Labrador Retriever Puppy Feeding Chart: How Much To Feed Your Lab Puppy

Last Updated on September 20, 2023

It is said that the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in America and has been so for 30 years and more. The Labrador Retriever is extremely friendly, joyful, playful, obedient and affectionate. However, for him to develop into the kind of Labrador that we all are familiar with and love, he has to be properly cared for. Making sure he gets the right nutrition is crucial.

However, there’s more than simply feeding the most nutritious nutrition. You’re probably having some questions you’re thinking about. What amount of food do you need for your pup’s food? What changes do you notice with age? How do you tell whether you’re feeding him proper food? The nutrition of your puppy isn’t always easy however this guide will answer every one of those questions and more.

If you’re getting ready to introduce the arrival of a Lab puppy into your home (congrats!) or you’re feeling out of your element and aren’t sure whether you’re feeding your dog properly (don’t worry it’s not a problem, you’ve been through it) You’re in the right spot. Let’s get going on your journey to feeding your Labrador puppy.

Lab Puppy Feeding Chart At A Glance

How Much Should A Lab Puppy Eat?

Be aware that every dog is differentt However, these are the basic guidelines for how much an average Lab puppy should eat week-to-week. If you are curious about more details regarding your dog’s growth milestones, you can consult our Labrador Retriever growth charts.

Week 1

In the beginning of your puppy’s life He consumes (or drink) the milk of his mother. This first period is vital for the development of a puppy, and will determine how healthy a puppy will be. The milk of your mother is a rich source of colonstrum that provides puppies with the infection and anti-bacterial protection that their immune system requires. The development of these antibodies during the initial days is vital for the health of your puppy.

It is essential that the mother feed their children as often and as long as is possible. Some mothers are unable to nurse their pupsand others have a hard time producing sufficient or adequate milk due to health issues. If this occurs it is best to speak with your veterinarian, who will offer the necessary supplements your Lab puppy requires.

Week 2

Two weeks old, at two weeks old, your Lab puppy is still eating the milk of his mother. You’ll likely be able to discern the differences between the strongest and weakest pups of the litter. If you’re able make it a point to ensure that the pups with the weakest constitution get access to milk from their mothers before the larger ones. If not, you could fill in the gap with puppy formula on your own. It’s not easy however, you must provide them with the best beginning in life.

Week 3

At the age of three weeks old, the at three weeks, Lab puppies have learned how they can connect their legs in order to move around. This means they’ll require additional energy as they are now moving faster. A lot of puppies start to develop their teeth as puppies in this time as well. Breeders may introduce their puppies to softened kibbles or even fresh food at this time. However, it’s better to allow their mom to continue to nurse them for a bit longer.

Week 4

The beginning of the fourth week is an exciting period for Lab puppies as they can be able to experience more than the milk of their mothers. While their diet is mostly milk, food that is soft is a must to be added into their diet. Any major changes to their diet could upset their stomachs, which is why it is important to gradually introduce it.

Mix a tiny amount of fresh food , or even kibble with water. The mixture should consist of 1/4 of food, and the other 3/4 is water. Don’t be shocked if the dogs snort at the first couple of times. If they aren’t interested, you can offer it often throughout the throughout the day. Never try to force them. They’ll test it out once they’re at their best. They will continue to feed mom whenever they’d like to.

Week 5

The majority of Lab puppies have experienced the first time tasting real food and are more eager to eat it on a regular basis. While they continue to nurse whenever they want, they are more independent of their mommy. Their mom is aware of this and appreciates the much-needed sleep as she spends less time around her dogs.

The mother is likely to stand up to feed her pups instead of lying down because this gives her more control over her behavior and allows her to leave. It’s normal, she’s not abandoning the pups. It’s actually an excellent sign that the pups are getting more independent. Mother is pleased that she’s accomplished her task well.

Week 6

All Lab puppies should have more interest in eating the new food mix as opposed to their mother’s milk at the age of six weeks. However, they may still attempt to squeeze in a few milking sessions as they are able. If your dog is doing well with the new food mix and is not experiencing any negative consequences, it’s time to switch the mix. The food mixture should be gradually altered over the course of the week until it’s 3/4 food and 1/4 water.

