How much to feed a Labrador
There is no single correct amount to feed every Labrador, because it depends on their individual weight, age, activity level and the specific food you use — what matters is the method: start from the feeding guide on the pack, weigh the food, and adjust based on body condition rather than appetite. Labradors are particularly prone to overeating, which makes getting this right more important than it is for many breeds.
Why Labradors need extra care with portions
Labradors have a well-known reputation among vets and owners alike for being highly food-motivated and prone to weight gain, more so than many other breeds of a similar size. That makes an eager appetite a poor guide to how much they actually need — a Labrador who seems hungry after their normal portion is not necessarily under-fed, and is more often simply a Labrador.
Carrying extra weight puts additional strain on joints over time, which matters for a breed already prone to joint issues in later life, so keeping portions accurate from early on is worth the effort rather than something to tighten up later.
A method that actually works
Start with the feeding table on your food's pack, which is based on your dog's current or target weight, and weigh the food on kitchen scales rather than estimating by scoop — this alone removes a lot of the guesswork that leads to overfeeding. Split the daily amount into two meals rather than one large one, which suits most adult dogs better.
Check body condition every few weeks: you should be able to feel the ribs with light pressure and see a visible waist from above. If your Labrador is gaining more than expected, reduce the amount within the pack's guidance rather than waiting for a noticeable weight problem to develop, and speak to your vet if you are ever unsure.
Treats and slow feeding
Treats count toward daily calories, and a food-motivated breed like a Labrador can easily take in more through treats and training rewards than through their actual meals if this goes unaccounted for. Factor treats into the day's total rather than treating them as separate from the feeding guide.
Labradors are also known for eating quickly, which is worth managing with a slow feeder or puzzle bowl — not to reduce the amount they eat, but to slow down how fast they eat it, which can help with both digestion and satisfaction after a meal.
Feeding kit
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
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
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
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
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Common questions
- Why does my Labrador always seem hungry?
- Labradors are known for being particularly food-motivated, and an eager appetite is common in the breed regardless of whether they are getting enough. Judge portions by body condition and the pack's feeding guide rather than by how hungry they seem to act.
- How do I know if my Labrador is the right weight?
- You should be able to feel their ribs with light pressure and see a visible waist from above, without the ribs being visibly prominent. Your vet can check body condition properly at a routine visit and advise if adjustment is needed.
- Should I free-feed my Labrador?
- Leaving food available all day is generally best avoided for this breed, given how prone Labradors are to overeating. Two measured meals a day, following the feeding guide on the pack, gives you far more control over their weight.
- Do treats count toward my Labrador's daily food amount?
- Yes, treats and training rewards add calories on top of their meals, and a food-motivated breed can take in more this way than owners realise. Factor treats into the day's total rather than treating them as extra, and speak to your vet if you are unsure how much allowance they leave.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
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.