Puppy Guide: Switching Dog Foods | Eukanuba

How to Switch from Puppy to Adult Dog Food

When your puppy’s growth in height slows, you should begin switching to a premium adult-formula dog food. This usually occurs around 9 to 12 months for small breeds, around 12 months for medium breeds, and around 12 to 24 months for large breeds.

A gradual switch over a period of four days helps minimize intestinal upset. This same gradual switching of formulas should be done any time you change your dog's type of food.

Here’s a simple four-day guide to help make the switch as seamless as possible:

• Day 1: Fill your dog's bowl with approximately 75% puppy food and 25% adult food.
• Day 2: Fill your dog's bowl with approximately 50% puppy food, 50% adult food.
• Day 3: Fill your dog's bowl with approximately 25% puppy food, 75% adult food.
• Day 4: Fill your dog's bowl with 100% adult food.

If your dog doesn’t seem to be transitioning to the new food, consider switching the formula type (from chicken to salmon or lamb, or vice versa). Try to avoid reverting back to the puppy formula. If this doesn’t seem to be effective, Eukanuba^® has an array of high-quality options so you can find the right formula for your dog. If you have additional questions about formula type, consult your vet for guidance.