How and when to switch a puppy to dog food

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Written by Dr Andrew Miller MRCVSDr Andrew Miller MRCVS is an expert veterinary working in the field for over 10 years after graduating from Bristol University. Andy fact checks and writes for Pure Pet Food while also working as a full time veterinarian. Pure Pet FoodPure Pet Food are the experts in healthy dog food and healthy dogs featured in media outlets such as BBC, Good Housekeeping and The Telegraph. Working with high profile veterinary professionals and nutritionists, Pure Pet Food are changing dog food for the better. - Our editorial process

We know that lots of pet owners want to know when to switch a dog from puppy food, as it’s one of the most frequently asked questions about dog food. No matter how old your dog is, it’s crucial to feed them healthy, nutritious food that helps them thrive.

Here, we explain what you need to know about transitioning your dog from puppy food to adult food and introduce you to the benefits of customising your pup’s meal plan.

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 When to switch puppy to dog food?

Most vets recommend changing your pup’s diet when they’re between one and two years old. The age of transition depends on the breed of dog, with bigger breeds typically making the switch later than smaller breeds. But crucially, transitioning from puppy food to adult food doesn’t necessitate changing your dog’s food.

Rather, it’s more likely to involve changing the amount that you feed them, as well as how often you provide them with a meal. You can use our handy feeding guide to calculate how much to feed your dog, depending on their weight, age, activity level, and condition.

 How to switch from puppy food to dog food?

Any changes that you make to your dog’s diet are likely to take a little bit of time. The transition from a puppy to an adult diet can be a lot for your dog to get used to, particularly if you’re making the switch from kibble to healthy and nutritious food for the first time.

We suggest taking your time and introducing the switch over a period of seven days, as it’s unreasonable to expect your dog to change their feeding habits overnight. Sudden changes in your dog’s diet can lead to stomach issues and may even put them off their food altogether.

When it’s time to make the change, consistency is key. Make sure you feed your dog at their regular dinner time and implement any changes gradually. This is particularly important if you’re adding a new type of food to your dog’s diet. The key thing to remember is that all dogs are different, and some will take longer to adjust to the changes than others. As such, you need to be patient with your pooch and recognise that it’s something that is likely to take a little bit of time.

At Pure Pet Food, we recognise that every dog has unique dietary requirements. You tell us their age and breed and answer various simple questions relating to their lifestyle and general health.

We then calculate the ideal number of calories for your pooch to eat each day and provide you with nutritious recipes to choose from. It’s the ideal solution when you’re planning to transition your dog from puppy to adult food and ensure your pooch is getting all of the nutrients they need to thrive.

Given that the transition from puppy food to adult food can be stressful for dogs and owners, we handle the swap over for you when you make the switch to Pure. We ensure that you can follow an appropriate feeding guide and take you through the steps required to ensure your puppy can transition to adult food without significant issues. After all, it’s a big change in your pet’s life, which is why we’re with you every step of the way.

Get started today to ensure you’re feeding your dog the right amount of nutritious food to help them live their best life.