How much should you feed a Labrador Retriever?
A 65 lb adult Lab on a typical complete kibble lands somewhere near 2 to 2.5 cups a day, split into two meals. That number moves with age, activity and body condition — here is how to find yours.
Start from the bag, finish with the ribs
The feeding chart on the bag is a starting point, not an instruction. It is calculated for an average, unneutered, moderately active dog, which is nobody's actual dog. Measure the chart amount, feed it for two weeks, then check: run your hands along the ribs without pressing. You should feel them under a thin layer, and see a waist from above.
If you cannot feel ribs, cut the daily amount by about 10% and recheck in two weeks. If ribs are prominent and the waist is sharp, add the same amount back. Labs are the breed most likely to carry extra weight, and the difference between a healthy Lab and an overweight one is often a third of a cup a day.
How much at each age
Puppies burn far more per pound than adults and cannot eat enough in one sitting, so the schedule matters as much as the total.
- 8–12 weeks: four small meals a day, roughly 1 to 1.5 cups total for a large-breed puppy kibble, split evenly
- 3–6 months: three meals a day, total rising to around 2.5 to 3 cups
- 6–12 months: two meals a day, around 3 cups, tapering as growth slows
- Adults (1 year+): two meals a day, typically 2 to 2.5 cups for a 55–80 lb Lab
- Seniors (7 years+): same split, often 10–15% less unless weight is dropping
Measure, don't scoop
A coffee mug and a 'cup' are not the same thing, and the difference adds up to a few pounds a year. Use the scoop that came with the food or a kitchen scale, and keep treats inside about 10% of daily calories.
Related questions
How many cups should a Labrador eat per day?
Most adult Labs between 55 and 80 lb settle around 2 to 2.5 cups of complete kibble a day, split into two meals. Working dogs, intact dogs and very active individuals may need more; neutered, sedentary dogs usually need less. Adjust by body condition rather than by the chart.
Is one meal a day enough for a Lab?
Two meals suit most Labs better. A single large meal leaves a food-motivated dog hungry for most of the day, and Labs are the breed most prone to scavenging and weight gain when fed once.
Why is my Lab always hungry?
Appetite is not a reliable guide — Labs are genetically prone to it and will usually keep eating. Use body condition and weight, not begging, to decide portions.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your labrador retriever is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.