Puppy Growth Guide: Mental Changes
Mental changes signal the beginning of adulthood as well, and these new developments are just as vital to a dogs happiness and wellbeing. Here are some of the mental changes your pup will go through as he goes through his journey to adulthood:
- The destructive behaviors that come with puppyhood and adolescence should wear off. Now, your dog knows that he cant go barking mad on your new couch cushions because he is mature enough to realize what the consequences will be.
- Your pup will bounce off of the walls less. As dogs age, they become a little less energetic. This is especially true if yours has been neutered. These dogs tend to settle down faster than others.
- Your dog is now able to learn commands more quickly and do more complicated stunts and tricks than a puppy would.
What Happens If You Feed A Puppy Adult Dog Food
Puppies can eat a couple of kinds of dog food, including a food that adult dogs eat. One food has an AAFCO nutritional statement known as Growth and Reproduction.
These are puppy foods, though they can also be fed to expectant mother dogs and mother dogs that are nursing. These foods are specifically formulated to have all of the calories, protein, fat, DHA, calcium/phosphorus levels, and other requirements for puppies.
The other kind of food you can feed to your puppy is called an All Life Stage formula. These foods are formulated to be nutritionally adequate for dogs of all ages, including puppies.
They also have the protein, fat, calories, DHA, and calcium/phosphorus levels, and other nutrients, that puppies need. They can also be fed to adult dogs, nursing mothers, active dogs, and senior dogs. So puppies can eat this kind of adult dog food.
If you have a large breed puppy, you should look for a formula that states it is made for puppies that will weigh more than 70 pounds as a mature adult.
If you have a smaller breed puppy, look for a formula that states it is made for puppies that will weigh less than 70 pounds as an adult. This statement should be included in any food that is suitable for a puppy to eat.
The one kind of food that you should not feed to puppies is an adult maintenance dog food. Adult maintenance dog foods are formulated only for adult dogs that dont require a lot of calories or any special nutrients.
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When Should I Start Feeding A Puppy Adult Dog Food
Home»Feeding Dogs»When Should I Start feeding a Puppy Adult Dog Food?
Puppies come in all shapes and sizes. That means that the timetable to start feeding a puppy adult dog food can be different depending on his breed, size, and other factors. Some puppies mature much faster than others so they will need to make the switch to an adult food earlier. Other puppies can go on eating a puppy food for over a year! Here are some tips to help you know when to start feeding your puppy adult dog food.
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Why Is A Feeding Timeline So Important
Knowing when precisely to switch from puppy food to adult food is crucial because as your little fur baby turns into a fur man, he needs lots and lots more nutrients than adult dogs do. Puppy food is specially formulated to give those puppers the nutrients they so desperately need. Without them, he cant get big and strong.
If you want your dog to be #swole like Popeye, stick to the schedule that professionals recommend!
Puppy Vs Dog Nutrition: Whats The Big Deal
It might seem like it doesnt matter what kind of dog food you get your puppy. It all has the same basic ingredients, right? That is untrue, as each recipe is tailored for a specific reason.
Dogs can have several food-related health issues that require specialized diets. Most are capable of eating dog foods that serve everyday nutrition. But some dogs need a little extra care in their diet, requiring limited ingredients, grain-free, high-protein, novel protein, and weight management recipes.
Growing puppies need a structured diet with the appropriate nutrients to support their developing bodies. Because adult dog foods aim to provide a standard maintenance formula that keeps your dog healthy, it lacks certain vital nutrients your puppy needs.
Consider a puppy chow as a growth supporter and adult dog food as bodily maintenance. Puppys bodies arent being maintained. They are developing. So, adult dog food simply doesnt work in that equation.
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Which Proteins Are Safe For Dogs
Take care only give your dog raw bones. Also keep a lookout for signs of lactose intolerance when adding cheese or yogurt or other dairy products to your puppys food.
Some of the proteins that are safe for dogs to eat are listed below.
- Bread small amounts of plain bread are ok as occasional treats.
Body Development Requires A Rich Diet
Finally, in order to turn into a healthy and strong dog, a puppy needs food packed in protein, minerals, and vitamins, like Calcium, Iron, beta-carotene and more. Adult dog food has more controlled nutrient value as when fully developed, they dont require these energy bombs to remain healthy. So if you give your little pooch adult dog food on several occasions, theres really nothing to worry about, but in the long run it may have a negative effect on proper body development.
Photo by Bekky Bekks on Unsplash
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When To Switch A Puppy To Adult Food
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Switching a puppy to adult food isnt a one-size-fits-all approach. It can vary based on your dogs breed, age, and weight. We can help you determine when is the best time for you to switch your dogs food and how to transition them successfully.
Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food What You Need To Know
Walking through the pet food aisles or browsing online, youll see tons of dog food recipes. Some are geared toward life stage, dietary sensitivities, allergiesyou name it.
It might seem like pet food companies are just using a tactic to gain consumers. While it can be the case with certain products, the formula matters tremendously. We will discuss the vital ingredients in puppy foods and why puppies should not eat adult food and the other way around.
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Why Puppies Should Eat Puppy Food
Simply put, the commercial foods out there that cater to puppies are designed specifically to meet the nutritional needs of dogs during their fastest and most intense growing phase. The nutritional needs of puppies are different than those of adult dogs because their bodies must be supported during their growing period. Adult dog foods dont have the same nutritional profiles as puppy foods do. Therefore, its best to stick with puppy food until your pooch is considered an adult.
