The Labrador is known for its appetite

Labradors are fantastic dogs. Sociable, eager to please, compliant, and often very easy to motivate.

Especially with food.

However, that strong appetite is also something many Labrador owners recognize. The bowl is empty in seconds. Treats always work. And the dog can look hungry even when it has just eaten.

This isn't just a feeling among owners. Research has shown that some Labradors have a genetic variant linked to increased appetite and higher weight. The study identified a deletion in the POMC gene that was associated with both weight and food motivation in Labrador Retrievers.

This doesn't mean all Labradors become overweight. But it does mean that feed, portion control, and daily routines play an extra important role.

When weight increases, the joints have to work harder

Labradors are medium to large dogs with a lot of body, a lot of energy, and often a large appetite.

When they gain weight, it doesn't just affect their shape. It also affects how the body is stressed with every step.

Extra weight can increase the strain on:

  • Hips
  • Elbows
  • Knees
  • Back
  • Paw and leg joints

In Labrador Retrievers, hip and elbow dysplasia are well-known areas within the breed's health, and genetic analyses have been carried out on large datasets from BVA/Kennel Club screening programs specifically for Labradors.

Therefore, weight balance and joint support are two things that are interconnected.

A good food for Labradors should do more than just fill them up

Labradors need a food that helps their bodies stay strong, stable, and in good shape.

It's not about feeding as little as possible.
It's about providing the right type of nutrition.

For a Labrador, it is particularly important to have a food that supports:

  • Satiety and muscle mass
  • Weight balance and energy metabolism
  • Joints and mobility
  • Stomach and nutrient absorption
  • Skin and coat
  • Heart function

Dogfather is built for exactly that overall health.

L-carnitine 100 mg/kg for fat metabolism and weight balance

For Labradors, weight balance is one of the most important aspects of long-term health.

Dogfather contains:

L-Carnitine 100 mg/kg

L-carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body transport fatty acids to the mitochondria, where they can be used as energy.

In practice, this makes L-carnitine relevant in a dog food where energy metabolism, body control, and muscle preservation are important aspects. Studies in dogs have also investigated L-carnitine in relation to body composition, fat mass, and muscle mass.

It's not about "dieting the dog" with a feed.
It's about giving the body better conditions to stay active, strong, and in good shape.

L-Carnitine 100 mg/kg – support for energy metabolism, fat conversion, and weight balance.

High animal protein for satiety and muscles

A Labrador needs strong musculature to carry its body well, especially if the dog is active or prone to gaining weight.

Dogfather is made with high animal protein and meat as the first ingredient.

Protein is important for:

  • Muscle mass
  • Satiety
  • Recovery
  • Energy
  • Body control

For a dog that loves to eat, satiety is extra important. A food with high animal protein can help the meal feel more substantial, while also providing the body with good building blocks.

High animal protein – for muscles, satiety, and a strong body.

Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg for joints

When a dog is strong, heavy, and active, its joints are working every day.

Dogfather contains:

Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg

Glucosamine is a natural building block in cartilage and joint fluid and is often used in feeds and supplements focusing on joints and mobility.

For Labradors, it is particularly relevant because the breed is both active and prone to weight gain, which in turn can increase the strain on their joints.

Glucosamine should not be described as a treatment for joint disease, as research on dogs is mixed. However, as nutritional support in a complete feed, it is an important part of Dogfather's overall approach.

Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg – nutritional support for joints, cartilage, and mobility.

Omega-3 and omega-6 for joints, skin and coat

Labradors are often active dogs that love walks, exercise, water, forests, and everything in between.

Therefore, fat quality in their food is important.

Dogfather contains omega-3 and omega-6, which contribute to:

  • Normal skin function
  • Coat quality
  • The body's normal inflammatory response
  • Overall joint health

The omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are often used in nutritional strategies related to joint health and inflammation in dogs.

Omega-3 + omega-6 – support for skin, coat, joints, and the body's balance.

Stable stomach, better everyday

A Labrador that readily eats everything can also ingest things that its stomach doesn't always appreciate.

Therefore, a food that supports digestive health is particularly valuable.

Dogfather contains both probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that support a balanced gut flora.
Prebiotics, such as FOS and MOS, act as nourishment for these beneficial bacteria.

Together, they support:

  • Digestion
  • Gut flora
  • Stool quality
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Immune system

For a Labrador, digestive health isn't just about the stomach. It's about ensuring the body can effectively absorb and utilize the nutrients in the food.

Taurine 1500 mg/kg for heart function

Labradors are often active, willing-to-work dogs with a lot of energy. Therefore, we want the food to support the entire body, not just weight and joints.

Dogfather contains:

Taurine 1500 mg/kg

Taurine is an amino acid that plays an important role in the normal function of the heart.

It is part of what makes Dogfather a broad and complete food for dogs that need a strong everyday base.

Taurine 1500 mg/kg – support for normal heart function.

That's why Dogfather is particularly good for Labradors

Labradors need a food that takes into account the breed's everyday reality.

