Read time: 6 mins
09 Dec 2019
If there was a competition to find the most family-friendly dogs, Labradors would certainly have a place on the podium. They love human company – which explains why they make such faithful service dogs – and are eager to please. So if you want to laze on the sofa or go out for a run in the park, that's what they want to do, too.
Based on our current customers, we estimate that adult Labradors need around 953 calories per day. This can vary based on your pooch’s age, weight and activity level.
The Labrador’s reputation as a food-lover is, let’s say, justified. It seems like some Labradors just don’t know when to stop eating, and there's science out there to back up that observation. A research team at the University of Cambridge discovered a genetic variation in a percentage of Labrador retrievers that could explain why they like to eat. And eat. Then eat some more.
If you think your Lab is already looking a bit on the chubby side, it’s not the end of the world. There are lots of ways to get them back in shape: starting with maintaining a healthy routine. Giving your pup a more controlled diet and maybe a few more walks is a good start. In the long run, this could also reduce the risk of some of the more serious health problems associated with dog obesity.
According to The Labrador Site, the age at which Labradors stop growing varies from puppy to puppy but typically you can expect them to be fully grown by their first birthday.
Male Labradors are estimated to reach 22-23 inches tall and weigh somewhere between 65 and 86 pounds. Females Labradors, on the other hand, grow to around the 21-22 inches tall mark, weighing 55-75 pounds.
That’s a lot of lovely Labrador to go around.
Another key way to make sure that your Labrador’s health stays in top top condition is to develop a regular exercise schedule for them. As we know this breed is prone to obesity, high-quality exercise is important to keep those extra pounds at bay.
One hour of continuous exercise per day is recommended for a Labrador. This can vary based on age and energy-level so adjust where appropriate. Your pooch is an extremely clever cookie and will be sure to tell you if they’re tired or if they’re still raring to go.
Despite their similar appearance, Labradors and Golden Retrievers have a few distinct differences that makes them unique in their own ways.
One of these differences is their coat. Whilst both breeds have a double coat (an undercoat and a top coat) the maintenance may vary slightly. Golden Retriever coats are often longer and thicker, meaning that they require more regular grooming to keep shedding under control, as well as enhancing the beauty of those golden locks. However, that’s not to say that Labs don’t also require regular grooming. As a relatively high-shedding dog, the slightly shorter Labrador coat will still require regular maintenance.
In terms of colours, the Golden Retriever comes in one colour variety… you may have guessed it but we’ll tell you anyway, it’s golden. Labradors, on the other, can come in three different colours: black, brown and yellow.
These two gentle giants share many of the same traits when it comes to temperament. Known as two of the friendliest, most chilled out breeds, the humble Golden Retriever and Labrador are the perfect addition to a family home.
According to research conducted by Pets4Homes UK as of 2022, the average cost of purchasing a Labrador Retriever is £1,271. This price can vary depending on things like lineage, colour and whether or not the breeder is Kennel Club registered.
First and foremost, you should ensure that you’re buying your pup from a reputable breeder or rescue centre. This will help to ensure that your dog has been bred and cared for in the right circumstances.
A sound woof of advice from us, if it seems too good to be true it’s likely that it is. A dog is a huge investment in time, money and love, so make sure that you take the time to do plenty of research before making any decisions.
As well as the cost to purchase a Labrador, it’s important to be mindful of the other expenses involved when bringing a pooch into your life.
• Vaccines / Flea & Worming Treatments- including initial and booster vaccines (usually once a year)
• Neutering / Spaying- from 6 months old unless advised otherwise by your Vet)
• Equipment- collar, harness, lead, bed, bowls, brushes, washes, toys, poo bags
• Food
• Insurance
• Daycare / Boarding
Because they're so loveable, it's hard to resist giving Labradors lots of treats. And because never in the history of ever has a Labrador said no to a treat, they can sometimes overeat. That's why these large pooches need plenty of regular exercise and adventure. It's also why you should be sure they’re tucking into just the right amount of nutritious food.
That’s where we come in. Here at Butternut Box, we know that every dog is different. That's why with our customised plans you can be sure that your pooch is getting the right nutrients and the correct amount of food every day. All you need to do is answer a few questions and we’ll put together the perfect plan for your Labrador. Then we’ll deliver your pup's meals straight to your door at a time that suits. There's no measuring, no worrying, just wagging tails all round.
When introducing your furry best friend to a new brand of food, you're bound to have questions. Did you know that for dog food to be labelled 'with chicken', it only needs to contain 4% of that named animal meat? We’re not putting any Labradors through that disappointment. Imagine their faces.
We believe that dogs deserve better. Each of our meals contain at least 60% meat. Take our Chicken You Out meal for example, which contains 60% chicken (and loads of veg) to give your pooch a protein boost. To go the extra mile, all of our recipes are gently cooked just as you would at home.they’ve also been approved by our team of expert nutritionists and vets to make sure they're balanced, healthy and satisfying.
As we never add any funny stuff, you can be reassured by our list of simple ingredients. In fact, there’s nothing in there you couldn’t find in your local supermarket or health food shop. We think it’s the best dog food for Labradors. Paws down.
We estimate that it will cost around £65 each month to feed your Labrador a diet of Butternut Box food. This is based on data from our current customers and can vary depending on things like age, weight and activity level. We generally recommend dividing this into two meals per day, morning and evening, to help sustain your pooch throughout the day.
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