When should my 9-month-old German Shepherd switch to adult food?

I use the large breed adult food from 9 months on. I like the dogs to grow a little slower to prevent bone problems. Soska will reach her full size but it will just take a little longer with less bone and joint issues. I usually mix the new food with the old food for a week or two so she doesn't get a stomach upset. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Soska.

A diet consisting of primarily boiled chicken is not balanced and is lacking in vitamins, fatty acids, fiber and minerals. Proper nutrition, prevention of parasites and disease and genetics are what affects the over-all adult size. She may not get much bigger due to her age (the window of growth closes). I recommend to feed her Royal Canin German Shepherd Puppy until 15 months of age and then switch her to the adult version. German Shepherds can have some unique dietary needs and the diet is formulated specifically for them to address these needs. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question, which is a great one. You should switch Ranger from his puppy food to an adult food when he is 12 months of age. Given that he is a large breed dog, I recommend that when he is 12 months old, you feed him a large breed dog food. Brands I recommend include Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina ProPlan, and Iams. When you do make the switch, you will need to transition him slowly to prevent stomach upset. You do this by mixing together the puppy food and adult food, slowly increasing the amount of adult food and decreasing the amount of puppy food until he is eating the adult food only. I hope this helps!

You can begin the transition to an adult diet around 12 months of age. If she is not to shown or bred, consider having her spayed to prevent accidental or unwanted litters and to decrease the risk of uterine infections and certain cancers later in life.

Yes , It looks like a good quality puppy food so should be good. Bear in mind it is important that your dog switch dog food gradually from his current dog food to avoid digestive upset or tummy trouble. To transition, mix your dog's current food with his new food. Over 5-7 days, gradually decrease the amount of the current dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food.

Great question! Mila should be on puppy food until she is 12 months old. After that, she will then be old enough for an adult dog food. Weight doesn't play a factor, age is the determination for the life stage switch. I hope this helps!

Canidae, Acana, Orijen or Taste of the Wild are all premium diets. At her age, Nancyv should be eating a good quality food for large breed puppies. Stay away from store or discount brands as these foods typically contain low quality ingredients and fillers.