Best puppy food for a Labrador
Labrador puppies grow quickly into a large, heavy-boned adult dog, and they have a well-known reputation for being enthusiastic eaters. Both of those things matter when choosing a puppy food: large-breed puppies benefit from controlled growth rather than rapid weight gain, and portion control matters more with a Labrador than with a breed less inclined to beg for seconds.
Why growth rate matters for a large-breed puppy
Growing too fast as a puppy puts extra strain on developing joints in large breeds, which is why a puppy food formulated with controlled growth in mind is generally recommended over an adult food or a formula built for small breeds. This is a genuine, well-established consideration for Labradors specifically, given how large and heavy they become as adults.
A complete puppy food already accounts for this in its formulation, so the main job for an owner is following the feeding guide on the pack for your puppy's current weight rather than adjusting portions based on how eager they seem for more.
Managing a Labrador's appetite
Labradors are famously food-motivated, and that enthusiasm does not switch off just because they have already been fed. Sticking to the feeding guide on the pack, rather than topping up because your puppy is asking, matters more with this breed than most, since the tendency to overeat and carry extra weight follows many Labradors into adulthood.
A slow feeder bowl can help if your puppy bolts their food quickly, which is common in this breed and can contribute to digestive upset alongside the general risk of overeating.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Silicone Slow Feeder Dog Bowl With Mat
A silicone slow-feeder bowl set into a spill-catching tray mat. The ridged centre slows fast eaters and aids digestion, while the raised mat keeps food and water mess off the floor. Soft, non-slip and easy to wipe clean.
From£13.99
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Sunflower Snuffle Mat Slow Feeder
A felt sunflower snuffle mat, roughly 37.5cm across, with yellow petals and a fluffy brown centre that hides kibble and treats. Encourages natural foraging to slow fast eaters and ease boredom. Ties on to fix it in place; machine washable.
£12.99
Spherical Slow Feeder Licking Bowl
A spherical non-slip slow feeder that paces fast eaters and turns mealtimes into a calming licking ritual. The ridged surface slows gulping, aiding digestion and easing boredom for dogs and cats alike.
From£13.99
Tarhong Medallion Slow Feeder Puzzle Dog Bowl
A stylish BPA-free puzzle bowl that slows down greedy eaters — available in three sizes and a choice of colours.
From£10.99
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Silicone Swirl Lick Mat Slow Feeder
A round silicone lick mat with a swirling textured surface that holds wet food, yogurt or paste to slow eating and soothe anxious pets. A suction base keeps it steady on the floor.
£16.99
LickiMat Wobble & Splash Enrichment Bowls for Dogs
Wobbling rubber enrichment bowls that add movement and challenge to treat time, encouraging slower eating and longer-lasting fun.
£16.99
Burns Puppy/Junior Mini Chicken & Rice
Chicken and rice puppy food with a smaller kibble, made for small and toy breed mouths
£14.99
Burns Puppy Original Lamb & Rice
Complete Burns lamb and rice puppy food in a 2KG bag for up to 12 months
£14.99
Burns Puppy Junior Original Chicken Rice
A complete puppy and junior food with dried chicken 31% and controlled fat at 15%
From£14.99
Forthglade Complete Puppy Chicken with Liver Grain Free
A complete grain-free wet food for puppies, built on 71% chicken and 4% chicken liver
£1.99
Common questions
- When should I switch my Labrador puppy to adult food?
- This depends on your individual dog's growth and is best confirmed with your vet, since large breeds like Labradors are often kept on a puppy or large-breed junior formula for longer than smaller dogs. Follow the guidance on the specific food you are feeding as a starting point.
- Why do Labrador puppies need a large-breed formula?
- Large-breed puppy foods are built around a controlled growth rate, which matters for Labradors because growing too quickly as a puppy puts extra strain on developing joints. It is a well-recognised consideration for this breed given how large they become as adults.
- My Labrador puppy always seems hungry — should I feed more?
- Not without good reason. Labradors are known for a strong appetite that does not always reflect what they actually need, and sticking to the feeding guide for their current weight is more reliable than judging portions by how eager they seem.
- Are Labrador puppies prone to putting on weight?
- Yes, this is a well-known tendency in the breed that often continues into adulthood. Keeping to recommended portions from puppyhood, rather than adjusting for their appetite, helps set a healthier pattern for later in life.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.