Labrador Retriever: Health, Diet, and Exercise Essentials

At a glance

• Temperament: friendly, food-motivated, trainable
• Energy level: medium–high
• Key risks to plan for: obesity, joint disease, ear infections, dental disease

The single biggest issue: weight gain

From a health perspective, the most impactful decision you can make for a Labrador is to keep them lean. Excess body fat increases strain on hips, elbows, and knees and worsens arthritis.

How to assess body condition at home

• Ribs: easy to feel with light pressure
• Waist: visible from above
• Tuck: abdomen tucked up from the side

If you cannot feel ribs easily, reduce intake and discuss a structured weight plan with your vet.

Nutrition: practical rules that work

Portion control

• measure meals (grams) and adjust every 2–3 weeks based on body condition
• use a consistent feeding routine (2 meals/day for most adults)

Treat strategy

• keep treats small and predictable
• use part of the daily food ration as training rewards
• avoid calorie-dense “extras” that add up quietly

Common owner traps

• feeding based on hunger behaviour (Labs are famously persuasive)
• high-calorie chews plus normal meals
• too little activity after desexing without reducing calories

Exercise across life stages

Puppies

• avoid forced running and repeated jumping while bones are developing
• prioritise short training sessions and controlled play

Adults

• 60 minutes/day of walking plus play, adjusted for fitness
• swimming is excellent low-impact exercise

Seniors

• maintain daily movement but reduce intensity
• consider shorter, more frequent walks and gentle strength work (as advised by your vet or physio)

Common health issues (vet perspective)

Joint disease

Large, heavy dogs are at higher risk for joint problems. Weight management and appropriate exercise are evidence-based tools to reduce severity and delay progression.

Ear infections

Floppy ears plus swimming can create a warm, moist environment where infection thrives.

Seek early vet assessment if:

• persistent head shaking
• ear odour or discharge
• pain

Dental disease

Don’t ignore bad breath. Toothbrushing is the most effective home-care method.

When to see a vet urgently

• collapse, severe heat stress signs, or breathing distress
• bloated abdomen with unproductive retching (emergency)
• sudden non-weight-bearing lameness