When to transition your puppy to adult dog food

Understanding your puppy’s nutritional needs

Before we cover when to switch to adult dog food, let’s explore why it matters. Puppies and adult dogs have different nutritional requirements, so it’s vital to give them grub that meets their needs. Some differences are visible, such as puppy kibble being smaller to make it easier for them to chew. However, most of the variations are in the food’s nutrient content.

For example, puppy food is generally more calorific than adult dog food. This is to ensure young pups obtain enough energy to support their growth and development. Knowing when to switch to adult dog food is therefore important to prevent your pooch from becoming overweight. Conversely, if you feed a puppy adult dog food too soon, they might suffer from nutritional deficiencies and growth problems.

In particular, puppies need to get a higher percentage of their calories from protein and fat compared to adult mutts. One reason for this is that amino acids are crucial for muscle and organ growth. Meals designed for puppies also contain more calcium and phosphorus, to support the development of strong and healthy bones.(1) Finally, puppy food is normally richer in omega-3 fatty acids, as these are key for skin, brain, and eye health.(2)

Signs your puppy is ready for adult food

The simple answer to when to switch to adult dog food is the age your pup reaches maturity. But how do you know when that is? Depending on the breed of your pooch, it’s likely to be between 12 and 24 months old. Smaller breeds normally reach adulthood more quickly than larger breeds, and you should spot both physical and behavioural changes that indicate they’re ready for adult dog food.

In terms of physical development, you’ll notice that your puppy gets bigger and loses their baby teeth. Their body will grow more defined as they lose their puppy fat, while their fur becomes thicker and coarser. In addition, puppies usually have a larger head and paws relative to the size of their body compared to adults.

When it comes to changes in behaviour, you’ll probably find that your pup sleeps less as they get older. Likewise, their energy levels should start to plateau – though adult dogs may still get the zoomies! If you have a very active mutt, they might need to stay on puppy food for longer to support this. Grown-up pooches usually demonstrate more emotional maturity too. For example, they’re better at listening and obeying commands, less easily distracted, and less likely to chew up your furniture!

Of course, every pup is unique, so if you’re unsure whether yours has reached adulthood, we recommend consulting a vet.

Breed and size considerations when switching from puppy to adult food

Two of the main factors that dictate when to switch to adult dog food are your pet’s breed and size. Smaller breeds mature faster, so are usually ready to make the change earlier than larger dogs. Here's an overview of how long to feed puppy food to your dog based on their breed.

Small breeds

Toy and small breeds of dog, like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians, normally reach adult size at 10-12 months. As such, you should think about changing to adult dog food when they’re between 9 months and a year old.

Medium breeds

Medium-sized dogs, like Border Collies and Shiba Inus, usually reach adult size at 12-15 months. You should therefore consider swapping to adult dog food when they’re 12-14 months old.

Large breeds

Large dogs, like Alaskan Malamutes and Labradors, tend to reach adult size at 14-18 months. This is when to switch to adult dog food for these breeds.

Giant breeds

Giant breeds of dog, like Saint Bernards and Irish Wolfhounds, generally reach adult size at 18-24 months. They need to stay on puppy food until this time to support their extended growth period.

When to switch to adult dog food: breed size guide

How to switch your puppy to adult dog food

Equally important as knowing when to switch to adult dog food is understanding how to do so smoothly. It’s best to make the transition slowly and gradually, as this helps to avoid digestive upsets like vomiting and diarrhoea. Here’s a sample plan that you and your pup might want to follow:

• Day One – feed your pet a mix of 10% adult dog food and 90% puppy food

• Day Two – change to 20% adult food and 80% puppy food

• Day Three – 30% adult food and 70% puppy food

• Day Four – 40% adult food and 60% puppy food

• Day Five – serve an equal split of adult dog food and puppy food

• Day Six – 60% adult food and 40% puppy food

• Day Seven – 70% adult food and 30% puppy food

• Day Eight – 80% adult food and 20% puppy food

• Day Nine – 90% adult food and 10% puppy food

• Day Ten – only serve your pup the adult dog food

If at any point in the process your pet experiences tummy troubles, stop giving them the adult dog food and take them to the vet.

It’s important to keep a consistent feeding schedule when switching from puppy food to adult dog food. This minimises the chance of your pooch experiencing stomach upset or stress from too much change at once.

Common mistakes to avoid when changing from puppy to adult dog food

The following things are common errors you want to avoid regarding how and when to switch to adult dog food. Steering clear of them should help make the transition a breeze for both you and your pup.

