How much to feed a Labrador puppy
Labradors will eat anything. And then they will look for more. A 2016 study from the University of Cambridge identified a gene mutation (POMC) present in most Labs that essentially breaks their "full" signal. Your Lab puppy is not being dramatic when they act starving — their brain literally is not telling them to stop.
This makes portion control with Labs more critical than almost any other breed. Left to their own devices, most Labs will overeat and become obese. Here is how to feed them properly during the growth phase.
Feeding chart by age
| Age | Weight Range | Daily Calories | Cups/Day (est.) | Meals/Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-12 weeks | 10-20 lbs | 550-850 | 1.5-2 | 3-4 |
| 3-6 months | 20-45 lbs | 850-1,400 | 2-3.5 | 3 |
| 6-9 months | 40-60 lbs | 1,200-1,600 | 3-4 | 2 |
| 9-12 months | 55-70 lbs | 1,400-1,700 | 3.5-4.5 | 2 |
Important: these numbers tend to run lower than what the food bag suggests. That is intentional. Labs gain weight easily, and slightly lean during growth is healthier than slightly heavy.
Why lean matters even more for Labs
A landmark 14-year Purina study followed 48 Labrador Retrievers. Dogs fed 25% less than their free-feeding counterparts lived an average of 1.8 years longer and developed arthritis and chronic conditions significantly later. The lean-fed dogs reached a median age of 13 years versus 11.2 for the control group.
That does not mean you should starve your puppy. It means keeping a Lab at ideal body condition — where you can easily feel ribs and see a clear waist — adds years to their life. For a breed prone to obesity and joint problems, this is one of the single most impactful things you can do.
Choosing food for a Lab puppy
Use a large breed puppy formula. Labs hit 55-80 pounds at maturity, placing them firmly in the large breed category. The controlled calcium and phosphorus levels protect developing joints. Look for food with 25-30% protein and 12-18% fat — Labs do not need ultra-high-fat formulas since they convert calories to body fat so efficiently.
Dealing with the bottomless pit
Some strategies that actually work with food-obsessed Lab puppies:
- Measure every meal with a kitchen scale or measuring cup — never eyeball it
- Use puzzle feeders and slow-feed bowls to extend meal time from 30 seconds to 10 minutes
- Count all treats against daily calories and reduce meals accordingly
- Use kibble pieces as training treats instead of adding separate high-calorie treats
- Feed at consistent times and pick up the bowl after 15 minutes, even if food remains (it will not)
Weekly weigh-ins are not optional
With a breed that gains weight this easily, monthly weigh-ins are not frequent enough during puppyhood. Weigh weekly and track the trend. A Lab puppy should follow a steady growth curve — sudden jumps in weight gain usually mean portions need to come down.
Your vet can provide a breed-specific growth chart, or you can find them through the Labrador Retriever Club.
Get personalized daily portions for your Lab with our free feeding calculator.
When to switch to adult food
Most Labs can move to adult food around 12-14 months. The transition should take 7-10 days. When you switch, pay extra attention to portions since adult foods often have different calorie densities than puppy food. Recalculate using the new food is calories per cup.
For more on puppy feeding timelines, see our puppy feeding schedule. And check the general feeding guide for the calorie math that works for any breed.