I have a 4 month old lab. i read that at 3 months its ok to switch puppies to adult food. is that right? or should i keep him on puppy food?
2007-09-24 04:28:11 · 13 answers · asked by theycallmev24 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
what are also some good puppy food?
2007-09-24 06:10:53 · update #1
I have a lab and my vet said I could switch her at a year, but my breeder told me to wait until she was 18 months. I waited until she was 18 months. Large breeds mature later. And there's no harm in waiting.
But wait until your pup is a year at least!
2007-09-24 04:40:10 · answer #1 · answered by Carrie O'Labrador 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'd switch to an all stages food now. Canidae P.A.W.S is an example a high quality all life stages food.
All life stages food can be fed from puppyhood through the senior years. Puppies don't require any special nutrients, they need the exact same nutrients an adult dog requires. The difference is that they need a little more of them than an adult dog. You will feed your puppy a little more of an all stages food, and decrease the amount when he's done growing
The problem with puppy food is that it causes rapid growth. Rapid growth is not a good thing, as it can lead to bone and joint problems later in life.
All stages food on the other hand gives a much more desirable slow growth, and thus less chance of bone and joint problems later in life.
Labs are prone to dysplasia so this is definately something you want to take into consideration.
Puppies should grow up slowly, not spring up like weeds.
2007-09-24 04:38:25 · answer #2 · answered by Bindi *dogtrainingbyjess.com* 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would say talk to your dog's breeder ! Each breed is different and some bloodlines within the breed may have differences in how fast they mature and what they need.
In general: Toy breeds and giant breeds CAN go off puppy food by 6 months. Some giant breeds HAVE to go off puppy food, due to Pano (growing pains)....growing too fast.
A Lab can eat a good quality adult food, but I'd probably keep it on puppy food till it is 1yr. unless the dog gets fat or has Pano. I measure the food, feed 2 to 3 times daily and watch the weight carefully. I feed 3x a day till they are 6 months old.
Lean puppies are healthier....too fat esp. in a large breed can cause ligament or knee or hip problems.
Some breeds are recommended to stay on puppyfood till 18 months, but that is not the norm.
Most vets know little about nutrition or foods. A canine nutritionist is not easy to find. So I educate myself. As a groomer I saw many food allergies and bad skin. I worked with a veterinary dermatologist to heal my clients.
2007-09-24 06:23:59 · answer #3 · answered by Whippet keeper 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
switch puppy adult food
2016-02-02 06:28:13 · answer #4 · answered by Edgar 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would keep him on the puppy formulated food until he is at a minimum of 9 months, longer if you can. He needs the additional fat and nutrients in the puppy food. Are you feeding him one formulated for larger pups? There have been studies done and now an awareness that too rapid of growth in the larger breeds causes many problems in the adult dog. So, many of the better foods have two separate formulas for small breed and large breed puppies.
2007-09-24 04:39:28 · answer #5 · answered by gringo4541 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Larger breed dogs are supposed to stay on puppy food till they are a year old then you can switch over slowly to a adult food.
2007-09-24 04:31:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
at least 12 months, and many breeders recommend 18 months for larger breeds as they are still growing. All that being said, we have switched our mastiff pup to Canidae all life stages which is suitable for puppies, adults, and senior dogs.
2007-09-24 04:33:19 · answer #7 · answered by Rachal961 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Our vet recommended switching at one year. For a large breed like a lab though, you might want to consider a puppy food made for large breeds because puppy food is very high in fat and labs tend to gain weight easier. Check with your vet if you aren't sure to see what they feel is best for your dog.
2007-09-24 04:34:11 · answer #8 · answered by Jennifer W 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Shouldn't do it til it's at least a year old... maybe longer. My vet told me that when I brought my Baily in... Puppy food has all the vitamins and nutrients that they require for growing up strong and healthy. But the best way to find out the best thing for your pup is to ask your vet. . They might be able to tell you the best kind for your pup.
Puppy Owner♥
2007-09-24 04:31:39 · answer #9 · answered by Blah~!!! 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have a 8 month old pit bull and my vet told me to keep on puppy food until she was 18 months.
2007-09-24 04:38:34 · answer #10 · answered by shayshay7000 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