How much to feed an english lab puppy?

Discussion in 'Labrador Puppies' started by erica12, Nov 10, 2021.

  1. erica12

    erica12 Registered Users

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    Hi Lab friends,

    I have a 15 week old english lab puppy, and would love to know how much others are feeding or did feed their english labs at this age, and going forward.

    We seem to not be feeding our pup as much as our breeder recommends., (as it seems like a ton of food!) Our Vet told us to be careful and not overfeed, to help to avoid joint problems later in life., so am trying to balance both recommendations.

    This is what our breeder recommends, and what she sent us when our pups were coming up to 14 weeks old:

    --Around 14 weeks old your pups should be put on a two time per day feeding schedule

    --your pups should be eating approximately 2 cups of kibble food at EACH FEEDING. They are growing and will be BIG boned dogs.

    --They should easily be around 34 pounds by now.

    --once they hit 4 months of age, I switch them from PUPPY to ADULT food

    once they are fully developed (around 2 years of age) they will eat closer to 1.5- 2 cups per meal

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    thanks all, and I Apologize for the US measurements, but hope you all might be able to help.
     
  2. QuinnM15

    QuinnM15 Registered Users

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    Hi - without knowing what food you’re feeding, our breeder had us feeding 1 1/4 cups 2x per day of puppy food between 12 and 20 weeks. At 5 months we moved to all life stages food and feed 1.5 cups per day and increase to two cups per day at 8 months but based on activity levels and size - so I’ve maintained around 1.5 cups per meal with additional treats. My puppy was 36lbs at 4 months. Some of her littermates (males) are much bigger and they are fed more than recommended.

    I would pay attention to body condition overall - I adjusted to more food during growth spurts and scaled back when I moved to two cups at 8 months and it was too much etc.
     
  3. Edp

    Edp Registered Users

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    You need to feed as per the manufacturers recommendations of the feed, then probably a bit less as they over estimate it. Each food is different and as already said, feed the dog in front of you, titrate feed to growth and exercise levels. Its a bit trial and error as you get used to what works for your dog.
     
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  4. 5labs

    5labs Registered Users

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    Feed the dog in front of you. If he's looking a bit rolly, cut his food back. If he goes through a growth spurt and looks too slim, feed him more.
    I would always recommend feeding a growing puppy three times a day. They eat a lot when they are growing quickly and it's a lot of food to have in their belly if you only give two meals. Also remember that meal times are great training opportunities, some the more mealtimes, the more training.
     

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