I've been reading about how it's a good idea to switch LARGE breed puppies to adult food at 4-6 months, but I have a 5-1/2 month old Terrier/Chow mix puppy. She's very long and lean (looks like a monkey, I swear!) so weight isn't an issue. Is it safe to feed her the same food that I give my 5 yr. old Lab, which is weight control?

Thanx to any/all who respond.

I always feed a puppy a puppy chow until they are at least 12 months old. The puppy mixture has added nutrients for the growth of the dog. I've had good success with Flint River Dog Food. A bit pricey but it's worth it for smaller dogs. Does not have the corn base most commercial dog foods have and helps with the digestibility of the food and the end waste product not being so much.

I too, always fed my puppy puppy chow until he was close to a year old.

When I did change him to adult food, I mixed the adult food and puppy chow together so he wouldn't get an upset stomach. I gradually lessened the amount of puppy food I mixed with it until it was all adult food.

I would assume it would be safe to eventually have her on the same adult food as your other dog... as it's going to be hard to separate the two from eating from each others food.

As far as I know the only effect on the large breed puppies is to slow their growth. Remember, I am part of a large, highly successful program that has raised thousands of large breed dogs over the years. I have also raised 2 Labs for another, similar program that now starts their puppies out on adult Purina 1. As far as I know, that includes the Chihuahuas and other small breeds they raise to be trained for the hearing impaired.

I am glad the word is spreading on puppy chow being too rich for large breed puppies.

The weight control is another factor. It tends to be short on calorie containing fat and carbohydrate. When in doubt, talk to your vet.

I always feed a puppy a puppy chow until they are at least 12 months old. The puppy mixture has added nutrients for the growth of the dog. I've had good success with Flint River Dog Food. A bit pricey but it's worth it for smaller dogs. Does not have the corn base most commercial dog foods have and helps with the digestibility of the food and the end waste product not being so much.


Thanks for the answer. I'm keeping her on puppy food until she's 12 months. Don't want to risk having a dog that's not well nourished!

Flint River Ranch Super Premium Cat Food and Dog Food (http://www.flintriver.com/Default.htm)

I found since I feed my Jack Russell the Flint River food she is much less hyper than when she was fed commercial dog food bought in a supermarket. I have tried all the different kibble products they offer and she likes all of them. Her favorite though is the Fish N Chips. Her coat has a luster to it and she seems more alert and smarter.