When to Switch My Puppy to Adult Dog Food

Puppies do a lot of growing, and to support that growth, they need special puppy food that’s extra rich in calories, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Once they reach adulthood, they can safely switch to adult food to avoid becoming overweight from all those extra calories that their bodies no longer need. However, it’s important to note that the transition from puppy food to adult food should not be abrupt. It should be done gradually to avoid any digestive upsets. Additionally, the right time to switch to adult food may also depend on the breed of your puppy. Some breeds may take longer to mature and may require puppy food for a longer period of time

It seems like it should be easy to know when to switch your puppy onto adult food, but that really depends on your puppy’s size and growth rate. Let’s look at what to consider when switching your puppy onto adult dog food and how to do it.

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Small Breed Puppy Food Switch

Most toy and small breed puppies are fully grown between 8 and 12 months of age, with smaller dogs maturing faster than larger ones. Once they are adults, switching them from puppy food to adult dog food is safe. You’ll also want to reduce the number of feedings that they get each day down from three or four to two. 

Large Breed Puppy Food Switch

Large and giant breed dogs take much longer to mature than smaller dogs, with their growth plates continuing to develop until 18 months to 2 years of age. For these puppies, it’s best to feed them food specifically designed for large breeds. This prevents rapid growth that could damage their bones and joints. Once your puppy is fully grown, you can then safely switch them onto the adult dog food.

In addition to feeding large breed puppies food specifically designed for their breed, it’s also important to monitor their weight and adjust their portions accordingly. Overfeeding a large breed puppy can lead to obesity and other health issues later in life. It’s also important to ensure that their diet includes adequate amounts of calcium and phosphorus to support their growing bones. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the right diet and feeding schedule for your large breed puppy.

Switching Your Puppy to a New Food

Before making the switch to a new food of any kind for your dog, you’ll need to do so gradually. That’s because an abrupt change of food can lead to stomach upset and a refusal to eat the new food. For best results, switch to adult food over the course of 7 to 10 days. Start by feeding your dog a mix of 25% puppy food with 75% adult food for two days. Afterwards, gradually decrease the amount of puppy food and increase the new food by 25% every two days.

It’s important to note that not all dogs will react the same way to a new food. Some dogs may experience allergic reactions or digestive upsets even when the transition is done gradually. In such cases, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the issue and the best course of action. Additionally, it’s important to read the labels of any new food to ensure that it contains the right balance of nutrients needed for your dog’s age, breed, and activity level.

Puppy Food Considerations