Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

My male doberman has just turned a year old. He is approximately 35kg (75 pounds). Is that a healthy weight for him at this age?

He is currently still on puppy food. People have different views on when to switch him to adult food. I am a bit confused because most people are saying i should switch to adult food now, however if my dog is still growing then should i not switch to adult food when he is 2 years old? Any help with be appreciated.

Thanks,
Manj.

Hi! I don't have a Doberman but I think that weight is pretty good for a one year old Dobe. He really shouldn't get much bigger... maybe just a few more pounds. The usual rule is to use the puppy food until a year old and then gradually introduce the adult food into the diet. Doing it slowly and adding a little more of the adult food until the total change has been completed is so there won't be any digestive issues.
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Bob

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.

I agree with Bob. Pup food days are over. Switching little by little maybe over a week or two time period would be good. Just keep an eye on dog's stool to make sure all is going well.

Cheryl

I agree with them, switch to the adult food.
Reeta

Just some food for thought: (no pun intended) some breeders are of the opinion that a puppy should eat as much as they want at mealtime. This gives a puppy the best chance to grow to his potential. If this is the game plan, they advocate that puppy food is too rich to consume in this quantity,so a good adult food is used right from the start. By 4 month I feed them twice a day, two cups of dry, 3/4 to 1 can (never in gravey) with 2 tbsp cottage cheese. I will often add another protein into the meal like one egg (usually scrambled) or fish if thats on my menu for diner. Around 18 months of age (every dog is different) I have their meal cut down to a cup of dry and 1/2 can. I still give them cottage cheese and other proteins periodically...