When to Switch to Puppy to Adult food in Labradors?
05-01-2004, 08:09 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location:
Posts: 51
RE: When to Switch to Puppy to Adult food in Labradors?
I have found it best to switch partially at least to a high quality adult food when the pups are ten or twelve weeks old. I don't like the pups to grow too fast or get too heavy or heavy boned when they are young. Adult food will slow the growth rate a little so I feed a cup of puppy in the morning and whatever the pup wants beyond that is a 26% protien adult food.
This has always worked well over the years with the hunting dogs we have raised. And I'm convinced it stresses the bones and joints a lot less when they are young and pliable.
Ezzy
This has always worked well over the years with the hunting dogs we have raised. And I'm convinced it stresses the bones and joints a lot less when they are young and pliable.
Ezzy
05-02-2004, 12:47 AM
#9
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: WV USA
Posts: 146
RE: When to Switch to Puppy to Adult food in Labradors?
As most have said....at a year, unless he is thin, then continue on.
Actually by doing what you suggest, Ezzy, you could seriously harm your pets. Adult dog food doesn't have the appropriate nutrition (vitamins and minerals) that a growing dog needs. Keeping your puppy on an adult food could predispose your dogs to serious health issues such as hip dysplasia, various bone disorders (especially in larger dogs), skin problems, etc. You may have never seen a problem to date, but if you keep it up, its only a matter of time.
I have found it best to switch partially at least to a high quality adult food when the pups are ten or twelve weeks old. I don't like the pups to grow too fast or get too heavy or heavy boned when they are young. Adult food will slow the growth rate a little so I feed a cup of puppy in the morning and whatever the pup wants beyond that is a 26% protien adult food.
This has always worked well over the years with the hunting dogs we have raised. And I'm convinced it stresses the bones and joints a lot less when they are young and pliable.
Ezzy
This has always worked well over the years with the hunting dogs we have raised. And I'm convinced it stresses the bones and joints a lot less when they are young and pliable.
Ezzy
05-02-2004, 06:56 AM
#10
Typical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: golden co
Posts: 852
RE: When to Switch to Puppy to Adult food in Labradors?
I get so much conflicting info, there does seem to be much confusion on this matter (I'm confused). 4 months to 18 months, puppy food to large breed puppy. There is some info I have seen that mentions calcium and phosphorus amounts are key.???????????