Lab Puppy Feeding Guide: How Much Should I Feed My Lab Puppy Daily?

Okay, here's my blog post about figuring out how much to feed my Lab puppy:

So, I got this adorable Lab puppy a few months back, and the biggest question on my mind, besides "how do I stop him from chewing EVERYTHING?", was "how much should I feed this little furball?" I mean, you want them to grow big and strong, but not, you know, too big and strong, too fast.

The Great Puppy Food Experiment Begins!

First, I checked the food bag. Duh, right? But seriously, the guidelines there were so broad. It was like, "feed your puppy anywhere from 1 to 5 cups a day." Helpful? Not really. My pup, being a Lab, would happily eat the whole bag if I let him.

Next, I hit up the vet. Good ol' Dr. Emily. She gave me some more specific ranges based on his age and projected weight. That was better, but still felt a little…vague.

So, I started experimenting (safely, of course!).

• I began in the middle of the vet's recommended range.
• I split the daily amount into three meals. Puppies have tiny tummies, you know.
• I watched him like a hawk. Not in a creepy way, but…okay, maybe a little creepy.

Observation is Key!

Here's what I was looking for:

• Body Condition: I learned the "rib check." I should be able to feel his ribs easily, but not see them prominently. If I couldn't feel them at all, he was getting too much. If they were super obvious, he needed more.
• Energy Levels: Was he bouncing off the walls (normal puppy stuff) or was he lethargic? Lethargy could mean not enough food.
• Poop Patrol: Yeah, I became a poop expert. Too soft? Maybe too much food. Too hard? Maybe not enough. (Don't worry, I won't go into too much detail here).

Adjusting the sails!

Based on my observations, I tweaked the amount. Some weeks he needed a little more, especially during growth spurts. Some weeks, a little less. It was all about paying attention.

It took a few weeks of trial and error, lots of rib-feeling, and, yes, poop-analyzing. But I finally figured out the sweet spot for my little guy. He's growing at a healthy pace, has tons of energy (maybe too much sometimes!), and, well, his poops are…normal. Success!

The biggest lesson? Every puppy is different. What works for one might not work for another. Be patient, be observant, and don't be afraid to adjust. And always, always, check in with your vet if you have any concerns. It's a journey, not a race, and there's lot of room for try and learning!