Week 7

At seven weeks of age, Lab puppies are expected to be completely weaned, but not totally. Some pups who are hungry may be attempting to make it using their mother’s milk but it’s up to mom right now. They can either allow it go or she won’t, however they will no require milk anymore. The mix should be working well for them.

Week 8

Eight weeks old Lab puppies must now exclusively consume dog foods and be completely weaned. This is typically the time when most puppies go to new homes. An average eight-week-old Lab puppy eats about 2 cups of meals per day, spread across four meals. Don’t feed your pup free since it can be difficult to keep track of the amount they’re eating. Additionally, 2 cups of food at one sitting could cause stomach discomfort for sure.

Certain breeders will give new owners enough food to gradually change them to the brand you want for them to eat. In the event that they don’t, you’ll need inquire with the breeder about what type of food they use and then purchase one that you own. Make sure you gradually switch to the new food, and adhere to the instructions on the new packaging. The typical transition for dog food can take between 10 to 14 days. Certain new owners prefer to stay with one brand.

Week 9

After one month of the Lab puppy living at home, you’ll likely established a routine for feeding that’s effective. Follow this routine until 12 weeks. Modifying it whenever you want to is okay. In the end, it has to be effective for your the puppy and you. When your puppy is nine weeks old you’ll be able to feed your puppy cooked meats. Be careful not to fall into the habit of feeding him at the table.

Your Lab puppy is extremely interested this week in exploring the new environment, which means you can expect him to be more hungry than usual. However, it’s crucial to stay to the regular schedule and allowance for food to make sure you don’t gain excessive weight. Labradors are very naughty canines, and they’ll devour anything and everything that is they can see.

Week 10

Following two weeks of intensive exploring and adjusting to his new environment, your puppy will be showing more appetite then ever. It is crucial to adhere to the routine you’ve established. If your dog isn’t eating his food bowl, remove it within 10 minutes. Soon, he’ll be able to eat the food when you put it in the bowl instead of being hungry for a couple of hours.

You’ve likely been to your vet for the first visit with you. Find out how your dog is doing. The vet will inform you if your dog is not catching up, is in a good weight, or is becoming too large. No matter what your vet’s findings are make sure you follow any new directions. A lack of or excessive weight can cause a variety of health issues, so it’s crucial to do the right balance.

Week 11

If your dog constantly begging for food and appears to be unhappy with his meals You can increase the amount of food he gets daily to three cups per day. This is because the week of 11 is the most significant growth spurt that he’ll experience. However, only if he’s active, healthy and can clearly observe the waistline. In the absence of that, you’ll need to live with a smaller portion of his allowance for food. Keep to the regular schedule and don’t feed the dog extra food between meals.

Week 12

Twelve weeks will be the next phase in the Lab puppy’s feeding schedule. If you increased his food before, make sure you lower it to 2 cups. Instead of eating four meals per day, you could reduce it to three meals per day right now. This is more manageable than it was before. Three meals is more beneficial than two as it aids in the development of digestion process. Additionally, it helps avoid stomach discomfort or a dramatic shift of blood sugar level.

Week 13

It is essential to adhere to the new routine and avoid feeding him between meals. Labs are curious dogs and will be playing and on his feet. Although you may think that he requires additional food sources, in reality he does not. Labs are known for their the Oscar-worthy acting of starvation – however, don’t fall for it.

The constant hunger of his stomach leads to poisonous scraps of food on the floor, hazardous objects in the garden and household items that are not edible. Be aware of the surroundings around him, and keep food away from the reach of children. It’s also beneficial to watch the poop of your pet, since it can provide you with a clue of what are he eating, and what they should not be.

Week 14

Your Lab puppy begins losing his milk teeth around this time and he’ll chew whatever he can to ease the discomfort. The consumption of dried kibble can help ease discomfort and can help you avoid the temptation to drink water from his food. Make sure you give him chew sticks and toys that are suitable for puppies who are teething.

