As a tribute to Newfoundland’s capital city, St. John’s Water Dog, the Labrador Retriever was formerly known as the St. John’s Water Dog.
According to the American Breed Standards, a Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States and one of the oldest dog breed. You’ll pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for a puppy price with prize genes. Dogs and other animals get along well since it’s a nice dog.
Labrador retrievers are family pets and friendly dogs too. It’s a well-groomed, medium-sized canine with a pleasant disposition. As a guiding dog or search & rescue dog.
Considering getting one of these creatures as a pet? You probably want to know how much it will cost in the long run and how much upkeep it will need. We’ve put up a list of expenses you may anticipate spending when caring for your pet. Read on for additional information to assist you in making an educated decision about your purchase.
One Time Costs: Labrador Retriever
Puppies cost money, and the cost of having them spayed or neutered, which are a one-time expense. One-time expenses include a kennel for the dog to sleep in, a food bowl, and a water feature or dish for the dog to drink from. Puppy mills should be avoided.
Labrador Retriever Breeders
A genuine Labrador Retriever costs around $700 and $1,500, so getting one from a reputable breeder is costlier. However, there are some benefits to getting one from a responsible breeder. The first step is to meet the parent dogs, who can give you a fair sense of what to expect from the Labrador Retriever puppy in terms of appearance and behavior.
Health issues might be discovered by checking on them as well. You may also expect to get a copy of your pet’s pedigree from the breeder, and some will even let you pick between a competitive or domestic dog.
Purebred Labrador Retriever costs $700-$15,00.
Labrador Retriever Adoption
There’s a strong possibility you may get a healthy Labrador Retriever puppy for much less money from your local animal shelter since they are so popular in the United States. Buying one costs as little as $50 and seldom goes above $300 this is an average price. There is a good chance that the shelter may offer the dog away free since they are at and near capacity the dog may even come with immunizations and be spayed and neutered, saving the adoptive family hundreds of dollars.
In addition to saving the dog’s life, rescuing a dog from the kennel also frees up resources for other canines in need.
The adoption of a Labrador Retriever costs $50-$350.
Labrador Retriever Free
The most famous dog in the USA, the Labrador Retriever, is an excellent option for someone wishing to comfort their pet for various reasons, such as shifting into an apartment that does not allow dogs. It is possible to locate someone ready to offer you one of their pups as a last resort.
If you have got a big family, you may be able to save money on the holidays by purchasing pet supplies as presents.
Labrador Retriever Setup & Supplies
You’ll need a few things to take good care of your Labrador Retriever. The majority of these items are suitable for a Labrador Retriever of any age, even though they’re essential for a young dog.
There may be changes in Labrador Retriever’s demands as they become older. You’ll need a leash and ID badge, as well as a collar and a brush. A food dish and proper water are also helpful.
A dish that’s the proper size for your Labrador Retriever’s mouth will help him from smacking the rim or reaching for the last piece of food if the bowl is too deep.
Spaying or neutering a dog, as well as microchipping it, are popular options. A Labrador Retriever’s setup and supplies will cost between $143 and $400.
The setup and supplies will cost around $143-$400 per month.
Monthly Costs: Labrador Retriever
Monthly expenses for Labrador Retrievers are in the center of the pack. They don’t need a lot of food since they aren’t very huge. They’re in good shape, so you shouldn’t have to take them to the vet on too many occasions.
Things like shampoo & toys are likely to be necessary, as is a standard charge for these puppies. Your dog’s upkeep costs are mostly under your hands. A larger maintenance expense is likely if you require a dog walker and take your puppy to the clinic more often.
The monthly cost of a Labrador Retriever is $67-$603.
Labrador Retriever Dog Food Costs
When it comes to food, it’s important to think about the brand you’ll buy. Short-term and long-term health may be adversely affected by poor-quality food items.
Puppies should gradually be introduced to a new brand of food after settling into their new home by being provided the food they are accustomed to (should you not agree with what he is currently consuming).
You should avoid foods that contain chemicals since they may cause dry skin, itchy skin, and hair loss. This is entirely dependent on how much food your dog consumes. Puppies require anything from 1 to 3 cups of food every day.
However, as they grow older, they will require a minimum of a cup of water every day. A 30-pound bag, which costs around $60, holds around 120 servings of food. This implies you’ll have to restock once each four months if they only consume 1 cup each day (they may eat more at times).
It would be less probable for your dog to come seeking food if fed a diet high in protein. Your pet will get fat if you feed it corn-based foods high in calories but low in nutritional value.
Dog foods will cost $20-$60 per month.
Labrador Retriever Grooming Costs
As a rule, Labrador Retriever dogs demand a great deal of attention & regular grooming. Dog grooming specialist recommends bringing your dog to a specialist 4 – 7 times a year. The yearly cost should be about $320 if you pay $40 to $60 every visit.
However, the dog’s health and well-being will be improved by taking it to a professional groomer. This includes a wash and shampoo, hair removal, brushing and style, nail clipping, teeth brushing, and eye & ear cleaning for dogs groomed professionally. Various variables, including dog height, hair condition, health, age, canine behavior, and the services ordered, influence the cost of dog grooming.
