All puppies reach adulthood at different times, but there are some general guidelines pet owners can follow when transitioning their furry friend to adult dog food.

Unfortunately, every breed and size of puppy will grow at a different pace, so there is no definitive answer as to when your specific pup should make the transition.

Transitioning your puppy to adult dog food can be a daunting task. You don’t want to do it too soon and deprive your loved pup of the additional calories, but you don’t want to wait too long either.

Keep reading as we provide some general guidelines to help you figure out when the time is right for your perfect pooch!

WHEN IS MY PUPPY CONSIDERED AN ADULT?

Puppies grow up at different stages based on their breed and size. Therefore, each pet will hit its milestones at different times. The best way to tell when your puppy is ready for adult dog food is by paying attention to their weight and age.

Most dogs will be ready to switch to adult dog food by the time they reach 12 months of age. However, smaller breeds may need to wait a bit longer before they make the transition.

As we mentioned above, each puppy is different when it comes to reaching adulthood; however, the below guide will give you a good indication of the approximate time frame when you may need to make the switch:

X-small breed (4kg): 6 months

Small breed (5 - 10 kg): 6-8 months

Medium breed (11 - 25kg): 6-8 months

Large breed (26 - 44kg): 10-12 months

Giant breed (45kg and up): 12-16 months

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TRANSITION YOUR PUPPY TO ADULT DOG FOOD?

The best way to transition your puppy to adult dog food is by slowly mixing it with their puppy food. Over the course of a week, gradually increase the amount of adult dog food while decreasing the puppy food. This will allow your puppy to get used to the new food and avoid any tummy trouble.

Below is an excellent guideline to follow:

Day one: Mix 75% puppy food and 25% adult food.

Day two: A 50-50 ratio.

Day three: Mix 75% adult food and 25% puppy food.

Day four: Switch to 100% adult food.

WHY ADULT FOOD IS IMPORTANT

Adult dog food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of your mature dog. Puppy food is higher in calories and nutrients to support their rapid growth. Once your puppy hits adulthood, it will no longer need those extra calories and nutrients. Adult dog food will help keep your pet at a healthy weight and provide them with the energy they need to live a long and happy life.

WET FOOD VS DRY FOOD

When it comes to adult dog food, there is an unlimited amount of varieties and an overwhelming amount of contradictory information regarding which is best for your pet. Ultimately, deciding which food to feed your adult dog is up to you, but you'll still have to consider what's best for your pet's dietary needs.

In one of our previous blog posts on 'Meat vs. Meal,' we explained, "They (Meal wet food) have been designed to fatten profit margins at the cost of your pets' health… yeah really ?

The PR & Marketing teams of these companies have pulled the wool over millions of Australians' eyes for decades while alienating even more millions of Australians from realizing just how incredibly healthy Meals can be."

Adult dog food is essential in keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you give them the best possible chance at a long and prosperous life.

WHAT WE WOULD RECOMMEND:

THE PET FOOD AUSTRALIA GRAIN-FREE PUPPY FOOD

Your pup deserves the very best start, which begins in its bowl. We've created the best quality grain-free puppy food to fuel developing bodies and unstoppable energy. We've brought together only the best Australian ingredients and superfood supplements to give them everything they need to grow.

Tasty chicken, delicious duck, and plenty of superfood add-ins like hemp seed oil and nutrients combine to create mouth-watering puppy food for a healthy pup. Containing compounds that are specially formulated to support their well-being from nose to tail, our puppy food works to address common health problems while providing completely balanced nourishment.

With grain-free puppy food this good, we don't need to add any nasties. Our pet food formula is hypoallergenic and nutritionally balanced to provide everything your pup needs. This formula is made with no grains, fillers, or anything artificial.

THE PET FOOD AUSTRALIA ADULT DOG FOOD

LET'S TALK ABOUT TURKEY.

Excellent health starts in the bowl. So we launched our original formula with a turkey base and made it so delicious you'll be tempted to try it yourself! Lean, green, and full of protein – turkey is the perfect base ingredient to keep your dog healthy and strong, from nose to tail.

The all-Australian protein makes our product great, but the ingredients we add make it exceptional. We've loaded our natural hypoallergenic dog food formula with superfoods that have changed the lives of thousands of dogs. With all the benefits of hemp seed oil, blueberries, spinach, and more – your pooch will be brighter, happier, and even more excited for meal times.

Our hypoallergenic dog food has changed the lives of thousands of dogs around Australia.

KANGAROO DRY FOOD

Our Australian-made dog food with kangaroo-based formula uses a powerful source of Aussie protein to keep your pup healthy, happy, and full of bounce. We've made it chicken-free for pups who can't stomach avian meats and added ocean fish from Australian seas along with green-lipped mussel and turmeric for extra flavour and nutrition.

Your furry friend will go wild for the mouth-watering taste. Free from any added nasties and full of goodness, you'll be blown away by the difference in their energy levels and health. Containing compounds that are specially formulated to support their well-being from nose to tail, our Australian-made dog food works to address common health problems while providing completely balanced nourishment.

So, to summarise a much lengthier post than what we were expecting. Depending on your pup's size, breed, and dietary requirements, you can expect to transition them anywhere from eight months up to two years onto adult dog food. The best way to transition your puppy to adult dog food is slowly, over the course of a week or two, combining the two to ensure your pet doesn't develop any tummy or allergy issues to the new food introduced.

We hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions about when to switch your pup to adult dog food, please don't hesitate to contact our team. Also, make sure you're following along on Facebook and Instagram... We mainly post animal memes that make you LOL. BUT there is also a lot of helpful content to keep your pets happy and healthy.