Labs are known for their love of food—and their tendency to overeat! Proper nutrition is key to maintaining their energy, weight, and overall health.

Dietary Needs

✔ High-quality protein (chicken, fish, lamb, or beef as first ingredient)
✔ Moderate fat (for energy, but not excessive to avoid weight gain)
✔ Complex carbs (brown rice, sweet potatoes, oats)
✔ Omega-3 fatty acids (for skin, coat, and joint health)
✔ Controlled portions (Labs will eat until they burst!)

Feeding Schedule

• Puppies (2-6 months): 3-4 meals/day

• Adolescents (6-12 months): 2-3 meals/day

• Adults (1+ years): 2 measured meals/day

• Seniors (7+ years): May need fewer calories; consult your vet

Common Food Issues

• Obesity – The #1 health risk! Stick to scheduled feedings, avoid table scraps.

• Food allergies – Some Labs are sensitive to grains, chicken, or beef.

• Bloat risk – Avoid vigorous exercise 1 hour before/after meals.

Best Food Choices

• Dry kibble: Look for “complete & balanced” AAFCO approval.

• Wet food: Good for hydration, but check calories.

• Raw/home-cooked: Only with vet guidance to ensure proper nutrition.

Healthy Treats (in moderation!)

✓ Carrots, green beans, apple slices
✓ Frozen blueberries or banana chunks
✓ Plain cooked chicken or salmon

Pro Tip: Use a slow-feeder bowl if your Lab gulps food too fast!

“A well-fed Lab is a happy Lab—just don’t let those puppy eyes trick you into overfeeding!” 🍗🐾

Despite their short coat, Labs require regular grooming to keep them clean, healthy, and comfortable. Here’s what you need to know:

Basic Grooming Needs

1. Brushing:

   • Frequency: 1-2 times per week (daily during shedding seasons)

   • Tool: Rubber curry brush or slicker brush

   • Why? Removes loose fur, distributes natural oils, and reduces shedding

2. Bathing:

   • Frequency: Every 2-3 months (or when dirty/smelly)

   • Tip: Use a mild dog shampoo to avoid drying out their skin

   • Post-Swim Care: Rinse with fresh water to remove chlorine/salt

3. Nail Trimming:

   • Frequency: Every 3-4 weeks

   • Signs they’re too long: Clicking on floors, difficulty walking

   • Caution: Avoid cutting the quick (painful & bleeds)

4. Ear Cleaning:

   • Frequency: Weekly (Labs are prone to infections)

   • Method: Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and cotton ball

5. Dental Care:

   • Frequency: Brush teeth 2-3 times per week (daily is ideal)

   • Alternatives: Dental chews, water additives, or vet cleanings

Seasonal Considerations

• Shedding: Labs “blow coat” twice a year (spring/fall)—increase brushing!

• Winter: Check paws for ice/salt irritation; consider a dog coat in extreme cold

• Summer: Watch for overheating; never shave their coat (it protects their skin)

Professional Grooming?

Most Labs don’t need it, but a deshedding treatment or sanitary trim can help.

Labs are high-energy athletes bred to work all day. Without proper exercise, they can become destructive or develop behavioral issues. Here’s how to keep yours in top shape:

Daily Exercise Requirements

• Minimum: 60-90 minutes of activity

• Ideal: 2+ hours for working lines or young adults

• Seniors (7+ yrs): 30-60 minutes of low-impact exercise

Best Exercises for Labs

1. Swimming – Their webbed paws and water-resistant coat make them natural swimmers (great for joints!).

2. Fetch – A Labrador’s favorite activity! Use Chuckit! launchers for high-energy dogs.

3. Running/Jogging – Wait until they’re 18+ months old to protect developing joints.

4. Hiking – Let them carry a dog pack (max 10% body weight).

5. Dog Sports – Obedience, agility, dock diving, or field trials.

Mental Exercise (Just as Important!)

• Puzzle toys (Kong Wobbler, Outward Hound)

• Scent games (hide treats around the yard)

• Training sessions (5-10 mins, 2-3x daily)

Exercise Tips

✔ Morning & evening sessions – Avoid midday heat
✔ Puppies (under 1 year) – Short, frequent play (5 mins per month of age)
✔ Winter care – Use dog boots if walking on salted pavement
✔ Post-exercise – Check paws for cuts, hydrate, and cool down gradually

Watch For: Overheating (excessive panting, drooling) or limping (joint stress).

“A well-exercised Lab = a calm, happy dog who won’t eat your couch!” 🎾🏊

Labs are highly trainable but need consistent, positive reinforcement. Their intelligence + food motivation = excellent students (if you keep it interesting!).

Key Training Priorities

1. Basic Obedience (Start Early!)

   • Essential commands: Sit, Stay, Come, Down, Leave It

   • Special Lab focus: “Drop It” (for retrievers who love holding objects)

2. Leash Manners

   • Labs pull strongly – train “heel” using high-value treats

   • Harnesses work better than collars for powerful pullers

3. Socialization (Critical!)

   • Expose puppies to: People, dogs, noises, surfaces before 16 weeks

   • Adult Labs remain friendly but may get overly excited

Training Methods That Work

✓ Positive reinforcement (Treats! Praise! Play!)
✓ Short sessions (5-15 mins, 2-3x daily)
✓ Real-world practice (Practice “stay” at the park, “leave it” with food on sidewalk)

Lab-Specific Challenges

• Food obsession: Use their hunger for training, but don’t overfeed

• Mouthiness: Redirect chewing to appropriate toys

• Overexcitement: Teach “settle” on command

Advanced Training Opportunities

• Retrieving (perfect for fetch-loving Labs)

• Service dog work (their temperament excels here)

• Nosework (tapping into their scenting abilities)

Pro Tip: Always end training on a success – even if it means going back to an easier command they know well.

*”A trained Lab is your best friend; an untrained Lab is a 70-pound tornado of love!”* 🐕🎓