Did you ever wake up to look at your puppy and think they’ve actually gotten bigger overnight? They really do grow up quickly!
Knowing when your dog has outgrown puppy food isn’t always easy. Veterinary nutritionists recommend that puppies transition to adult dog food when they’ve reached maturity. But how will you know when that is?
From tiny Chihuahuas and Yorkies to massive great Danes and Bernese mountain dogs, there is a huge range of mature body sizes in the dog world. Maturity can be gauged by several physical factors including body weight and height. Most dogs are considered mature when they’ve attained 80% to 90% of their predicted adult size.
Small-breed dogs usually reach a mature body size at 6 to 8 months of age, so your small puppy is probably already at their full size. Your medium dog will reach maturity around 9 to 12 months of age, so anytime now if they haven’t already. Large and giant breeds still have a bit to go. Large dogs will reach a mature size between 12 and 18 months, while giant-breed dogs may not reach full physical maturity until they’re 24 months of age. Your veterinarian can help you more closely gauge when your puppy has reached a mature size.
There really is a difference between puppy and adult dog food. Puppy food may be too rich for adult dogs, causing excessive weight gain.
When choosing an adult dog food, it’s very important to read the label, and not just for the ingredients. Take a minute to educate yourself about pet food labels at the Association for American Feed Control Official’s website.
The basic statements to look for are:
- Stage of life the food is intended for (adults or all life stages is okay)
- Complete and balanced
- Animal feeding tests using AAFCO procedures have been done (preferably) or
- The food is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO
Diets and treats that are raw or freeze-dried raw are not recommended for several reasons, including the high risk of dangerous bacterial contamination that can impact both your dog and your family.
What makes the best dog food is a controversial and ever-changing topic. In general, established national brands have the most research and the strictest quality control behind them. Check out the guidelines for choosing pet food from the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
When it comes time to transition your puppy to adult food, change to the new food gradually over a period of 7 to 14 days to avoid digestive troubles. For example, on day one, feed 90% puppy food and 10% adult dog food. On day two, give 80% puppy food and 20% adult dog food, and so on.
Watch your puppy closely during this time. If you notice loose stools, vomiting or decreased appetite, slow down the transition process. If things don’t normalize in 24 hours, call your veterinarian for help.
At shopmyvca.com, you can choose from a variety of adult dog foods for your growing dog and have it delivered to your home. Plus, if you subscribe to automatic deliveries, you won’t have to worry about running out! Contact your VCA care team to get more help creating a personalized food transition plan for your growing puppy, including recommendations for which food is a good fit.
