When Should I Stop Feeding My Dog Puppy Food?
Puppy Food and Adult Dog Food
Puppies are in a vital stage of growth and development. This means that they need the proper nutrition to support their growing bodies and minds. However, it can be challenging to understand when to switch from puppy food to adult food.
Puppies need to switch to adult food at a certain point as they require different nutrition for further growth. Here are some tips for switching from puppy food to adult dog food.
Puppy Food
The reason puppies need particular food is that they are going through an essential growth stage. Puppies need additional calories in their food to support proper growth and development. Young dogs need more calories, whereas adult dogs need less as they are not growing as rapidly. If adult dogs continue to eat puppy food, it could lead to excessive weight gain. This excess weight could lead to obesity and many other health issues.
When to Switch
Dogs are typically considered puppies until they are one year old. However, this age is generally dependent on the breed of dog. Larger dogs are usually considered puppies until they are two, and smaller dogs reach adulthood before one.
An excellent way to know when to switch food is when your dog stops growing or starts gaining excess weight. Inquiring with your veterinarian about your specific dog is the best idea.
How to Switch
Switching food can cause an upset stomach, so it is essential to do so slowly. Additionally, it can be challenging to choose a new dog food that is right for your furry friend.
Making the Switch
Day 1-3: Feed 1/3 portion of adult food and 2/3 amount of the original puppy food
Day 4-6: Feed 1/2 portion of each, both the adult and the original puppy food
Day 7-9: Feed 2/3 portion of adult food and 1/3 part of the original puppy food
Day 10 and so forth: Feed an entire portion of adult food
If there seems to be an upset in appetite and bowel movement, it may be recommended to slow the transition or change adult dog foods. If your dog seems to gain additional weight over the next few months, it may be a good idea to consult your veterinarian.