Puppy Food to Nutritious Dog Food
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How long should you feed puppies puppy food? Some people believe in feeding puppy food until 8 months to 1 year of age. Still others think that a switch to adult dog food should be made at 4-6 months -- they believe that prolonged puppy food intake leads to needless high caloric intake and increases the potential for adult obesity.
The jury is still out and there are many differing opinions, so it is best to consult your vet before deciding when to make the switch.
How To Change Foods
When you do decide to change foods (either brands, types or move to adult food), you should do it gradually rather than all at once. Mix small quantities of the new nutritious dog food with the old one, while keeping the total amount of food the same (an example is to begin with a 20/80 ratio). Change the ratio gradually over several days to weeks until you have completely phased out the old food. Your Golden Retriever puppy's stomach (and your clean carpets/floor) will thank you for this!
How Much To Give
Your puppy is going to need more feedings that a mature golden requires. Feed 3-4 times in the first few months and then 3 times a day until 6 months of age. At that point you can go to 2 meals a day. Although some people feed only once a day, I prefer to feed twice a day -- I feel this reduces stress on the digestive system. The amount to give varies with the size of the Golden and her activity level. Listed in the green box below is a good rule of thumb to determine if you are feeding too much or too little.
| To judge if a dog is appropriately fed, place your hands around his ribcage. The ribs should be easy to feel but not easy to see. If they are visibly protruding, you must increase the amount you feed. However, if you cannot feel the ribs at all (that is, all you feel is flesh/fat), then reduce the feeding quantity. |
There is no consensus on when to change from puppy food to adult food -- so make sure to ask your vet. You should make it a point to change gradually in small increments so your puppy tolerates the adult food well.
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