How Do I Know If My Puppy Is A Large Breed
The pet food industry3 defines a large breed puppy as one whose adult weight is expected to be over 70 pounds.
However
Since its impossible to know your puppys adult weight before shes fully grown
Its safer to use a more conservative 50 pound definition advocated by others.45678
If you expect your dog to weigh over 50 pounds when shes fully grown then shes considered a large breed puppy.
When To Switch To Adult Dog Food
There is no one single time that is ideal for every dog to switch from puppy food to adult dog food, but there are clues you can look for to adjust your petâs diet to meet its changing nutritional needs. As a general rule of thumb, puppies are ready to switch to adult dog food when they reach 75-85 percent of their adult size, at which time their growth rate naturally begins to slow. At what age this happens, however, will depend on the dogâs breed and anticipated size.
- Toy, teacup, and tiny breeds â 6-7 months old
- Small dog breeds â 9-11 months old
- Medium dog breeds â 12-14 months old
- Large dog breeds â 15-18 months old
- Giant dog breeds â 18-24 months old
These ages are just guidelines, however, and your dogâs activity must also be taken into account when considering the switch to adult formula food. More active and energetic breeds or dogs that get more exercise may rely on the extra energy of puppy food to meet their needs until they are closer to their adult size, while more sedentary dogs could be ready to switch to adult food sooner. Furthermore, your dog will give clues that it isnât satisfied with puppy food when it starts eating less or rejecting puppy food, is generally less âpuppy-esqueâ and hyper, and is sleeping a bit more. As their formerly youthful behavior changes into adult behavior, you will know your puppy is ready for adult dog food.
Worsening Existing Medical Conditions
Puppy foods that follow the feeding profiles recommended by the AAFCO contain a minimum of 22 percent protein, which is 4 percent higher than adult foods. Food for puppies also contains higher amounts of phosphorus and sodium than adult formulations. The extra protein and minerals provide a growing pup with extra energy and support for growth. If your adult pooch, who is suffering with an existing medical condition like kidney disease, eats puppy food, it could make him sicker. While high protein diets don’t induce kidney problems, if your pup is already experiencing them, the extra protein combined with the extra minerals could tax his kidneys and lead to vomiting, diarrhea or even kidney failure.
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How Should I Transition My Dog To Adult Food
Transitioning to a new diet should always be done gradually to prevent causing a digestive upset. A good diet transition should take at least 7 days but may need to be longer if your dog has digestive sensitivities or is prone to diarrhea. When you begin a diet transition, on day 1, start by mixing around 25% of the new diet with 75% of the puppy diet. As long as there are no signs of digestive upset, you can increase the proportion of the new diet to 50% after a few days. Finally, you can continue slowly increasing the ratio of the new diet to 75%, then 100%, when your dog should be eating the new diet with no adverse symptoms.
If at any point your dog develops symptoms of an upset stomach such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, flatulence, or bloating, this is a sign that the guts are not yet adapted to the new diet. Slowing down the transition or adding a probiotic supplement can usually resolve this issue. However, If the symptoms persist for more than 24-48 hours, switch to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice, white fish, or scrambled egg, and contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
Who Formulates The Black Hawk Range Of Pet Foods
We have an in-house formulation team with a collective 59 years of applied experience who are qualified in veterinary and nutritional science, including degrees in Animal Nutrition from the School of Environmental and Rural Science at the University of New England.
We also employ 3 vets in our Research & Development team, who have worked in clinical practice and have extensive experience in the commercial pet food industry. They work with an external network of veterinarians, clinical specialists, nutritional scientists and researchers.
Being an Australian-formulated and produced product, our team knows our recipes inside-out, and were close to the manufacturing process
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When Should I Stop Feeding Puppy Food
The right time to transition from puppy food to adult food varies for each dog. Your puppys age, breed, expected adult size, and current health status will all impact when the diet change should occur. For most dogs, its recommended to wait until they are fully grown before changing to an adult diet. Small and medium-breed dogs are typically finished growing at around 8 to 12 months of age, while large and giant breeds may not reach their full adult size until 18 months of age. If youre unsure of your dogs breed, a good rule of thumb is to wait until your dog is about a year old. Some dogs may need to transition earlier if they have medical problems that can be managed with diet changes, such as food allergies or digestive issues. Your veterinarian can help you decide the best time to make the transition and choose an adult dog food that will be best suited to your dog.
