When to Transfer a Newfoundland From Puppy to Adult Food

One of the most significant factors to care properly for a growing puppy is feeding. The puppy stage is one of lightning fast development, and as a result, big energy requirements. As a big and strong breed of canine, Newfoundlands don't require adult food until they're well beyond a year old.

  1. Newfoundland Basics

    • Newfoundlands are simultaneously industrious and tender canines -- suitable for life working alongside fishermen and as companion pooches alike. These Canadian native dogs appear in a handful of colors, including white, gray, brown or black. Newfoundlands are sizable dogs. The males are a little larger than the females, with typical heights of around 28 inches. Typical height for females is 26 inches, taken from their shoulder regions. The boys generally weigh between 130 and 150 pounds, while the girls weigh from 100 to 120 pounds.

    Breed Size and Maturity

    • Dogs of big breeds tend to mature at a slower pace than their tinier breed counterparts. This not only applies to physical size, but also to reproductive maturity. Dogs who are tiny to mid-sized typically continue growing -- in weight and height both -- until they reach approximately 12 months in age. Bigger canines sometimes can take a maximum of around two years to attain physical maturity. Never assume that a pomeranian and a Newfie, for example, are going to enter the adult stage at the same time. Their time frames are generally totally different.

    Transferring Newfoundland Puppies

    • As impressively sized dogs, Newfies generally should make the switch over to adult dog food when they're around 18 months old. Doing this allows these massive cuties to mature and develop at reasonable and measured paces, which is often helpful for preventing them from experiencing the troubles of orthopedic difficulties later on, particularly those that involve the hip. When feeding a young Newfie puppy, always seek out commercial puppy formulas that are geared toward dogs of big breeds. If you're not sure of what specific food to choose, ask your veterinarian.

    Puppy and Adult Dog Food Difference

    • Never bypass feeding your furry youngster puppy food in favor of canine meals formulated for adults. Remember, puppies need lots and lots of energy from their foods, and as a result, lots of protein, which puppy food can provide. Newfoundland dogs have to have ample protein to develop into healthy adult dogs who are capable of doing everything from swimming to pulling sturdy logs around. Working is the name of the game for the Newfie breed.