They are often food-loving, active, strong, and social dogs. They need a food that supports their body, stomach, weight, and joints.

Dogfather contains:

  • High animal protein
  • Meat as the first ingredient
  • L-carnitine 100 mg/kg
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • Taurine 1500 mg/kg
  • Omega-3 and omega-6
  • Probiotics
  • Prebiotics, FOS and MOS
  • Complete vitamin and mineral profile

This makes Dogfather a well-considered choice for those who want to give their Labrador more than just a regular complete food.

Choose the right Dogfather food for your Labrador

Both our dog foods are complete meals and suitable for Labradors. Choose a recipe based on your dog's taste, digestion, and preferences.

Dog Food Lamb & Rice

A complete food with lamb, rice, and high animal protein. A good choice for Golden Retrievers who need a stable and gentle base.

  • Lamb as main protein
  • Rice as sole grain
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • L-carnitine 100 mg/kg
  • Taurine 1500 mg/kg
  • Omega-3 and omega-6
  • Pro- and prebiotics
Buy Lamb & Rice

Dog Food Chicken & Duck

A complete grain-free feed with chicken and duck, high in animal protein and functional supplements for the whole body.

  • Grain-free recipe
  • Chicken and duck
  • High animal protein
  • Glucosamine 1000 mg/kg
  • L-carnitine 100 mg/kg
  • Taurine 1500 mg/kg
  • Pro- and prebiotics
Buy Chicken & Duck

How much should a Labrador eat?

For a Labrador, quantity is often as important as the food itself.

Always follow the feeding guide on the packaging, but adjust according to:

  • Weight
  • Age
  • Activity level
  • Body condition
  • Neutering/Spaying
  • Training and daily exercise
  • How many treats the dog receives in addition to meals

Labradors are often good at convincing us that they are still hungry. Therefore, it is important to let the dog's body condition guide you more than the dog's gaze.

The WSAVA Body Condition Score shows that a dog in good condition should have ribs that can be felt with light pressure, a visible waist from above, and a tuck-up from the side.

Quick tip:
Measure out the food. Feel free to use part of the daily ration as a reward during walks or training.

Make the meal last longer without giving more food

For many Labradors, the joy of food isn't just about the quantity of food, but also about the activity itself.

You can try to:

  • Serve food in a slow feeder
  • Spread dry food on an enrichment mat
  • Use a portion of the daily ration as a training reward
  • Divide the food into two or three meals
  • Weigh the food in grams instead of guessing with a scoop
  • Include treats and chews in the total daily amount

This allows the dog to get more enjoyment from the meal without you having to increase the amount of food.

Developed by dog people

Dogfather has been developed by dog people with extensive experience from Changdobels, one of Sweden's largest operators in doggy daycares and dog kennels.

We meet dogs every day. Active dogs, food-loving dogs, sensitive dogs, large dogs, and dogs that need a stable routine.

This experience has shaped our thinking about food.

We wanted to create a food with everything we believe a really good dog food should contain, directly in the recipe.

Not as something you need to buy separately.
But as part of the dog's daily base.

Common questions about Labrador food

Yes. Dogfather is a complete feed that is suitable for all breeds and sizes, including Labrador Retrievers.

Labradors are often highly food-motivated. Research has also shown that some Labradors have a genetic variant linked to increased appetite and higher weight. Therefore, portion control, activity level, and the right food are especially important.

Yes. Dogfather contains L-carnitine 100 mg/kg, which is relevant for energy metabolism, fat conversion, and weight balance.

 Yes. Dogfather contains glucosamine 1000 mg/kg.

Dogfather contains high levels of animal protein and L-carnitine, but the amount of feed always needs to be adjusted according to the dog's body condition, activity level, and how many treats the dog receives in addition.

Lamb & Rice is suitable if you want a gentle recipe with rice as the only grain. Chicken & Duck is suitable if you want a grain-free recipe with high animal protein.

Dogfather contains glucosamine 1000 mg/kg and omega-3, but in cases of diagnosed joint problems, lameness or pain, you should always consult a veterinarian about the need for treatment or separate supplements.

Give your Labrador a smarter base every day

Labradors give their all.

On walks. In the forest. By the water. During training. And, not least, at the food bowl.

Give back with a food that supports the whole body.

Weight balance. Joints. Muscles. Stomach. Skin. Coat. Heart.

Dogfather is designed for dogs that need more than just a regular complete food.

View our feeds

Sources and further reading

Raffan et al., 2016, Cell Metabolism – study on the POMC gene and its link to weight and appetite in Labrador Retrievers.

Woolliams et al., 2011 – genetic analysis of hip and elbow scores in British Labrador Retrievers.

WSAVA Body Condition Score – guide for assessing body condition in dogs.

Varney et al., 2017 – study on L-carnitine, body composition and fuel efficiency in dogs.

 The information on this page is general and does not replace advice from a veterinarian. If you suspect pain, lameness, stiffness, obesity, or joint disease, you should always contact a veterinarian.