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When Should I Stop Feeding My Dog Puppy Food?

Modified on August 2, 2021 at 9:41 PM

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Often, dog parents get confused about when to transition their little canines from pup food to adult food. That’s because dogs grow into adulthood at different rates. There isn’t really a “switching” period that applies to all breeds.

According to My Sweet Puppy, one must keep an eye out for shifts in behavior, energy levels, appetite, and appearance indicative of canine adulthood. If you’ve been feeding your pup high-quality dog food, transitioning too early could be a mistake.

Your pooch needs all the vitamins and minerals puppy food affords while it’s still growing. That’s why it’s crucial to transition at exactly the right time.

But when exactly would this be? Let’s find out.

Puppy Food vs. Adult Dog Food

Commercial dog food formulated specifically for pups is incredibly beneficial for dogs until their adolescent stage. The stage between the puppy and adolescent age is where most of the growth and development occurs. Meaning they would need a more balanced and complete brand of dog food during this phase of their life.

Puppy food provides exactly that, with its slightly different balance of minerals and vitamins and higher caloric content for supporting muscle and bone growth. Most vet nutritionists recommend homemade versions of puppy food since they allow you to customize contents according to their pup’s individual needs. You might want to go down this road for a sensitive breed with a high-maintenance diet.

While an adult canine is unlikely to experience nutritional problems from being fed pup food, it doesn’t mean it’s completely out of the woods with regard to other concerns. Among the main concerns linked to mismatching food and the current life stage is excess weight gain. That’s because pup food packs more calories than adult food—calories an adult no longer needs.

That said, spaying or neutering can also be the reason for your dog’s weight gain. Of course, this process is still recommended for its broad range of benefits.

When To Stop Feeding Pup Food

Transitioning from pup food to adult dog food depends on several factors: breed, age, size of an adult dog, and health status. Each of these aspects varies from one dog to another, so a uniform transition time is not specified.

Though, generally speaking, transitioning to an adult diet when your dog is obviously already an adult should be harmless. For small- to medium-sized pooches, this should be around the eight- to the 12-month mark. On the other hand, this wouldn’t be for at least another six months for large and giant breeds.

If you can’t quite determine your dog’s breed, the safest bet would be to wait until it is at least a year old before switching the diet. Dogs with health issues that you can better manage with diet shifts might need to transition earlier.

Your vet should be able to help you decide on all matters related to food transition. That includes what adult dog food best caters to your pooch’s individual needs.

How To Transition To Adult Dog Food

Transitioning to adult dog food should be done gradually to minimize or prevent digestive issues. Spread the transition process over a period of seven days to get your dog’s stomach used to the new food. Of course, you would need to lengthen this period if your canine companion is prone to digestive upset.

To help your dog acclimate to the new diet, start mixing smaller portions of the adult food with a larger portion of the pup food. Increase the adult-food portion size throughout the transition period until it’s the only thing left and your pup doesn’t even notice.

If symptoms of digestive issues surface at any time, you could be transitioning too quickly. Try slowing things down and introducing a probiotic supplement into your dog’s diet. It usually resolves the issue for most canines. However, if the bloating, flatulence, appetite loss, or diarrhea persists, get your dog to a vet right away.

How Much Should You Feed Your Canine?

Several factors dictate the amount you should feed your puppy. One should consider the body size, health condition, energy levels, and diet contents when determining their dog’s daily caloric intake. There won’t be a blanket solution because each dog food brand varies in nutritional content.

Also, while dog food bags usually have feeding guides, some might not offer accurate information. That’s why it’s, again, best to rely on your vet regarding your dog’s dietary needs. When consulting a professional, don’t forget to consider the incorporation of treats, table scraps, and supplements into your dog’s diet.

The Joys of Doggy Adulthood

One of the best things about dogs turning into adults is they never quite outgrow their puppy-dog face. Some of the antics might fade, but many of the qualities that make them your “babies” still remain.

