Dog Community

Puppy vs Adult and Adult vs Large Breed

Posted : 5/23/2006 1:23:23 PM

I thought I would post this question to see what people thought.
First Question:
Is there a magic number when you should switch from puppy to adult dog food? I've always heard 1 year, but is that more a general guideline or steadfast rule? For example, we have aquired a 8-9 month old rescue that I am almost sure they were feeding normal adult dog food to (for how long who knows). Should I continue with this or switch to puppy food at this point?

Second Question:
I know not all dog foods are alike, but baring that...if you have a choice between say the "normal size" and the "large breed" size is there much difference between the two? Can a dog have either or is it it bad to give a say a not so large breed the large breed dog food. I am sure it depends on the actual dog, but again lets say you have a roughly 45Ib dog and a 70Ib dog that are of the same age (young adult 1-3yrs) can they share the same food, or should one be eating the large breed and one eathing the normal size adult? Was curious if it really mattered that much? If one was to get only one, would it be the normal or large?

Thanks!

sooner

Posted : 5/23/2006 1:36:44 PM

Puppies don't have to be on puppy food as long as they are on an "all life stages" formula and not a adult "maintenance" formula.

I'd think you'd be fine with a regular adult food - just pick a protein and fat percentage that works well for your dog's weights and activity levels.

nlkelly

Posted : 5/23/2006 2:28:18 PM

I agree with Sooner. In all reality a dog that is 70lbs is NOT a large breed dog...I thought for a long time that both of mine were large breed dogs but a large breed dogs are actually considered those breeds like grt danes, mastiffs, st bern., bernese mtn dogs, etc. I would use an all life stages formula on both of yours...as long as neither has special needs or any weight problems! [

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pumaward

Posted : 5/23/2006 2:45:31 PM

It depends, I think, on what the dog food companies think large breed it. I thought it was any dog over 50lb was a large breed, and dogs like danes and mastiffs were giant breeds?

sooner

Posted : 5/23/2006 2:52:58 PM

Maybe someone will come along that can explain what it is a large breed adult formula is supposed to do. I understand the point of large breed puppy formula but not the adult.

I thought it might have a lower protein or fat content but comparing regular Innova (24% protein, 14% fat, 3% fiber, 557 kcal/cup) to Innova Large Breed (25% protein, 14% fat, 5% fiber, 350 kcal/cup) there's not much of a difference except that you have to feed a lot more of the large breed.

In their e-mail to me about feeding EVO to puppies Natura referred to large breed puppies as any pup with an adult weight of 60+ lbs.

sooner

Posted : 5/23/2006 3:14:26 PM

Ok, after reading some more, I see it's the addition of Chondroitin and Glucosamine, and different mineral levels. That makes sense then.

luv4gsds

Posted : 5/23/2006 3:24:33 PM

Some peopel switch their puppies at 6 months and some switch at one year. But medium to large breed dogs that are not sport active when feed a very high protien diet will have bone and joint problems and some will have kidney problems too. "SOME" large breed adult dog food isn't any different then normal size adult dog food. You want to look at the crude protein and the crude fat.

ron2

Posted : 5/24/2006 5:33:51 AM

My dog, a large breed mix was fed large breed puppy formula until 2 years of age, per my vet's instruction. At 2, I switched him to adult large breed formula. In the brand that I buy, all the formulas contain chondroitin and glucosamine but the protein and fat levels are different. The reason for large breed puppy formula of any dog that will be more than 50 pounds in adulthood is that it controls the amount of protein, phosphorous, and calcium. A large breed shouldn't gain too much weight too fast, or it can cause orthopedic problems.

mudpuppy

Posted : 5/24/2006 8:24:30 AM

It kind of depends on the brand. Read the labels. Also take at look at :http://www.greatdanelady.com/articles/do_i_need_to_use_a_puppy_food.htm

nlkelly

Posted : 5/25/2006 1:26:25 AM

I agree that it depends on the dog food company. I do have 3 sport dogs though...ringsports and SchH take a toll on the body and I supplement all of my dogs (although still very young) with Gluc, Chondr. and MSM...Precaution is the best medicine.