Charlie is 4 months old now (although it seems like she's been here forever). She is currently on Burgess puppy 4 meals a day 85g per meal = 340g per day. Harry was on 4 meals until he was 6 months old. I'm with them all day, so it's never a problem. Is there a health reason for the dog, to change to 3 meals, then 2 meals any sooner than this? Also, I have read with labradors, that it's not uncommon to change to adult food, at a younger age than recommended by the food manufacturer. Burgess are saying 12 months, which is how old Harry was when he progressed to their adult active. Should Charlie be introduced to adult food sooner? If so when? She's a lab x cocker, and weighs around 7 - 8 kg at the moment.
Re: What age for food changes? The general guide , and it is only a guide , is four meals per day until 4/5 months , then three meals per day until 6/8 months and after that two meals per day breakfast and supper . Having said that, they are different with differing needs , my own dog had three meals per day until he was about a year old but the lunch one was just a token gesture really Again , re changing to adult food , all differ . Sam was a big puppy and on the advice of my Vet , I switched him to adult food with a lower protein content so that his growth was slower and steadier, he was about 6 months old when I switched him to adult . Other pups who maybe grow at a slower rate are fine kept on a puppy food until much later, its all personal really, sorry if that isnt much help
Re: What age for food changes? Thanks Kate. I'll study the protein content etc today, and form a plan of action! Harrys food, that Charlie will hopefully joining him on, is active/working so also quite a high protein content. Hmmmm, shall give it some serious thought. SHe's only 4 months so for the moment, it's just when to drop the 4th meal. She's like a time keeper with her meal times, not looking forward to dropping one! x
Re: What age for food changes? Rather than drop it completely, try just making it smaller , thats what I did because Sam was also a clock watcher ;D
Re: What age for food changes? It is confusing because yes, when active, they do need the protein , its just that some puppy foods have a massive protein content ( some have 33 % ) and this can promote too rapid a growth , its tough trying to strike a balance :
Re: What age for food changes? I researched for ages about changing Lillys food (have just done it in fact). Not sure about puppies regarding protein and rapidity of growth, but more looking at protein and energy levels. Was originally looking for a lower protein food since Lilly is a house dog and not a worker (generally). The consensus from speaking to several of my local independant pet food suppliers was that the "protein theory" wasn't particularly true. Not sure we should worry so much about protein, but to be honest, found the which food? issue to be a minefield. Apart from BARF ;D which I didn't think the rest of the family would have appreciated. Good luck!
Re: What age for food changes? Have decided that as Charlie is a teeny tot, we'll keep her on puppy food for the next couple of bags at least, 2/3 months or so. Kate will definitely employ your tip when dropping the 4th meal. I'm a coward when it comes to changing anything for them, hence Harry being 6 months and still fed 4 times a day! Got him down to 2 now he's a year old though.
