Best Treats for Labrador Retrievers
Labs live to eat — here's how to treat them without the weight gain.
Labradors are the friendliest food-motivated dogs on earth, which is a blessing for training and a risk for their waistlines. Labs are genuinely prone to obesity (many carry a gene that makes them hungrier), so treats matter more for this breed than almost any other.
Calorie awareness first. Because a Lab will happily eat anything you offer, keep treats to a small fraction of daily calories and lean on low-calorie, single-ingredient options — a slice of dehydrated sweet potato, a little lean chicken, a green bean. Their enthusiasm means you can use tiny pieces and still get a big reaction.
Training gold. Labs are brilliant, eager students. Soft, easily-broken treats you can dole out in small bites give you lots of reinforcement without piling on calories.
Watch the fillers. A big, active breed doesn't need cheap fillers and mystery "meals" — clean, recognizable ingredients help keep a Lab lean and their coat glossy. Not sure a food is safe? Our can-my-pet-eat guide covers the common ones: everypethaven.com/blog/can-my-pet-eat/.
That's exactly what we make at EveryPetHaven Kitchen: fresh, gently-dehydrated, single-ingredient treats in cuts sized for the pet — soft training bites for little mouths, bigger chews for big dogs. Every bag lists its net weight, so you always know what you're giving. We're launching on Kickstarter; join the list at everypethaven.com/kickstarter.
General guidance only — ask your vet about your dog's specific needs, especially with allergies or a health condition.