Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Labrador Retriever
Enter your Labrador Retriever's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The Labrador Retriever has been America's most popular dog breed for over three decades. Known for their friendly, outgoing personalities, Labs are excellent family dogs, sporting companions, and working animals. Originally developed in Newfoundland for retrieving fish and waterfowl, the breed is now widely used as guide dogs, therapy dogs, and search-and-rescue dogs. Labs are especially prone to weight gain, making calorie management important.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Labrador Retriever (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Labrador Retriever (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Labrador Retriever weighing 72 lbs needs approximately 1339 calories daily, which works out to roughly 3.4 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 1.7 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Labrador Retrievers
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Labrador Retriever immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Labrador Retriever
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Labrador Retrievers benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Labrador Retrievers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Labrador Retriever once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Labrador Retrievers. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Labrador Retriever?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Labrador Retrievers, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.