When do you change from puppy food to adult food?

[Sergio M]

I have a 5 month old male lab who eats like a horse. Just wondering when do I change to adult dog food.

[lenny7]

I changed over at 1 year as recommended by my vet. I think most labs would eat like a horse too if I let them.

[Ralph Wiggum]

12 months is the norm, but I was told anytime between 6-18 months. As long as the pup is not overweight, you're fine. If it's eating like a horse, you might as well keep it on puppy food--higher calorie density.

[Ralph Wiggum]

Oh, and to put "eating like a horse" into perspective, our Dane was plowing through 16 cups of food a day for a while and would have gladly eaten double that

[crothmeier]

holy wow thats alotta food. i changed mine over at 11 months.

[OutlawTorn]

I switched my older dog at 12 months. Now I feed Purina Pro Plan Performance and my 11 month old pup has been on that since day 1. While its not quite as concentrated as puppy food, he is more than happy to wolf down a few extra bites for good measure, plus I dont have to switch him off a food of which he is obviously a big fan at 12 months.

[SpringerGuy]

12 months is the norm. They are growing fast and need all of the extra stuff in the puppy formula.

[RumRiverRat]

10 to 12 months.

I give my labs 1 cup 3 times a day.

They would gladly eat double or triple that amount.

[Powerstroke]

Remember to stick to the recommended amount. Most dogs will eat everything you give them, especially puppies.

If you are finding that your pup is eating too quickly you can slow him down by spreading the food on the floor.

[Sergio M]

I also have a 5 year old female, I try to feed them separate. The puppy eats his food then goes over and eats moms food, mom eats purina pro plan. I was thinking of not giving the pup puppy food and given him pro plan aswell. Is this ok for the pup?

Thanks

[Ralph Wiggum]

I also have a 5 year old female, I try to feed them separate. The puppy eats his food then goes over and eats moms food, mom eats purina pro plan. I was thinking of not giving the pup puppy food and given him pro plan aswell. Is this ok for the pup?

Thanks

I'd wait a bit. Puppy foods are formulated for the needs of a growing pup. There's more than just extra calories in there. Wait till his growth slows up, and then switch him over.

[Ralph Wiggum]

If you are finding that your pup is eating too quickly you can slow him down by spreading the food on the floor.

Alternatively, a few big (ie not swallowable) toys in the dish will slow them down. We used to put a Nylabone and Kong in with the food.