Breed guide
Labrador Retriever
America's most popular breed for four decades running. Friendly, active, food-motivated — and prone to overweight if you don't watch portions.
AKC Rank
#2
Size
large (55-80 lbs)
Life Expectancy
11-13 yrs
Activity
high
Feeding a Labrador Retriever
Labs are famously food-motivated and prone to obesity. Portion control matters more than brand. Adult Labs need roughly 1,400-1,700 kcal/day for active dogs.
Key nutrients
- •glucosamine
- •chondroitin
- •omega-3
- •lean protein
Watch out for
- •excessive fillers
- •high-calorie treats
Portion notes: Measure every meal. Free-feeding is the fastest path to a fat Lab.
Fresh food picks for Labrador Retrievers
Our recommended fresh-food subscriptions for large dogs.
The Farmer's Dog
Fresh, human-grade food portioned for your dog
- •Human-grade fresh food
- •Portioned per dog
- •Vet-developed recipes
- •50% off first box
Ollie
Fresh food with both cooked and baked recipes
- •Fresh and baked recipes
- •Turkey, beef, lamb, chicken proteins
- •Custom portions
- •60% off first box
Nom Nom
Restaurant-quality fresh food with microbiome testing
- •Pre-portioned pouches
- •Vet-formulated
- •Microbiome testing available
- •50% off first order
Spot & Tango
Fresh or UnKibble — whole-food nutrition, your choice
- •Fresh or UnKibble options
- •Human-grade ingredients
- •Shelf-stable storage option
- •50% off first order
First-year cost
What a Labrador Retriever actually costs year one
Breed-specific estimate based on size, health concerns, and grooming needs. Excludes purchase/adoption fees (highly variable).
First-year total
$3,995-$7,680
Ongoing years run $3,100-$5,780 (no gear + training one-times).
Food (year one)
Fresh food subscription
$2,400-$3,650
Gear (one-time)
Crate, bed, harness, bowls, toys
$420-$600
Vet care
Wellness + breed-specific
$600-$1,250
Grooming
moderate grooming needs
$100-$400
Training
Puppy class + supplies
$225-$750
Supplements
Breed-matched, optional
$0-$480
Other first-year
Vaccines, neuter, DNA test
$250-$550
Pet insurance (estimate)
Not included above — shown for planning. Breed-risk adjusted.
$756-$1,323/yr
Estimates based on US market averages for large dogs. Your costs will vary with lifestyle and region.
Supplements for Labrador Retrievers
Matched to this breed's common health concerns. All NASC-sealed.
Cosequin (Nutramax)
The #1 vet-recommended joint supplement
- •#1 vet-recommended
- •NASC Quality Seal
- •Glucosamine + chondroitin
- •Clinically studied
Supplements support — they don't treat or cure disease. Talk to your vet for anything clinical.
Health concerns to watch
Weight management — Labs have a genetic tendency to overeat (POMC mutation).
Joint health — large-breed joints need glucosamine/omega-3 support from early adulthood.
Gear for Labrador Retrievers
Breed-size-appropriate picks. Links go to Amazon.
Crate
for Labrador Retrievers
Harness
for Labrador Retrievers
Bed
for Labrador Retrievers
Collar
for Labrador Retrievers
Leash
for Labrador Retrievers
Slow feeder bowl
for Labrador Retrievers
Chew toy
for Labrador Retrievers
As an Amazon Associate, Barkly earns from qualifying purchases.
Training for Labrador Retrievers
Matched to Labrador Retriever temperament (friendly, outgoing, active).
BAXTER & Bella
Online puppy training program, lifetime access
- •Lifetime membership
- •Self-paced video lessons
- •Puppy + adult content
- •Behavior troubleshooting
GoodPup
1-on-1 virtual dog training with certified trainers
- •1-on-1 live video sessions
- •Certified trainers
- •Custom per-dog plan
- •Weekly structure
Dogo
App-based training with daily structure
- •App-based daily plans
- •AI-guided feedback
- •Affordable monthly cost
- •Trick training library
GPS trackers for Labrador Retrievers
Size-appropriate picks for tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts.
Fi
Smart collar with GPS + activity tracking
- •Real-time GPS
- •Activity + sleep tracking
- •Escape alerts
- •3-month battery
Tractive
Affordable GPS tracker with unlimited range
- •Attaches to any collar
- •Worldwide GPS coverage
- •Activity monitoring
- •Budget-friendly
Curious about their DNA?
Confirm breed mix, check for genetic health risks, and get actionable insights.
Embark
The most comprehensive dog DNA test
- •350+ breeds identified
- •250+ health conditions screened
- •Cornell-partnered science
- •Relatives finder
Wisdom Panel
Breed identification + health screening
- •350+ breeds
- •Genetic health insights
- •Budget-friendly option
- •Fast results
Common symptoms in Labrador Retrievers
What to watch for, what causes it, and when to worry.
Itching & Scratching →
Chronic scratching, licking, or biting at skin — often a signal of allergies, parasites, o…
Paw Licking & Chewing →
Persistent paw licking or chewing — almost always allergies, sometimes boredom or anxiety.
Ear Scratching & Head Shaking →
Frequent ear scratching, head shaking, or ear rubbing — usually infection, allergies, or m…
Limping →
Favoring a leg, reluctance to jump, or stiffness — could be joint, injury, or paw issue.
Hot Spots (Acute Moist Dermatitis) →
Moist, red, painful lesions that appear quickly and spread fast — usually triggered by all…
Weight Gain & Obesity →
Noticeable weight increase, visible rib disappearance, or vet-flagged obesity — the most c…
Stiffness After Rest →
Dog is stiff or slow getting up from sleeping or lying down, then loosens up after moving …
Labrador Retriever questions, answered
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?▾
How big do Labrador Retrievers get?▾
How much exercise does a Labrador Retriever need?▾
What health problems do Labrador Retrievers commonly have?▾
Are Labrador Retrievers hard to groom?▾
What should I feed a Labrador Retriever?▾
Are Labrador Retrievers good for first-time owners?▾
Ask Barkly about your Labrador Retriever
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