How Often Should I Feed My Puppy
Like human babies, puppies start out needing many small meals a day, of a food formulated for their special nutritional requirements. Most, but not all, dogs finish meals quickly. To discourage picky habits, feed at regular times in regular amounts and dont leave food down for more than 10 to 20 minutes.
Your breeder will be an excellent source of guidance for both of these questions, as will your vet.
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Food For Big Puppies & Little Puppies
There are differences between the nutritional needs of small-breed and large-breed dogs, and that is especially true for puppies. Adult dogs who weigh less than 20 pounds are considered small-breed dogs. These puppies grow quickly and may reach adulthood by 9 months. Large-breed puppies , grow more slowlyit takes anywhere from 15 to 24 months to reach full size and maturity.
When To Start Feeding Puppies Wet Food
Feeding a puppy the right food is really important. If you are unsure about when to start feeding puppies wet dog food, then give this guide a read!
Getting ready to welcome a new puppy into your home can be both an exciting and nerve-wracking time, especially if youre a first-time owner.
Preparing for their arrivalby puppy-proofing your house and stocking up on pup-friendly toysand treats can help make the transition easier, for both you and them. Picking the right type of food for your new furry friend, however, can be daunting, especially since there is so much choice out there.
Seeing as your dog will likely eat whatever they can find, youll have to do your own research into what is best for them and at what stage. But its something worth investing your time in as early nutrition plays a big part in a dogs development of healthy muscles, bones and teeth. Encouraging healthy eating in the beginning will also set up good habits that will last into adulthood.
Our guide will help you make the best choice for your new pet, including the different benefits and uses of wet dog food.
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What Are The Benefits Of Wet Food For Puppies
Wet food is a great choice for young puppies. Those who have only just developed their teeth and transitioned to solid foods can find it difficult to chew and swallow, so dry food can be a challenge. Because of its meaty texture and fragrant smell, this form of food can also appeal to fussy eaters.
For greedy or overweight dogs, wet food can also be a good choice as it has half the calories of a bowl of dry food.
The high moisture content also helps make sure your puppy takes in plenty of fluids, which can decrease the risk of urinary tract infections.
Dry food, on the other hand, packs a lot of nutrition into a much smaller package. Given you will be feeding your puppy around four meals a day up until the age of 4 months, this generally making it better value for money.
With its low water content, you can also store a lot more dry food in a small space, a real help if you have a large dog or a small flat!
Signs Its Time To Switch From Puppy To Adult Food
Once your dog reaches a certain weight or age, youll need to transition to adult dog food. Please note that these are rough estimates for weight and ages, and you should consult your vet to determine whats best for your dog.
- Toy breeds : around 9 months old
- Small breeds : around 12 months old
- Medium breeds : around 12 months old
- Large breeds : 18 to 24 months old
- Giant breeds : 18 to 24 months old
Its best to ask your vet about your dogs diet. And if youre unsure about your dogs breed, consider doing a canine DNA test.
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Should I Feed Wet Or Dry Food
Wet food is a great way to help your puppy transition from milk to standard dog foods, and dry food is easier to store. Whether you decide to serve wet or dry food or a combination of both will depend on your puppys preferences.
You may want to start with wet food and transition to dry food by feeding moistened dry food in the same transition method we suggested above. As long as your puppy is eating regularly, youre fine.
What Causes Changes In A Dogs Coat Condition
Changes in diet can lead to changes in your dogs skin and coat condition, but the most common causes are season and life stage. As cold weather approaches, most dogs grow a thick coat to help keep heat in and cold air out. As the weather warms up, they shed their thick, heavy coat.
Most puppies are born with soft, fuzzy hair, but as they age, they grow a coarser coat. Pregnant or nursing dogs also might experience a change in coat condition or hair loss. And, just like humans, a dogs hair might thin out and become coarser and white as they reach their mature years.
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How Do You Determine How Much Food To Feed A Puppy
According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, at least 28 percent of your puppy’s food should be protein, while at least 18 percent of an adult dogs food should be protein. Another way to look at it: a 10-pound puppy who is estimated to grow to about 33 pounds needs about 990 calories daily. About 53 grams should be protein, and there should be 21 grams of fat, according to the council.
Choosing An Adult Dog Food
Once you are able to recognize the signs of adulthood in your pup and you are ready to make the switch to adult dog food, you should look for only the best that stores have to offer. It is important that their food leaves their bellies feeling happy, and also meets their nutritional needs. While researching doggo nutrition on the internet, you may find yourself in confusion with the myths and misinformation. Make sure to check your sources when making this decision and always consult with a veterinarian if you are unsure.
