How to Safely Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Dog Food

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By Puppy Fashionista
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Would Between 12 to 18 months, you’ll want to switch your dog from puppy food to adult dog food. This can also be done if your dog is growing too quickly (common among German Shepherds) or if he is putting on too much weight. Changing food quickly can cause upset stomachs and other problems, so read below on how to safely switch him from puppy food to adult dog food.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Choose a new dog food. It is easier for dogs to digest if you keep it within the same brand and same meat protein as the puppy food, but this is not always necessary. Look for a brand that includes all of the recommended daily nutrition for your dog’s breed and size. Also look for ones that are low in salt and other preservatives and does not contain high amounts of fillers such as corn or animal fur.
Step 2

Sprinkle a few kibbles of the adult dog food on top of the puppy food for the first two days.
Step 3

Mix one part of the new food with three parts puppy food for the next three days.
Step 4

Mix the two half and half for one week. Remember to mix thoroughly as the puppy food has more fat in it and thus tastes better to your little one.
Step 5

Mix one part puppy food to three parts adult dog food for the next few days.
Step 6

Start giving your dog unmixed adult food after about two weeks of mixing the two.
Step 7

Look for signs of excessive peeing, new odors, large stools, always hungry, and fur loss.

Excessive peeing or drinking is usually a sign that the food is too acidic which causes crystals to form. Dogs drink lots of water to help the crystals pass, but it can cause blood in the urine and internal damage if left unchecked. This is normally caused by them eating cat food but can also show up after eating some dog foods as well.

Excessive odors from gas and/or stools are generally caused because of an allergic reaction, too many fillers, or foods being changed too quickly.

If your dog is constantly hungry, it can mean there are too many fillers and the food passes through him too quickly so he must eat more for energy. He will have large stools in this case. It can also mean that he is not getting enough food. Puppy food contains more filling fat and up to 40% more calories per serving when compared to adult food. Gradually increase his serving size to see if this is the case.

Loss of fur can mean allergic reaction to dog food, something in the environment, or stress.

Contact your vet in case of fur loss, allergic reactions, or excessive urination. She may ask you to bring in a stool and/or urine samples. Both tests are inexpensive and can foresee other problems.

How to Safely Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Dog Food

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