When Should Puppies Be Fed Adult Food?

All puppies must eventually stop eating puppy food and graduate to adult food. Here’s how to know when to do so.

For Small to Medium Breeds

Dogs of these breeds typically hit adulthood at around the age of 12 months or a year. Toy breeds may even be called adults by the age of 9 months. As a general guideline, small to medium breeds weigh a maximum of 50 pounds once they hit a mature age.

For Large to Giant Breeds

Dogs of these breeds usually hit adulthood between the ages of 18 to 24 months, with the very largest taking the full two years. It’s not a good idea to use weight as an idea of adulthood in these breeds as the average weight between them can vary significantly.

Talk to the source of the dog – whether a shelter, breeder, rescue, or other source – about your dog’s breed background, and also ask advice from a vet about when to switch to adult food.

Why and How Should You Change Food?

Growing puppies require additional calories and nutrients in order to grow up well, and their foods are often packed with fat and protein, as well as lots of calories. An adult dog who eats puppy food will likely wind up gaining weight to much weight.

To switch the food, start with slow transitions. It should take between seven to ten days to successfully move your dog from a puppy diet to an adult one by mixing the new food in with the old in gradually increase increments.

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