourLabrador goes off his food, dont just put it down to old age.