By Pamela Steward · Kanine Country Club · Oct 20, 2026
Feeding looks simple until you stand in the pet store aisle with fifty bags to choose from. Labrador and Golden Retriever puppies grow fast, and what they eat in their first year shapes their bones, joints and weight for life. At Kanine Country Club in Sperry, Iowa, we help new families get this right with every litter. Here is the schedule and the thinking behind it. Always check details with your veterinarian, who knows your own puppy best.
Start with the food your puppy knows
When your puppy leaves us, keep feeding what they have been eating. A new home brings enough change already: new smells, new people, new bed. Keeping the food the same for the first week or two helps keep their stomach settled. If you want to switch later, do it slowly.
Ask us which food we have been using before you pick up your puppy so you can buy a bag in advance. That way there is no scramble on the drive home.
Pick a food made for large-breed puppies
Labs and Goldens are large breeds, and large-breed puppies should not grow too fast. Foods made for them are balanced so that calcium and calories support steady growth. Look for a complete and balanced puppy formula that names a real protein source near the top of the ingredient list, with a statement that it meets nutritional standards for growth.
Price and marketing do not always tell you what is in the bag. Your veterinarian can help you compare brands. Whatever you choose, stay consistent rather than changing every few weeks.
How often to feed
Young puppies have small stomachs and quick metabolisms. From about eight to twelve weeks, three or four small meals a day is common. Between three and six months, many puppies do well with three meals. Around six months you can usually move to two meals a day, which is a pattern many dogs keep for life.
Feeding at set times each day also helps house training. What goes in on a schedule tends to come out on a schedule, so you can predict when to take your puppy outside.
How much to feed
The feeding chart on the bag is a starting point. Divide the daily amount into the number of meals, then adjust to your puppy’s body. You should be able to feel the ribs easily without seeing them, and your puppy should have a visible waist when viewed from above.
Labs in particular love to eat and can gain weight quickly. A chubby puppy might look cute, but extra weight puts stress on growing joints. Measure with a cup instead of guessing, and recheck the amount every few weeks as your puppy grows. If you are unsure, ask your vet at the next weigh-in.
Making the switch to a new food
At some point you will change foods, whether you move to adult food or find a better fit. Do it over seven to ten days. Start with about a quarter new food mixed with three quarters old, then move to half and half, then mostly new, then all new.
If your puppy gets loose stool or refuses meals during the change, slow down and go back a step. If it lasts more than a day or two, call your vet.
Treats, chews and table scraps
Treats are great for training, but they count. Keep them small, and subtract them from mealtime if you are handing out a lot. Soft, pea-sized treats work well for repetition.
Skip table scraps. Fatty foods can cause stomach upset and teach begging. Some human foods are dangerous, including chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions and anything sweetened with xylitol. Keep them out of reach and make sure children and guests know the rules.
Water and mealtime habits
Fresh water should be available all day, and puppies drink a lot. If you are working on overnight potty habits, ask your vet whether to pick up the water bowl an hour or two before bedtime.
Feed in a calm spot and give your puppy fifteen to twenty minutes to eat. Pick up what is left and offer it at the next meal. Avoid hard exercise right before or after meals, since large-breed dogs can be at risk for a serious stomach condition. A calm walk is fine.
When to move to adult food
Large breeds usually stay on puppy food until about twelve to eighteen months. Switching too early can leave a growing dog short on nutrients, while staying on too long can add extra calories. Ask your vet to confirm timing based on your dog’s growth, then transition gradually as described above.
Ready for a puppy?
Thinking about a Lab or Golden puppy? See our puppies, call 319-759-4210 or message us on Facebook. More answers are in our FAQ, and you can find us in Sperry.