When to Stop Feeding Your Dog Puppy Food
Proper nutrition is an important part of caring for puppies and adult dogs. Most owners know that puppies need food specifically made to promote growth and development. However many owners struggle to determine when the time is right to switch to adult dog food. This is because there is no rule that applies to all dogs. Different dogs grow at different rates. You and your vet can estimate the best time to make the change to your puppys diet.
Feeding Puppy Food
Puppies need more calories than adult dogs to support their growth development and high energy levels. Young puppies need about twice the number of calories as adult dogs of the same size. As your puppy approaches adulthood his growth begins to slow and his caloric needs decrease. If you continue to feed puppy food once your dog stops growing it will result in weight gain. Excess weight can quickly turn into obesity which can lead to a host of health problems.
In general dogs are considered puppies until about one year of age. However different breeds age at different rates. For example many large and giant breed dogs are considered puppies until two or more years of age and will therefore need to remain on puppy food beyond age one. Conversely some small dog breeds reach adult size before the age of one. Your veterinarian is the best source of information when it comes to your dogs diet so ask for advice before making the switch to adult food.
at a slower rate. Most dogs will begin to reach a plateau around one year of age but you might notice the growth slow down as early as eight or nine months of age.
Assessing Your Dogs Weight
Be aware that weight gain does not necessarily indicate growth. If your dog is gaining weight but not getting taller or more muscular he may be getting overweight. You can address your dogs body condition at home in a few steps
Run your hands along your dogs ribcage. You should be able to feel the ribs covered by a thin layer of fat. If you