Learning how to properly read the label on the food packaging is also crucial when choosing the best fit food for your doggo. The Food and Drug Administration has made it mandatory to to include 8 key pieces of information, including product name and list of ingredients, which can be helpful when making this decision. Its also good to remember that some ingredients may be pawesome for some furry friends, they may not be best suited for others.
Your pups whole future is in your hands. It is up to you to shape him into a happy, healthy adult by making the right decisions when it comes to nutrition! Give your pet the life he deserves by knowing when and what to feed him.
And remember, puppyhood is fast and is gone before you know it. Make sure to savor the time when your pup is young, and take lots of pictures along the way!
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What About My Puppys First 8 Weeks
The best nutrition for your pup for the first 8 weeks is his mothers milk. A mothers dog milk is perfectly formulated for your puppy, including the right antibiotics to ensure your puppy starts building a strong and effective immune system. This is one reason why puppies are not ready to leave their mothers until they are at least 8 weeks old.
What Is Dcm And Is It Life
DCM is a condition that results in an enlarged heart. As the heart and its chambers become dilated, it becomes harder for the heart to pump and heart valves may leak, leading to a buildup of fluids in the chest and abdomen. DCM will lead to congestive heart failure if left untreated. In some dogs, heart function may improve with appropriate veterinary treatment and dietary modification, if caught early.
Additional facts about DCM are listed below. DCM is much more common in large dogs than small dogs. However, cocker spaniels are prone to a certain form of DCM typically associated with taurine deficiency. According to Dr. John Rush, a veterinary cardiologist, certain breeds such as Great Danes, German shepherds, Irish wolfhounds, Newfoundlands and St. Bernards are at risk, while boxers and Doberman pinschers are predisposed to the disease. In addition to the above breeds, cocker spaniels and Portuguese water dogs may also develop forms of the disease. According to Tufts Universitys Petfoodology blog, 10 to 15% of dogs will develop some form of heart disease in their lives. Dr. Rush has indicated DCM as the second most common cause of congestive heart failure in dogs.
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Should Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food
Got the puppy? Check. Found a vet? Check. Now you just need to figure out what to feed them! One of the most common questions we come across with young pups is whether its okay to give them adult dog food, or if their nutritional needs are different. We spoke with Richard Patton, a New Mexico-based animal nutrition consultant. He helps us clarify whats the difference between puppy and adult dog food and what does your puppy really need?
Can I Feed My Adult Dog Puppy Food
Every dog owners faced the conundrum at some point: the family dog is hungry, the regular food is empty or unavailable, and someone well-meaning offers a bag or bowl of puppy food instead. Taken at face value, its easy to rationalize just swapping the two brands out. After all, theyre both made for dogs, look similar, smell the same, and probably taste similar to him as well. The short answer is that yes, owners can feed an adult dog puppy food in a pinch, but its not something that should become habitual for several reasons:
Remember that dogs become used to their brand of food: Human stomachs can get upset and prone to urgent bathroom needs when a new food is suddenly introduced, and dogs are no different. Normally when switching dog food brands, veterinarians recommend a slow transition, mixing the food over several days or weeks into one to the other.
A sudden bowlful of puppy food can send an adult dogs stomach on strike and in some instances, leave pet parents with an unhappy pup, or an uncharacteristic accident inside. If hes resisting a new brand of food when you are trying to switch your dog to adult food, try adding a little wet food or gravy on his adult food to make it more enticing.
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What’s The Difference Between Puppy Food And Adult Food
It is highly recommended that your puppy eats a commercially formulated dog food specifically for puppies until they are fully grown. This is because growing puppies have different nutritional needs compared to adult dogs. Puppy diets tend to be higher in calories to support growth and have a slightly different balance of vitamins and minerals to provide optimal nutrition for growing bones and muscles. Most veterinary nutritionists do not recommend homemade, raw, or adult diets for puppies because they do not contain the right balance of nutrients to support rapid growth. Therefore, these diets may lead to developmental abnormalities or deficiencies.
While an adult dog is less likely to become unwell from eating puppy food, there are still some concerns with feeding your dog a diet that does not match their current life stage. The biggest problem with giving a puppy food or a generic “all life stages” diet to an adult dog is that these diets are often too high in calories. Adult dogs that are no longer growing do not require as many calories as puppies and can gain weight if they are fed puppy food. Spaying and neutering your dog, while very beneficial, also causes a decrease in your dog’s metabolism that can lead to weight gain. Specifically formulated diets for neutered dogs are available and contain fewer calories to keep your dog’s weight healthy.