Transitioning from Puppy Food to Adult Food



Posted: Saturday, January 30, 2010

by Luke Blaise

Many new dog owners wonder when to transition from puppy food to adult food.  And it seems like everyone has their own opinion on when to switch over to adult dog food, so it can be confusing.  But here are some guidelines to help you make the decision for yourself. 

Age and Breed

When to switch from puppy food to adult food depends mostly on your dog's age and breed.  Generally between  9 to 12 months of age is when most people with stop puppy food, but it can be don even earlier if you have a large breed dog like a Great Dane.

Also by seven months of age, most dogs have their complete set of adult teeth.  This means that they can chew the harder adult diet.

What to Feed

Its best to feed a dry food, as canned foods don't do a good job of preventing tartar buildup.  Also canned dog foods tend to be higher in sugar and much lower in fiber then dry products.  You can give canned diets as a treat, but don't do it all the time.

How to Change Diets

Always switch diets slowly to prevent upset stomachs and loose stool.  Gradually mix the new diet in with the old diet, gradually increasing the amount of new diet over 7 days.

So remember when switching from puppy food to adult food, consider your dog's age and breed.  But the most important thing is to take the transitioning period slow so you don't upset the puppy's digestive tract.

Dog food ratings can be found at http://www.topdogfoods.org

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