Help kickstart their adult life by transitioning them to adult food at the right time. Teaming up with your vet on this should ensure an efficient transition using the proper nutrition.

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on August 2, 2021 at 9:41 PM
Filed Under: Pets
Tagged With: adult dog food, dog food, dog owners, dogs, pets, puppy, puppy dog, puppy food

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

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Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

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You do not find a happy life. You make it. 

That’s the biggest lesson that grief has taught me. If I just wait around to be happy again, I’ll die sad. 

You don’t get through grief and come out the other side. That’s not how it works. You learn how to grow around it like a tree grows around a rock that’s in the way. You don’t wait for the rock to move. Cause it’s not gonna. 

Choose happy. And then make it happen. 

#choosehappy #joyinthejourney #griefjourney #healingfromtrauma
8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favor 8 billion smiles in the world, but his is my favorite. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, @daeinexplains 🥰

The last 20 years with you have been my favorite years on this earth. ❤️ 

If I did anything right in my life, it was when I decided to give my heart to you.  You are my best friend, my soul mate, my better half, my rock, my everything. 

I love you.

#couplegoals #marriedlife #motherhoodthroughinstagram #weddingday #marriagegoals #yourestilltheone
Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍ Kids love helping if you just let them!💁🏼‍♀️

This little guy always asks to help when he sees me cleaning the house, washing the floors, doing laundry, or emptying the dishwasher. That’s what I love about Montessori parenting - it allows kids to do  big jobs and in turn makes them eager to help! 

He was over the moon when we gave him the @lovevery floor mop that actually works! He uses it daily now. The mopping pad is machine washable and you can refill the fluid container on it. I usually just do water and a drop of essential oils because he loves it when everything smells clean! 😜 

Definitely recommend! If you want to grab this mop for your little helper, it’s in the Storyteller Play Kit from Lovevery for 3 year olds. 

LlNK is in my bio to get FREE shipping! 💃🏼

#lovevery #loveverytoddler #loveverypartner #montessoriathome #montessoriplayroom #montessoritoddler
Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hol Stop trying to fit your square self in a round hole. 

Sometimes we outgrown relationships. Sometimes we realize someone else isn’t a good influence on our lives. Sometimes we realize we aren’t a good influence for someone else. Sometimes we need to let things go that aren’t good for us in order to grow. And that’s ok. 

Stop trying to sit at a table you are no longer welcome at. Just be yourself, focus on God, love your family and friends, and the right people will gravitate to you. ✌🏻 

#raisingsaints #momlife #motherhoodunplugged #selflovejourney #growingpains #selfcaresunday
When your toaster breaks from a power surge you ta When your toaster breaks from a power surge you take that as a sign that it’s time to upgrade! 🤪

It wasn’t hard to pick a new 4 slice toaster. As soon as I saw this one from @haden_usa I added it to my cart. I bought it from @lordandtaylor because it had the fastest shipping and I didn’t want to wait! 

No fancy electronics, screens, or extra features we don’t need. Just simple, straight forward functions and perfect results everytime. Plus it matches all my @cafeappliances too! 😂👍🏻

What do you think of this 4 slice toaster?! 

#toasters #kitchenappliances #kitchendesign #kitchendecor #whitekitchen #farmhousekitchen #farmhousestyle #whiteappliances
I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @en I’m obsessed with these leather booties from @enjoiya! 💃🏼 

The “Steffi” in green are the perfect boots for ushering in spring weather with their delicious vintage leather and worn-in look right out of the box. I love the chunky lug soles and inside zippers to get them on and off easily. 

These are the boots you’ll want to wear again and again. And again. 

Use my coupon code BALLARD20 to get 20% off your order! Find them on www.enjoiya.com

#leatherbooties #enjoiya #italianshoes #realmomstyle #momstyle #momstyletips
All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with All the poop shoveling doesn’t seem so bad with the prices of eggs right now! 🤪 🐔 🥚 

Guess it’s ok to be a crazy chicken lady and have a homestead now! 🤣

#momlife #crazychickenlady #homesteadlife
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