Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Age To Switch From Puppy Food

Choosing An Adult Dog Food

How Long Should Dogs Eat Puppy 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!

When And How To Switch From Puppy Food To Adult Dog Food

Puppy food is the first thing which too is cared for. Your little labrador puppy has grown into an elegant teen. Wouldnt it be nice to consider switching the teenage mutt to adult food?.

As compared to smaller breeds, big dogs like Labrador Retriever are slow-growing owing to the additional room they have to fill before they reach their adult size, so your puppy shouldnt rush into adulthood.

It is no secret that the food we consume as a human has a profound effect on our health, fitness, lifespan, and overall wellbeing. The same goes for our labrador puppies.

Its true what they say: what you eat determines your personality, and the same holds true for your labrador puppy. If you want to male lab pup to be a handsome boy and female lab pup to be an elegant lady as they grow older, then you must keep an eye on their age to age nutritional needs.

Nutritional needs of labradors vary according to their life stage, so getting nutrition right for a young puppy is of utmost concern.

A delicate balance has to maintain when it comes to getting adequate nutrients and preventing excesses from resulting in growth anomalies and disabilities. Lets jump right into switching your labrador puppy over to adult dog food.

When To Switch To Adult Dog Food

Dogs under 12 months of age are typically referred to as puppies while dogs over 12 months are considered adults. As a general rule, puppies can be safely switched to adult dog food when they reach 80% of their expected adult size.

However, just because your puppy is technically of adult age, doesnt necessarily mean hes ready for adult dog food. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to determining when to switch to adult dog food, primarily your puppys breed size. For small breed dogs thats typically somewhere between 9-10 months, while for medium breeds and larger dogs, it might be closer to 12-18 months.

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When To Switch From Puppy Food To Dog Food For Labrador Puppies Health Guide

The food that you feed your dog has an immense effect on the dogs life span. You should be aware of the correct feeding habit for your dog.

Having a pet dog is not only about fun. It also brings great responsibility along with it. Among those responsibilities, one of the important ones is the looking after of your dogs proper growth and health.

How will you do that? Well, you just have to know when to switch from puppy food to dog food for Labrador.

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Is It Ok To Give A Puppy Regular Dog Food

How Long Do Dogs Eat Puppy Food?  Age, Transition &  Methods

This is the simple answer. Puppies should receive puppy food and dogs in their adult years should receive adult food. Adult dog foods arent toxic as your puppy will never become ill from stealing bits or eating an occasional bowl of kibble as long as your vet certifies that theres not a major digestive issue.

Also Check: How Much Dry Food Do I Feed My Dog

How To Switch Your Dogs Diet

Even when your dog is ready for a dietary change, it is important to make the transition slowly. Switching foods too quickly can lead to digestive difficulties such as diarrhea and vomiting, and if the symptoms are severe, your dog may associate illness with the foodâs texture or flavor and reject it completely. By gradually switching to adult food, however, you can ease your dog onto a new diet with less difficulty. When it is time to make the switch, start by offering your dog 75 percent puppy food with 25 percent adult formula. Offer that meal for a few days, then change the ratios to 50/50. After a few more days, lower the amount of puppy food to just one-quarter of each meal, and when that is easily acceptable to your dogâs tastes, eliminate the puppy food altogether. Every dog may be different with how easily they switch diets, but ideally the transition will not take more than 7-14 days, and will cause a minimum of digestive disruption.

At the same time you are changing the composition of your dogâs meals, make sure you are also switching any treats to adult formulas, and adjust how much you offer at any one meal to give your dog the right nutrition without encouraging obesity. The number of meals you feed your dog each day may change as they age, but consult with your veterinarian for more precise guidelines that will best suit your individual dogâs nutritional needs.

When To Switch Puppy To Adult Dog Food

You should switch to adult dog food when your puppy is within the age range of 9-24 months old. As you can see this is quite a big range, so this is just a general rule of thumb. The exact age at which a dog is ready for adult food actually depends on the size of the dogmost dogs should switch to adult food when they are 75-85% of their full adult size.

Read Also: What Foods Can Dogs Eat To Gain Weight

Puppy Food Has Nutrients Growing Dogs Need

Puppy food has a lot of extra nutrients and protein that adult dog food may lack.1 A growing dog thats building muscle and bone needs more nutrients and calories to maintain healthy development. Puppies, especially those of a larger breed, need the right amount of fatty acids, fiber, and protein, along with controlled amounts of calcium so bones grow at the proper rate. They also need certain omega-3 fatty acids for proper development.2 This is why puppies need food formulated for their nutritional needs, rather than adult dog food.

