A dog typically grows between 8 and 24 months, and it is first and foremost the breed's adult size that determines how long the growth lasts. Small breeds reach their final size quickly, often already around 8-12 months, while the very large breeds can take up to one and a half to two years to become fully grown. The heavier the dog becomes as an adult, the longer it takes for bones, joints and muscles to reach the finish line. That is exactly why there is no single age that fits all dogs - it depends on which dog you have in front of you.
Nor does growth proceed at an even pace. The first months move fast, with the puppy gaining weight and adding centimetres in height almost from week to week. After that the pace gradually slows, and the final months are more about filling out and maturing than about growing taller. Understanding that process makes it easier to keep track of whether your dog is developing as it should - and to give it the right meals along the way.
How the breed's size relates to growth time
The most important factor is the dog's expected adult weight. A small dog such as a chihuahua or a miniature dachshund is often fully grown around 8-10 months, simply because there is less body to build. Medium-sized breeds such as beagle, border collie or cocker spaniel typically take 10-14 months to reach their final size. The large breeds, for example labrador, German shepherd and golden retriever, are usually fully grown somewhere between 12 and 18 months.
The very largest breeds stand out. A Great Dane, a Bernese mountain dog or a Newfoundland can take all the way up to 18-24 months to complete their growth, and some of the giant breeds are still filling out in the chest and muscles long after their height is in place. Here it is extra important that growth is allowed to proceed calmly, so that bones and joints can keep up with the large body. Too rapid a weight gain during that period puts strain on a fragile structure that is not yet fully developed.
The three phases from puppy to fully grown dog
Growth can be roughly divided into three. In the first phase, the first four to five months, things move fast. The puppy doubles its weight several times and develops bones, muscles and teeth at a high pace. This is the period when the need for energy and nutrition is at its highest relative to body weight, and where the foundation for healthy development is laid.
In the second phase, roughly from six months onwards, the pace begins to drop. The dog still adds centimetres, but more slowly, and in many breeds it is now close to its final height. The third phase is about maturing: the dog fills out, the musculature settles, and the body finds its adult form. Even though the dog looks adult, it may mentally still behave like a young dog for quite a while yet - physical growth and mental maturity do not always go hand in hand.
What affects how long a dog grows
In addition to the breed, several things come into play. Sex matters, because males often grow a little larger and take a little longer to reach full size than females of the same breed. The genetics from the parents give a good indication of both final size and growth pace, and if it is a mixed breed, you can look at which breeds are involved to form a picture.
Feeding also has an influence. Not on how big the dog ultimately becomes - that is largely determined by the genes - but on how evenly and healthily growth proceeds along the way. Meals composed specifically for the growth period give the body the balance of nutrition it needs, without pushing the pace up unnaturally. If you are unsure where your dog lies in relation to its breed and age, ESSENTIAL FOODS' nutritional advisors are ready by phone, chat or email and can help you assess feeding and meals throughout the entire growth process.
Meals that follow the puppy through growth
As the dog grows, its needs change continuously, and the food should follow along. During the growth period the puppy needs meals that support the building of bones, joints and muscles with a well-considered nutritional profile rather than just more calories. The Beginning - Kibble is created for exactly the finest beginning with luxurious, grain-free puppy meals, fresh raw ingredients, human-grade ingredients and carefully selected local and regional delicacies - completely without grain and unnecessary fillers.
The size of the dog makes a difference to which meals suit best. A small puppy with rapid growth and a smaller mouth thrives on small pieces that are easy to eat and tempt the appetite, and for that purpose there is the Beginning - size - small kibble. The large and fast-growing puppies, where growth needs to proceed calmly over many months, get with the Beginning - size - large kibble meals that are composed with their longer growth process in mind. If you want to give the puppy a moist, cooked meal alongside, THE BEGINNING PÂTÉ, 400G is a PÂTÉ prepared from exquisite raw ingredients.
When should the puppy switch to adult meals
The switch from puppy meals to adult meals is directly linked to how long the dog grows. As a rule of thumb, small breeds switch when they approach full size around 8-12 months, while the large and very large breeds stay on puppy meals longer, often until they are 12-18 months or more. The point is that the puppy should have its growth supported for as long as the body is genuinely building, and only move on to adult meals when it is close to its final size.
The transition itself should happen gradually over about a week, where the new meals slowly mix with the familiar ones, so the stomach has time to get used to it. Once the dog is fully grown, you can choose adult meals according to its preferences and needs - taste, ingredients, activity level and daily wellbeing. On the meals landing page you will find relevant meals gathered together, so you can choose the one that suits your particular dog. If your dog has a high activity level rather than a more moderate daily life, there are meals that take that difference into account.
How to keep track of whether growth is proceeding healthily
You do not need to measure and weigh every week to keep an eye on growth. The most important thing is that the dog is in good body condition all the way through - neither clearly chubby nor too thin - and that it is happy, active and has a well-functioning digestion. An even, calm weight gain is healthier than big leaps, especially in the large breeds, where the joints need time to keep up with the body. If you can feel the ribs with a light press, without them being obvious, that is often a good sign.
If you want a concrete tool to assess whether your growing dog lies where it should, the guide Does your dog have a healthy weight can help you read the body condition. If, on the other hand, you find that the dog is growing markedly differently than expected for its breed, that it is limping, or that there are other health-related signs you are concerned about, it is your veterinarian you should talk to. The nutritional advisors at ESSENTIAL FOODS can, however, always help with the feeding itself and with finding the right meals for the phase your dog is in.
A well-considered universe for the whole puppy period
The growth period is short in the big picture, but it lays the foundation for a long and healthy dog life, and that is why it is worth giving it attention. From the first months' rapid growth to the calm maturing where the body fills out, your dog's needs change all the time, and the right meals along the way make a real difference. In ESSENTIAL FOODS' Puppy universe you will find a well-considered place, where the advice comes directly from us, and where you can follow your puppy safely from the finest beginning all the way to the day it stands as a fully grown dog.