Follow the large-breed puppy food label as a starting point, then adjust for body condition. Feed measured meals (not free-feed). Use a kitchen scale and our calorie calculator. Keep Lab puppies lean — rapid growth and extra weight are linked to joint problems. Answer page →
Cups are the wrong unit. Kibbles vary hugely in calories per cup, so the right approach is calories first, then grams or cups of your food.
The formula vets use
Resting energy requirement (RER) = 70 × (body weight in kg)^0.75
Daily need (MER) = RER × a life-stage factor (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Life stage
Typical factor
Neutered adult
1.6 × RER
Intact adult
1.8 × RER
Weight loss (at target weight)
1.0 × RER
Inactive / senior
1.2–1.4 × RER
Puppy under 4 months
3.0 × RER
Puppy 4 months to adult
2.0 × RER
Working / very active
2.0–5.0 × RER
Calorie chart for adult Labs (calculated)
Body weight
RER (kcal)
Neutered adult (×1.6)
Intact adult (×1.8)
Weight loss (×1.0 at target)
55 lb (24.9 kg)
781
1,250
1,407
781
60 lb (27.2 kg)
834
1,335
1,501
834
65 lb (29.5 kg)
886
1,417
1,594
886
70 lb (31.8 kg)
936
1,498
1,685
936
75 lb (34.0 kg)
986
1,578
1,775
986
80 lb (36.3 kg)
1,035
1,656
1,863
1,035
These are starting points. Individual dogs vary by ±20% or more. Re-weigh every 2–4 weeks and adjust to keep a body condition score of 4–5 out of 9. Try the calorie calculator for your dog’s exact numbers.
Converting to cups
Find kcal/cup (or kcal/kg) on the bag. Daily cups = daily kcal ÷ kcal per cup. Split into two meals and subtract treat calories.
It depends entirely on the food's calories per cup, which can vary by more than 50% between brands. Work out daily calories first, then divide by the kcal/cup on your bag.
How many times a day should I feed a Lab puppy?
Commonly three to four meals a day until about 4–6 months, then two meals a day for life.
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