Switching Your Weimaraner to Adult Food

A five-year-old Weimaraner still on puppy formula — that's worth sorting out. Puppy food is calorie-dense and high in certain minerals that an adult dog, especially a large active breed like a Weim, just doesn't need at this stage. What does his day-to-day look like — is he active, working, or more of a companion dog these days? And has he been showing any signs of weight gain or digestive sensitivity?

Good — healthy weight and no gut issues makes this straightforward. For an active adult Weimaraner you want a high-protein, grain-free or low-grain food with a protein source that suits the breed's lean muscle needs. I'd go with Orijen Original dry food. It's around 85% animal ingredients, mirrors a biologically appropriate diet, and the protein-to-fat ratio is well suited to an energetic but not working-level dog. It's also rich enough that you feed less volume than most mainstream foods, which helps avoid the bloat risk Weims are prone to.

Gradually, always — even though his digestion sounds solid. Do a seven to ten day transition: start with about 25% Orijen mixed into 75% of the current puppy food, then move to 50/50 around day four, 75/25 by day seven, and full switch by day ten. If you see loose stools at any point, just slow the transition down by a couple of days. His gut microbiome needs time to adjust to a different nutrient profile, regardless of how robust he seems.

At 30kg and moderately active, Orijen's feeding guide puts him around 270–310g per day. I'd start at the lower end and watch his weight over three to four weeks — Weims can look deceptively lean, so use body condition scoring rather than just the scales. You should be able to feel his ribs easily but not see them. Split it into two meals if you aren't already; it's better for a deep-chested breed like his.

Perfect. You're making the right call — five years on puppy food is surprisingly common and the switch will do him good. Keep an eye on coat condition too; within six to eight weeks you should notice it looking noticeably better on a food like Orijen. Good luck with him.