If you would not want to bring your pet to a professional groomer, a DIY cleaning kit is an option. On average, they can be purchased online or at a shop for $75, and they come with everything you need to care for your Labrador Retriever at home!
The grooming of a Labrador Retriever will cost you around $40-$60 per month.
Entertainment/Toy Costs: Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers need just a little amount of physical activity and dog sports. The most dog owner can handle this on their own. Nevertheless, if you will be gone for long periods, you may consider hiring a dog walker regularly. We strongly urge that you prepare to walk your dog as often as possible to avoid these charges.
Many dog walkers cost between $15 and $25 for a one-hour outing with your pet. There’s not much here. Paying $60-$100 per week for a dog walker if you need them five days a week isn’t unreasonable.
In certain cases, Labrador Retrievers need solitary walks due to their inability to get along with other dogs. This will be an additional expense, and the total cost to you may be large.
Playing with toys is a favorite pastime for these dogs. Toys are a year-round expense for dogs, and this is no exception. A few are going to break, and a few will disappear. Occasionally, it’s necessary to switch things up a little.
Toys for your dog are often purchased once or twice a month. Like a Labrador Retriever could demolish any soft, plush toy in minutes, they must be tough. Even if costlier, toys that last a long time are a better investment.
You may anticipate paying between $15 and $30 a month if you get the right toys. If your dog’s toys seem to be disappearing quicker than usual, it’s time to invest in bigger, more durable options. Firehose and other comparable materials may be used to make various products.
You may find yourself spending less money on toys as your dog ages. After six or seven, they’ll probably cease playing rough and more often trash their toys. On the other hand, Puppies are far more likely than Labrador Retriever adults to engage in physical play.
The Entertainment and Toys of Labrador Retriever can cost around $400.
Labrador Retriever Veterinarian Costs
As long as your Labrador Retriever has been in excellent health, you won’t need to spend more than a few dollars on food and grooming. Things do, however, crop up unexpectedly. Dogs eat your socks, and you’ll have to pay extra to compensate them for their loss.
The amount below is a preliminary estimate of how much that would cost you every weekend for the medical care of your dog. Given that a dog in pretty excellent condition doesn’t need to see the vet every month, there may be more-costly appointments down the road. This statistic also includes the average cost of the first vaccines, around $80. Adult dogs need to see the vet at least once a year.
This ranges from $125 to $265, depending on the services supplied by your facility. Vaccines, a heartworm test, and bloodwork are often included in this service.
Leslie Brooks, a veterinarian, suggests administering heartworm and flea preventative drugs, which typically cost between $55 and $70 per year. This visit, though, will be more comprehensive. Due to their increased size, parasite prevention will cost little extra costs.
A fecal investigation may also be necessary for pets who are often socialized with other pets or have an unsatisfactory stool quality, adding $40-$50 to the total cost of the vaccinations.
The Veterinarian cost of a Labrador Retriever is $25-$70 per month.
Potential Additional Costs: Labrador Retriever
As a dog owner, you may consider the added expenditures of taking a lengthy trip. Pets are not allowed in many rental cars or motels unless you pay an additional fee. The cost of a one-way ticket for a dog or cat may go as high as $1,000.
If you leave the dog at home, you’ll need to pay a sitter or have the dog held in a kennel, which may cost $20–$80 per day.
Pet Insurance Costs: Labrador Retriever
We strongly suggest that you get insurance for this kind of animal. However, they are susceptible to a lot of health problems that may be quite expensive to cure. Hip dysplasia, a dental disease, renal dysplasia, for example, may cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix and these are common problems.
Pet insurance comes in a variety of types. The lowest plans only cover physical injuries, such as a dog breaking a leg or sustaining a wound. In contrast, these policies do not provide coverage for sickness.
How much insurance for your dog will cost depends on where you live and how old your dog is. As they become older, it becomes costlier.
Labrador Retriever Insurance costs you $10-$30.
How to Save Money Owning: Labrador Retriever
Pay attention to the suggested serving sizes on your Labrador Retriever’s food packaging, and you’ll save money in the long run. You also should avoid overfeeding your dog with goodies since this may lead to various health issues and thus raise your vet bills. Toys that are on sale may be a good option. Toys from the previous season are often discounted.
The Bottom Line: Cost to Own a Labrador Retriever Summary
Even though the Labrador Retriever is a large dog, it isn’t a prohibitively expensive pet once the original purchase price is considered. Unlike other dogs that need constant monitoring of their environment’s temperature and humidity, rabbits’ monthly costs might be fairly minimal. A Labrador Retriever may cost up to $4,000, but the average cost is much lower. You’ll also need to budget an extra $100 to $200 each to maintain your dog healthy. The annual cost can be around $800.
Most of the $300 in dog supplies must be acquired before bringing your new pet home. Most Labrador Retriever owners will stick at the low end of the scale of the $65-$600 monthly expense range. It costs roughly $100 a month if you don’t take your pet to the groomer and employ a dog walker.