Switching foods overnight

A rapid change in chow can cause gastrointestinal issues in our canine companions, like diarrhoea, gas, and vomiting. It might also put them off eating altogether. Instead, it’s advisable to switch their grub gradually by mixing the puppy and adult dog foods together. Try slowly increasing the proportion of adult dog food until that’s all they’re tucking into.

Transitioning to adult food too early

If you stop feeding your dog puppy food too early, they are at risk of nutritional deficiencies and growth abnormalities. This could mean they don’t reach their full adult size, or they have a higher chance of developing health concerns. That includes issues with their eyes, cognitive functions, joints, and bones.

Transitioning to adult food too late

If you start feeding your dog adult food too late, they may be at greater risk of becoming overweight. That’s because puppy food is more calorific and contains more fat. Obesity also increases the chances of a host of associated conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and respiratory problems.

Not adjusting portion sizes

As your pup grows, you need to alter the amount of food you give them. The exact quantity they should be eating will vary according to factors like their size, breed, and activity levels. If you’re not sure how much to feed your dog, check with a vet for personalised advice.

Ignoring the needs of your dog’s breed

Your pup’s breed has a big impact on when to switch to adult dog food. Not taking this into account could cause health problems for your pet. You should also consider the breed of your pooch when choosing which type of puppy food to give them. For example, large and giant dog breeds should consume less fat, calcium and phosphorus than small and medium-sized pups. This is to moderate their growth rate and reduce the risk of developmental orthopaedic diseases.(3)

Changing too much at once

Our furry friends like routine and consistency. As such, altering too many things at once can be a stressful experience for your pup. Varying their diet in more ways than one at the same time may also increase the likelihood of tummy troubles. Are you considering adjusting the number of times a day you feed your pooch once they’re grown up? Allow them to get accustomed to the adult dog food before switching up their feeding schedule.

Can I feed my puppy adult dog food earlier or later than recommended?

No – feeding a puppy adult dog food, or an adult dog puppy food, is not advised. As mentioned above, it can increase the risk of several harmful health conditions. This is why it’s important to know when to switch to adult dog food and stick to that recommendation.

Don’t worry if your puppy eats adult food once or twice before they’re fully grown. It’s not toxic to them, it just doesn’t meet their nutritional needs. And the same applies to mature mutts who accidentally have puppy food. However, if your pet exclusively eats the wrong type of food, then it’s likely to be detrimental to their wellbeing. As such, if you’re in any doubt about when to switch to adult dog food, consult a vet.

Smoothing the transition from puppy to adult dog food

At Boosie, we offer a range of functional foods that help maintain your pet’s health as they reach adulthood. Adding them to your pup’s meals could make the change from puppy food to adult dog food extra beneficial. We’ve designed them to fill nutritional gaps sometimes left by commercial dog food and support your furry friend’s wellbeing. For example, Jerusalem artichoke powder aids digestive health, while sea buckthorn oil cares for their eyes, skin and coat. With the right nutrition, switching to adult dog food is an opportunity to support your pet’s health as they grow.

Final thoughts on when to switch to adult dog food

We hope this post has given you a better idea of how and when to switch to adult dog food. Timing the transition right is key to ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy as they reach maturity. If you have any questions about making the change, be sure to consult your vet.

Frequently asked questions

When should I stop feeding my puppy puppy food?

You should stop feeding your puppy puppy food and switch to adult dog food when they reach maturity. This is usually between 9-24 months old, depending on your pet’s breed.

How do I know it’s the right time to switch my puppy to adult dog food?

The right time to switch your puppy to adult dog food is when they reach maturity and are roughly 80% of their adult weight. This will be earlier for small breeds than larger ones. You should notice both physical and behavioural changes that indicate they’re reaching adulthood.

Should I switch to adult dog food all at once or gradually?

You should switch from puppy food to adult dog food gradually. Changing your pet’s diet too quickly can cause digestive troubles like diarrhoea, flatulence, and vomiting.

What if my puppy doesn't like adult dog food?

If your puppy doesn’t like adult dog food but should be eating it, try transitioning them to it more slowly. You might also want to buy a different flavour/brand, warm the food up slightly, or add extra ingredients. If the problem persists, consult a vet.

Can I keep feeding my dog puppy food after they’re grown up?

No, you should not feed an adult dog puppy food. It increases the risk of obesity and associated health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.

Does spaying/neutering affect when to switch to adult dog food?

If your pet is spayed or neutered, it may mean they require fewer calories because they have a reduced metabolism. As puppy food is more calorific, you might want to transition spayed and neutered dogs to adult food sooner. However, it’s best to confirm this with a vet.