lab growth

Question
QUESTION: How do I know when my lab has stopped growing or will stop growing?

Thanks

ANSWER: Many of them sharply level off by 7-8 months.  They may continue slowly growing even into their second year.  Check the ends of the legs bones of your Lab.  If they are still much knobbier than an adult, the growth plates are still open and it has more growth to go.  

You should feed a puppy chow at first. Switching to an adult chow for the larger breeds at 4 months, slows growth and helps develop sturdier joints.

Your dog definitely should be narrower at the waist than the hips and chest. You should be able to easily feel the ribs, but not see them. Each dog is different. Standard recommendations are a good place to start, but each dog must have its food and exercise adjusted to its individual needs. Here is a link to a good illustrated guide, http://www.longliveyourdog.com/twoplus/RateYourDog.aspx

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for you quick response.  My dog is 10 months old and is definitely not overweight.  I feed her a cup and a half of purina pro plan adult food for large breeds.  Is that enough or should she be cut down.

Answer
A cup and a half once a day sounds like too little.  Dogs vary, and as long as she is close to the ideal build in the link, keep up what you are doing.

Oh, No matter what you may hear about its ingredients, Pro Plan has a great track record with Labs.