At what age should I switch my dog from puppy food to adult food?

It depends on breed size. Small and toy breeds can typically switch around 9-12 months. Medium breeds around 12-15 months. Large breeds around 15-18 months, and giant breeds can benefit from staying on a large-breed puppy formula until 18-24 months. Consult your vet if you're unsure about your specific dog's maturity.

At what age is a dog considered senior?

Life stage timing varies by size. Large and giant breeds are generally considered senior around 6-7 years, medium breeds around 8-9 years, and small breeds around 10-11 years. Individual health status matters as much as age -- a vet's assessment is more useful than a strict age cutoff.

Do I need to feed senior dog food once my dog turns 7?

'Senior' dog food is a marketing category, not a regulatory life-stage designation. Many healthy smaller dogs at 7 years old are doing well and don't need a specific senior formula. Whether a food change is warranted depends on your individual dog's body condition, activity, and health -- which your vet can help assess at routine visits.

Why do large-breed puppies need a different food than other puppies?

Large and giant breed puppies are sensitive to overfeeding and to excessive calcium levels during their extended growth phase -- factors linked to a higher risk of developmental orthopedic conditions. Large-breed puppy formulas are designed with controlled calcium content and moderate energy density to support steadier, healthier growth for these breeds.

Is an all-life-stages food suitable for puppies?

Yes -- a food labelled for 'all life stages' must meet the growth (puppy) nutrient profile, which has higher requirements than adult maintenance. This makes it suitable for puppies. For large-breed puppies, look for an all-life-stages food that specifically notes it is appropriate for large-breed growth, as calcium and energy density calibration matters for those breeds.

Understanding Dog Life Stages | PetCalculator

Dogs are categorised into life stages -- puppy, adult, and senior -- for nutrition and veterinary care, but the exact timing of each stage varies significantly by breed size. Here's how the stages work and why they matter.