AvoDerm Natural dog food offers two formulas created especially for puppies. The canned Puppy Chicken & Rice Formula has chicken as the first ingredient to help any puppies with food sensitivities to other proteins. Its also made with avocado, which is rich in antioxidants that can help promote a healthy immune system.

If you prefer dry kibble, AvoDerm Natural dog food offers a Puppy Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Formula. This has just the right balance of protein, fat, and nutrients that puppies need. Its also corn- and wheat-free, which is great for puppies with more sensitive stomachs.

Puppyhood Is The Best Time To Consider Pet Insurance

German Shepherd Puppy switching from puppy to adult food

As a puppy, your dog has probably not shown any significant health concerns at a young age. Since pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions, the younger your dog is when you signup, the better coverage you will likely receive throughout their lifetime.

Further, pet insurance can help support you financially during the unpredictable puppy years when dogs are more likely to chew on things they shouldnt and run into dangerous situations. Check out our pet insurance 101 guide to learn more and determine whether pet insurance is worth it for your puppy.

Recommended Reading: What Type Of Food Can Dogs Eat

Experts Disagree On Puppy Feeding

One problem for puppy owners is that even the experts disagree on what is the best food for puppies. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view.

You will find veterinarians on YouTube pronouncing that BARF is the only way to keep a dog healthy. Other veterinarians and nutritionists argue that kibble is the only way you should feed your puppy, warning of dire consequences if you attempt to go natural.

To make things even more complicated, dog breeders also tend to be divided into those that feed a natural raw diet and those that feed kibble. Take a look online you will find plenty of claims for the benefits of one method over the other.

The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. So, well now take a quick look at some of the pros and cons of the different puppy foods.

How And When To Transition Your Puppy To Adult Food

Puppies grow and develop so quickly throughout the first phase of their life that they require specially-formulated, nutrient-rich food that contains plenty of protein and calories.

Harringtons Puppy Complete is a complete pet food that can be fed to puppies from 3 weeks onwards. Its been carefully formulated to provide wholesome nutrition for growing puppies and contains no artificial colours or flavours, no dairy, no soya and no added wheat. As well as being super tasty, it provides your pup with all the nutrients they need to grow up big and strong!

As your pooch matures they wont need as many calories or portions of food, but choosing the right time to make the switch to adult food is crucial, as switching too early can result in health problems like bone and joint abnormalities. So, when is the right time to make the change and what is the best way to go about it? Here are our top tips on how and when to transition your pup on to adult food safely.

Also Check: Health Extension Wet Dog Food

How To Switch Dog Food Without Diarrhea

There’s no big secret to switching foods. This is simply a matter of gradual change to let the gut bacteria in your dog’s digestive system adjust to the new diet. Change from the dog’s old food to new by slowly reducing the amount of old and making up the difference with the new.

Hi, I’m Kelly. I’ve been a dog trainer for 12 years, working at all levels of competition, from basic obedience to competition obedience, and in a variety of venues. I’ve also been an instructor at the National Dog Trainer’s Association and have given seminars on basic dog training to several local pet store chains. My articles have appeared in a variety of magazines including Pets Magazine, Action Dog and Puppy Love.

S To Successfully Switch Your Dogs Pet Food

How Much Should Small Dogs Eat?  little wandering dogs
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Whether your dog needs a therapeutic food or theyre just entering a new stage of life, there are several reasons you may need to transition them to a different pet food. When the time comes to make the switch, youll want to do it in a way that doesnt cause stomach upset. Here are three tips that can help.

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Pick Food Brand Wisely

Do you know that lab pooches are more likely to develop a permanently debilitating hip problem if their diet is too high in calcium in relation to their size

It is unfortunate that there are only a few foods that satisfy these essential needs. But do not fret. Weve compiled a list of 5 brands that provide lab puppies with calcium thats right for them.

  • Canidae All Life Stages Multi-Protein Formula
  • Taste Of the Wild High Prairie
  • Wellness Core Large Breed Adult
  • Nutro Ultra Adult Dog Food
  • When Should I Transition My Puppy Onto An Adult Dog Food

    22 Apr, 2020

    Just like children, every puppy is different and they dont all grow at the same rate. Dogs belonging to the smaller breeds tend to grow up much quicker than their larger friends who have larger bones and joints that need more time to mature and develop.

