Switching Labrador Retriever Puppies to Adult Dog Food

What and how you feed your Labrador retriever is the most important decision you will make. Puppies need more nutrients and protein than adult dogs, so while your Lab puppy is growing, it should eat a food formulated for large-breed puppies with extra protein, vitamins and minerals. Lab puppies are generally switched to adult food between eight months and two years of age, but discuss this with your vet. If your puppy tends to gain weight, your vet may advise an earlier switch. If the dog needs more time, he could advise you to continue feeding puppy food. Lab puppies continue growing until around 18 months of age.

  1. How to Switch

    • Any time you change your dog's food, it should be done very gradually to avoid upsetting the digestive system. If you feed dry kibble, start by adding a few of the new kibbles per feeding to the dog's bowl. Gradually increase this over a period of one to two weeks until your Lab is eating only his new adult food. If you feed canned food, mix the two together for a week or so, gradually adding in the adult formula.

    Digestive Problems

    • Some dogs react to any change in their food, and Labs can be prone to this. If your Lab has loose stools or vomits while you're changing its diet, back off the change a bit. Reduce the amount of the new food that you're adding for a few days and then begin increasing again. If you're changing brands, your Lab may react to the new formula. If your Lab continues to exhibit problems with the new food, consider a different brand.

    Feeding Schedule

    • Your Lab puppy should be eating three times a day until it's eight months old. After eight months, he can eat twice a day, morning and evening. Some people find it more convenient to feed once daily, but dividing the day's food into two feedings is easier on the dog's digestion. You should determine the amount of food your dog needs daily and divide that into either two feedings or one, depending on your preference.

    What Food?

    • Read the ingredients on the dog food label. The first ingredient should be meat or meat meal. Never use a food that lists ̶0;by-products̶1; on the label. This is most commonly found with chicken-based foods, although it can be listed as ̶0;meat by-products̶1; on other foods as well. By-products are animal waste parts unfit for consumption. Labradors tend to develop allergies to some foods, especially those containing by-products. Feeding a good quality large-breed food allows you to feed less and give your dog better nutrition.

    Large-Breed Food

    • Avoid switching your Lab puppy to adult food too early.

      Most Labs do well on a chicken- or lamb-based food. Many large-breed foods include glucosamine, a supplement designed to strengthen the bones and joints of large breeds such as Labradors who are prone to hip dysplasia. Food formulated for large breeds also includes fewer calories to avoid excess weight gain, higher protein for large dogs' muscles and ligaments, and extra vitamins and minerals.