Puppy, adult and senior: all three stages are important times during your dog’s development when it’s appropriate to ask your veterinarian or canine nutritionist about your dog’s diet.
During the puppy stage, it is important to provide “growth” foods that have higher levels of protein and calories to meet the developmental needs of your pup. However, once your puppy reaches six to 12 months old, their needs change. This is usually the time when your puppy is nearing their adult height and can make the transition to adult food. Additionally, spaying or neutering often occurs around this age, which reduces the dog’s need for increased energy. Therefore, switching from puppy to adult dog food is recommended.
The timing of switching to adult food depends on the maturity of the dog, which varies among different breeds. Smaller breeds tend to mature faster than larger breeds. Dogs weighing up to 14kgs usually mature around 10 to 12 months of age. Some toy breeds can even mature as early as seven to nine months old. Medium breeds, up to 20kgs, typically mature between 12 to 16 months. Large breeds can mature at 12, 13, or even 14 months old. Giant breed dogs, weighing over 40kgs, may take up to two years to reach full maturity. Your vet or a canine nutritionist can advise the best time to start feeding adult food based on your dog’s specific needs.
It is important to switch from puppy to adult food once they their bodies have matured as obesity is the most common nutrition-based issue for dogs. Puppy food can also cause orthopaedic problems in older dogs. Therefore, it is recommended to serve your dog high-quality food formulated for adult maintenance.
Growing puppies with higher metabolism and energy needs, so typically eat three times a day. However, when switching to adult food, not only are you reducing the protein-dense, calorie-rich food, you are also reducing the number of meals. It can be beneficial to feed two half-portions of adult food when your dog is over a year old, particularly if they are used to multiple meals per day.
When determining portion sizes, it is important to observe your dog’s body condition rather than focusing solely on the amount of food in the bowl. The nutritional needs of your dog are influenced by their individual metabolism and body type, not a predetermined amount of adult food. If your dog starts skipping meals or shows less interest in food, it may indicate that they are ready to switch from a puppy to an adult diet. The higher calorie content in puppy food may make them feel full with a decreased need to eat. If you have already switched to an adult formula, it could mean that your dog requires fewer servings per day or less food at each meal.
To ensure a successful transition, it is recommended to switch the food gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the adult food with your dog’s puppy food and gradually increase the proportion of adult food over the course of a week or two, while decreasing the amount of puppy food. By the end of the transition period, your dog should be solely consuming adult food. This gradual transition minimizes the likelihood of any gastrointestinal issues.
Cobber has a feed for every life stage, making the transition from puppy to adult that little bit easier. Every Cobber product has a curated balance of vitamins and minerals, functional fibres and a postbiotic. Made with Aussie meat, Cobbers’ distinctive formulas target a healthy balance of gut bacteria to support digestion, nutrient absorption and immune function. This means that each product has been formulated for dogs to get the most out of their feed and lead happy, healthy lives.