What Labradors Need From Their Food
Labradors are one of the most food motivated breeds around, and research has even identified a genetic reason why. That appetite needs food that is portioned with real intention, not a bowl filled to whatever looks about right.
-
Portion control for a famously big appetite
-
Joint support for an active, large frame
-
Steady weight management to protect their joints
-
A settled gut that keeps pace with their appetite
-
Real nutrition for a working and family breed
Why Generic Dog Food Falls Short for Labradors
Most dog food is formulated for an average appetite, not a breed genuinely wired to want more. That gap shows up as extra weight, which in turn puts real strain on a Labrador's joints over time.
-
Portions that ignore a genetic tendency toward hunger
Many Labradors carry a genetic variant linked to increased food motivation, so feeding guided by appetite alone can easily lead to overfeeding.
-
Fillers that add kilojoules without real nutrition
Cheap carbohydrates and fillers bulk out a bowl with kilojoules a food motivated breed does not need, without adding real nutritional value.
-
Generic joint formulas not matched to individual weight
Off the shelf joint support rarely accounts for a dog's actual weight, even though extra kilos are one of the biggest contributors to joint strain in this breed.
-
Overfeeding driven by a dog that always seems hungry
A Labrador's enthusiasm at mealtime says little about how much food they actually need, and relying on appetite alone makes it easy to overfeed.
Fresh Food Built to Support Weight and Joints
Every 5 Hounds meal plan for Labradors is gently cooked and portioned around your dog's individual weight, so they get real nutrition without the excess kilojoules a generic bowl can add.
Cooking at a lower temperature protects natural nutrients that high heat processing can destroy, so more goodness makes it into every bowl.
Real cuts of human grade meat support lean muscle rather than the excess weight that comes with cheap, kilojoule heavy fillers.
Meal plans are built around your Labrador's actual weight and activity level, so portions match what they genuinely need rather than what they will happily eat.
Formulated with ingredients that support joint health, helping their body keep up with an active lifestyle while carrying a healthy weight.
No lock in contracts, cancel any time
Vet-Formulated for Labradors by Dr Will
"Labradors are famous for their appetite, and there is genuine science behind it, many carry a genetic variant that makes them feel hungry more often. That is exactly why portion control and quality nutrition matter so much for this breed, and I formulated our meals with their joints and healthy weight in mind.
Dr Will Maginness, Veterinarian and Founder, 5 Hounds
How Your Labradors's Meal Plan Works
Getting your labrador onto a fresh meal plan takes just a few simple steps.
-
Step 1: Take the 2-minute meal plan quiz
Tell us about your Labrador's age, weight and activity level, so we understand exactly what they need.
-
Step 2: Get a plan matched to their weight and appetite
We build a meal plan around their weight, joint support and appetite.
-
Step 3: Fresh meals delivered to your door
Perfectly portioned meals arrive fresh and ready to serve, taking the guesswork out of feeding a famously hungry breed.
No lock in contracts, cancel any time
How to Switch Your Labrador to Fresh Food Without Upsetting Their Stomach
We recommend transitioning gradually over a week to help your Labrador's gut adjust smoothly to fresh food.
Days 1 to 2
25% New Food
Mix a quarter fresh food with their current diet to gently introduce new ingredients.
Days 3 to 4
Half and half
Increase to an even split as their gut adjusts to the change.
Days 5 to 6
75% new food
Move to mostly fresh food, keeping a small amount of their old diet.
Day 7 and beyond
Fully Fresh
Your Cavoodle is ready for a full bowl of fresh, vet formulated meals.
Real Results From Labrador Parents
Very happy labradors
Had Labradors all my life and your food has improved my dogs coat, stools and general wellbeing.
Great quality
My furbaby is a lab x cocker spaniel so loves food but has a sensitive stomach. He loves all the flavours but I'm most impressed by his tolerance for the red game meats. Usually kangaroo and the red meats do not agree with him so I'm pleasantly surprised by no issues at all with these meals.
Murphy loves 5 Hounds ... Murphy started scratching a lot he never had a rash he was just scratching ... [he] has been on 5 Hounds for a few weeks now. His scratching has stopped which I am so happy with. I also love 5 Hounds defrosts faster, also uses less space in my freezer. So far Murphy and I are very happy with 5 Hounds and I know every meal is balanced to Murphy's nutritional needs. Plus Murphy's weight has remained perfect.
Highly recommend 5 Hounds!
After a few digestive issues, we decided to shift Tilly's eating to a more natural state of protein. Within a week, there was no more bloating or bum scooting. Her coat is as shinier as ever and she has a more calm and content nature about her, even though her she is more active than ever. Her favourites are fish and kangaroo which she dares not share. Highly recommend 5 Hounds!
Labrador Dog Food FAQs
What is the best dog food for a Labrador?
What is the best dog food for a Labrador?
The best dog food for a Labrador supports their joints and a healthy weight, since this breed is famously food motivated and prone to weight gain. Look for fresh, human grade meals with real protein and no fillers.
5 Hounds meal plans are vet formulated and portioned around your Labrador's individual weight, so every bowl matches what they actually need.
How much should I feed my Labrador?
How much should I feed my Labrador?
How much to feed depends on your Labrador's age, weight and activity level, and it matters more for this breed than most, given how motivated Labradors are by food.
Our meal plan quiz factors all of this in, so you get a plan portioned specifically for your dog rather than a generic guide on the bag.
Why are Labradors always hungry?
Why are Labradors always hungry?
Research has identified a genetic variant, found more often in Labradors than other breeds, that is linked to increased food motivation and a tendency to gain weight.
This does not affect every Labrador, but it helps explain why so many seem hungry all the time. It also reinforces why portioned, intentional feeding matters more for this breed than relying on appetite alone.
Do Labradors need extra joint support in their diet?
Do Labradors need extra joint support in their diet?
Labradors can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and carrying extra weight makes joint strain significantly worse over time. Our meals are formulated with joint support in mind alongside healthy weight management.
If your dog has an existing joint condition, we recommend speaking with your vet about any additional support they may need.
Can fresh food help manage my Labrador's weight?
Can fresh food help manage my Labrador's weight?
Diet plays a significant role in managing a Labrador's weight, particularly given how food motivated the breed is. Fresh meals portioned around your dog's individual size help avoid excess kilojoules from fillers.
Weight is also influenced by exercise and overall health, so speak with your vet if you notice changes in your Labrador's weight.
How do I transition my Labrador to fresh food?
How do I transition my Labrador to fresh food?
We recommend transitioning gradually over about a week, slowly increasing the amount of fresh food while reducing their current diet. This gives their gut time to adjust smoothly.
Our meal plans come with a full transition guide showing exactly how much to feed at each stage of the switch.
A Fresh Fit For Your Labrador
Give your Labrador the fresh, vet formulated nutrition their joints and healthy weight actually need.
