Hiya,
I am a new puppy owner and I wanted to ask some advice, I am confused as to whether I should be feeding my 9 week old lab puppy food or adult food. I have been told (and have checked) that puppy food is very high in protein and has too many nutrients in it and with a large breed that is prone to hip dysplasia you should make sure the puppy doesn't have an overly rich diet. I have recently ordered some Burns adult food and this seems to be much lower in protein. Should I swap to an adult food now? Will it do my puppy any harm?
Thankyou
Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I always change my pups from puppy to adult at about 6-7months old. Puppies do need more protein than adults, but, as you so rightly say, too much protein, for too long a period is not a good idea.  The best thing is to start them off on a good quality puppy food, I always used Burns, and then change them over s they get bigger.  You ideally want your pup's bones to grow at the same rate as their muscles, this cuts down the risk of your pup growing too fast for its bones to keep up.  Its better to have a pup on the lean side than on the heavy side, whether or not your lab is from working stock or not.  My two labs have grown steadily from pups to adults, which is what your aiming for :)  Don't worry too much about feeding a Junior food, many people never bother with one, I certainly never did!
You may have heard than some people put their puppies on adult food right from day one, but these people tend to have giant breeds, such as great danes, woolfhounds etc, rather than large breeds which is what labs are classed as.
Have fun with your pup!

Ali :)