When to Switch Your Dog from Puppy to Adult Food - Central Park Paws When it is time for your puppy to transition to adult dog food, how should you go about selecting the best adult formula for them as they become young adults? Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Lets divide them into two categoriesthose that need a quick switch and those where you can take your time. Since pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you signup, the better coverage you will likely receive throughout their lifetime. On the other hand, most dogs kept as pets may be minimally active and can be fed the standard adult dog food diet as described above. 24/7 Customer Support(888) 788-1165 support@bettervet.com. How to Transition from Puppy to Adult Dog Food: 9 Steps The answer depends on a variety of factors, including your puppys breed, whether your puppy is spayed or neutered yet, and if there are any current or future health concerns you may have for them. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. And avoid table scraps, which teach your puppy at a young age to beg for treats at the table and can cause digestive upset and pancreatitis, a serious illness. When to Switch Your Puppy to Adult Food | IAMS Dog Food How To Change Your Dog's Food Safely - Canine Journal Lets talk about that. Companies could conceal the number of unpleasant components by categorizing them independently and obscuring the percentage of the food they help compensate. Some problems that are commonly seen when switching dog foods can be handled at home: Your dog refuses the new diet As long as its safe for your dog to miss a few meals, let them get hungry, but do not try this with puppies or dogs with underlying health problems, including dogs that have diabetes and are on insulin. With growth rates between those of small breeds and large breeds, medium-sized dogs will be ready for adult dog food around 12-14 months of age. Aim for no more than 5% of calories from treats, say nutrition experts at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Similarly, if your puppy is taken off a puppy formula too early, they may suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities, failing to reach adult size around the expected time and increasing their risk of future bone, joint, brain, and eye issues. Findingthe best food for your dogcan be a lengthy process, but with the right tools and a gradual transition, you can ensure the switch is successful. If your dogs symptoms resolve during the diet trial, this can be a sign that food was the culprit. It would be adorable if our canine companions could be puppies forever. Breed size is not the only factor when determining when to transition your puppy to adult dog food. Days 3-4. Fussy eaters may benefit from an even slower transition change out their food over a full month's time if needed. It usually takes about 8-10 days to make the full switch. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. It can be dangerous for them to go without food. Fresh dog food is more popular than ever. Large breeds are over 50 pounds when fully grown. Spaying or neutering does not usually slow the growth rate of your puppy, but it may affect the growth plates in the bones of large breed puppies, setting them up for joint problems later in life. Look for products that list a source of animal protein as the first ingredient. According to AAFCO, puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods. Also, when changing your puppy over to adult dog food, many people begin to change the quantity of food and frequency of feedings. Puppy food is designed to help your dog grow, and adult food is designed to help maintain your dog's health. Switching Dog Food: Why, When & How | PetSmart We will covers impor. Joseph Wakshlag, DVM, PhD, is assistant professor of clinical nutrition at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. When to Switch to Adult Dog Food: Dog Food at Different Life - BeChewy When your puppy reaches around 12 months of age (may vary based on size), his nutrient requirements change.So it's time to transition to adult dog food. Can be easily used as a tool in puzzle toys for enrichment and mental stimulation. When to Switch Your Puppy to an Adult Dog Food | PetMD When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food | Dog Ownership Guide Here's a detailed formula for switching your dog's diet : Mix 25% adult dog food with your puppy's current diet for 2 to 3 days. The young adult stage is typically considered 1-4 years of age, as middle age starts by year 5-7 in many dog breeds. When to Switch Puppy to Adult Food Once you know when your puppy will reach maturity, you can decide when to switch to adult food. You may need to quickly switch your dogs food if: Your dogs current food has been recalled, discontinued, or is simply not available. Stella & Chewys offers a variety of raw and kibble diets that are formulated to meet your puppys needs. This will help ensure gut regularity with less physical activity. From there, you may decide to look for other ingredients that you wish to feed your dog: Some adult dog formulas contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help support healthy skin and joints. Dogs reach their adult size in 9-24 months (depending on breed). Switching should be gradual over 7-10 days to avoid upsetting your puppy's digestion. They can tell you when to switch to an adult dog food and help make it a successful transition. During this time, their diet is a key way to support this process and boost their immunity through nutrients like vitamin E. Theres a saying in canine feeding: Watch the dog, not the dish. Remember that dog treats and other sources of calories in the diet need to be included when determining the appropriate amount of food for your young adult dog. