Start with what your puppy already eats
The first rule is consistency. A new home is a big change, so keep your puppy on the same food they ate at the breeder for the first week or two. Switching food on top of a car ride, new smells and a new bed is a recipe for an upset stomach. We tell every family what their puppy has been eating so you can continue it, then change gradually later if you want to.
Choose a large-breed puppy food
Labs grow fast, and rapid growth can stress developing joints. A complete puppy food formulated for large breeds has controlled calcium and calories to help puppies grow steadily instead of too quickly. Look for a statement on the bag that the food meets AAFCO standards for growth, and ask your vet which brand suits your puppy.
A simple feeding schedule
These are general guidelines. Your vet can adjust them to your individual puppy.
- 8 to 12 weeks: four small meals a day
- 3 to 6 months: three meals a day
- 6 to 12 months: two meals a day
- Adults: two meals a day, morning and evening
Feed at the same times each day. A predictable schedule makes potty training much easier, because what goes in on a schedule comes out on a schedule. Pick up the bowl after about 15 minutes so mealtime has a clear start and end.
How much should a Lab puppy eat?
Start with the feeding chart on the bag, which is based on age and expected adult weight, and divide it into the number of meals. Then watch your puppy, not the cup. A healthy Lab puppy should have a visible waist from above and ribs you can feel with light pressure but not see. If ribs disappear under padding, cut back a little. If they are sharp, feed a little more and check with your vet.
The Lab appetite
Labs are famously food-driven. Many will eat as though every meal is their last, and they are prone to gaining weight. Extra weight is one of the most preventable stresses on hips and elbows, so lean is the goal. Use a measuring cup rather than eyeballing, and count treats as part of the day's food.
If your puppy gulps, a slow-feeder bowl or a puzzle toy makes meals last longer and is mentally satisfying.
Treats and training
Treats are a great training tool, but keep them under about ten percent of daily calories. Use small, soft pieces. Many families use part of the daily kibble for training so nothing extra is added. Avoid anything toxic to dogs, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and anything sweetened with xylitol.
Water
Fresh water should always be available during the day. Some families pick up the water bowl an hour or two before bedtime to reduce overnight potty trips. Ask your vet what they recommend for your puppy.
Switching to adult food
Most Labs move to adult food between 12 and 18 months, when they are close to full size. Make the change slowly: mix about a quarter new food with three quarters old for a few days, then half and half, then mostly new, over seven to ten days.
When to call the vet
Call if your puppy refuses food for more than a meal or two, has persistent vomiting or diarrhea, or seems lethargic. Puppies can dehydrate quickly. Also ask your vet about bloat, a serious emergency that is more common in deep-chested breeds. Smaller meals and avoiding hard exercise right after eating are good habits.
Put it together
Pair this guide with our new puppy checklist and the plan for the first week home. Want to know about weight and growth? See how big English Labs get.
Sample day for a 10-week-old
Here is what a simple day might look like: breakfast at 7 a.m., a short potty trip and play, then a nap. Lunch at 11, potty, play, nap. Mid-afternoon meal at 3, potty and training. Dinner at 6, potty and a calm evening. Many puppies still need a small fourth meal or a snack of kibble before bed. Take your puppy out after every meal, usually within 5 to 15 minutes, which makes potty training far easier.
Food allergies and sensitive stomachs
Labs can develop itchy skin, ear infections or loose stools from food sensitivities. If your puppy has ongoing digestive trouble, do not keep switching foods. Talk to your vet, who may suggest a simple elimination diet. Probiotics and a short bland diet can help during a flare, but only on your vet's advice.
Raw, fresh and homemade diets
Many owners ask about raw or homemade food. Balance is the issue: a growing large-breed puppy needs precise calcium and phosphorus, and a diet that is wrong can cause lasting joint problems. If you want to feed fresh food, work with a veterinary nutritionist or choose a complete, balanced product made for puppies.
Travel, boarding and changes
If you travel or board, bring your puppy's own food so you are not changing diets suddenly. Measure out meals in advance, and tell sitters about the schedule, treat limits and foods to avoid. Pack a little extra in case plans change.
Tracking weight
Weigh your puppy every couple of weeks, either at the vet or on a home scale (weigh yourself holding them, then subtract). A steady upward curve is what you want. Sudden jumps or plateaus are worth mentioning to your vet. Keep notes so you can spot trends before they become problems.
Questions? Talk to a real person
We are happy to talk feeding with every family who takes a puppy home. Call or text (919) 899-8917, browse our available puppies, or send us a note. There's no cost and no pressure in asking.