Welcome to The Labrador Club

Feeding Your Labrador

Nutrition

If there is one thing in life that puts a real sparkle in the eye of a Labrador, it is the sight and smell of food. Naturally, quality feeding leads to better health. There is much spoken and written on dog nutrition – Here are some simple guidelines:

What should you Feed?


  1. Unless you are positive that the diet that you feed your dog is correctly balanced for his nutritional requirement, make sure the bulk (75%) of your Labrador’s diet is good quality commercial pet food that has been proven, by animal feeding trials (AAFCO trials), to be complete and balanced.
  2. Use products your dog finds palatable (usually not a problem with a Labrador)
  3. Work out your budget for dog food and buy the best quality you can afford.
  4. To add variety, the remaining 25% of the diet can be the family’s leftovers, eggs, cooked vegetables, but never cooked bones.
  5. When you get your new puppy, make sure you ask the breeder what foods are being given. Continue with the same foods at home, for the first few days, as it will reduce stress on the puppy and ensure normal digestion. It is quite common during the first few days, for your new puppy’s appetite to be finicky. This is because of the change of scene and being separated from littermates, who may have competed for food in the breeder’s environment.
  6. For puppies there are excellent commercial growth puppy foods available. They are complete and balanced with all the required minerals and vitamins, plus the necessary protein and energy for growth. Additives are unnecessary and extra calcium should be avoided. You can use both canned and dry puppy foods, plus a small number of extras such as eggs, beef mince, ox cheek, cooked cereals or vegetables, for interest and variety. Dry foods developed specifically for life stages and conditions are also available e.g., foods for obese dogs, foods for dogs with skin problems, arthritis etc.
  7. Investing in quality feeding for puppies until one year of age, pays dividends in producing a healthier dog, that will have fewer problems throughout its life.
  8. 8With puppies, take care to change foods gradually, as altering brands can frequently lead to diarrhoea. Sudden changes in food or eating something unusual, are the most common causes of gastroenteritis in puppies.
  9. With our dear oldies, most importantly, obesity must be avoided. Carrying extra kilos when arthritis starts to appear can really incapacitate your favourite old friend. Yearly checks at the vet when vaccinations are due, is a good time to discuss any special diet for them. Some may require vitamin supplements due to less effective digestion, other may need less salt to help offset heart problems. All our oldies require fewer calories because they are not as active but often need better quality protein to maintain muscle.
  10. A pregnant bitch should have the best quality food but not be fed excessively. Once she is feeding her puppies, there should be an unlimited supply of top-quality food. Get the best advice, tailor-made for your dog, from your own veterinarian.

Which Pet Foods to Buy?


When you look at the range available the choice appears to be overwhelming. Look for the AFFCO trial claim on the label. Products with this claim have successfully passed animal feeding trials following a protocol devised by the Association of America Feed Control Officers (AFFCO) which at present is the international standard. These are the best products to use. They are made to meet this high standard and will reliably provide what your dog needs at his stage of life.


  • Get into a regular pattern. Dogs like things orderly so if 7.00a.m. is a good time for you, feed at approximately 7.00a.m. every day. A puppy needs feeding more frequently because his stomach is not big enough to take his daily needs in one filling. (though he do not believe this.) 
  • A guideline for puppies: Age 7-12 weeks feed 3-4 times daily, 12-24 weeks feed 2-3 times daily, 6-12 months feed 2 times daily, and over 1 year feel 1-2 times daily

How much should I Feed?


  • Each dog is an individual and the amount of food needed depends on sex, age, temperament, and exercise. To start with, follow the manufacturers advice on the pet food label and use the rule of thumb described below.
  • Do not overfeed. It does not matter whether you feed your dog once, twice or three times a day, if the total daily input results in keeping the dog’s weight normal and constant. When visiting your vet ask for his confirmation of your dog’s weight and use the clinic weigh scale to record it.
  • Resist those soft misty eyes – don’t feed between meals. If necessary, put your four-legged food addict outside when you and the family are eating.


A good rule of thumb to help assess your dog’s weight – if you can feel your dog’s rib bones when rubbing your hand along the side of the chest but you can’t see them, then that is about right.

Water and Hygiene

  1. Dogs must always have access to fresh, clean water. Empty, wipe out and refill his bowl daily.
  2. Keep an eye on your dog’s water intake – any increased consumption, especially in the middle aged to older dogs, may be a sign of a health problem that needs your vet’s advice.

Hygiene



  • Better not to leave food out (not that your food freak is likely to let that happen)
  • Wash food bowls each day to avoid bacterial and fungal growth on them.

What about Bones?


  • Provide a large, fresh, raw bone at least once weekly to help prevent the accumulation of tartar on the teeth. Some biscuits have been formulated to assist in avoiding tartar on teeth; speak to your vet. A good-sized cannon bone will occupy your puppy for hours (It also helps to stop the chewing of valuable items.) Brisket bone, which is completely consumed, as it is mostly cartilage and fat, is excellent for teeth but must be included in the calorie count and replace other food. 
  • Never feed cooked or small bones or any bone which can be swallowed, or which pieces can be chewed off then swallowed.

How about Vegetables?


  • A dog’s digestive system cannot process cellulose and xylose which are the main ingredients of plant cell walls. Thus, raw whole cut vegetables will pass through undigested. So, feed vegetables cooked or grated, so some of the nutrients will be digestible.
  • Never feed corn cobs (even accidentally) – they commonly obstruct the bowel and require surgery to fix the problem. Make sure cobs can’t be stolen from the rubbish or the compost. However, some dogs love crunching on a carrot and most dogs will eat fruit. Make sure they do not eat excessive amounts of wind-fall fruit.