When should I take my dog off puppy food? - He is 18 months old?

Answer 1

biggest question is what breed? what puppy food?

We never feed our labs past 4 months puppy food as there are so many growth problems that come from growing so fast. Instead we feed regular foods. If you have a large breed stay away from the large breed foods they are a bad selling point that food companies have come up with.

Answer 2

Well I just got a puppy about 6 months ago and the same thing happened the dogs both didn't know or care that the food was different. So then I thought about it both dog foods are near the best in the world both have very similar ingredients and protein levels and some food don't even make a puppy food it is for all dog ages. So I gave in and this is what has happened both dogs eat one food till the bowel is empty and then the next day the other food is eaten. I fill the first bowel again and then they eat it so every other day they switch foods. I free feed so this my not work with your breed but basically what I am saying is just put both dogs on one high quality food and your pup will grow up fine.

Answer 3

If he's a big dog, over 80 lbs. or so, now is good. If he is a small dog, you should have done it at about 10 months old. The bigger the dog the slower it matures. But 18 months is a good time for any sized dog to be on adult food. The higher amount of protein in puppy food can cause problems.

Answer 4

12-16 months ago! I usually only feed puppy food for the first month or so, and then watch for structural problems while I feed it. Puppy food is generally not necessary (although a good sales tactic) and is to 'hot' for many puppies. I suppose it does vary somewhat by breed, but that has been my experience.


I can't believe how many people ask their Vet for advice about food. Vets in general know very little about nutrition. Vet schools only nutrition 'class' is a seminar in the first year given by a dog food company, usually Science Diet. Might as well ask your mechanic.

Answer 5

Most dog food labels suggest Puppy food be given for the first year. It is best to ask your vet based on your dog's needs. Not everyone here will have YOUR type of dog or any where near the same as body and health etc.
A good way to cross over to adult foods what ever kind you use, is to mix puppy food with the adult food and allow the puppies body to adjust from one to the other, not just stopping puppy food 'cold turkey'.
This is a good rule of thumb when switching any dog's or pets diet.
Add ONE PART (( LIKE ONE CUP )) of OLD DOG DIET to ONE PART (( LIKE ONE CUP )) NEW DOG DIET.
Life’s Abundance Premium Health Food for Dogs is a great dog food to shift over too!

Answer 6

You have to ween them off puppy food. This what you do you mix the dog food and the puppy food together for about a mouth.Do it when they are a year. But is you want to keep him on the puppy food it's ok. My best friend still feeds her dog it and tjhey are 2 now.

Answer 7

Yes Dogs after 12 months should be fed regular dog food they no longer need puppy food.

Answer 8

If it is a small or medium breed dog, he should already be off of puppy food. However, large and giant breeds still grow and gain weight well into their second and even third year, meaning they should still be fed the puppy food.

Answer 9

You must remember this ......
Processed dog food is fast food for your dog !
It was designed to make our lives easier, not better for our dogs.
To put it into context, how would you like to be fed the same Wendys happy meal everyday ?
No matter how natural the label says it is.
Processed dog foods lack the absorb-able vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
The best diet you can feed your dog is raw food diet.
Raw chicken wings( bone and all ) and hamburger ( for puppies )
Raw chicken legs for older dogs. ( Never cooked bones of any type ) Lots beef organs like raw heart, liver etc. Also include lots of fresh veggies like carrots, broccoli etc.

Answer 10

We have a lab/rotti mix and our vet told us to wait a year. I would check with your vet and at the same time, when you do decide to switch, be sure to mix it in gradually with the puppy food so that you don't create a sudden diet change that will upset the dog's stomach, ease into it and you should be all set!