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. In addition, unspayed female dogs who will be bred early in life may need to stay on puppy food longer to support gestation and lactation following whelping. As puppies age and grow into fully grown adults, they switch up their food routines. You should see a waist when looking down at your puppy and an abdominal tuck when looking from the side. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, iodine, and selenium, Vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, niacin, pyridoxine, folic acid, vitamin B12, and choline. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ, how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. Do NOT use this method for puppies or dogs with health problems. Your puppys diet and care will need to take into account two specific problems that affect young dogs far more than adult dogs: their delicate digestive system and their reduced immunity. Signs Its Time To Switch From Puppy To Adult Food. High-quality adult dog food, regular vet checks, and careful observation of your dog's reactions to the new food are all part of this important process. Puppy food contains more protein and calories than adult dog food to support growth and repair, but excess . If beef is their favorite flavor, stick to beef-based diets. Athletic dogs may benefit from staying on puppy formulas longer, as the extra protein supports lean muscle growth and function, and the extra fat and higher caloric density can allow energy for high-intensity activities. Most puppies eat three meals a day, but adult dogs can eat just two meals per day. By the end of that week you should only be feeding your dog adult food. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, The Savvy Dog Owners Guide: Nutrition on the Internet, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), Active Shooter & Mass Attack Safety Resources. Follow these guidelines: Day one: Fill your dog's bowl with 75% puppy food and 25% adult food. When To Switch From Puppy Food To Dog Food For A Goldendoodle? [Here's Day two: Mix the adult and puppy food in a . Dogs that are taken off puppy food too late may be more predisposed to obesity and associated health problems later in life, given the fact that puppy formulas have more fat and calories per cup than adult dog formulas. Adverse food reactions can present with gastrointestinal symptoms, cutaneous symptoms, or a combination of the two. If your puppy has been spayed or neutered before they reach 80% of their mature size, their calorie requirement will drop noticeably following surgery, sometimes by up to 30%. Days 5-7: 25% puppy food and 75% adult food. Once your dog reaches a certain weight or age, youll need to transition to adult dog food. Ideally, for the first 5 to 7 days, mix only 25% of the new food with 75% of the old food. You can transition to a new food gently by introducing it slowly over a week: mix it with their puppy food, gradually increasing the percentage of new food, so your dog gets used to it. Its important to stop feeding puppy food when the time is right and transition to an adult diet and decrease the amount of food so your dog does not become overweight. That said, changing your dogs food will probably cause some degree of diarrhea, just so you are prepared. If your puppy develops vomiting, diarrhea, or lack of appetite, stop feeding the adult dog food and see your veterinarian. When to switch a puppy onto adult dog food - Vet Help Direct Day 7. Between the ages of four to 12 weeks, puppies enter a phase called the immunity gap. This is where their mothers immune support, passed through her milk, is lessening but their own natural defenses arent fully developed. A puppy should get most of their calories from puppy food rather than from treats, which typically dont provide complete nutrition. Our review process. Offer just a small amount of the new foodabout a quarter of what theyd normally eat in a meal. These macronutrients and minerals help support lean muscle and bone growth. Your puppy will become an adult dog at the following ages: X-small breed (4kg): eight months. How you go about feeding your young dog will depend on their occupational status and whether they are spayed/neutered. Days 3-4: You can feed half adult, half puppy food. As there are so many options, it can be tough to decide which food is best for the dog. The potential stomach ache should be enough of a reason to go slow when transitioning dog food, but above all, consider the