Good nutrition is one of the greatest gifts you can give your Labrador puppy. Puppies need a balanced diet, containing the right mix of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals to grow, learn and thrive. 

It can be difficult, with so many options and conflicting advice about what's ’best’ for your dog. Every dog is unique, and we’re here to help you feel confident in the choices you make for your Labrador puppy.

Adult Labradors weigh between 25 and 35 kg, making them a medium-to-large breed, with specific nutritional considerations during their growth. Labradors are also (in)famous foodies. While this is part of their charm, it also makes it important to establish healthy feeding habits and portion control during puppyhood to prevent overeating, begging behaviour and weight gain later on in life.

Why is nutrition important for Labrador puppies?

Puppies are building bone, muscle, organs and a healthy immune system. The quality of their nutrition has lifelong effects.

A poor-quality or unbalanced diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and contribute to illnesses, such as skin disease and tummy problems. And for some conditions (allergies are a common example), the right diet can make a dramatic difference to your pup’s comfort and quality of life.

Underfeeding can cause poor growth, vision problems and a weakened immune system.

Overfeeding can lead to obesity, increasing your dog’s risk of arthritis, diabetes, heart problems and many other long-term conditions. Labradors are particularly at risk of obesity. Around 25% lack the gene to tell them when they’re ‘full’. Given half a chance, they’ll just keep eating! 

Labradors are also prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and arthritis. Overfeeding them during growth periods increases the risks.

What should you feed your Labrador puppy?

The right choice depends on multiple factors, including:

• Life stage (4-week-old puppies’ requirements differ from 11-month-olds’)

• Genetics

• Lifestyle and activity levels

• Current weight and body condition score

• Health issues (including sensitivities)

Your puppy’s diet must be complete and balanced. In the UK, look for diets formulated to meet FEDIAF guidelines, and ideally produced by a company that can answer questions like:

• Who formulates the diet, and what are their qualifications?

• Is a veterinary nutritionist involved? For example, someone with an MSc or PhD in Animal Nutrition.

• What quality control processes are in place?

• Has the product been tested or supported by feeding trials or research?

Labrador feeding guide: portion sizes

It’s ok to start with the feeding guide on the pack (in grams or cups), then adjust depending on your puppy’s growth. Ask your vet for advice if your puppy’s gaining or losing weight unexpectedly.

Other factors that affect how much to feed include:

• Age: Puppies in rapid growth phases (e.g. around 4 months old) have higher energy requirements than older puppies.

• Activity level: Active puppies require more energy than those with a sedentary lifestyle.

• Neuter status: Neutered dogs need fewer calories.

Portion control is especially important with food-motivated Labradors. Regular weight checks and body condition scoring are also very useful for picking up gradual (often unnoticed) weight gain.

How often should you feed a Labrador puppy?

Young puppies have small stomachs and immature digestive systems. They’ll not manage to consume daily requirements in one or 2 big meals. Providing smaller regular feeds at predictable mealtimes also helps puppies feel settled and secure. There may be some trial-and-error to find the right balance for everyone.

A rough guide:

• 8 weeks to 6 months: split the daily amount into 3 to 4 meals

• 6 months to 12 months: 2 to 3 meals suit most dogs

• Over 12 months: usually 2 meals for Labradors

Avoid exercise right after meals to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV), a life-threatening concern. 

Keeping to structured mealtimes also helps reduce begging and scavenging - common Labrador downfalls(!)

What types of puppy diets are available?

You’ll see a wide range of options, including:

• Dry food

• Wet food

• Vegan diets

• Raw diets

• Insect-based diets

• Home-cooked diets

Most dog-owners opt for commercial wet, dry or a mix of both.

Wet food: common advantages

• Helps with hydration

• Can support portion control because it’s less calorie-dense per serving

• Great for picky eaters (rarely an issue with Labradors!)

• Often easier to hide medication

Dry food: common advantages

• Long shelf life and less waste

• Convenient for automatic and puzzle feeders

• Higher energy density, which is helpful for puppies and larger breeds with high energy requirements

Dogs' eating habits and needs differ from those of humans. Once on a balanced diet, they neither need nor benefit from changes and additions. And constant variations can cause digestive upsets and persistent food-seeking behaviour. The best (and most convenient) approach is to choose one good-quality food and stick to it. 

How to safely switch your Labrador's food

If you’re planning to change your puppy’s food, do so gradually (over 7 to 10 days). Sudden diet changes or eating things they shouldn’t on walks frequently causes tummy upsets.

• Days 1–3: 75% old food, 25% new

• Days 4–6: 50/50

• Days 7–9: 25% old, 75% new

• Day 10: 100% new food

Treats and “extras”

Treats are great for training, but they must count towards your puppy’s daily calorie allowance, and be no more than 10% of total intake. Too many extras lead to weight gain and obesity. Frequent, unplanned snacks encourage begging. And a Labrador's ability to persuade humans to share food is legendary! 

What not to feed your Labrador

Some human foods commonly cause tummy upsets, including:

• Dairy products

• Highly processed foods (ham, sausages)

• Very salty, spicy or heavily seasoned foods

• Cooked bones (risk of splintering and intestinal damage)

And some are toxic to dogs, especially chocolate, raisins, alcohol and xylitol. Keep human food well out of reach of your truffling Labrador!

When should I switch my Labrador from puppy to adult food?

Labradors should usually transition from puppy to adult food when they are skeletally mature between 12 and 18 months old, depending on their growth rate and body condition.

Your vet may advise changes earlier or later, depending on neutering, weight or growth patterns.

Q&A: Labrador Puppy Nutrition

Q: Is it normal for my puppy to skip meals?
A: Rare in Labradors, but puppies approaching skeletal maturity need less growth energy. Always contact a vet if your puppy skips several meals in a row, or has other symptoms (vomiting, diarrhoea, etc.)

Q: Are grain-free diets better for puppies?
A: No. There’s no good evidence that grain-free diets are “healthier” for most puppies. True grain allergies are less common than allergies to certain meat proteins.

Q: Can I feed my puppy a raw diet?
A: Raw diets spark debate. Most veterinary nutrition bodies advise against feeding raw to growing puppies due to infection risks and the difficulty of balancing nutrients during growth. If you do choose a raw diet, use a reputable supplier.

Q: How can I tell if a food is good from the label?
A: Labels can be confusing. Look for “complete” (not “complementary”). Check it’s a growth diet, and choose reputable brands with recognised standards and quality control.

Q: Should I buy breed-specific Labrador puppy food?
A: They can be a great option. They’re adapted for particular breed characteristics. But a good-quality puppy food will have similar benefits.

Q: Can I feed my puppy home-cooked food?
A: Possibly. But, balancing different essential nutrients over time is complex. Always discuss a diet plan with a qualified veterinary nutritionist to prevent nutritional deficiencies that could have lifelong consequences.

Q: What foods do vets recommend?
A: Usually established brands like Hill’s or Royal Canin. These companies invest in nutritional research and have decades of proven safety behind them. 

Support is always at hand. Team Joii is available 24/7. Whether you’re unsure about your dog’s weight, portion sizes, or which diet to choose, download the app and chat with a professional anytime.