How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Food
How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Food.
by Richard Price
Transitioning your puppy to adult food can be difficult, but it’s an incredibly important task. If you take the time to do it right, you’ll ensure your pup’s long-term health and wellness. In this article, we’ll show you the right time to transition your pup’s diet and how to do so without any fuss.
Why You Need to Switch Your Puppy’s Diet
We know that you want to give your pooch the best dog food on the market, and nutrition will play a key role in your dog’s growth. However, breed size and, in many cases, breed type will determine when you switch your dog’s diet over. For now, that matters more than their food.
Puppy food usually has higher levels of calcium and phosphorus when compared to adult dog foods. They also contain higher protein and fat content, so there are more calories per bite.
Since puppies have different dietary needs than adults, switching too soon or too late could negatively impact your dog’s health. Obesity is the most common nutrition-based issue for canines, and an adult dog can easily put on extra weight if they stick to fat-filled puppy food.
When to Switch Your Puppy’s Diet
Adopting a new dog is an incredible experience, and it definitely keeps you busy! With all that running around, you may not notice how quickly your pup has grown, but when are they adults?
Veterinarians agree that you should switch your dog’s food when they become mature. But not all breeds reach maturity at the same age. Many breeds mature before they’re 1 or after they’re 2, so don’t follow the standard “1-year rule” when it comes to switching your puppy’s diet.
As a rule, you should base your dog’s maturity by weight. Smaller dogs typically mature much faster than medium breeds, large breeds, and giant breeds, but not as fast as some toy breeds.
Here’s a general timeline for how long it takes for dogs to mature based on weight:
- Toy breeds are less than 20 pounds and take 7 to 9 months to mature.
- Small breeds are 20 to 30 pounds and take 10 to 12 months to mature.
- Medium breeds are 30 to 60 pounds and take 12 to 16 months to mature.
- Large breeds are 60 to 80 pounds and take 12 to 14 months to mature.
- Giant breeds are over 80 pounds and take up to 2 years to mature.
Remember that these are general guidelines. If your dog is a mixed breed, that could affect how big your dog will be at maturity. You should speak to your veterinarian if you’re not sure how much or how little you should feed your pet. They may be able to estimate their future weight.
You can also estimate your dog’s food needs at home by paying attention to their intake. If your pup has a lot of leftover food in their bowl, that could be a sign they’re getting full faster.
How to Transition Your Puppy to Adult Dog Food
Now that you have an idea of when to transition your dog’s food, you can take the next step. If you need some help or you’re not sure what to do, here are a few tips to help you get started.
Start Slowly
Start by gradually mixing in the adult food with the puppy food. You’ll serve your puppy a mixed diet of puppy and adult food for five to ten days, depending on their tolerance to new food.
Here’s a transition plan that most dogs can follow:
- First Two Days: Add ¼ adult food to ¾ of regular puppy food.
- Days Three and Four: Add ½ adult food to ½ regular puppy food.
- Days Five to Seven: Add ¾ adult food to ¼ regular puppy food.
- Days Eight to Ten: Serve only adult food.
If you follow this schedule, your pup will adjust to the new food without experiencing any digestive issues. Monitor your pup’s eating habits during the transition period to ensure they’re eating enough. If your dog does experience an upset stomach, extend the transition time.
Choose the Right Food
The next step is to select the right adult food for your pup. Look for a food that’s formulated for their specific breed size and age. If you’re not sure which food is best, consult with a nutritionist. Always remember that your dog’s dietary needs are different from humans and other breeds.
Most high-quality kibble will be formulated to meet the average dog’s nutrition needs. Still, you should check for essential vitamins and nutrients that are necessary for their health. Never feed your dog human food, whether they’re puppies or adults, as it could damage their organs.
Monitor Their Eating Habits
Once your pup is eating the adult food, it’s essential to monitor their eating habits. Keep in mind that you can’t assess your dog’s eating habits based on their energy. It’s normal for puppies to be less energetic in adulthood. Instead, check their regular food intake and their blood work.
If they aren’t eating the right amount of food, they’ll lack the nutrition they need, but it isn’t a cause for concern if they’re eating less. With that said, you should take them to the vet if they show signs of digestive issues or other health problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Be Consistent
Once you’ve transitioned your pup to adult food, it’s important to remain consistent with their diet. Keep your pup’s meals at the same time, in the same place each day, and feed them the same food. This will help them adjust to the new food and establish a routine for meal times.
The only significant difference you’ll need to make is how many portions you give. Most adult dogs will eat two meals a day, while puppies eat three. For this reason, you’ll need to adjust how many calories are in each scoop. Slowly remove that extra meal time over a two-week period.
Transitioning to adult food is an important part of your pup’s growth and development, so give it the attention it deserves. By following these tips, you can help ensure a smooth transition!
