Embarking on the journey of raising a puppy is filled with many milestones, and one of the most important is the transition from puppy to adult food. Did you know that giving your dog the wrong food at the wrong time can cause serious health problems? And this includes obesity and developmental problems. In fact, by 2022, approximately 59% of dogs in the US will be overweight or obese – leading to a myriad of health problems such as: arthritis, kidney disease, and even cancer.
- Proper food transitions are critical for a puppy’s growth
- The transition age depends on breed size and activity level
- The process of transitioning to adult food should take 10 days
- Meal frequency changes when switching to adult dog food
This shows why it is so important to feed your dog the right food at the right time. Key factors in this important change include the size of your dog’s breed, how active they are and any special health needs they may have.
Keep reading to learn how to make this transition the best way possible, helping your dog stay healthy at every stage of their life.
Difference between Puppy Food and Adult Dog Food
Photo credits: Ayla Verschueren
Knowing the difference between puppy and adult dog food is really important for your pet’s health. According to the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) – puppy food differs from adult dog food in its nutritional composition, important for puppy growth.
- Puppies should be fed puppy food that is high in protein (at least 22%), fat (8%), calcium (1%), phosphorus (0.8%), and sodium (0.3%). And these things help them grow properly, including their muscles, bones, brain and eyes. Puppy food usually has more omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for brain and eye development. And big puppies, like big dogs, need special food. Their diet has less fat, calcium, and phosphorus to stop problems with their bones, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, that can occur if they grow too fast.
- Adult dog food, on the other hand, has lower levels of these nutrients (18% protein, 5% fat, 0.6% calcium, 0.5% phosphorus, 0.06% sodium). And this is because it was done to keep them healthy, not to help them grow.
Why Changing Foods at the Right Time is Important
Transitioning your puppy to adult dog food at the right time is extremely important for their health. And if you change their food too late or too early, it can cause major health problems.
Consequences of Delayed Transition
If you wait too long to switch from puppy to adult food, your dog may become overweight. And this is because puppy food has more fat and calories. After all, it is meant to help them grow quickly. If a puppy eats this type of food for too long – they can gain a lot of weight. Additionally, some breeds, if not switched to breed-specific adult formulas, may develop joint problems. And, this is due to the accelerated growth caused by the high protein and calories in puppy food.
Risks of Premature Switching
On the other hand, switching to adult dog food too early can be just as harmful. Puppies deprived of essential nutrients found in puppy formulas can suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities. They may not reach their full size and may be more likely to develop problems in the future with their:
Understanding and following the correct timing for changing your dog’s food is important for their overall health and well-being.
When to Switch to Adult Dog Food
Photo credits: M Burke
Switching your puppy to adult dog food is a big step. Knowing when to do this is key, and it depends on things like how big your dog’s breed is, how active they are and other things like whether they’ve been spayed or neutered. .
1. Race Matters
The maturity rate of dogs varies greatly based on breed size – which directly influences when to switch to adult food:
- Small Dog Breeds (Under 25 pounds when full grown): Small dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs grow quickly. Change them to adult food when they are 9-10 months old.
- Medium Breeds (25-50 pounds when grown): Breeds such as English Springer Spaniels and Border Collies are grown for 12-15 months. Switch to an adult when they reach this age.
- Large Breeds (Over 50 pounds when grown): Large breed dogs such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds grow more slowly. So they should stay on puppy food until they are 14-24 months old.
- Mixed Race and Unique Cases: If you have a mixed-breed dog or aren’t sure how big they can get, ask a vet. They can give you appropriate advice based on your dog’s growth such as when you should start feeding your puppy an adult diet. And what type of food can meet your dog’s nutritional needs, dry food or wet food.
2. Task Level
Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy food formulas longer. The extra protein and calories in puppy food help their muscles grow and give them energy for lots of activity.
3. Spaying/Neutering Considerations
If a puppy is spayed or neutered before it is almost fully grown – it may need 30% fewer calories. But this usually doesn’t slow down how fast they grow. And for large breeds, early spaying or neutering can affect their bones and joints.
4. Tracking Food Consumption
As puppies approach full growth, the way they eat may change. And if they start leaving food in their bowl, it may mean it’s time to start changing their food. You can start by giving them a small amount of food at each meal and watching how they look and feel to make sure they are eating the right amount.
How to Successfully Transition Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food
Photo credits: Alkhaine
Transitioning your puppy to adult dog food is a delicate process that needs to be done gradually to avoid digestive issues. It may take up to 10 days to transfer. Here’s a step-by-step guide for a smooth transition:
- Days 1-2: Start by mixing a little adult food into their puppy food. Take about 20% adult food and 80% puppy food, this slow start helps your puppy get used to the new food.
- Days 3-4: Increase the amount of adult food a little. Now, the mix should be 40% adult food and 60% puppy food. This gradual increase reduces the risk of gastrointestinal upset.
- Days 5-6: Continue adjusting the ratio. It should now be 60% adult food and 40% puppy food. Watch how your puppy does with the new food – make sure they are okay.
- Days 7-9: It’s coming soon! Change to 80% adult food and only 20% puppy food. And by this time, your puppy’s system should be more accustomed to adult food.
- 10th day: Complete the transition by switching completely to 100% adult dog food and continue feeding them that.
Stop changing their food and talk to your vet if at any point your puppy shows signs of discomfort, such as:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Or not eating
And remember, keeping the same feeding times during this transition helps your puppy calm down and makes transitioning their food easier.
Feeding Frequency for Your Dog
Switching your puppy to adult dog food isn’t just about the type of food. It also means changing how often they eat and how much they get. Here’s a guide to help with this change:
- Large Breed Puppies: These puppies usually eat three times a day – even after switching to adult food. This helps in managing their larger portion sizes and supporting their large growth.
- Medium Breed Puppies: When they start eating adult food, medium-sized breeds should eat twice a day. And, it fits their moderate growth rate and dietary needs.
- Small Breed Puppies: For small breeds, it’s a good idea to change from 3 meals to 2 meals a day after changing food. This works well for their smaller stomachs and lower energy requirements.
If you need specific advice for a complete and balanced diet and feeding schedule for your dog, it is best to consult your veterinarian or a dog nutrition expert. And they can provide appropriate advice, ensuring that your dog’s diet is perfectly suited to their unique needs and lifestyle.
Conclusion
As you navigate the journey of dog ownership, knowing when to switch from puppy food to adult food is really important for your dog’s health and happiness. Choosing the right food for their size, how active they are, and other individual factors will ensure they get the best nutrition as they grow. This change isn’t just about how old they are – it’s about helping them grow up healthy and strong. And by making smart choices about your dog’s diet, you’re helping them lead a healthier, healthier life. Feel good about this change, knowing you are providing the best care for your loyal companion.
