My 10-month puppy eats less but is active. Is it time for adult food?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 10 months and 12 days old | 78 lbs
Our 10 month old puppy has changed his eating habits from three times a day to maybe once a day. He is still very playful and bounds of energy. Weight seems to be maintained at 75 lbs. Is it time to slowly change his food to regular dog food? Only concerned because he was a chow hound to only eats in the evenings. It seem to start after his visit to the ER for a bee sting and benedryl. But that was several weeks ago. Still loves treats. Any suggestions would be great.
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 24th, 2017
If Teddy is still acting completely normal, eating his regular amount and maintaining his weight, I wouldn't worry too much. Some dogs will prefer to only eat once a day and do just fine. The 9 to 12 month range is when I normally recommend transitioning to an adult food, so you could start doing that and see if he wants to eat once or twice a day. If he starts losing weight, doesn't have the energy he used to have, or develops vomiting or diarrhea, I would be concerned there is something more serious going on and would have him examined by your veterinarian.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 21st, 2018
If Guido is eating less but seems to be maintaining his weight and is otherwise acting normal it may be that he doesn’t need as many calories as you are offering. If he is losing weight or if you notice any soft stool, diarrhea, vomiting or other symptoms you should see your vet for a physical exam. I typically don’t recommend switching to adult food until a year of age.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 17th, 2020
Puppies generally have great appetites. I recommend to first make sure there are no health concerns like parasites with your veterinarian. Next carefully measure the amount of food he is eating. Also weigh him every few days. If he is eating the normal, excepted amount and is gaining weight, you should not worry. Not all pets are super food motivated. I don't recommend to start adding things to the food because this could make him a finicky eater as an adult. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on September 25th, 2017
Unfortunately, it's very difficult to tell. Sometimes, we see a change in appetite in growing dogs if they are no longer growing as rapidly and their dietary requirements change. I have also seen dogs not want to eat a new bag of food because the formulation has changed slightly. Similarly, I have seen dogs not want to eat the end of an old bag of food because it has oxidized a little and doesn't smell or taste as good as it used to. If Teddy is not acting normally in any other way (not as active or interested in normal activities, or is having any vomiting or diarrhea), I would recommend having your vet examine him to make sure they can't find anything that needs to be treated. If Teddy is acting normal in every way, but just eating less and doesn't seem excited about his food, you certainly could try a new food and see if that resolves the problem. Be sure to do a gradual switch to a new food to prevent any GI upset. I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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