numerous changes your new dog is already dealing with as he settles into his new life. Some dogs seem to have an iron stomach. They may also benefit from diets with at least 10% fiber on a dry matter basis. A great way to evaluate your dogs stool is to use aFecal Scoring Chart. primarily depends on your pet's breed, size, and activity level, able to switch to adult food after 12 months, key differences between puppy food and adult dog food, puppy food usually has a higher protein content, contains higher levels of certain minerals and vitamins, If you wait too long to switch to adult dog food, your puppy could intake too many calories and nutrients designed for growth, potentially leading to. How to Safely Change Your Puppy's Food - American Kennel Club Large Breeds: Large breed dogs, those expected to weigh more than 50 pounds when grown, may not be ready for adult dog food until they're between 12 to 24 months old. 2 Follow this 7-day transition schedule 6-12 weeks: Growing pups should be fed puppy food, a diet specially formulated to meet the nutritional needs for normal development. What should you feed a puppy? The guidelines below will help you to determine when to start feeding adult dog food: Small breeds (under 25 pounds when fully grown) reach adult size at 10-12 months of age. Why not just feed them adult food when you think your pups teeth are strong enough? It's essential to keep a close eye on your puppy during the transition. Just a few months ago, your little ball of fluff was tumbling around, getting into mischief. This article will help you determine when to switch your puppy to adult dog food, how puppy and adult dog foods differ, how to select the best adult dog food, and how to transition foods smoothly to ensure that your pup is set up for a life of good health. Protein Content: Puppies need more protein to support their rapid growth and development. 2. If necessary, choose an easily digestible formula to start off with. Healthy snacks like bits of carrot, green beans, or bell peppers give your puppy something to crunch without many calories. This blog post will help you navigate this important transition, giving you insights and practical tips to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible for your precious pup. Puppies require greater calcium in their diet than adult dogs to support the proper development of their skeleton. The sheer number of dog food options available is overwhelming. Many people will describe their dogs as having food allergies but this is not always accurate. If your dogs stool is consistently outside of the normal range, it is recommended that you consult your veterinarian regarding your dogs digestive health. Please note that these are rough estimates for weight and ages, and you should consult your vet to determine whats best for your dog. Whether raw or gently cooked, there's a growing demand one being met by an increasing number of companies, many of which sell on a national scale with delivery to your door.. Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. 6 Signs its Time to Change Your Dogs Food, Age-Appropriate Food for Pets: Why It's Important, Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), puppy foods should be higher in protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorous than adult dog foods, Large-breed puppies need specially formulated puppy foods, dog dry food, wet food, or a mixture of the two. All breeds are categorised into five sizes of dog: x-small, small, medium, large and giant. Be aware that puppy food has a much higher calorie content than adult dog food, and if you continue to feed your dog puppy food after they have matured, they may quickly gain weight. When to Switch to Adult Dog Food: 5 Signs It's Time Some buy a few different bags of kibble and feed one type of food per week. [Here's What You Need To Know] Dog Food & Diet / By David M. Goldendoodle puppies are a bundle of joy and energy They are busy, clever dogs that seem to grow in leaps and bounds quite quickly Days 5-6. Because puppies need so many nutrients to grow, its important to give them food that provides complete and balanced nutrition. Some meals will merely be for all periods of development, while others will be for phase of growth, adult stage, and elderly stage. Once hes used to it, gradually switch him to your preferred brand or formula. The tops of the back bones will generally be easily seen. This occurs most frequently if a dog has developed food allergies or other adverse reactions to food. Unfortunately, there is no one diet that is best for every dog. They also need to get those nutrients in the proper ratio to support the growth and proper development of their larger skeletons. When Should You Switch From Puppy to Adult Dog Food? The nutritional composition of puppy food is designed specifically for the needs of growing puppies. Working dogs and dogs that engage in agility work or endurance activities may require more calories and more fat (up to 10-20%) in their adult dog formulas. The transition from puppyhood to adulthood is an important milestone in any dogs lifeand any pet parents life as well. Your dog becomes gassy