Puppy Feeding
When to Switch from Puppy to Adult Dog Food?
The timing of the switch from puppy to adult food depends on your dog's breed size.
1 min readReviewed: Oct 10, 2025
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Age
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Body shape
When to Switch from Puppy to Adult Dog Food?
Breed Size Recommendations
| Size | Adult Weight | Switch Age |
|---|---|---|
| Small (incl. Toy / Mini) | < 22 lbs | 10–12 months |
| Medium | 22–55 lbs | 12 months |
| Large | 55–100 lbs | 12–15 months |
| Giant | > 100 lbs | 18–24 months |
How to Transition?
Gradually, over 7–10 days.
Signs It's Time
- Reached adult size typical for their breed
- Approaching the age limit on puppy food packaging
- Your veterinarian advises it
Free tool — no sign-up
How much food does your dog need per day?
Enter weight, age and body shape: 30 seconds and you get the daily portion.
Age
Neutered / spayed?
Body shape
References
- 1.Hawthorne AJ, Booles D, Nugent PA, Gettinby G, Wilkinson J — Body-weight changes during growth in puppies of different breeds. The Journal of Nutrition 134(8):2027S–2030S, 2004. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/134.8.2027S (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 2.FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) — Nutritional Guidelines for Complete and Complementary Pet Food for Cats and Dogs. FEDIAF, 2024. https://europeanpetfood.org/self-regulation/nutritional-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 3.National Research Council (US), Committee on Animal Nutrition — Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, Washington DC, 2006. https://doi.org/10.17226/10668 (accessed: 2026-09-10)
- 4.WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee — WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines. World Small Animal Veterinary Association, 2021. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/ (accessed: 2026-09-10)
This is general information and does not replace a veterinary diagnosis.
This guide was compiled based on the expert input of Reka Fazekas-Birizdo canine nutritionist.
Certified Canine Nutritionist
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