Signs Indicating the Need for Adult Dog Food Transition: 5 Markers to Watch For

Switching from puppy food to adult dog food isn't always straightforward, but it's an essential part of helping your furry friend grow into a healthy adult. It can also help prevent health issues such as obesity, hip dysplasia, and more. However, since every dog grows at a different pace, determining the right time to make the switch can be tricky.

To offer some guidance, we've outlined five signs that can help you decide when it's time to switch, as well as a few tips to make the transition as stress-free as possible for both you and your pup.

Is Your Puppy Ready for Adult Dog Food?

Puppies are brimming with energy and undergoing lots of rapid growth throughout their early years. That's why special diets, rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, are crucial for healthy development.

Indiscriminately switching to adult food before your puppy is fully mature could hinder their healthy development. Fortunately, guidelines for when to make the switch are typically provided, but they're usually pretty broad.

According to Alex Schechter, DVM, founding veterinarian of Burwood Veterinary Urgent Care and Wellness Center, pet parents should generally feed their puppies adult dog food "around 9-12 months of age for small to medium breeds and around 12-18 months of age for larger breeds."

However, numerous factors influence a dog's growth rate, including breed, overall health, and activity level. That means it's essential to consider each of these factors when determining the appropriate time to switch.

Puppy Food vs Adult Food

While food is food, puppy food and adult dog food couldn't be more different. Here are some key differences and what to look for in an adult dog food once your pup is ready.

Difference Between Puppy and Adult Dog Food

Puppy food formulas contain higher levels of protein, fat, and calcium to support rapid growth and development. They're also calorie-dense and designed for smaller, more frequent meals.

On the other hand, adult dog food contains lower levels of protein, fat, and calories to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. It also contains fewer vitamins and minerals, as adult dogs have completed their critical growth period.

Similarities Between Puppy and Adult Dog Food

Although puppies and adult dogs require different nutritional formulas, some constants remain. For example, a dog's breed can significantly influence their nutritional needs. So, when transitioning to adult dog food, it's vital to consider your dog's breed-specific requirements.

For instance, Hill's Science Diet Large Breed Puppy dry food provides a specialized formula to help larger breed puppies grow at a healthy pace, preventing bone strain and deformities.

Similarly, Hill's Science Diet Small Paws dry food offers smaller bite-sized kibble pieces designed to cater to the unique nutritional needs of small breed dogs at every life stage, from puppies to adults and seniors.

When to Switch to Adult Dog Food: 5 Signs It's Time

Deciding when to make the transition to adult dog food can be challenging, and there's no magic date in the calendar. However, keeping an eye out for a few tell-tale signs can give you a better idea of when your puppy might be ready for a more mature diet.

It's always wise to consult with your veterinarian before switching your puppy's food, but if you notice the signs below, it might be worth scheduling a discussion with your vet.

Your puppy has stopped growing: Once you know when your puppy should stop growing based on breed size estimates, stay alert for signs that confirm their growth is slowing or has come to a halt. Observing that your puppy has grown into those adorable oversized paws and gangly legs is a good start, but confirming that their growth period has ended is essential.
Your puppy is gaining weight: As puppies approach adulthood, they no longer need the higher levels of protein, fat, and calories that puppy food provides to support rapid growth and development. At the same time, their energy levels start to decrease, resulting in excess weight gain. Be sure to confirm with your vet that what you're noticing is indeed extra weight and not normal, healthy puppy growth.
Your puppy's growth plates are closing: The growth plates in a puppy's longer bones are made of soft cartilage that gradually hardens and turns into calcified bone as the puppy matures. While changes can only truly be seen on X-rays, some pet parents may notice differences if they run their hands down their dogs' rib cages. If your puppy's rib cage feels smooth and uninterrupted, they may have reached maturity.
Your puppy isn't as hungry: If your puppy is leaving food in their bowl, they may be ready to make the switch to adult food. Your dog's energy levels also tend to decrease as they mature, which means they might not be as ravenous as they once were.
Your puppy is experiencing stomach upset: "Diarrhea, vomiting, or other gastrointestinal issues can all indicate it's time to switch your dog's food from puppy food to adult food," says Schechter. This could be due to higher levels of fat or protein your dog's body no longer needs. However, digestive issues like diarrhea can be caused by many things, so it's always best to consult your veterinarian.

How to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food

When you and your veterinarian determine it's time to transition your puppy to adult dog food, it's important to do so gradually to give your dog's digestive system time to adjust.

Here's a simpler schedule to follow for a week-long transition:

Days 1-2: Mix 75% puppy food with 25% adult food.
Days 3-4: Mix 50% puppy food with 50% adult food.
Day 5-6: Mix 25% puppy food with 75% adult food.
Day 7: Feed 100% adult food.

While many pet parents choose to stick with the same brand of adult dog food as the puppy food they've been using, there's no rule against trying out a new brand if you prefer. Just be sure to select a complete and balanced adult dog food formula that meets your dog's unique needs, like Hill's Science Diet Dog Food.

If your dog doesn't want to eat their new adult diet or experiences any signs of gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea, consult your veterinarian to see if you need to try a different formula or extend the transition period. It's also a good idea to ensure that all family members are aware of the change in food and that only one person is in control of feedings to avoid confusion.

As your puppy matures and approaches adulthood, it's important to consider transitioning to adult dog food that contains lower levels of protein, fat, and calories, as opposed to the high-nutrient, calorie-dense puppy food.
To maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity in your adult dog, opt for a health-and-wellness centered diet that focuses on fitness-and-exercise and nutrition, in addition to the right adult dog food.