How Much to Feed a Labrador Retriever
Adult Labrador Retrievers typically weigh 55–80 lb. A spayed/neutered adult needs about 1,250–1,656 kcal a day, roughly 3¼–4½ cups of a typical 375 kcal/cup dry food. The full chart covers puppy through senior, and below it, what's specific to feeding this breed.
Labrador Retriever feeding chart
| Weight | Puppy 4–12 mo | Adult (neutered) | Active / working | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 lb | 1,563 kcal (4¼ cups) | 1,250 kcal (3¼ cups) | 1,953 kcal (5¼ cups) | 1,094 kcal (3 cups) |
| 68 lb | 1,832 kcal (5 cups) | 1,466 kcal (4 cups) | 2,290 kcal (6 cups) | 1,283 kcal (3½ cups) |
| 80 lb | 2,070 kcal (5½ cups) | 1,656 kcal (4½ cups) | 2,587 kcal (7 cups) | 1,449 kcal (3¾ cups) |
Calories from RER = 70 × kg0.75 × life-stage factor; cups assume 375 kcal/cup; check your bag, foods range 325–450. Run the exact numbers for your dog →
Feeding notes for Labrador Retrievers
Labs are the poster breed for overfeeding: roughly a quarter of them carry a POMC gene variant that blunts the "I'm full" signal, so appetite is a terrible portion guide. Measure every meal with an actual measuring cup or kitchen scale, budget training treats out of the daily ration, and consider a slow-feeder bowl, because most Labs inhale food. Puppies should eat a large-breed puppy formula to protect fast-growing joints.
Portion numbers use the same RER/MER formulas as the main calculator. Full formula sources and limits: About & methodology.
Breed notes above are about feeding management (portions, meal timing, leanness), not diagnosis or treatment. Sources for the health risks mentioned:
- POMC gene variant and appetite in Labrador Retrievers: Raffan et al., Cell Metabolism (2016), PubMed 27157046
Related tools and guides
- Dog food calculator: exact cups from your dog's weight and your bag's kcal/cup
- Puppy feeding calculator: age-adjusted portions for a growing Labrador Retriever
- Raw feeding calculator: grams per day at 2–3% of body weight
- Wet + dry mix calculator: leftover kibble after cans, without double-counting calories
- How dog calorie needs actually work
- Monthly dog food cost: kibble vs fresh vs raw by size
Frequently asked questions
How many cups of food should a Labrador Retriever eat per day?
A typical spayed/neutered adult Labrador Retriever (55–80 lb) needs roughly 1,250–1,656 kcal per day, which is about 3¼ to 4½ cups of an average 375 kcal/cup dry food, split into two meals. Use the calculator with your dog's actual weight and your food's real kcal/cup for a precise number.
How much should a Labrador Retriever puppy eat?
Puppies need far more per pound than adults: 3× resting energy before 4 months and 2× from 4–12 months, spread over 3–4 meals. Because the amount changes as they grow, weigh your puppy every week or two and re-run the puppy calculator with the current weight.