Puppy Care Guide
Week 47 – The Transition to Adult Dog Food
Your puppy is already 47 weeks old — the final month before their first birthday! You’ve guided your dog through every phase of growth, and now it’s time for the next milestone: transitioning from puppy food to adult maintenance food.
🕒 The Right Time for a Food Change
We first mentioned this transition back in Week 21, but now at 47 weeks old, most dogs are ready to begin switching to adult food.
Important for large breeds: Large or giant dogs should remain on puppy formulas until 18 – 24 months, unless your vet advises otherwise. Their growth period is longer and requires extended nutritional support.
Why the Change Is Necessary
Puppy formulas are designed with extra protein, fat, and calories to fuel rapid growth. Once growth slows, continuing these high levels can cause excess weight gain and metabolic stress.
Adult food offers a balanced ratio of nutrients and minerals suited to maintenance rather than growth. For instance, calcium is lower to prevent potential joint strain once growth plates close.
In short: puppies need puppy food — adults need adult food.
Is Your Dog Ready? The Growth Checklist
Check these signs to see if your dog is ready for adult nutrition:
- Weight has stabilized over the past few weeks.
- They often leave a bit of food behind instead of finishing all.
- Harnesses or sweaters from months ago still fit properly.
- Skin elasticity is firm — it snaps back quickly when lifted.
- Body shape and size have remained consistent recently.
🐾 PetGo Tip: Small and medium breeds finish growth by 12 months. Large breeds → continue puppy food longer.
Making the Switch Successfully
Switching isn’t just pouring a new kibble into the bowl — it’s a gradual process. Follow the feeding guide on your new bag carefully, since adult food has a different caloric density.
Choose a formula that fits your dog’s lifestyle: active, sensitive stomach, or weight-control. This is also a great moment to explore high-quality brands with better protein sources and natural ingredients.
Need help choosing? PetGo’s “Food Finder” tool can help match your dog’s breed, age, and activity level with the perfect adult formula.
PetGo Shop | Advanced nutrition for your growing pup – Week 47.
💡 PetGo Nutrition Tip: Transition your puppy gradually to adult food by mixing 25% new formula with 75% puppy food for the first few days — this helps digestion adjust smoothly while maintaining balanced nutrition.
Open Farm Epic Blend High Protein Dry Dog Food, Chicken & Superfood Recipe (3.5 lb)
Seller: Open Farm
$44.99
Orijen Grain Free High Protein Dry Dog Food, Regional Red Recipe (13 lb)
Seller: Orijen
$124.99
Continue with PetGo’s Puppy Care Guide
Use the PetGo App to log meals, compare ingredients, and get reminders for diet transitions. Track weight changes and nutrition progress as your dog enters adulthood.
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