As a puppy grows, they need a high level of protein and calories to maintain their rapid growth. When they reach a certain age, they tend to slow down, and they don’t need as much food. You can often gauge when they are ready for adult dog food, bit what are the other signs, and how can you make this process as simple as possible?
Our guide will explore the transition period between puppy food and adult dog food, and how you can make the process easy on your pup.
- What are the Signs My Puppy is Ready for Adult Dog Food?
Look out for these common signs when feeding adult food to a dog
- How Do I Transition My Puppy to Adult Food?
Here’s an easy-to-follow guide of how you can transition your pup off of puppy food
- How Long Does It Take to Transition a Puppy to Adult Food?
There is no set timescale, but the process shouldn’t take longer than 14 days
- Dog Food Brands Perfect for Transitioning
At Fetch, we recommend the following brands
- Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some common queries
What are the Signs My Puppy is Ready for Adult Dog Food?
Puppies are usually ready for adult food from around nine to 18 months, depending on their breed. Smaller breeds will be ready for adult food before larger breeds, as the latter need more time to grow to their full breed size. Key signs to look out for include:
- Low energy: puppies are incredibly hyperactive as they try to burn masses of energy. As they age, these energy levels will lower, which could be an indicator that they are ready for an adult diet.
- Reduced appetite: if your puppy is leaving more food in their bowl, the calorie-dense recipe may now be too rich.
- They’ve reached their optimal growth: when puppies reach 80% of their expected adult weight, they may no longer need their puppy food.
Although these are signs that puppies are ready for adult food, it could something more, especially if you don’t think your puppy is ready for adult food yet. Always consult with a vet or a canine wellbeing specialist to rule any health conditions out.
How Do I Transition My Puppy to Adult Food?
When looking to transition your pup to adult dog food, you should start with a mix of 75% puppy food and 25% adult food, moving to a 50/50 split, and then 75% adult food and 25% puppy food.
Puppies should be closely monitored during this process, as they may experience gastrointestinal upset. If your puppy begins to vomit or has diarrhoea, slow down the transition process; get them checked by a vet if the issues continue.
No matter whether you’re transitioning to raw, wet or dry dog food, the transitional period should still remain the same. However, you may find the move over to raw much easier, as it can improve digestion.
You can find out more about feeding a puppy raw, wet and dry food in our advice centre.
How Long Does It Take to Transition a Puppy to Adult Food?
Usually, the transition period takes around 7-14 days to fully complete. Try not to rush the process, as this can cause gastrointestinal upset.
Most puppies will eat anything in sight, so making sure you take the time to get them used to their new food is more for their digestive system than anything else. If your puppy is picky, this transitional period gives them more time to get used to the new taste, smell and texture.
To encourage your puppy to eat their new food during these two weeks, consider tasty toppers, such as boiled plain chicken or salmon oil to entice them.
Dog Food Brands Perfect for Transitioning
At Fetch, we recommend the following brands to help your dog transition efficiently from puppy food to adult dog food:
- Approved Raw: available in tasty flavours such as chicken, beef and turkey, Approved Raw boxes are made from 100% locally sourced Irish meat with a blend of minced vegetables and functional oils for a balanced diet.
- Canagan: this tinned dog food option can be tailored to puppies, adults and senior dogs alike, with unique flavours such as wild boar and herring. Canagan also includes green-lipped mussels for healthy bone and joint function.
- Nourish Rite: the Nourish Rite brand is a great all-rounder; it is a grain free option available in a wide range of different flavours, perfect for picky eaters. They even have special formulas for small and large breeds, as well as puppies and seniors. As a dry food option, it’s convenient too, but doesn’t compromise on quality.
- Alpha Spirit: cold-pressed dog food can mimic a raw food diet but can be much more convenient for pet owners. Alpha Spirit is a grain free cold pressed option that is easy to digest and chew, with all the important nutrients retained during the cooking process. They also have options for puppies, contributing to the easy transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Risks If I Switch My Puppy to Adult Food Too Soon?
Yes, feeding a puppy adult food too soon can result in stunted growth, bone and muscle problems, poor joint development and nutritional deficiencies.
How Can I Avoid Stomach Upset When Transitioning My Puppy to Adult Food?
To avoid stomach problems, gradually mix the puppy food with the adult dog food over a period of time, gradually decreasing the amount of puppy food until your dog is on a complete adult diet.
Can I Give My Puppy Adult Dog Food If I Run Out of Puppy Food?
You can feed your puppy adult food as a one off or for a couple of days in an emergency, but it must not be fed to them routinely.
Should I Mix Puppy Food and Adult Dog Food During the Transition Period?
Yes, mixing is encouraged to lower the chances of gastrointestinal upset. Feeding all at once can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, so it is important to get the balance right.
Do I Need to Change How Much I Feed My Dog When Switching to Adult Food?
Puppies need to eat more calories as they grow, so they need more food than adult dogs. When puppies start leaving their food, it may be a sign that they are ready for adult food. When they become adults, they won’t need as many portions of food.
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