Is It Normal For the Lab To Be Extremely Greedy?

Question

I have a 3 month old female lab and I have never, ever had a dog who is as greedy as her. She gobbles her food and then begs for more. I'm told this is normal for the breed, but come on....

For T. I also have a border collie so I 'm quite familar with the activity level of very active dogs.

However, what I was not prepared for was her eating habits.

Answer 1

How much are you feeding her? We had a puppy class where the owner was only giving 1 cup food/day! Our breeder/vet recommended 3-4.5 cups per day at their age. It obviously depends on the brand (we're using Nutro now).

Answer 2

I don't know about that. I have black who's 17 months. She's always been slow to eat but finishes within 1/2 hour. She gets 2 cups of Royal Canin dry food (Labrador formula) twice a day. She gets treats for behavioral training, never people food. I break up the biscuits into small pieces so she never gets a whole dog biscuit or other treat. She does beg a little but we don't give in (as hard as that is).

Have you had the dog tested for worms? All puppies are almost guaranteed to come with round worm and maybe tape worm. Ask you vet about doing a stool sample for worms.

After reading what some others wrote: careful with a Lab. Because they are cold water dogs they are genetically disposed to put on fat for insulation. If the dog isn't getting a lot of exercise you have to be careful or you'll wind up with a 100 pound + dog. AKC qualities include females at 65 to 70 pounds and males at 70 to 75 pounds.

Answer 3

Some dogs are just gulpers who eat like they're starving every time, others pick at their food, it's just personality. I have heard of some people who have dogs like yours putting large rocks (too big for the dog to swallow, in the bowl with the food so that the dog has to go a little slower to nibble around the rocks. Should prevent them from taking in too much air while they eat too ... that may cause bloat which is quite dangerous. Also, make sure she's a good weight, and that you're measuring her food so she gets the proper ammount each day. To keep an eye on her weight, while she's standing put your hand on her shoulders, thumb on one side of the spine, fingers on the other and slowly run it down her back, you should easily be able to feel her ribs, but you should not be able to see them. If this is the case, she's a good weight. But, at her age, it is not unusual for a puppy to be a little rolly polly, so don't freak out if she's got a layer of fat, just discuss it with the vet at the next vaccine visit.

Answer 4

There are are many reasons why your dog might be acting like this. First ask your self:
1: Did I feed the dog the correct portions?
2: Did I feed my dog often enough?
3: Did my dog do extra work today or play hard today?
4: Did I exercise my dog today?
5: Is my dog an inside or outside dog?

1: On average you should feed your dog 1 to 1 1/2 cups of dry dog food for every 70lbs. For a average active dog.
If your dog is above average and or a working dog this should be increased to 2 to 3 1/2 cups for every 120lbs

2: Feeding your dog on a regular basis and at the same time creates a sense of fluidity and often helps to calm nervious dogs in new surroundings. 2 times a day is the given suggestion. Once in the morning and once again in late after noon.

3: Often if your dog has played hard or worked hard they will need to make up the caloric burn. Since they worked hard they will need extra engergy and nutrition. 1/4 of a coup is usually enough but don't exceed 1 cup for risk of over weight gain.

4: You can't forget to exercis your dog. They can like humans eat out of bordem. I most cases they chew out of bordem. ) It's a good Idea to take your dog out in the morning for a good walk of 45min or a run of 30min. Then once again later in the afternoon preferably before they have eaten given that they might run hard enough to vomit.

5: Being an inside dog and an outside dog is very important. If your dog is a sweet lay about they don't need as much food as active dogs in there same class. While if your dog is an outside dog and loves to play around all day they will need that bit more food to keep them happy.

Finally, if you have done and checked over all of the above you should also remember that playing with your dog is a must for a healthy relationship. Just because your dog looks like he's begging for food doesn't mean that's the case. Your dog is craving attention and just needs some play time.

Answer 5

puppies do have that way, not just labs. it is in all breeds. and they will tend to over eat and get sick. so you can break her meals to three times a day and that might help. but bare it mind that puppies are playful and burn a lot of energy and that makes them hungry and they beg for more. l leave the food down for the puppy all day then after 8o'clock l put it away. but you may fine that doesn't work for you. but all puppies are like that and don't worry about it.

Answer 6

I can't speak to food specifically, but there are a few hilarious labs at the dog park i go to. One of them constantly grabs SEVERAL tennis balls at once so none of the other dogs can play with them. I have seen him with 3 or more in his mouth at once. Too funny!

Answer 7

You have a lot to learn my friend. Please do all of the research that you can do. Labs are very high maintenance. They are the most active dog that I can think of. This causing unusal feeding habits. They are not creedy, they are friendly, loving, and willing to share. Unless the dog have behavior problems or a history of behavioral problems from his parents. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!

Answer 8

They are one of the most energetic breeds, therefore they need a little more food because they burn so much energy! Labs must get LOTS of exercise like at least an hour or two of running a day.
Important - please don't let your puppy get fat! This puts so much strain on their little knees. I get so sad when I see fat dogs, it's like abuse! Too much food and not enough exercise, she will get chubby.
Have fun, I'm jealous! :)

Answer 9

Welcome to life with a lab! They will eat anything they can get into - Mine is fed twice a day, but will eat anything in sight. Over the years, he's eaten full 10lb bags of cat food (Out of my neighbors garage, if the gate was open, he would head straight for their house) and full tri-tip steaks off the counter. If I feed him and my Aussie together, he'll quickly eat his bowl full, then move in on the Aussies and eat his too (I don't feed them together anymore...).

Answer 10

Are you feeding her 3 times a day. Puppies eat 3 times a day, until they are a year. Then 2 times a day.