If you’re worried about your pup’s growth, you can weigh your pup weekly to track their progress and adjust their food intake as needed.
Your puppy should eat 3 to 4 meals a day, with equal portions for each meal.
How often?
As a rule of thumb:
- Weaning: four meals a day
- Up to six months: three meals a day
- Six to 12 months: two meals a day
How much?
As a rule of thumb:
- 50-pound Lab feed 2-1/2 to 3 cups daily.
- 60-pound Lab feed 3 to 3-1/2 cups daily.
- 70-pound Lab feed 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups daily.
- 80-pound Lab feed 3-1/2 to 4 cups daily.
- 100-pound Lab feed 4-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups daily.
How much dry food should I feed my Labrador?
You are likely to feed your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food. In this case, you should definitely not supplement his lining.
Overfeed, and your adult Labrador is prone to joint problems, feeds too little, and puppies don’t realize their genetic potential. This is a genetic trait of the breed and you should expect your labrador to search for food multiple times every day throughout life.
If you haven’t received food or information about feeding a puppy, we recommend that you contact your local pet store and buy a small bag of (kibble) puppy food that matches their breed and age.
What Should I feed my 9-year-old dog?
If your dog has significantly decreased kidney function, a low-protein diet lowers kidney workload. Therefore, you shouldn’t feel that you need to give your dog older dog food or that you need to switch them from adult dog food when they get older based on age alone.
The reason may be a muted sense of smell, an underlying condition such as kidney disease, or a medication that your dog routinely receives. Two benchmark studies by major dog food companies Purina and Waltham found that restricting calories throughout life improves longevity and reduces disease.
However, if your dog’s appetite loss is age-related, your veterinarian can also choose an appropriate diet to help your older dog get the food they need.
How much food should a 9-year-old dog eat?
Whichever method you choose, you’ll need to use a scale or body condition assessment system to accurately match the amount of food you offer. Some dog food tags have guidelines printed on the bag.
This can be a good starting point and increase or decrease depending on your dog’s current size and ideal weight. In the first months of a puppy’s life, they need small meals throughout the day if they transition from breast milk to solid food.
One of these services, Ollie, delivers fresh, human-quality dog food tailored to your pup’s nutritional needs.
How much dry food should I feed my older dog?
By eating the meals and the type and amount of food you feed him, you maintain his digestive health and weight. Your dog’s age, weight, and activity level also influence how much and how often you should feed your dog.
Remember that no nutrient profile for older, geriatric, or mature dog food is currently recognized by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
For older pets, you should start by feeding about 2% of their body weight and adjusting to their needs and activities.
But many owners ask themselves: “How much should I feed my dog? Feeding your dog too little can cause a lack of nutrition, while overfeeding can lead to obesity.