Puppy food is designed for a body that's growing fast. But puppies don't stay puppies forever, and at some point they need to move onto adult food. Switch too early and your puppy may miss out on nutrients they still need for growth. Switch too late and they may start putting on extra weight. The right time depends mostly on how big your dog will be as an adult. This guide explains when to switch, the signs your puppy is ready, and how to make the change smoothly.
Why puppy food is different
Puppy food has more calories and protein than adult food to fuel growth. It also has carefully controlled levels of calcium and phosphorus for growing bones, and nutrients like DHA for brain and eye development. Once your dog has finished growing, they no longer need that extra energy, and staying on puppy food can lead to weight gain.
When to switch, by breed size
Smaller dogs finish growing much sooner than big dogs. As a guide, based on your dog's expected adult weight:
- Toy and small breeds (adult weight under 10kg): around 9 to 12 months. Think Jack Russells, Chihuahuas, Maltese and Miniature Schnauzers.
- Medium breeds (10 to 25kg): around 12 months. Think Border Collies, Heading Dogs, Cocker Spaniels and Beagles.
- Large breeds (25 to 45kg): around 12 to 18 months. Think Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers and Huntaways.
- Giant breeds (over 45kg): as late as 18 to 24 months. Think Great Danes, Mastiffs and Newfoundlands.
For crossbreeds, go by your puppy's likely adult size. Your vet can help you estimate it.
Why big puppies stay on puppy food longer
Large and giant breed puppies grow for longer, and their bones and joints are more vulnerable while they grow. Large breed puppy foods are designed to support slow, steady growth, with tightly controlled calcium and energy levels. Moving a big puppy onto adult food too early can upset that balance. If your puppy will be a big dog, keep them on a large breed puppy food until your vet says they've finished growing.
Signs your puppy is ready
- they've reached around 90% of their expected adult size, and their growth has clearly slowed
- they're leaving food in the bowl, or starting to look a little chubby on their usual amount
- they've reached the age range for their size above
Desexing also lowers a dog's energy needs. If your puppy is desexed around the time they're due to switch, keep a close eye on their weight, and ask your vet whether to adjust their food.
What about "all life stages" foods?
Some foods are made for all life stages, meaning they're suitable for both puppies and adults. With these, there's no need to switch, but you'll still need to reduce the amount as your dog's growth slows. For large breed puppies, check the label specifically says it's suitable for the growth of large breed dogs.
How to switch from puppy to adult food
Change food gradually over about 7 to 10 days:
- Days 1–3: one-quarter adult food, three-quarters puppy food.
- Days 4–6: half and half.
- Days 7–9: three-quarters adult food.
- Day 10: all adult food.
Adult food is made for a dog that has stopped growing, so the amount you feed will change. Use the new food's feeding guide for your dog's current weight rather than the same scoop as before, and adjust as needed. Most dogs do well on two meals a day as adults.
Make it easy: stay with the same brand
Moving to the adult version of the same brand is usually the gentlest switch, because the ingredients and kibble are similar. Here are some easy pairings from our range:
Black Hawk Puppy Large Breed Lamb & Rice to Black Hawk Lamb & Rice Adult. Or, for the chicken version, Black Hawk Puppy Large Breed Chicken & Rice to Black Hawk Adult Large Breed Chicken & Rice.
Addiction MEGA Large Breed Puppy to Addiction MEGA Large Breed Adult. Glucosamine and carefully balanced calcium and phosphorus carry through from puppy to adult, supporting joints in big dogs.
Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy to Pro Plan Large Breed Adult. For smaller dogs, Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy moves on to Pro Plan Small Breed Adult.
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small & Mini to Hill's Adult Small & Mini. Hill's also has Large Breed Puppy and Puppy recipes, each with an adult version to move on to. Hill's is ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days.
Raw and Mighty Mix feeders. If your puppy is on Maranui Ultimate Puppy Medallions, move on to Maranui's adult medallions in the same gradual way. Puppies on Mighty Mix Nourish can move to the Family or Large biscuits, depending on their size.
Don't forget the treats. Puppy dental chews like Whimzees Puppy are softer for young teeth. Once your dog has their adult teeth and is moving to adult food, it's a good time to move on to adult dental chews too.
Not sure which adult food suits your dog? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Keep checking their weight
The first few months on adult food are when many young dogs start to put on weight, especially after desexing. Weigh your dog every few weeks and check you can still feel their ribs easily. Our guide to why dogs gain weight explains what to look for.
Find the right food for your dog
Browse our full range of dry dog food, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your dog. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell, see your vet.