Making the transition from puppy food to adult formula for your dog doesn't have to be a daunting task! This guide will explain the most important things to consider when transitioning, what kinds of foods are best for those different age stages and how you can make the switch easier on your pup.

How Long to Feed Puppy Food & When to Switch to Adult Dog Food

You should feed puppy food until your puppy reaches maturity. Once he has reached maturity, you can switch to adult dog food.
Not all breeds reach maturity at the same age, however, so this can make it harder to know when to switch. Small paws deserve the best start and Man’s Best Puppy Lamb has been carefully developed with natural ingredients and single protein lamb with added bovine colostrum to support a healthy immune system, muscle & bone development and a healthy skin & coat.

Evaluate Your Dog’s Growth and Weight.

When deciding when the best time to switch your pup’s food, it’s important to take their growth and weight into consideration. Puppy food is high in calories and contains added nutrients needed during this stage in life such as DHA for brain development. Adult formula, on the other hand, has reduced overall calorie content and dialed down nutrient levels that may be unnecessary for your pet. Evaluating if your dog is at a healthy weight is a great place to start when considering switching from puppy to adult food!

Consider the Type of Food You Want to Serve.

Depending upon your pet’s age, size and activity level you’ll want to evaluate the type of food you want them to eat. Puppy formulas are generally designed as kibble while adult formulas typically come in both wet and dry varieties. In general, it’s best to select foods that include a quality source of protein; such as lamb, chicken, or salmon as well as essential vitamins and minerals. When selecting an adult formula for your pup make sure to check the ingredients list and avoid foods with fillers like wheat or corn meal.

Research the Nutritional Requirements for Your Dog’s Breed or Mix.

Different breeds have different nutrient needs. Research your dog’s breed and specific dietary requirements so that you can make sure their food is supplying them with all the essential nutrition they need to stay healthy. For instance, larger breeds may require more protein whereas some small breeds could benefit from fewer calories. Evaluating the nutritional needs of your pup will help you to transition them to the proper adult formula.

Read the Labels to Make an Informed Choice.
Labels on dog food can be quite a bit of information to take in at first, but you’ll quickly learn to read them. Look for the physical and health benefits that your pup will gain from the food. If you’re trying to decide between two different brands, compare labels and choose the one that is higher in protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids, as these are all vital for your pup’s growth and development.

Transition from Puppy to Adult Formula Gradually.

It's best to make the transition from puppy food to adult formula over the course of two weeks. Start by mixing 25% of the adult formula with 75% puppy food, then 50/50, then 75/25 and finally 100% of the adult formula. Make sure to portion out your dog’s meals accordingly so as not to overload them with too much adult food. During this transition period, it is important to keep monitoring your pup’s health to ensure they are getting all the nutrition they need for their age and any other special needs. Learn more about transitioning form Man's Best Puppy to Adult formulas here.

Why Adult Dog Food is Important

When transitioning from a puppy food to an adult formula, it can typically be done once your pup reaches the age of one year and has slowed in their growth. Look for an adult dog food that is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of your pet’s breed size and life stage. Compare labels, choose one with quality ingredients, and adjust portion sizes as needed. Additionally, if you notice any change in your pup's health, speak to your veterinarian before making any dietary changes.
The time to switch from a puppy food to an adult formula will depend on the breed of your dog. It usually occurs anywhere from 8 - 16 months, though giant breeds may take up to 24 months. Delivery Hound delivers door to door dog food for  large breed dogs and puppies weekly across Sydney.  Our food is packed into sparkling clean, reusable barrels as soon as it arrives from the manufacturer. So there's zero single-use plastic and zero plastic waste in our delivery chain. And if they get too damaged to use, we recycle them. Paws up for zero plastic waste!

When you think that your pup is physically mature enough, it's important to make the switch in order to provide them with the proper nutrition they need and prevent them from becoming overweight.
As puppies grow and reach maturity, it's important to transition from puppy food to an appropriate adult formula. When deciding on the timing of this transition and how to go about it, consult your vet for their professional advice. When the time is right, make sure the adult dog food formula you choose is complete and balanced, as this will help your pup maintain a healthy body condition.

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