How much should feed a labrador retriever?

Answer 1

Labs like to eat, and they won't stop eating until whatever they are given is gone. (This is why dog food companies actually don't usually use Labs for food testing, because Labs just eat everything--they're not picky.)

Because of this, Labs are prone to putting on too much weight--and having a fat dog whatever breed is basically abuse. It is the responsibility of a dog's owner to make sure that the dog is not too thin AND that the dog is not too fat.

Labs need a lot of exercise, too: at least one preferably two vigorous walks per day and/or swimming sessions. If your Lab isn't getting at least this level if activity, you need to increase it.

If your Lab is active, then you can feed him or her more--and if your Lab is more sedentary, then you absolutely must feed him or her less. You have to factor in whatever treats or food scraps your dog is getting, too.

The way to tell if your Lab is the right weight is this: looking down at your Lab from the top, there should be a distinct waist between the rib cage and the hips. If there is no waist, the dog is too heavy. In addition, you should NOT be able to see any ribs when looking at the Lab (that would mean the dog is too thin), but you SHOULD be able to FEEL ribs when you run your fingers along the rib cage. If you can't, then the dog is too heavy.

The amount of dog food depends on the dog's activity level and on the calories in the food. However, Labs often have to eat MUCH less than other breeds because they have a slower metabolism--and the guidelines on dog food packaging usually mean you'd be giving too much food for a Lab as a result. Depending on your brand of dog food, your Lab might get only 1.5 to 2 cups of food a day + treats during the day.

Labs loose weight fast, incidentally, so I would recommend feeding 2 cups. If you notice weight going on by the tests I mentioned above after a week or so, then start reducing the quantity by 1/4 cup at a time for a week each time.

You may actually find that your dog goes through phases and needs more food during certain parts of the year (e.g. summer, when more active) and less during others (e.g. winter, when more sedentary).

In the end, use the waist and rib tests above to gauge where you dog is at, and then adjust the amount of food in 1/4 cup increments up or down until you get the desired result.

Answer 2

You have to go by the bone structure and weight of the dog. Just phone your vets (free of charge) and give them the weight, the breed and they will tell you. I would rather ask my vet then go by the recommendations on the dog food (if it's dry food.)

Answer 3

Labradors are known for being stomachs on legs. A good amount of food is from 2 to 2.5 cups of food per day. The higher quality the food the better. You can also give your dog treats throughout the day. And, if your dogs stomach can handle it, you can give them table scraps as well.

Answer 4

The bag of food typically tells you approximately how much food to feed a dog. Depending on the level of exercise they are getting, you adjust to be on the low end, high end, or somewhere in the middle.

I feed my 6 month old Labrador 4 cups of Blue Buffalo a day, in addition to raw chicken and occasionally fish.

Answer 5

One cup of food for each dog. Thanks ERIC
Labradors are like most dogs feed them a big bowl of food once a day, or two small bowls a day.

Do not give them tinned food it is bad for their health.

Good luck!!

Answer 6

Mine eats Burns dog food, hes nine months old, has plenty of energy, lovely coat and teeth and he eats twice a day plus treats.