When do puppies become dogs? I need to know this so that I can start buying my dog adult dog food.

Hi, pramirez9979!

Greetings and WELCOME to the site! I just re-titled and moved your question that you had posted in Introductions to this forum topic area so that it will get the most exposure to those who are best able to answer it. Introductions is for people to introduce themselves and we try to not ask questions there.

It can be a little confusing when first learning how to use this site! Your question will get noticed much more in this forum topic area.

We would appreciate it if you would return to Introductions sometime to tell us a little about yourself though, if you would be willing to do that.

Thanks!

Most vets recommend that a puppy stays on puppy food for the first year or two of their lives. It depends on the breed, the activity level and their overall health.

My info pack that I just got from the HSUS (I was reading it when I saw the question) says:

9-12 months for small breeds.

12-15 months for medium breeds.

18-24 months for large breeds.

As Alty said, if you start them on adult food on the early side of those recommendations, it's going to depend on their activity level and overall health.

Also, always make sure that when you switch to the adult food, to do it slowly. Mix a bit of adult food in with the puppy food and slowly increase the amount. Make sure you buy a quality food, and not the cheapest ones at the grocery store, that are full of filler and no nutritional value.

Many believe that large breeds and dogs prone to hip problems should go to an adult formula at 6 months. Puppy formulas tend to encourage quick growth which can complicate hip problems later on. My vet and my brother's new vet both agree on this as well as being something Labman has always suggested.