Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

Puppies usually eat their own special food. Commercial dog food products typically have separate adult and puppy kibble. But is this necessary? Can a puppy eat adult dog food? And how soon can they do that?

The uncomplicated answer to this is that no, puppies cannot eat food formulated for adult dogs. Why? Well, it’s mainly because puppies have different nutritional needs as well as more sensitive, underdeveloped stomachs. As such, puppies must eat food made for their age.

So, when is it okay for puppies to begin eating food made for adult dogs? Generally, the transition process begins when they have reached the size of maturity for their respective breed.

However, taking the change slowly is extremely crucial. Rushing it can lead to insufficient development for a puppy’s teeth, organs, bones, and more. This growth may take a while, but it’s what will serve as the foundational growth for all of their lives.

You should feed your puppy food that is balanced and complete, meeting food formulated for the growth phase of the canine life. Food for the maintenance phase of life should only be consumed once they reach adulthood. However, certain foods are formulated for both of these phases and for all ages, and these foods can be consumed by puppies safely.

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