Dog Community

Age to start feeding adult food?

Posted : 12/1/2007 12:25:21 PM

I've been told so many different things... The vets I work for tell me something, then my boyfriend's mom (also a vet) tells me something different, and, of course, the dog trainers I train with tell me something different as well. Always before we've gone with a year, and that seems reasonable, but I wanted your opinions first. :) My dog is a muttie mutt, a possible Dutch shepherd mix (which is what the trainer and I are going to call him at the Schutzhund competitions), but more likely a GSD x boxer or pit. He looks very similar to a Dutchie with floppy ears...lol! He weighs about 45 pounds and is in excellent condition. Anyway, he'll be turning a year sometime this month (I need to make him a birthday!). Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

huskymom

Posted : 12/1/2007 1:22:05 PM

Well, when I did feed kibble, I went with a year. Its what I was told. If you are worried about it though, you could switch to an all stages food. I know, EP and Canidae both have them, as does Acana and Orijen.

papillon806

Posted : 12/1/2007 2:14:07 PM

It's honestly a personal preference. If your dog is lean, active and healthy, I actually prefer to keep them on a puppy food until they start to "slow down." Most adult foods have lower protein and fat, while puppy foods have the opposite. My 1yr old APBT is still eating puppy food as she is very high energy so the higher protein and fat suites her needs better. My other dog is on an adult sensitive skin/stomach food, but it actually is very calorie dense and high in protein (he is also very active and lean).

There are also many "all life stages" foods that are good for both puppies and adults. That pretty much just means it has high enough protein and fat for a puppy, but will also suit an active adult dog.

Workingdoglover

Posted : 12/1/2007 3:21:52 PM

I may switch him over and see how he does...if he begins to look bad I'll just switch him back and wait a few months. I'll also look into the "all life stages." Thanks! :)

Cally01

Posted : 12/1/2007 8:14:45 PM

Nature's Variety is an all lifestage formula as well.