If you’ve accidentally bought puppy food instead of adult dog food, don’t worry – it’s not the end of the world. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what to do if you make this mistake and how to transition your dog back to adult dog food. Keep reading for more information!
Table of contents
Is puppy food healthy for adult and senior dogs?
Puppy food is designed to meet the nutritional needs of growing puppies. Puppy food generally contains more calories, protein, and fat than adult dog food. This is because puppies need more energy and nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.
While puppy food is not necessarily harmful to adult dogs, it is not ideal for them either. Adult dogs who eat puppy food may gain weight, since they don’t need all those extra calories. Additionally, senior dogs may find it difficult to digest puppy food since it is so high in protein and fat.
What to do when you bought the wrong food?
If you’ve accidentally bought puppy food for your adult or senior dog, don’t panic! There are a few things you can do to fix the situation.
Mix the puppy food with normal dog food
If you accidentally purchased a large amount of puppy food, the best thing you can do is mix it with regular food. This way, your dog will still get the nutrients they need without overloading on calories. Simply mix the two types of food together in equal parts and serve as normal.
Use the puppy food as small snacks
Because it is high in calories, you can use the puppy food as small snacks or treats throughout the day. This way, your dog won’t be overfed but will still get the extra calories they need.
Give it to a friend's puppy
If you have a friend or family member who has a young puppy, you can give them the puppy food and transition your dog back to adult food.
Return it to the store
Another option is to return the puppy food to the store and exchange it for adult dog food. This is generally only possible if you have bought the wrong food within a few days of purchase and if the store has a return policy.
Donate it to a shelter
If you can’t return the food and don’t know anyone with a young puppy, consider donating the food to your local animal shelter. This way, it will go to good use and you won’t have to worry about what to do with it!
My dog already ate puppy food, what to do?
If your dog has already eaten some of the puppy food, don’t worry! Puppy food is not poisonous to dogs. However, if they have eaten a lot of it, they may experience some gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea or vomiting. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian for guidance on what to do next.
FAQ
Is puppy food poisonous to dogs?
No, puppy food is not poisonous to dogs. However, if they have eaten a lot of it, they may experience some gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea or vomiting. If this occurs, contact your veterinarian for guidance on what to do next.
How long can I keep puppy food?
Dry puppy food generally has a shelf life of 1-2 years. However, it is best to check the expiration date on the package to be sure. Once opened, Puppy food can be stored in a sealed container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Can I feed my dog puppy food forever?
No, you should not feed your dog puppy food forever. Puppy food is designed for growing puppies and is not ideal for adult or senior dogs. Adult dogs who eat puppy food may gain weight, since they don’t need all those extra calories.
Additionally, senior dogs may find it difficult to digest puppy food since it is so high in protein and fat. Puppy food is also very expensive, so feeding it to your adult dog long-term is not a wise financial decision either.
What is the best food for my adult dog?
The best food for your adult dog depends on their individual needs. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to find out what type of food is best for your pup! In general, however, most adult dogs do well on an all-life-stage or maintenance diet.
These diets are designed to meet the nutritional needs of both growing puppies and adult dogs. They are usually lower in calories than puppy food, which helps prevent weight gain.
Conclusion
Puppy food is not ideal for adult or senior dogs since it is high in calories, protein, and fat. If you have accidentally bought puppy food, we recommend mixing it with normal dog food, using it as small snacks, or giving it to a friend’s young puppy. You can also try returning it to the store or donating it to a local animal shelter.
