[MariaK]

I'm just curious when others have switched from puppy to adult food. Blue is now six months old and just the size we want him to be (13" and 25 lbs). He has lost all of his baby teeth so I am wondering if it is safe to make the switch.

 

[beaglesmom]

Many people wait until a year to switch - I usually change them about 6 months - for the good quality foods, it doesn't hurt them at all and mine have grown up perfectly healthy getting "adult" foods from about 6 months - it's with my vet's blessings, too. I have even switched some a little earlier - sometimes the pups prefer the adult food, and the adults LIKE puppy food, which is way too high calorie for them (unless they're nursing moms), so it's just easier to feed them all the same thing. Puppies just get a little more "adult" food. That's just the way I do it - that doesn't necessarily mean it's RIGHT - but it has worked for my "tenpack". 25# is pretty good sized for a 6 month old, I think. If you're concerned, ask your vet what he suggests.

 

[Murphys Dad]

I switched Chloe at 9.5 months old.... usually small breeds switch at around 10 months old.

 

[iain langman]

About a year is the normal. Even though you puppy is at the height and weight you want him to be does not mean he is at the height and weight his genes want him to be. He is still developing and his bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons are still maturing. So he still needs the extra vitamins, minerals and protien that puppy food gives but as long as he has a really good balanced diet then you can cut down on the puppy food gradually over time and he will still grow up healthy.

 

[Zookeeper]

Our trainer told us that it depends on the dog and the breed. With my labs, because of bone structure issues, you don't want them putting on too much mass, so they went off puppy food at 8 months.

Duke is a much smaller, leaner dog and he needs the extra calories from puppy food, so he is still on it at 9 months. I will keep him on puppy food until he's a year old, then make the switch. Though, to be honest, he gets into Roscoe and Cassie's dishes, so he has had his share of adult food. LOL

 

[Jennifer]

I made the switch from puppy to adult at around 10-12 months. Personally I would say that for a beagle 6 months is a little too young. It's not called "Adult" food for no reason is it and beagles are not adults at 6 months.

 

[MariaK]

Thank you everyone. I needed to order food tonight so that helped a bunch!!! The groomer told us today she thinks he is going to be a 15" beagle....hmmmmm, guess I picked the wrong puppy!!! /forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif (Just kidding.....

 

[Marley's Mommy]

I say go with the guidelines that the food says.