Different Types Of Puppy Food

The most common kinds of puppy or dog food items are:

• Fresh (human-grade)
• Kibble (dry food)
• Pouch or canned (wet food)
• The raw or the BARF (biologically suitable raw food)
• Home-cooked meals

The highest-quality dog food such as human-grade or Kibble has been thoroughly tested to determine its nutritional value and security. You can be confident that everything that your Lab puppy requires to be healthy is contained in every bite. Ollie creates one of our most popular grain-free recipes.

Foods that are processed or canned tend to be higher in fats, which isn’t suitable for puppies that need to develop steadily. Particularly, the savage Lab.

A diet that is raw (aka BARF) is often too high in calories for dogs with sensitive stomachs It is also not always balanced nutritionally.

If you’re not out of food or following the direction of your veterinarian, we would advise that you do not feed your dog food cooked at home. It’s not evaluated for the nutritional value or security, and could result in nutritional deficiencies.

The Importance Of High-Quality Food

There’s a significant distinction between store-brand and premium pet food companies. Low-quality brands don’t have sufficient animal protein or omega fatty acids to feed adult dogs, much less for growing puppies. Additionally, they are loaded with fillers that have little or any nutritional value, synthetic garbage, preservatives, colours, and chemical.

Labradors go through three stages of life that include adulthood, puppyhood and finally, their older years. The puppyhood stage is perhaps the most crucial nutritional stage as it establishes the groundwork for healthy lifestyle and body. If you are able to save just a few dollars of poor high-quality food, you’re at risk of your puppy becoming nutritionally insufficient or developing abnormally. Therefore, there is nothing else you can help the health of your Lab puppy.

Why Is Large Breed Puppy Food Important?

The average Lab weighs anywhere between 55 to 80 pounds at maturation which makes him an enormous breed of dog. Large breeds grow at a faster rate than smaller breeds, which could lead to skeletal issues and joint problems. The elbow and hip dysplasia are an issue that is common in Labs and it’s crucial to manage the growth of the skeletal system. Large breed puppy food for dogs does exactly that.

The nutritional content of each item is designed to control bone growth. The nutrients optimally formulated include calcium, phosphorus, fats as well as vitamin D. Food for dogs that is designed specifically for medium or small-sized dogs is not able to limit the growth of bones. Sometime, even the brands which advertise to suit all breeds are not suitable for large dogs. As such there is no other option here.

What Nutrients Do Lab Puppies Need?

If you choose to eat quality food that is of the highest standard and supplements, you’ll be able to rest assured that all the essential nutrients your Lab puppy requires are present in their food. But, it’s important to understand what the dog requires and what ingredients to be looking for. Let’s take a look at the key elements of a balanced Lab puppy’s diet.

Protein

Protein is a major source of components, and are scientifically referred to as amino acids. Without them, the muscles and body wouldn’t have the capacity to develop efficiently. Protein is found in animal products. The primary ingredient on the puppy’s ingredient lists must be named as a protein from an animal. Meat meal, like the chicken meal are high-quality types of protein that is high-quality and packed with glucosamine to strengthen his joints. The amount of protein in puppy food must be at least 22%..

Carbohydrates

Protein by itself isn’t sufficient to ensure that your dog well-nourished throughout the day. That’s where carbs come into. The healthy carbs are found in grains, like barley, rice, and oatmeal. They can also be found in vegetables like sweet potatoes, peas, and lentils.

Fiber

While fiber is technically not a nutritional value, it is vital to your Labs puppy’s diet. Fiber aids in regulating the digestive system of dogs and aids in the stool to be more firm and healthier. It’s also a low-calorie ingredient that can keep your Lab puppy feeling more full for longer. Find fiber-rich foods like sweet potatoes, beet pulp, spinach, as well as chicory roots.

Omega Fatty Acids

While we continue to stress the importance of maintaining your Lab clean essential fat acids are essential for the development of a healthy puppy. They aid in helping his eyes and brain develop in a healthy way maintain his coat and skin healthy aid in absorption of vitamins and improve overall health. Find ingredients like fish, meat oil, flaxseed, fish oils and canola oils.

