when do you switch when do switch from puppy dog food to adult dog food?? |
The old rule was between 9 to 12 months (when the pup has stopped growing). Vets are changing that view - esp. where big dogs are concerned but the reason being can also be applied to small dogs. Puppy food is much higher in fat (energy packed). Funny that you ask this today because I just got the newest issue of AKC Gazette yesterday in mail and brought it with me to work to read on the train: "Commerical puppy food forumuals, although balanced according to government regulations, may provide too many calories rather than correct nutitional density necessary for gradul, consistent growth. The added calories may provide energy but they also add poundage that puts undue stress on young bones, joints and tendons, especially for dogs who have a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia [referencing large breed dogs]. Bernadette Cruz, DVM, whose special interest is in senior dogs and thier health proglems, prescribes lifelong adherence to good-quality adult food for these breeds. She agrees with breeders who suggest switching from puppy formula to adult formula at 4 to 6 months of age rather than at the cusomary 1-year point." It's an interesting point. Toy dogs, while not likely to get hip dysplasia are very prone to patella luxation (in fact I was just on the phone with a vet specialist on Long Island regarding my own dog who I'm afraid may need knee surgury in order to continue doing agility and depsite my vigilance about keeping his weight and condition in check). Far too many toy breeds are obese. Perhaps, just like with children, fat puppies mean fat, arthetic adults. I'd be interested to hear what the breeders on the board suggest for their new puppy owners? |
Awesome post Yorkipower :thumbup: I switched my dogue de bordeaux over to a raw food diet, from his puppy food at 12 months of age. I will be switching Bailey over at 6 months of age. |
Higher in fat....ohmy I should have thought about that! Sully is 8 months now and I weighed him yesterday..... 9.1 pounds! His parents were small...but Sully is healthy, so who knows. We love him just the same. I JUST bought another GIANT bag of puppy food...should I take it back and exchange it for adult? |
We switched Lillie over at about a year old. She weights 10 pounds and would eat until she exploded if we let her. |
I've read that a toy breed dog finishes growing after 10 months, and at that point should be switched to adult food. I've read that larger breeds should be on puppy food at least a year.... Cheryl Field: I wish my baby would eat until she exploded...Brady is so picky...what's your secret??? |
i had been meaning to ask this question for a while just kept forgeting. i've been checking other brands of dog food b/c the one i was giving nala wasn't very good (not much of a selection in a small town) but today i finally found one that i'm going to switch her too, Natural Balance i think it's the first dog food i found that didn't have corn as one of the first three ingredients. anyways i noticed on their website that the one i chose is "safe for all stages of your dog" so i'm assuming this is ok? nala will be 6mths the 15th but i think she's already hit her growth spurt may have gained a pound or two though |
Brady's Mom, No secret. She has been eating everything in sight ever since we brought her home at 7 weeks old and 3 pounds. The vet has told us that she should loose two pounds, but she loves to eat - and my husband sneaks her treats behind my back. She will literally eat ANYTHING if we would let her - scrambled eggs, brocolli, corn, grits - She's a southern girl! |
i switched toby's food at 5 months...... teh same reasoning as above, i figured he was getting too many colories and it couldnt have been healthy, so now i use the small bite maintenance by eukanuba |
Well, Riley is 9 months old and neutered. We are supposed to switch him to the adult food, but he hates it. He only likes the puppy food. We tried other brands too. He only likes puppy! What do I do? |
Umm... I forgot that I need to switch Stewie's food.I have a 50lb bag of Nutro Puppy and a 50lb bag of Euk that I mix. Is it really necessary to switch? He's SKINNY! |
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Good thread :thumbup: thanx for the info! |
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