- Breeder Cost $700-$15,00
- Adoption Cost $50-$350
- Setup & Supplies $143-$400
- Monthly Costs $100-$200
- Dog Food Costs $20-$60
- Grooming Costs $40-$60
- Entertainment Cost $400
- Veterinarian Costs $25-$70
- Pet Insurance $10-$30
Mixed Breeds Similar to Labrador Retriever
Best Puppy Food for Labrador Retrievers
Here are our best puppy food for Labrador Retrievers reviews.
1. Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy
Stella & Chewy’s Perfectly Puppy recipe offers premium freeze-dried raw chicken and salmon patties your growing pup will love. This minimally processed raw-food recipe will appeal to your Labrador Retriever’s wild ancestry.
- Cage-free chicken and wild-caught salmon
- Cranberries, spinach and other fruits and vegetables for balanced nutrition
- Includes probiotics, DHA and antioxidants for growth needs
2. Wellness Core Large Breed Puppy Food
This Wellness Core Large Breed Puppy Food is designed for the unique growth rate of large breed puppies like Labrador Retrievers. This recipe features tasty real deboned chicken as the first ingredient with peas, lentils and flaxseed for added nutrition.
- DHA from omega-rich Salmon oil for brain and eye development
- Enriched with adequate calcium and phosphorous for healthy bones and teeth
- Superfoods such as blueberry and kale for healthy antioxidants
3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food
The Blue Buffalo Life Protection Puppy Food is a natural dry dog food for puppies with real lamb and oatmeal. This special recipe also has wholesome whole grains, fruits and vegetables for your Labrador Retriever’s complete and balanced nutrition.
- DHA and ARA for cognitive and retinal development
- Special small-bite kibble for puppies
- Contains LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
4. Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food
Diamond Naturals Large Breed Puppy Food is a premium high-protein puppy food with real lamb as the first ingredient. This recipe also has antioxidants from superfoods and additional fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin.
- Small kibble is nutrient rich for puppies
- Probiotics for easy digestion
- Contains essential DHA for brain and eye development
5. Fromm Family Gold Large Breed Puppy Food
The Fromm Family Gold Large Breed Puppy Food is a premium recipe designed for pups like your growing Labrador Retriever. With fresh duck, chicken and lamb, this blend will satisfy your pup’s need for quality protein.
- Also contains whole eggs and real cheese
- Pearled barley and brown rice for added nutrition
- Small kibble designed for puppies
Puppy Food for Labrador Retrievers Buyer’s Guide
Choosing a puppy food for your little Labrador Retriever is important as this medium-large breed has a fast growth rate, especially in the first year. This means they will need a kibble that supports their high energy and growth needs in this time to fuel their developing bodies. A puppy food designed for large breeds will have the right ratios of protein, carbohydrates and fat your Labrador Retriever puppy needs. Because this breed has been around for thousands of years, he will appreciate a recipe that features ingredients that are as close to their natural source as possible. These premium brands may cost a little more, but a recipe with few or no fillers, by-product meals or artificial preservatives will ensure each bite is packed with only the nutrients he needs.
Our buying guide reviews the best puppy food for Labrador Retrievers on the market so you can choose the right one for your dog. The following are specific considerations you should make for your Labrador Retriever and when choosing the right food for your growing dog.
Growing Needs
Your Labrador Retriever puppy needs a high-protein diet from lean sources to prevent obesity while meeting his energy and growing needs. Real meat should be the first ingredient on the label, and protein should make up at least 25 per cent of the blend. Also, choose a recipe with adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorous, along with vitamin D and glucosamine for developing healthy bones, cartilage and teeth. The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and ARA are found in mother’s milk and will support his brain development and retinal health. DHA usually comes from a fish oil, such as salmon. Finally, antioxidants and probiotics will support his growing immune and digestive systems.
Health Considerations
Labrador Retrievers are prone to several issues that you can help prevent with a high-quality puppy food. One issue is hip dysplasia and joint pain due to obesity. This can be exacerbated with a food that is too high in fat or has unhealthy fillers or by-product meals. Choose a recipe made with lean protein such as chicken, turkey or fish and limit treats as much as possible to give your puppy a good start to a healthy and active life. Labs are also known to develop heart disease, so he will need a top-quality kibble with essential fatty acids and antioxidants to help maintain healthy cardiovascular functioning.
Additional Recommended Products for Your Labrador Retriever
- Best Dog Food
- Best Dog Bowl
- Best Automatic Dog Feeder
- Best Interactive Dog Toys
- Best Dog Playpen
- Best Outdoor Dog Kennel
- Best Dog House
- Best Dog Crate
- Best Dog Treat
- Best Automatic Fetch Machine
- Best Dog Activity Monitor
- Best Dog Food Container
- Best Electronic Dog Door
- Best Dog Ramp
- Best Dog Cooling Vest
- Best GPS Tracker for Dogs
- Best Dog Bed
- Best Dog Cooling Pad
- Best Indestructible Dog Bed
- Best Dog Training Book
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