    • Small breed puppies will tend to mature at around 6-8 months
    • Medium breeds mature between approx. 8 and 10 months
    • Larger breeds usually mature at around 12 months
    • Giant breeds can take up to 12-18 months to mature, but some may even take 24 months to reach their final adult size.

    It is important to meet the nutritional needs of all puppies while they are growing regardless of their breed. Feeding yours a diet that is specifically formulated for them will provide the nutritional balance needed to support their steady growth and development. However, it is vitally important that you follow the recommended feeding rates to ensure your puppy is receiving the appropriate amount of each nutrient per day.

    Once the puppy is close to their mature adult size, you should start looking for a breed-appropriate diet that supports their activity levels and body condition. Autarky Adult Chicken or grain-free Autarky Adult White Fish & Potato offer a nutritionally complete diet that comprehensively support the needs of your fully-grown pup.

    Our friendly, experienced team are always happy to provide advice on feeding your dog, whatever their age, on our Nutritional Helpline 01832 737 300, Monday Friday 8:30am -5pm.

    Read Also: How To Transition Dog To New Food

    What A Puppy Needs From Its Diet

    A puppys body is going through significant changes as it grows rapidly, whatever size or breed it is. Puppies require greater calcium in their diet than adult dogs to support the proper development of their skeleton.

    They also need more protein, as they are rapidly building muscle and other body tissues. Their food should be more energy-dense than a fully grown dogs, as they are unable to eat as much but need plenty of energy to support their developing physiology.

    At What Age Is A Dog Considered An Adult

    How to Switch Dog Food Gradually (To Avoid Stomach Upset)

    A dog is considered to have reached adulthood once their musculoskeletal growth is complete and the skeletal growth plates have closed. This can occur between eight and 18 months of age, depending on your dogs breed and size. Small breed dogs tend to reach maturity sooner. Large and giant breed dogs take much longer to finish growing and may not reach adulthood until well over a year of age.

    If youre still not sure, your veterinarian can help you determine whether your dog is likely to be fully grown or not. In some cases, he or she may even take x-rays to determine whether your dogs growth plates have fully closed, indicating musculoskeletal maturity.

    Read Also: Can I Feed My Dog Cat Food

    What Foods Are Dangerous For My Puppy

    Some foods that people enjoy can be harmful to dogs. Keep your puppy away from avocados, chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, and raw bread dough made with yeast. Also avoid onions, garlic, and chives milk and large amounts of dairy products such as cheese alcohol coffee and caffeine salty food, such as potato chips and food sweetened with xylitol, such as gum, baked goods, and candy. Xylitol, also used in products such as toothpaste, can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia in dogs.

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    When Is The Right Time To Switch To Adult Dog Food

    Determining when to make the switch from puppy to adult dog food depends on your puppys size and breed, as well as his metabolism. Simply put, small and large breed puppies develop at different rates, meaning that some dogs will make the switch to adult food at different life stages. At Bil-Jac, we agree with our friends at VetInfo.com and recommend the following guidelines:

    • Smaller breeds mature more quickly and can be switched at about 9 months to 1 year
    • Medium breeds can be switched at around 1 year of age
    • Large and giant breed dogs can transition anywhere from 1 year to 18 months

    Of course, one to two years is quite a wide range of time. Every dog is different, so keep an eye on how much food your dog eats. Skipping meals or leaving some food behind is one notable sign that your furry friend is ready for a switch. If you notice that your best friend is regularly leaving some of her puppy food behind in the bowl, its probably time to make the jump to an adult formula.

    Your dogs body condition can also help you figure out when its time to switch to adult food. Since puppy formulas are designed to support rapid growth, once a puppy is first weaned, splitting up meals info three feeding a day si recommended.

    Also Check: How Many Cups In 10 Pounds Of Dog Food

    Why Switch From Puppy Food To Adult Dog Food

    Because of that faster metabolism of youthand the nutritional demands of growthpuppy food is formulated with more calories, fat, protein, and certain other nutrients than adult dog food.

    All of this is very important during puppyhood. Its the right nutrient profile to help your puppy grow up strong and healthy.

    However, for most adult dogs , puppy foods provide a far higher calorie density than they need.

    So, unless you really cut back on their quantity of food , theres a good chance your dog will gain weight if they continue to eat their puppy food as an adult.

    Considering the health risks that come with obesitysuch as arthritis and increased risk of orthopedic injuries, diabetes, cancers, and other health problemsits best to keep your young adult pup at a healthy weight, right from the start.

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