Puppies don’t become adults overnight; their transition takes time, and this doesn’t just apply to their behaviour. When feeding a puppy, they will need to transition out of puppy food over a few months to avoid digestive upset and nutritional deficiencies.
Our guide will explore when it is the right time to feed your puppy adult food, and the dangers of feeding them the wrong food too soon. We will also explore the best dog food brands here at Fetch, helping you set your puppy on the right track.
- Can I Feed Adult Dog Food to Puppies?
Discover whether adult dog food is a good idea for puppies
- When Can a Puppy Eat Adult Food?
Steady transition is key when moving from puppy food to adult food
- How Do I Transition My Puppy from Puppy Food to Adult Food?
Here’s how to ensure the transition from puppy food to adult food is as smooth as possible
- What Dog Food Brands Provide a Good Transition from Puppy to Adult Food?
We recommend these brands
- Frequently Asked Questions
We answer some common queries
Can I Feed Adult Dog Food to Puppies?
No, you should not feed adult food to puppies, as it lacks the relevant nutrients they need to support their rapid growth and development. Puppies need specialised puppy food until they are between nine and 18 months, depending on breed size. Issues associated with feeding adult dog food to a puppy for prolonged periods of time include:
- Nutrient deficiencies: puppy food contains higher protein and fat levels to support muscle and bone growth. Without these high nutrient numbers, puppies will lack energy, and may develop health issues such as malnutrition and weak muscles.
- Bone defects and brittleness: puppy food includes higher levels of calcium and phosphorus than adult food to support your puppy’s little bones.
- Digestive upset: puppies have sensitive stomachs in general, so feeding them food that doesn’t support them can give them problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting.
Thinking of getting a puppy? Put them on the right track from the get-go and choose from our range of puppy food options.
When Can a Puppy Eat Adult Food?
Puppies can usually transition to an adult diet from the ages of nine to 18 months, but this can depend on their breed.
- Small breeds (Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, etc.) can usually transition between nine and ten months.
- Medium breeds (border collies, Staffordshire bull terriers, etc.) usually transition to adult food when they are about a year old.
- Large breeds (Dobermans, Great Danes, etc.) should stop eating their puppy food at around one year to 18 months old.
If you’re unsure, book your puppy in for a wellbeing consultation with a canine nutritionist, who can craft the perfect diet based on their needs, and ensure they transition at just the right time.
How Do I Transition My Puppy from Puppy Food to Adult Food?
The transition from puppy food to adult dog food should happen gradually, usually over 7-14 days. Start with a 75% puppy mix and 25% adult food mix, gradually increasing until their diet is 100% adult dog food. Keep an eye out for digestive upset, and slow down the process if needed.
If you are moving from raw to raw, wet to wet or dry to dry, this transition process may be quicker, as your puppy is already used to the density of the food. However, you should still stick to the 7–14-day window to avoid digestive issues.
You may find that your puppy is a little fussy, especially if they are used to a particular type of food. Leave the food out for around 30 minutes, and you may find that they will eventually start to eat. If not, try adding tasty toppers like plain boiled chicken to encourage them.
What Dog Food Brands Provide a Good Transition from Puppy to Adult Food?
At Fetch, we recommend the following brands for a smooth transition and a happy, healthy life for your pooch:
- Nourish Rite: a grain-free dry food option packed with high levels of protein, vitamins and minerals, Nourish Rite provides both puppy and adult formulas, allowing you to stick to a reliable brand from the very beginning. Nourish Rite also have large breed puppy food and small breed puppy formulas for extra tailoring.
- Ydolo: available as either cold-pressed food or wet dog food, Ydolo contains 75% meat, 25% fruits, vegetables and supplements, and is 100% natural. The semi-moist consistency of Ydolo is perfect for picky eaters, which should hopefully make the transition period much easier.
- Carnilove: a wet dog food option, Carnilove puppy food presents a high meat content in either pouch or tin form, free from unnecessary fillers. The adult Carnilove option allows your puppy to transition over easily; both are packed full of novel proteins, perfect for sensitive stomachs.
- Naked Pup/Naked Dog: the “Naked” dog food range provides your puppy and adult dog with a raw meal, with up to 90% meat and 10% vegetables. It mimics your pup’s ancestral diet with easily digestible meat, rich in vitamins and minerals that improve cognitive function and support bones and joints.
You can view our full collection of puppy and adult food on our website here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Signs That My Puppy is Ready for Adult Food?
Common signs include:
- Smaller appetite
- Calmer demeanour (not chewing many things, not as hyper), however, this is individual to each dog
- Slower growth rate
- They’ve reached 80% of their adult size
What Can Happen if I Give My Puppy Adult Food?
Adult dog food is not toxic to puppies, but it can cause growth defects and nutritional deficiencies, especially if your puppy isn’t getting the protein intake that they need.
What Nutrients Do Puppies Need That Aren’t in Adult Dog Food?
Puppies require high levels of protein and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These supplements might be found in adult food, but not in amounts high enough to support a puppy.
Will Accidentally Feeding My Puppy Adult Food Once Hurt Them?
No, feeding your puppy adult dog food once won’t give them any long-lasting issues, but they may have an upset tummy, so expect to see vomiting or diarrhoea. Constantly feeding your puppy adult food will stunt their growth and cause issues.
Can I Mix Puppy Food with Adult Food During Transitioning?
Yes, it is recommended that you mix puppy food with adult dog food during the transitioning process. Start small, with around 75% puppy food and 25% adult food, then keep adding more adult food until it is the only food in their meals.