L’food is a key factor in the health and well-being of our four-legged friends. The choice of croquettes, the quantities adapted to theage and to the breed of the’animal, the frequency of meal…all these questions arise when you have responsibility for a dog. Among them, one particularly stands out: when should we move to a adult dog food ? In this article, we’ll help you determine the best time to make this essential change in yourfeeding your dog.
Understanding Your Dog’s Nutritional Needs
All the dogs are not equal when it comes to food. Their nutritional needs differ depending on theage, of the breed, activity level and health status.
A puppy in full growth needs more calories and specific nutrients to grow properly. THE kibble for puppies are generally rich in proteins, fats and minerals essential for bone growth.
On the contrary, a adult dog needs a balanced diet, but less rich to avoid the risk of becoming overweight. THE kibble for adult dogs are designed to meet these specific needs.
Identifying the right time to switch to adult dog food
The transition of a puppy food to one adult dog food doesn’t happen overnight. It is a process that must be planned and adapted according to the individual characteristics of your animal.
In general, the transition to a adult dog food happens when your dog reached its adulthood. But when is it exactly?
It all depends on the breed of your dog. For the small breed dogs, adulthood is generally reached around 9 to 12 months of age. For the medium breed dogs, it’s more like around 12 to 15 months. THE large breed dogs, for their part, can be considered adults from 18 months to 2 years old.
Adopting the right method to transition to adult dog food
Once you have identified the right time to move on to a adult dog food, it is important to proceed in stages so as not to disturb the digestive system of your animal.
Start by mixing the kibble for puppies and the kibble for adult dogs in the same bowl. Gradually increase the share of kibble for adult dogs while reducing that of puppy kibble. This transition should ideally take place over a period of 7 to 10 days.
Take into account the specificities of each dog
He However, it should be kept in mind that each dog is different. Some dogs have specific needs in terms offood, because of their breed, of their health or their activity level.
For example, the sterilized dogs tend to gain weight more easily. They therefore require a adult dog food specially formulated to control their weight.
Likewise, the dogs of certain breeds may require a specific diet even in adulthood. It is therefore always recommended to consult your veterinarian before changing thefeeding your dog.
Decide when to switch to food for adult dogs is an essential step in your companion’s life. In adopting best practices and taking into account the specificities of your animal, you will contribute to its good health and their well-being throughout their adult life.
A age-appropriate food and to the breed of your dog is a guarantee of longevity and quality of life. So don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian for advice to make the best choice for your four-legged friend.
*Updated 20 July 2024