Community Chat

[lolakimono]

On 10/19/2014 Lilysmom said:

LOLA, I wonder what my Lab would do with that dish. I have a feeling she would try to tip it over lol!

Well, this is just one example. I would find a heavy SS one.

I have two voracious kitties, and the only dry food they eat gets parceled out into a "treat ball" that they get at night and they go CRAZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZY for it. They each have different ones, and they get their "treats" in different locations of the house. If I free fed them I suspect I know which one would get all the kibble.

[Lilysmom]

I finally got smart and bought a raised dish for food and water with a surround so food and water doesn't get on the floor. Much easier to manage.

[deb5555]

Lilysmom brought up a good idea, this is what we use.

or for multiple dogs

[Lilysmom]

Yes, Deb5555, that's the idea. Don't know how to explain, mine looks like the first photo. It has a small wall around the dishes so food and drink can't be spilled. There is a small portion of the front that allows water to drain into the bottom compartment rather than land on the floor. I got mine at Costco online ... Look under pet supplies. I am in Canada but I am sure they are in US also. Love this dish. No more messy floors or pup pushing bowl into the wall!

[apple1964]

I do not know that this breed eats anymore or less then any other dog. Try more exercise or more chewy toys, dogs have and love to chew. Good luck to you and your dog.

[glmama]

Although not a lab, my dog would eat all day if I let him. I've always heard that dogs don't know how to stop eating, really. And cats take what they want in the moment and come back to their dish later. Dogs would just eat and eat and eat until the food is gone. I've also heard and read that labs are particularly food oriented!

[MoJoV]

On 10/20/2014 Lilysmom said:

I finally got smart and bought a raised dish for food and water with a surround so food and water doesn't get on the floor. Much easier to manage.

Raised food dishes should always be used for Labs. We had a Lab who got "Bloat." After the expensive surgery to save his life the vet said big, barrell chested dogs should always have raised food dishes to help prevent "bloat." It won't completely eliminate the threat, but it will help.

[MTH]

Like some of the other posters, I currently have two labs (a yellow and a chocolate) and have owned many others over the years. I can confidently say that for this breed, leaving food out all day for them is not recommended. They will eat continually if you let them. If you are a first time lab owner, talk to your vet about the amount of food he/she thinks they need and portion feed them. The amounts listed on most food bags are designed to sell more food, not necessarily is that amount good for the average dog. I also agree with the raised dishes. I think it is a must for large dogs. And don't forget that labs require lots of exercise to keep them out of trouble. Mine are big swimmers and absolutely love to play catch with a frisbee. Good luck. Labs are the best. I couldn't imagine not having at least one.

[FastDogWalker2]

Yes! My neighbors lab would eat anything and EVERYTHING, including a 5 lb. bag of sugar! She had to put everything in a closed pantry. Sorry, I think they are prone to physical problems (like all breeds, I guess) if they are overweight.

[MTH]

On 10/21/2014 FastDogWalker2 said:

Yes! My neighbors lab would eat anything and EVERYTHING, including a 5 lb. bag of sugar! She had to put everything in a closed pantry. Sorry, I think they are prone to physical problems (like all breeds, I guess) if they are overweight.

That sounds like a lab for sure!! And you are correct Fast that they are definitely prone to physical problems, especially hip and eye issues so watching what they eat and keeping their weight to a healthy limit is important. I know its hard to resist that face when they pour on the guilt trip but you'll want to keep them around as long as possible and as healthy as possible.