puppy or adult food

I have heard that it is not neccessary to feed puppy food. Is this true. Who starts their dogs on puppy food and if so how long do you keep them on it.

 

Vets say at least till they are 12-13 months. I went against that...my pup is 6 months and on adult...but the only reason I did that was because he did not like the puppy food...

 

Um do a search, this topic seems to be brought up every week

 

I saved this comparision, as yes, this is a question that gets asked frequently. As you'll observe, there isn't too great a difference. So, the big "if": if you buy a highly rated, good quality kibble, imho, no need to switch from puppy to adult, but I'll let you decide, as this is another one of those "controversal" subjects.

Mind you, the reference below is just that a reference. Ask your vet if you have any doubts or questions regarding your dogs' well being.




Current AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles=(Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO))

For Adult Maintenance

Unless otherwise listed, all values are minimum requirements:

Protein.........18%
Fat..............5%
Calcium......0.6% (maximum 2.5%)
Phosphorus...0.5% (maximum 1.6%)
Potassium.....0.6%
Sodium........0.06%
Chloride.......0.09%
Magnesium.....0.04% (maximum 0.3%)
Iron............80 mg/kg (maximum 3,000 mg/kg)
Copper.........7.3 mg/kg (maximum 250 mg/kg)
Manganese........5 mg/kg
Zinc...........120 mg/kg (maximum 1000 mg/kg)
Iodine.........1.5 mg/kg (maximum 50 mg/kg)
Selenium......0.11 mg/kg (maximum 2 mg/kg)
Vitamin A.....5000 IU/kg (maximum 250,000 IU/kg)
Vitamin D......500 IU/kg (maximum 5000 IU/kg)
Vitamin E.......50 IU/kg (maximum 1000 IU/kg)
Thiamine.........1 mg/kg
Riboflavin.....2.2 mg/kg
Pantothenic Acid..10 mg/kg
Niacin..........11.4 mg/kg
Pyridoxine.........1 mg/kg
Folic Acid......0.18 mg/kg
Vitamin B12.....0.022 mg/kg
Choline.........1200 mg/kg

For growing puppies, pregnant and lactating bitches

The majority of nutrient minimums are the same except for the items listed. The maximum for those listed does not change.

Protein...........22%
Fat................8%
Calcium............1%
Phosphorus.......0.8%
Sodium...........0.3%
Chloride........0.45%
Vitamin B12....0.022 mg/kg

hope this helps yah some...