Transitioning from Puppy Food: When and How?
Your puppy is finally beginning to grow into their big paws and ears. They're not as sleepy as they once were, and instead, they're very energetic, playful, and busy. In fact, you’re no longer sure they're a puppy at all. Maybe they've graduated from puppyhood and became a dog. Does this mean your cuddly canine friend is also ready to graduate from the best dog food for puppies to traditional adult dog food? What’s the difference between adult dog food and puppy food, and how do we know when our puppy is ready for the change?
What is the Difference Between the Best Dog Food for Puppies and Adult Dog Food?
Important guidelines for dog foods are set by the AAFCO, or Association of American Feed Control Officials. When you purchase dog food that is labeled as complete and balanced, that means that it has met stringent guidelines for nutritional standards. Two important divisions in those guidelines are those foods meant for growth and reproduction—foods meant for growing puppies and pregnant or nursing mothers, and those foods meant for adult maintenance, which means they are for typical adult dogs. Some dog foods are labeled as appropriate for all life stages, and these can be fed to all dogs, but may not have the high calorie count that is best for growing puppies. However, for families with dogs of multiple ages, choosing a dog food that is appropriate for all life stages can be helpful and more budget-friendly.
Because puppies are growing rapidly, their nutritional needs are different than those of adult dogs. Puppies need food that is both rich in protein and nutrients and dense in calories to support their rapid growth and development, as well as their energetic puppy-play.
Most puppy-formula dog foods have smaller-sized kibble pieces to be more puppy-friendly for smaller mouths and more delicate teeth. The best dog food for puppies is often a little softer than adult dog food. Puppy food should also be higher in calcium for growing bones, as well as rich in potassium and specific enzymes to support growth.
When to Move Away From the Best Dog Food for Puppies to Adult Dog Food?
While many people will tell pet owners to switch to adult dog food when a puppy turns a year old, that basic guideline may be too broad to be appropriate for all dogs. Different dog breeds develop at different rates, with smaller dogs reaching full growth faster than large-breed dogs. Dogs are generally considered ready to switch to adult food when they reach 75% of their projected full size and their growth rate begins to slow down. This takes much longer for large breed dogs than small breeds.
Individual puppy personalities should also be taken into consideration when deciding when to switch from the best dog food for puppies to adult dog food. If your puppy is still highly energetic, they may need the extra calories found in puppy food for a while longer. On the other hand, if your puppy has a more relaxed and less energetic personality and begins to gain extra pounds on rich puppy food, it might be beneficial to switch them to an adult dog food sooner.
How to Make the Big Switch
Any time you change a dog’s diet, it’s important to make a slow transition to the new food in order to avoid upsetting their stomach. If a dog experiences an upset stomach with symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, the process may need to be postponed or slowed down. In some cases, upset stomach symptoms may cause your dog to associate the new food with an upset stomach and reject it completely.
According to veterinarians, the best way to transition a dog away from their best dog food for puppies to a new, adult formula dog food is to begin by mixing 75 percent of their puppy food with 25 percent of the new food. Serve them this mixture for several days and then offer them a 50/50 mix. After a few more days blend 75 percent adult dog food with 25 percent puppy food. Finally, leave the puppy food out altogether and serve only adult dog food.
While for some dogs the transition may take longer, ideally the change should take only one to two weeks, and should occur without an upset stomach.
When transitioning to adult formula dog food, you should also move away from puppy treats and give your dog treats for adult dogs which are often formulated for dental care and other needs of mature dogs.
While these are general guidelines for transitioning dogs from their best puppy food to a great adult formula dog food, all dog breeds, personalities, and individual health requirements need to be taken into consideration. Be sure to consult with your dog’s veterinarian about the best time and method to make the switch.
Resources— iams.com, Purina.com, douglasfeedandpetsupply.com
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