What Happens if a Puppy Eats Adult Dog Food

Open Farm’s guide underscores the importance of feeding puppies age-appropriate food rich in protein, calories, and essential nutrients like calcium and DHA to support healthy growth and development. Feeding adult dog food too early can lead to digestive distress, slowed growth, and nutrient deficiencies, particularly in large or fast-growing breeds. Open Farm’s puppy recipes featuring humanely raised and sustainably sourced chicken and pork, or sustainably sourced wild-caught salmon, offer high protein levels, omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotic fibers to support brain health and digestion. Pet parents can support smooth transitions by introducing adult food gradually and choosing recipes designed for each life stage.

What Happens When a Puppy Eats Adult Dog Food?

Adult dog food contains essential proteins, vitamins, antioxidants and minerals to help your dog maintain weight and support its health. Puppy food is more nutrient-rich, with specific vitamins and minerals like phosphorus and calcium to support muscle, bone and organ growth. It also requires more calories as puppies need more energy to gain weight.

If your puppy eats adult dog food, it may not receive the nutrients and caloric intake they need to support its development. For example, your puppy may suffer from allergies, slow wound healing, or persistent infections due to a low-protein diet during puppyhood.

When Can Puppies Eat Adult Dog Food?

As puppies mature, they can gradually begin to eat adult dog food. Small breeds may transition to adult food at 9 to 12 months, while larger breeds should switch at 18 months when they reach maturity.

According to the American Kennel Club, gradually introducing the new food with your puppy’s current food ensures an easy transition without gastrointestinal issues. The change should happen over 5 to 7 days. The adult dog food may comprise 25 percent of your puppy’s current portion, with 75 percent being the puppy food on the first day. In the next few days, you will gradually phase out puppy food while increasing the amount of adult dog food.

If you suddenly change from puppy food to adult food, your pup might experience diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Food allergies and sensitive stomachs in puppies may require more time to adjust to adult dog food. After a long transition period, if your pup continues to experience diarrhea and vomiting, you should consult your veterinarian for dietary recommendations.

Dog Food for Puppies’ Transition into Adulthood

Puppy nutrition is essential in keeping them healthy throughout their lives, especially during their first years. The wholesome ingredients in Open Farm’s dog products support healthy growth and vitality in your puppy as they grow into adult dogs.

Open Farm’s Puppy Foods provide high protein levels and support brain development in your puppy. Puppy Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains a blend of humanely-raised pork, chicken and ocean-caught salmon to give your puppy the right balance of lean protein and healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids (DHA), to promote your puppy’s long-term brain development.

Boost your pup’s health with Open Farm’s dry and cooked dog food for puppies to support your pet’s well-being and specific health needs. Puppy Gently Cooked Recipe is simmered sous vide to help retain maximum nutrients and contains prebiotic fibers from chicory and pumpkin to support digestive health.

Discover the Best Food for Your Dog at Every Life Stage

Open Farm uses healthy, sustainably sourced ingredients to promote your dog’s health and well-being from puppyhood to adulthood. We are dedicated to sourcing the highest quality ingredients and ensuring that your pet receives the most nutritional benefits. Discover the healthiest dog food available for your pup today with Open Farm.