Gassiness will usually improve after a dog has eaten a new diet for a few days. You need to ensure that your puppy has the extra protein, fat, and minerals they need to support their growth and development and prevent various bone, joint, brain, and eye disorders. They also often include DHA, which is also in mothers milk. Minerals and Vitamins: Puppy food contains higher levels of certain minerals and vitamins, like calcium and phosphorus, necessary for bone development. This is normal, and it should not last for too long. If your dog likes eating wet food, pick a new wet food; dont try switching to dry. Keep a puppy on puppy food until they are 12 months old, or change earlier if they are neutered or if they become overweight. Are You Feeding Your Dog the Right Amount? When it is time to switch to adult food, make sure you do it slowly. You should weigh your puppy regularly to check how they measure up against breed guidelines and take them to the vet if you are concerned about their weight. Guidelines To Minimizing Upset Stomach In Your Puppy Photo: Vicky TH/Flickr For the. And remember, in your puppys mind, spending time with you is the best treat of all. Increase the ratio to 50% adult dog food and 50% puppy food for 2 to 3 days. Your puppy will become a full-fledged adult before you know it, so get all the puppy kisses and love while you can! Is a great option for easier portion control and for dogs that tend to graze throughout the day rather than consume a full meal in one sitting, as dry food will not spoil as rapidly if left out for long periods of time. How & When to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Dog Food It's not just about their growth, but also about their health and long-term wellbeing. Has a higher moisture content than dry food and may be better for dogs that do not drink much water. https://www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php. When Should Puppies Switch to an Adult Dog Food? Its normal for very young puppies to have some baby fat, but after the first 8 to 10 weeks, puppies should be a two, Buffington says. Our Passion. Day 3: Increase the amount of adult food again to 60% adult food, and decrease the amount of puppy food to 40%. Heres a sample transitional feeding plan: If your dog resists eating the adult food or experiences an upset stomach, extend the transition time as needed. For most dogs, a good diet transition will look like this: Some dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or other gastrointestinal diseases may need an even longer transition period. The age at which a puppy reaches adulthood can vary by breed and other factors. Spaying or neutering usually occurs at this age as well, lowering your dog's need for increased energy; hence a reason to switch from puppy to adult dog food. The vet can monitor your dog's weight, check for any nutritional deficiencies, and make necessary dietary adjustments. The best way to monitor your dogs digestive health is to pay attention to the quality of the stool. Day 4: Feed 80% adult food and 20% puppy food. There are many other illnesses that can cause similar symptoms, so it is important to have your dog evaluated by your veterinarian if these symptoms occur. Is often more palatable and appetizing than dry food, so it may be a great option for picky eaters or for stimulating the appetite of dogs that are less interested in food. Puppies require numerous small meals a day so as not to overburden their small stomachs, but as your dog gets older, they can be reduced. You can learn to assess your dog at home. If these breeds are left on puppy formulas too long, they can be more predisposed to developing joint problems in the future. The final step in selecting the best adult dog food diet is to examine the Guaranteed Analysis panel on the bag or can of food and ensure that the formula meets a few major nutritional requirements. If you purchase a product through this article, we may receive a portion of the sale. Steps for Switching Dog Foods. Canine Journal is a trademark of Cover Story Media, Inc. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As you can see this is quite a big range, so this is just a general rule of thumb. Related reading: How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet? Your puppy's lifelong health and happiness begins with you. DAY 1 & 2. Can be beneficial for dogs with oral abnormalities or dental disease, as it is easier for them to chew. So the growth happens over a much shorter time period. Understanding theselabeling requirementscan make it easier to identify which products are best for your dog. Because large and giant breeds take longer to mature, they need to eat puppy food longer than small- or medium-sized breeds. Signs It's Time To Switch From Puppy To Adult Food Why Transition From Puppy To Adult Food How To Switch A Puppy To Adult Food How Long Should A Puppy Be On Puppy Food? If you see anything concerning, call your vet. In addition, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist can be a great resource for any issues that come up, and they can help develop the best diet and feeding schedule for your new family member.