Can Puppies Eat Pedigree Wet Food
Depending on your puppys age, Pedigree® provides a choice of wet food or dry food . Dry kibble will not cause problems if you attempt to soak it in lukewarm water for at least 20 minutes before feeding however, most puppies will eat dry kibble without the need for soak.
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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!
For Pups With Short Attention Spans
Puppy food is tailored to the needs of a growing young dog, so it is typically more nutrient and calorie dense to promote healthy muscular and skeletal development, and match their higher energy requirements. Puppies typically stay on puppy food until they are around 80% done growing, which for small dogs is around 10-12 months, and for larger dogs between 12-18 months.
If youve just brought home your first puppy or youre beginning to noodle around with the idea of getting a puppy, you might be wondering why they need food specifically made for them.
You might also be wondering whether or not you can just skip straight to the adult dog food, but puppy food is a must! Well notice if youre trying to disguise your puppy as an adult dog in a trench coat to skip this stepwe watch for those things!
Bringing a new puppy into the household comes with a lot of uncharted territory, whether its your first puppy or your fifty-first. Each individual puppy and breed has their own quirks, traits, and personalities, but were here to at least take the guess work out of one thingpuppy food.
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Why Cant Dogs Eat Garlic
Unlike many humans who cannot imagine preparing meals without garlic, dogs dont do well with garlic. In fact, consuming garlic can kill dogs. Garlic is the most toxic member of the Allium family, with onion, chives, and leeks the other members. Compared to onions, garlic is five times more toxic than onions.
When dogs consume garlic, their red blood cells are compromised, making them likely to rupture, causing anemia. Another adverse effect of garlic on the health of dogs is gastrointestinal upset including drooling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Additional anemia-related clinical signs include the dogs pale gums, lethargy, increased respiratory and heart rate, exercise intolerance, weakness, and collapse.
Dog owners should note that garlic poisoning signs for several days. Large breed dogs like Dobermanns and Shepherds might be unaffected after eating small amounts of garlic. However, small breeds like Japanese breeds of dogs such as Akita, Shiba Inu are more sensitive and even tiny amounts could be fatal.
Keep your dog healthy and fit with this easy peasy homemade recipe its cheaper than store-bought and chockfull of fresh veggies!
I never thought I would be one of those dog owners who made homemade human food for their pups. Not in a million years.
But its important to note that dogs have different nutrient requirements than humans for their proportional body size, such as:
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.
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What About Dog Food That Is Designed For All Life Stages
Dog food that is labeled as being suitable for all life stages means its higher in nutrients than adult food but not so much so that the food would cause problems in adult dogs, like weight gain. The nutrients are also enough to support proper growth in puppies. It is important to note that while it is generally safe for puppies to eat food that is suitable for all life stages, the food could be too calorie-dense and rich for senior dogs that dont move around much anymore.
Final Thoughts: Is Puppy Food Necessary
Yes! While your little one is highly unlikely to keel over if they consume kibble meant for adult dogs, your growing puppy needs special attention and care in the growing phases of their lives. Just like human babies, the nutritional balance needed at each stage of puppyhood is very different from maintaining the health of an adult.
Therefore, opting for good quality puppy food is the best course of action to ensure the healthy growth of your puppy.
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One Common Question That People Have Is Whether Or Not They Can Feed Their Adult Dog Puppy Food
It is important to talk to your veterinarian before transitioning your adult dog to puppy food, as they will be able to advise you on the best way to do this and whether or not it is the right decision for your dog.
If you do decide to feed your adult dog puppy food, make sure that you are doing so under the guidance of a veterinarian or animal nutritionist, as there are special considerations that need to be made to ensure that your dog is getting the right nutrients.
People might not know how to can adult dogs eat puppy food because they are worried about the health of their pet dog. They might not know what is the best food for their adult dog, and might be feeding them puppy food that is not good for them.
You might want to feed your adult dog food that is nutritious enough and will not cause health problems.
This is especially true when it comes to taking care of our dogs. We want to make sure that they are healthy and happy, but sometimes we dont know what the best way to do that is.
On the one hand, some people might think that its okay to do because puppies eat puppy food and they turn out fine. However, there are several reasons why this is not a good idea.
Puppy food is not as nutritious as it should be for an adult dog. It can cause health problems in adult dogs, including obesity and joint problems. If you want to feed your adult dog, its better to buy a different type of food that is specifically designed for them.
How Do You Change A Puppys Food
The first thing youll need to decide is which food to feed your puppy as an adult.
A good place to start would be an adult food from the same brand of puppy food youre currently feeding, assuming your pup likes the food and is doing well on it. If you are transitioning from one Fromm product to another, like Puppy Gold to Adult Gold, a transition period is not absolutely necessary, but is encouraged.
That way, the transition wont feel like such a big change, and it will be less likely to upset your pups tummy.
However, ANY food change can potentially result in an upset stomach or diarrhea. Thats because it takes time for the digestive tract to get used to something new, especially if your puppy has a sensitive stomach.
Making the change slowly and gradually will help prevent these symptoms. A slow change will also make your dog more likely to accept the new food if theyre a picky eater.
Here are two ways to make the switch slowly
- The Mixing Method.
- Mix the puppy food and new adult food together, starting with a smaller portion of the adult food. This works out to about 1 part new adult food per 3 parts puppy food.
- After a few days, switch to a 50:50 mixhalf puppy, half adult.
- After a few more days, switch to 75% adult food, 25% puppy food .
- In another few days, switch to 100% adult food.
From our family to yours,
Fromm Family Pet Food
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