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Correct feeding of your Labrador.

Labradors are fast growing, large boned dogs and careful consideration must be given to the choice of  food you give.
Feeding the wrong or an unsuitable food to a puppy can seriously affect their joints and have detrimental affects for the rest of their life.  For example, feeding a puppy food that is too high in protein, calories and calcium will help to cause problems such as ocd.

There are so many proprietary dog foods available in the supermarkets these days, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the choice. The breeder of your puppy will have put a lot of thought into which food to wean your puppy onto.

Personally, I use a medium priced puppy complete dry food which has a protein content of not more than 28%. Once puppies are ready to go to their new homes, I move them onto an adult food, which has slightly lower calcium and protein levels. I have done this for many years and have not had any problems with lameness.

Again you must give careful consideration to the protein content in adult food, many of the more expensive foods are still too high unless you opt for the ‘large breed’ version. I would much rather see youngsters on a medium priced adult food. Aim for a protein level of between 20-24% and you wont go wrong, this will ensure a slow but steady growth pattern and cut down the risk of developing joint problems in later life.

Thank you to Mica Korab of Holcroft Labradors for kindly writing this article