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When should you shift from puppy to adult food?
When a puppy matures into an adult dog depends on breed size, smaller dogs mature faster than larger dogs. As a general rule, dogs that are less than one year of age are considered puppies, and it is important during that year that they are being fed puppy formula pet food. But if you have a puppy nearing one year of age, do you know when to switch to adult dog food? A veterinarian is always a good resource. But you can gauge the best time to switch too. Some indicators of the right time to change from puppy food to dog food are: dog size, breed, and age.
When to switch a puppy to adult dog food
If your puppy is a small or medium breed:
Both small and medium breed puppies are considered adult at about one year of age, so your dog’s birthday indicates when to switch from puppy food. Toy breeds can be an exception to this. Some are considered adults at nine months of age. Dog weight varies. Small breed puppies are those who weigh less than10 kgs at maturity. Medium breed puppies weigh between10-25 kgs at maturity.
If your puppy is a large or giant breed:
You should switch to an adult dog food when your puppy is anywhere from 18 months to 24 months old. Large or giant breed puppies take a little longer to reach maturity, and many of them are still growing until they turn two years old. Large or giant breed puppies’ weight varies greatly, so it doesn’t offer as good an insight on when to switch from puppy food to dog food. Since maturity and adulthood can be difficult to predict, you can talk to the shelter, breeder, or rescue groups where you adopted your dog as well as talking with a veterinarian to be certain of when to switch a puppy to dog food. The importance of switching lies with nutrition.
Why transition from puppy food to adult dog food?
When your puppy is growing, he needs more nutrients and calories than an adult dog, which is why puppy foods have higher levels of protein and fat to support growth, as well as nutrients like DHA, an omega 3 fatty acid found in mother’s milk. Once your puppy reaches adulthood, he doesn’t need as many calories and needs nutrient-dense formula appropriate for his life stage.
Rich puppy food can quickly lead to excessive weight gain for adult dogs, so the transition is important. Our 14 year lifespan study also shows that dogs that are fed to lean body condition have a longer and enhanced life. PURINA®️ PROPLAN®️ ADULT FOOD is a nutrient-dense food packed with right combination of nutrients.
When to switch from puppy food to dog food and how?
After deciding it is time to switch your puppy to adult dog food, it’s time to consider how you will go about it. You should begin slowly. Transition your puppy to adult food over a seven to ten-day period, gradually increasing the ratio of adult food to puppy food.
1.For long healthy life, feed to lean body condition using recommended daily feeding amount and Ideal Body Condition Guide
2.Key nutrients including taurine to support healthy heart functions
3.Balanced minerals, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy teeth and gums
4.Concentrated nutrients to support the faster metabolism of small breed dogs
5.Inulin, prebiotic from chicory, proven to balance intestinal micro flora
6.Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence
7.No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
1.For long healthy life, feed to lean body condition using recommended daily feeding amount and Ideal Body Condition Guide
2.Vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acid, for healthy skin and coat
3.Balanced minerals, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy teeth and gums
4.Highly digestible quality ingredients for superior nutrient absorption
5.Advanced nutrition and dietary fibre to support digestive comfort and wellbeing
6.Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence
7.No added artificial colours, flavoursand preservatives
1.For long healthy life, feed to lean body condition using recommended daily feeding amount and Ideal Body Condition Guide
2.Helps maintain healthy joints with glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids
3.Balanced minerals, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy teeth and gums
4.Minerals and high protein to fat ratio strengthen skeleton and muscles to avoid extra stress on joints
5.Insoluble fibre to help regulate digestive transit and help stool quality
6.Scientifically proven antioxidants to boost immune defence
7.No added artificial colours, flavours and preservatives