Vitamins And Minerals

Like humans, dogs too require vitamins and minerals in order to grow to be healthy adulthood. Without them their immune system does not grow correctly, and they are more susceptible to illness and diseases. A lot of high-quality dog food brands contain real vegetables and fruits like blueberries and cranberries, and also additional supplements. Also look for ingredients that are nutrient-dense like dried kelp or seaweed meal.

How Much Do Lab Puppies Grow Each Week?

At 10 weeks of age, he’ll weigh about 20 pounds. It will be about half of the weight he’s expected to be at when he’s the age of 18-20 weeks.

Of of course, all dogs are different and stronger dogs grow quicker than weaker ones. One of the best indicators to watch is the waistline of your dog. If you can see your waist, he’s expanding well. If not see his waist, he’s not enough and if you see your ribcage it’s likely that he’s thin. If you’re concerned about his weight or the growth take a visit to your veterinarian.

Keeping Your Lab At The Right Weight

Labradors are among the most savage dogs on earth If you doubt us the science backs this assertion. Labradors have an insufficiency gene that causes them to believe that they are still hungry. Therefore, it is your responsibility to limit the amount they consume. Feeding a puppy isn’t as easy as feeding a human infant. Also, it comes with the same amount of responsibility.

Unnecessary excess weight can cause numerous health issues, such as bad joints, heart conditions as well as diabetes and increased risk of developing cancer, to mention some. In light of the fact how the Lab is already at risk of developing joint dysplasia as well as cardiac issues It is crucial to reduce the risk to the greatest extent you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

While we’ve made our life easier by making Labrador puppy food as easy as we can for you We’re sure it’s not as easy as ABC. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions related with Lab puppy feeding routines.

What time should I change the food of my Lab pup to adult-sized food?

Lab pups aren’t fully mature until two years old. older. However, as with breeds of dogs it is recommended to switch them into adult-sized dog foods between the ages of between 12 to 15 months old. Similar to how the dog was introduced to foods made from milk, you have to gradually transition to prevent stomach discomfort.

What are the top brand names for me? Lab puppy?

When choosing a pet’s brand, you should select a reputable and reputable brand. It is also essential to take into consideration the unique needs of your dog’s diet. For instance, if your puppy has an allergy to chicken you’ll have to locate a recipe that is chicken-free. Also, you should consider the availability of this brand in your region and also your budget. We have a comprehensive food guide that focuses on the most suitable food choices for Labs at every life stage. Check it out to find the top recommendations for your dog.

Do I need to give my Lab puppy with supplements?

If you select a premium dog food, all the things that your Lab puppy requires is within the food. The food for puppies is already rich with additional nutrients when compared to adult food, therefore it is not necessary to feed additional supplements. However, it can cause harm to the health of your pet. For instance, too much calcium could cause skeletal issues. If you are concerned you have, consult your veterinarian prior to adding any additional food items to the diet of your dog.

What happens if what if my Lab puppy is refusing to eat?

Puppy’s love food They love to eat, they love to eat, and Labrador puppies are more than that. Certain puppies, particularly those who are the smallest of the litter are weaker, smaller and slower than other puppies. They are not getting the amount they deserve from the food they eat. If you are able, offer them a in getting to their moms or to the meal bowl before you do.

If your puppy is refusing to consume food this could indicate that something is not right and you should visit the vet immediately.

Final Thoughts

A Labrador Retriever is America’s canine love-struck. As you can see in our guide to feeding your puppy, the dog needs some assistance to grow into the beautiful Fido that we all love and know. Puppy feeding can be a difficult job, but for the majority of those who are welcoming them into our lives in week eight, the majority of the hard labor and long nights are already done by the breeder or former owners.

However, the food you give your Lab and the frequency of feeding him, and keeping track of the progress of his development is your obligation. It’s not that difficult however, it does require careful focus and regularity. It is also important to avoid your puppy’s eyes when he’s eating something that’s not his since he’ll be begging for a piece from the fun. In the end, if you follow our puppy feeding guidelines and selecting a food that is of high quality that is of high-quality, your Lab will get the best start in life.