Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

If you just brought home a new puppy or are thinking about getting one, you're likely flooded with excitement — and some lingering questions as you look forward to your future together. For example, you might wonder: When can I feed puppies food for adult dogs? Can puppies eat adult dog food?

While some dog foods are labeled "for all life stages," veterinarians know puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs. To create a strong foundation for a lifetime of health, it's important to feed your puppy dog food that supports their growth at this life stage. Read on to learn about puppy nutrition basics, when to switch a puppy to adult dog food, and how to choose the best food for your puppy.

Puppy Nutrition 101: Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

During the first year of life (and longer in large and giant breed dogs), puppies grow rapidly. Their bones get longer, their brain develops and they grow new coats. The purpose of nutrition while a puppy is growing into an adult dog is twofold: to support day-to-day life and rapid full-body growth. So, puppy and adult dog foods serve different purposes. Adult food supports healthy maintenance, while puppy food supports healthy maintenance and growth.

What Makes Puppy Food Different

The following factors distinguish puppy food from adult dog food:

• Increased calories

• Increased protein and fat

• Higher calcium levels to support healthy bones and teeth

• Higher DHA levels to support brain development

It's important to feed your puppy the right food while they're growing to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients in the proper amounts. While all puppies can thrive on food specially formulated for growth and development, it's even more critical for large breed puppies, who may require a large breed puppy food. Large breed puppies need to consume an appropriate balance of minerals, including calcium and phosphorus, to support correct skeletal growth and reduce the risk of certain joint disorders, such as hip dysplasia.

When Can I Feed Puppies Food for Adult Dogs?

Because puppy food is higher in calories and fat, feeding it to dogs who are done growing can cause unhealthy weight gain. However, there's no one-size-fits-all guide to the right time to transition from puppy food to adult dog food, so check with your vet. When to switch from puppy food depends on several factors, including breed, size, spay/neuter status and activity level.

For example, if you have a Maltese puppy who isn't very active and was neutered at 8 months, your veterinarian may recommend you switch to adult food around 9 months of age. If you have a Saint Bernard who won't be spayed until she's 18 months, your vet will likely advise you to keep her on puppy food until she's done growing, which can take 18 to 24 months.

When to Change Puppy Food to Dog Food

So, when can a puppy have adult food? Your vet is your best resource on when to switch your puppy to adult food based on their individual needs and lifestyle. Here's a general guide for when to change foods:

• Small dog breeds: Between 9 and 12 months of age.

• Medium dog breeds: Around 12 months of age.

• Large dog breeds: Between 12 and 15 months of age.

• Giant dog breeds: Around 18 months of age.

How to Switch From Puppy to Adult Dog Food

When it's time to transition your puppy to adult food, take it slow. Rapid changes can cause stomach upset in some dogs, which can manifest as nausea, vomiting, soft stool, diarrhea and poor appetite. If your dog doesn't feel well, they may reject the new food altogether. To avoid problems, transition your dog's food gradually:

• Days one and two: Feed 75% puppy food mixed with 25% adult food.

• Days three and four: Feed 50% puppy food mixed with 50% adult food.

• Days five and six: Feed 25% puppy food mixed with 75% adult food.

• Day seven and after: Feed only adult food.

Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a new food. If your puppy experiences stomach upset or loose stool with the new food, switch back to the puppy food and call your vet. Once your dog successfully transitions to adult food, you can generally reduce feeding frequency to two meals a day.

How to Choose the Best Food for Your Growing Dog

With so many pet foods on the market, it can be overwhelming to determine the best one for your dog. In general, your veterinary care staff is an excellent resource for nutrition information. Never hesitate to ask your vet for advice. They love to answer this question and will have lots of good insights to share with you!

In addition to asking your vet for their recommendation, consider several factors when choosing a food for your dog. Look for foods that:

• Are complete and balanced for your dog's life stage.

• Are manufactured by companies with a good safety record.

• Are formulated with scientists and veterinarians.

Along with these general tips, factor in your dog's age, activity level and any health concerns. Because you have so many things to consider — and so many foods to choose from — your veterinarian's expertise is invaluable when choosing the best nutrition for your dog.

Setting a Strong Foundation for Life

Feeding your puppy the appropriate amount of the right food sets the foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness. When in doubt about what food to choose or when to switch to adult food, remember your vet is there to help. They can save you time choosing so you can get back to what really matters: puppy kisses and playtime.