When and How To Switch Your Pitbull From Puppy Food To Adult Food
Pitbull puppies seem to grow up overnight and there will come a time when you would need to start treating them like adults. This includes switching their diets from puppy to adult food.
So, when to switch your pitbull from puppy food? You can switch your pitbull from puppy food to adult food when it reaches about 18 to 24 months of age. You need to make sure that the transition to adult food is gradual to avoid causing your dog any gastrointestinal problems or triggering an allergic reaction.
Keep reading to learn more about the kind of diet Pitbulls need as well as when and how to switch them from puppy food to adult food.
When Do Pitbull Puppies Become Adults?
Pitbull puppies become adults when they reach full growth which is when they’re at about are about 12 to 24 months of age.
According to the United Kennel Club Breed Standards, the average adult male pitbull will weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and stand at 18 to 21 inches when measured from the floor to the shoulders.
On the other hand, the average adult female pitbull will be slightly smaller in size, weighing about 30 to 50 pounds and standing at 17 to 20 inches when measured from the floor to the shoulders.
Keep in mind that there are some factors that can affect any pitbull’s growth rate and size such as the dog’s bloodline and genetics as well as its diet.
What Kind of Diet Do Pitbulls Need?
Pitbulls have strong stomachs, so they can usually consume different kinds of diets including dry, wet, or even raw diets (you can learn all about the raw meats diet for pitbull here).
However, you need to make sure that your dog’s diet will provide it with enough calories and the nutrients needed to grow at a healthy rate and reach a normal size.
On average, Pitbulls need to consume about 922 to 1,740 calories in a day. You can always adjust the number of calories according to your dog’s size and activity level.
The pitbull’s diet should contain high-quality foods with all kinds of nutrients needed for healthy development, especially proteins as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
When to Switch Pitbulls from Puppy Food to Adult Food?
As a general rule, it’s recommended to switch your pitbull from puppy food to adult food when they are at about 12 and 24 months of age.
However, if your pitbull puppy’s weight is slightly more than the average for its age, this means it’s growing up a little faster than the average, so you can switch it to adult food a little earlier, as early as 6 months of age, and the opposite is true.
How to Tell That Your Pitbull is Ready to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food?
There will be some signs that your pitbull puppy is ready for adult food aside from its weight.
For example, you’ll notice that your dog is skipping meals or refusing to eat the puppy food you’re giving it. You’ll also notice that your dog is tasting different things around the house.
How to Switch Pitbulls from Puppy Food to Adult Food?
Switching your pitbull from puppy food to adult food is more complex than simply pouring the new food into its bowl. That is because any sudden changes in that dog’s diet can result in gastrointestinal problems or trigger an allergic reaction.
So, you need to make sure that the transition from puppy food to adult food is done gradually in order to give your dog’s digestive system enough time to adjust.
The transition period should ideally be from 5 to 7 days, but some dogs might have more sensitives systems than others, so they might need a longer transition period
Now, let’s break down how you can switch your pitbull from puppy food to adult food step by step:
- You need to start small by introducing the adult food in minimum portions while gradually decreasing the portion of puppy food day by day.
- By the time you reach mid-week, your dog’s meal should be about 50% adult food and 50% puppy food
- By the time your reach the end of the week, your dog’s meal should only contain adult food.
To put it more simply, an efficient diet transition plan should look like this:
| Day | Diet Plan |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 25% adult food and 75% puppy food. |
| Day 3 | 50% adult food and 50% puppy food. |
| Day 5 | 75% adult food and 25% puppy food. |
| Day 7 | 100% adult food. |
During the transition period, make sure to closely monitor your dog’s digestive health for any changes.
You need to keep track of the dog’s weight to make sure the diet is providing the dog with all the needed calories and nutrients.
You also need to pay attention to the quality of your dog’s stool. Minor changes in the stool color or consistency are normal, however, any major changes can be an indicator of a health problem that needs to be taken care of.
What to Do If Your Pitbull Gets Sick After Switching to Adult Food?
If you follow a good diet transition plan when switching your pitbull from puppy food to adult food, it’s very unlikely for it to get sick at all. However, some dogs are too sensitive and will have an adverse reaction.
This adverse reaction can cause gastrointestinal problems which result in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and an unstable appetite. It can also trigger an allergic reaction which results in symptoms like itching, scratching, skin inflammation, hair loss, red eyes, heavy breathing, and swelling in some body parts.
So, if your dog gets sick after switching to adult food, the best thing you can do is to stop giving them the food for a day and make sure they have access to plenty of water until their symptoms get better.
If your dog’s sickness persists, it’s highly recommended to take them to a vet and get the right treatment.
Related Questions
How Many Times a Day Should You Feed Your Pitbull?
It’s generally recommended to feed your pitbull twice a day. You can divide their required calorie intake in a day on these two meals while giving them some treats in-between. It’s also recommended to match the timing of your dog’s meals to your own meals in order to give the dog a sense of routine.
Do Pitbulls Get Bored of Eating the Same Food?
Pitbulls don’t get bored eating the same food every day as they don’t have the same taste receptors that humans have. However, it’s usually a good idea to switch up your dog’s diet every now and then to provide them with a wide range of nutrients. Make sure that any diet changes are done gradually.
Can You Cure Food Allergies in Pitbulls?
You cannot cure food allergies in Pitbulls as it’s a hereditary condition passed down from the dog’s parents. However, you can avoid triggering an allergic reaction by eliminating the food your dog is allergic to from its diet. You can also treat the symptoms caused by the allergic reaction through medication.
Helpful Resources
When to switch your dog to adult dog food
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