Switching from Puppy to Adult Food

Brittany

When should I switch Kimber from Puppy Food to Adult Food. I was planning on switching him next month when he is 12months old. I was doing some reading and I read that you shouldn't switch until your dog is done growing which would depend on the breed. The article I read said large breeds probably won't be fully grown until 12-24 months. So when do I know when Kimber is ready?

shihtzusandwich

I actually didn't do much 'puppy' food. I went to an 'all stages' food when Pays was about 3 months old. You can look on the side of the dog food and it will tell you if its an 'all stages' formula. That just made it easier for me so I wouldn't have to 'switch'.

Mikey

Puppy food has more calories and protein, in general then other dog foods. So I'd say-when you eye him-if he's getting pudgy and looking full grown and filled out-then you can switch. I don't think it'd hurt to keep him on it longer but if he doesn't need it (has done most of his growing) then you could switch.

Brittany

I definitely think he is still growing. We had to loosen his collar yesterday for the first time since we got him in October.

fawkese1

i dunno... they also don't recommend feeding a large breed dog a regular puppy formula... something about growing too fast?
i think that switching to a good quality adult food at 12 months would be fine... in fact, it might be better... some brands do make large breed puppy formulas tho...

Criosphynx

yes, they grow too fast on puppy food....unless its for large breeds....

I don't remember the cut off for it tho, I want to say 18 months? I've never had a large breed lol

fawkese1

i don't know, my vet said that adult food was good for clover (tho i'm not 100% into vets and nutrition)

PoodlePomMom

Having 4 dogs became impossible to deal with to many different foods. Mine went right into adult or all stages. Puppy food helps growth with a few additive vitamins other than that most are about the same.

tonisaysss

I stopped feeding puppy food at 5 months for my large breed. Puppy food is chocked full of vitamins and other growth additives so switching to adult food before the recommended year helps slow down growth. This helps in the long-run considering larger breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and joint issues.

Krazy4Pets

For small dogs and toy breed, I would say after a year however for large breeds, it can go up to 2 years.