German Wirehaired Pointer Club of America

[Orius]

My GWP is 9 months old now and I am wondering if I should to switch him to Adult food. Have been feeding him ~4 to 5 cups a day (per Blue Buffalo recommendations and activity level). He's doing fine on it and would probably eat screws and nails if I threw in the bowl.

How long is the recommended age to switch from puppy food to adult food. I have seen lots of answers on the net but nothing with a good explanation of why a certain age would be best. Ranges have been from 6 months to 2 years.

Thanks!

[cmmilach]

Hello,

I switch all my dogs to adult food at the age of six months - I have found that with the large breed dogs they can develop joint problems from the puppy food.

I have had wires for 17 years and all of my dogs have been switched to adult food at the age of six months & I have had no issues with their growth. Prior to switching them - I had a young dog that was having on and off lameness - once I made the switch - the lameness disappeared.

Cathy M.

[Jon]

IMO....Extensive studies have shown that slow growth is the best growth for puppies. Formulations for puppies usually incorporate lower levels of calcium and the related minerals that contribute to bone growth. High caloric intake is also not indicated for puppies. A meat based food is best. It is best to keep young dogs on a premium brand formulation for large breed puppies until the age of 15 months. The dog should also be kept lean...the faint outline of ribs should be visible as the dog moves. The goal should be to have the dog reach full maturity in height and working weight by the age of 3, although skeletal growth should be done by the age of 14-18 months.
If you are feeding a premium food, it is not advisable to supplement with any vitamin/minerals...a small amount of linoleic acid or oil for skin/coat health can be given.