When To Switch From Puppy Food To Dog Food Labrador?
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The greatest way to support your Labrador puppy’s long-term growth, health, and fitness is to make sure you provide them the high-quality and nutritious food during all stages of their lives. Nature-wise, they have a tendency to put on weight easily, so how, when, and what type of food you feed them matters a lot.
If you want to raise a happy and healthy pup with a high-functioning immune system, you need to know when to switch from puppy food to dog food Labrador to fulfill their dietary requirements to support their lifetime health. Well, the ideal time to switch him to adult dog food is between 12 and 18 months of age, but there are many other things you need to consider, such as his breed type, growth, and size, food brand, etc., before transitioning.
In this thorough guide, we will educate you on how much food to provide your little friend, how many times a day you should feed them, and much more.
Types Of Food You Can Feed To Your Labrador Puppy
Dry Food Or Kibble
Many dog owners feed their pup dry kibble, which is a crushed meal, shaped into dried biscuits-like capsules or tablets that are super-easy to purchase and feed. They contain all the essential nutrients that your dog needs to grow properly.
All the leading companies make a wide variety of kibble, and many are exclusively designed to meet the unique needs of young pooches. However, keep in mind that if your dog will eat it in a large percentage, it may inflate inside his body and become a cause of bloating and many other stomach-related problems.
Wet Food
These commercially made foods are loaded with chunks of meat and gravy. Also, they contain all the important minerals and vitamins for normal growth and development. They are obtainable in packages and are very easy to store and serve. The plus point of wet diets is that puppies can easily swallow and digest them.
Raw Food
It is the most trusted food that has been utilized from ancient times. The earliest mutt owners used to feed raw meat to their canines, but nowadays, they provide them commercially processed raw food. Many people think that raw food consists of only raw meat, but it is not true. This diet also contains fruits, bones, and vegetables. It is better to consult with your vet before feeding him raw food.
Which Foods Labrador Puppies Should Not Consume?
As we stated earlier, Labradors are food lovers and have a big appetite. And honestly speaking, it is nearly impossible to control their food. There are some foods that you must not feed to your cute puppy in order to protect him from different sorts of incurable diseases.
You must not feed tea, coffee, grapes, chocolates, avocado, salt, tobacco, onions, raw meat, alcohol, and eggs to your dog as they can cause serious digestive issues and allergies.
Make sure their food is strictly measured, and also, prepare their feeding schedule carefully by bearing in mind your lab pup’s need and convenience. You should memorize the foods that you can’t feed them to keep them safe from all types of ailments.
If you feed your dog homemade food, then it will be difficult for you to switch him to processed food. Therefore, you should mix processed and homemade food to give him all the essential nutrients he needs.
Processed food will be beneficial for them in the long run. Also, it will be inexpensive. The reason you should mix them both is that homemade food can’t provide them the vital nutrients they need for proper growth.
The branded food is made of specially formulated ingredients and is packed with all the necessary nutrients that your dog needs.
When To Switch From Puppy Food To Dog Food Labrador?
You should let the newborn puppy have his mommy’s milk. We would not recommend feeding him cow’s milk because it could cause diarrhea. If you have not adopted his mother, then you should take advice from the vet and find the best alternative for mother’s milk.
Large breed dogs such as Labrador approach adulthood at the age of 15 months. So, you should feed him according to the diet plan specifically made for Labradors. Once he has reached maturity, you can transition him from puppy food to adult dog.
Besides, you should determine how many times a day you should feed him. When a doggie is a puppy, you should feed him 4 times a day with 3 to 4 hours intervals between each meal. When he turns 6 months old, you can feed him 3 times a day.
At the age of 15 months, it is enough to give him food 2 times a day. Some people also feed their pooches only one time a day. You can feed him one time a day only if you are feeding him raw meat. It is advisable to feed them two times a day to refrain them from underweight or overweight.
How To Make The Transition Without Upsetting Your Dog’s Stomach?
To avoid upsetting his digestive system or causing vomiting or diarrhea, make the modification from puppy to adult dog food slowly. You can mix two foods (old food and new food) in your canine dish.
- Day 1: Feed him 25% new food and 75% old food
- Day 2: Mix 50% new food and 50% old food
- Day 3: Combine 75% adult food and 25% puppy food
- Day 4: Feed 100% adult food
The Diet Is Incomplete Without Water
You need to make sure that clean freshwater is 24/7 available for your canine, enabling them to regulate their intake themselves. How much amount of water they need depends on the weather, their activity level, and their diet. Dogs don’t drink water in excess, so let them figure out how much they want to drink.
Remember, drinking too much and too little can be a sign of serious health issues. If they don’t perform a lot of physical activities and the temperature is also normal, but they drink too much water, then you must consult with the vet.
Conclusion
Your Labrador’s health depends on what he eats. If you want to give your pup a blissful and healthy life, you need to feed him a well-balanced diet and also determine when to switch from puppy food to dog food Labrador. The ideal time to switch them from puppy to dog food is between the age of 12 and 15 months. However, if you are still unsure, then talk to your vet.
