Enter a keyword below to search for articles and products.
Picking the right food for your pup is key to ensuring its healthy growth. While both puppy food and adult dog food seem similar, they serve different nutritional purposes tailored to distinct life stages. Understanding this disparity is vital in guaranteeing the overall well-being of your beloved companion.
Puppies are more than just mini versions of adult dogs. Their nutritional needs are unique and crucial for their growth spurt and cognitive development. Specifically designed with the perfect blend of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, puppy food supports bone and muscle growth. With their endless energy, they need the extra calories that puppy food provides. Plus, the added dose of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus is essential for strong bone development. So, stick to puppy food until your furball hits full physical maturity, ensuring a strong and healthy foundation for their adult life.
When a puppy can eat adult dog food isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It is a gradual process that demands attention to your dog's unique traits. Generally, it is wise to make the switch when your pooch is about 80-90% of its expected adult size. But remember, a sudden change can upset their tummy.
To ease the shift, start by mixing small portions of adult food with their usual puppy fare. Over a week or two, increase the adult food ratio until your dog is entirely comfortable with the new diet. Don't forget to consult your vet to ensure a smooth transition and a lifelong, balanced diet for your four-legged friend.
When figuring out when to transfer to adult dog food, the size of your growing dog plays a crucial role. Given below is a comprehensive guide:
At IAMS, we offer a range of adult dog food that are rich in nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals and more to provide your pooch with a complete and balanced meal. We have specialized recipes for each breed, targeting the specific nutritional needs of small, medium, and large sized dogs.
As your canine companion transitions from the puppy stage to adulthood, providing it with an appropriate diet becomes crucial for its long-term health and well-being. Adult dog food serves as a vital component in ensuring that your dog receives the necessary nutrients to maintain optimal health and vitality. Here are some key reasons why adult dog food is essential for your furry friend's overall wellness:
So, as your dog grows, make sure its diet grows as well. With the right adult dog food, tailored to its needs, you are laying the foundation for a life full of tail wags and playful barks.
Transitioning your furry friend from puppy to adult dog food is not just about changing what is in the bowl; it is a gradual adjustment that involves considering evolving nutritional needs, portion sizes, meal frequencies, and more. Here is a structured guide to help you ease your pup into their new diet over a 10-day period:
Start by mixing 75% of the puppy food with 25% of the new adult dog food. This allows your pup to get accustomed to the new flavors and textures while maintaining some familiarity with the old food.
Increase the proportion of adult dog food to 50% while decreasing the puppy food to 50%. This step continues the gradual transition, helping your dog's digestive system adapt to the new food without causing any sudden upsets.
Continue the transition by serving 75% of the new adult dog food mixed with 25% of the remaining puppy food. This step allows their taste buds to fully adjust to the new diet while ensuring a smooth transition without any digestive disturbances.
By this point, your pup should be ready to completely switch to adult dog food. Serve only the new adult dog food, ensuring that the portion size is appropriate for its age, size, and activity level. Maintain the recommended feeding schedule based on specific dietary needs.
Throughout the transition period, closely monitor your dog's eating habits, energy levels, and overall well-being. If you notice any digestive issues or reluctance to eat, slow down the process and give it more time to adjust. Providing plenty of fresh water and sticking to a consistent feeding schedule will help make the transition as smooth as possible for your beloved canine companion.
Remember, a smooth transition from puppy to adult dog food is all about taking it slow and steady. By gradually introducing the new food over a 10-day period, you give your pup's digestive system the time it needs to adjust without causing any discomfort. Keep a close eye on its response throughout the process, and do not hesitate to make adjustments if necessary. With patience and careful monitoring, you can ensure that your loyal companion makes a seamless shift to their new, adult-dog-friendly diet.
Puppies should not eat adult dog food as it lacks essential nutrients for their growth. Choose puppy-specific food until adulthood.
A 5-month-old puppy should eat high-quality puppy food rich in protein and essential nutrients, promoting healthy growth and development.
Dogs are typically considered puppies from birth to one year, although this can vary based on breed size.
The right age to switch your pooch from puppy food to adult dog food can vary basis multiple factors. However, here’s how these furry beings are generally switched to adult dog food basis their breed size.
Breed Size | Age |
Small | 9 to 12 months old |
Medium | 10 to 12 months old |
Large | 12 to 16 months old |
Giant | 18 to 24 months old |
Leash training can help your puppy safely explore the world beyond your house or backyard. It can enhance your dog’s walking experience and help you bond with it better. We must remember that dogs are not born with the ability to walk on a leash, they need to be taught. As their caregivers, we need to help them learn this skill comfortably.
If you have a large breed pup, it is imperative that you train it while it is still young. Once your fur baby grows up to be heavy, you will have a tough time handling it on a leash. You do not want to be dragged along the ground or see your dog get into an easily avoidable fracas.
In case you are wondering at what age to start leash training a puppy, here’s your answer: You are start at 10 weeks of its age, however, you must know that it can be done earlier. It will help your pup grow into an obedient pawsome pal. Leash training also makes it easier for you to travel with your pet and embark on exciting adventures seamlessly! Train your puppies while they are still young as it will stay with them for the rest of their lives.
If you are facing any trouble with how to teach your puppy to walk on a leash, here are some tips to get you started:
Picking the right collar is the first step to getting your dog used to a puppy leash. It is imperative that your fur baby feels comfortable in it. So, make sure that the collar is neither too tight nor too loose; there should be space for at least two fingers under it. While leash training your puppy, breathability and comfort is of paramount importance.
Note: If you plan on training your puppy at an early age, stay attentive during sessions. Since your little furry friend will be at a developing stage, it will outgrow its collar soon. Make sure that you keep checking the fit of the collar and change it as and when needed.
Your puppy will need some time to get used to the leash. For puppies, this is an alien thing, and they will need some time to adjust and accept this new accessory. You can help your pup ease into this process by trying a few tricks. It needs to resonate a leash with fun times. Let it spend some time playing with the leash. You can also make your canine companion wear it every time you are having a fun time together at home. Do not put it on when it is alone, sad, or irritated.
As you teach your puppy how to walk on a leash, remember that rewarding it with treats will only promote good behavior. Grab a treat in your hands and take a few steps back. This will encourage your pooch to walk towards you to devour its favorite treat. To avoid overeating, you can also reward the pup with toys, praises, or belly rubs.
Note: Do not stretch your dog’s leash training for prolonged hours. It might get exhausted and shy away from training.
Indoor practice is the best way of gauging how your canine companion fares with the concept of walking on leash. This will also help you get your puppy used to the leash without losing control of it. Choose a decent stretch of floor in your home, make sure there are no obstructions, and just start walking with your puppy on a leash. At the end of one stretch, reward it with treats. Stay attentive during these session to know when your pup is ready for the world outside your home.
Teaching your puppy how to walk on a leash is going to be full of surprises. If you think that your pet will easily walk on a leash outdoors once it has learnt to do it indoors, you are mistaken. Being curious is only natural and that is exactly what will happen once your four-legged friend realises that it is not at home anymore! Your dog will want to sniff every corner, every plant, and whatever it sets its eyes on. Hence, start with short outdoor walks!
Note: Carry some treats with you to encourage your puppy to follow you!
Remember that patience is key! And your furry friend is not the only one who needs to be patient during this process. Your puppy is going to need some time to get used to this walking style and you need to give it that time. Moreover, make sure that this transition is smooth and comfortable for your pup. Once you start putting these tips into action, you two can start taking long strolls together.
