Best dog food for a young Labrador

Labradors are famously food-driven, and the research backs up what owners already know: they're genuinely predisposed to weight gain in a way most breeds aren't — there's actually a genetic mutation common in the breed that affects their satiety signalling. Getting the food right at eight months, before bad habits form, is exactly the right instinct. Before I point you anywhere, tell me: is your Lab neutered or entire, and what are you currently feeding? Those two things change the answer a fair bit.

That's useful. Large-breed puppy food is calorie-dense to support bone development, which is exactly what you needed up to now — but at eight months a male Lab is pretty much done with his most critical growth phase, and that higher calorie density can start working against you. Slightly chunky at eight months is a real warning sign with this breed because it tends to compound. I'd move him off puppy food now rather than waiting until 12 months. What matters next is finding an adult food that has genuine calorie control built in, not just a vague 'light' label. Can I ask roughly how much he weighs at the moment?

32kg at eight months entire is definitely nudging over for where he should be. The good news is this is exactly the moment to course-correct before it becomes structural. My recommendation is Royal Canin Labrador Retriever Adult. I know breed-specific foods get eye-rolls, but this one is genuinely formulated with the Lab's satiety problem in mind — it has a higher fibre content than standard adult foods, which helps him feel full without excess calories, and the kibble shape is designed to slow down the bolting that Labs do, which actually reduces overeating. It's not a 'diet' food with hollow promises; it's a maintenance food calibrated for the breed's specific metabolism. Feed to the lower end of the suggested range given he's already slightly over, and measure every meal — no eyeballing with a Lab.

A few things that make a real difference. First, treats count — Labs will gain weight from training treats alone if you're not careful, so factor them into his daily allowance rather than treating them as extras. Second, once he's neutered (if you go that route) his calorie needs will drop by roughly 20%, so you'll need to reduce portions at that point — neutered Labs are even more prone to gain. Third, get into the habit of running your hands along his ribs every couple of weeks; you should be able to feel them without pressing hard. If you can't, reduce food before the scales tell you to. The food change alone, done consistently, will make the biggest difference at this stage.

Good timing to catch it early. Do the transition gradually over about a week — mix increasing amounts of the new food into the old to avoid a stomach upset. At 32kg on the lower end of Royal Canin's guide you're looking at around 300–330g per day split across two meals, but adjust based on how his weight tracks over the next month. You're setting him up well.