6 mo. old feeding and excercise

Question
Labman,
Thank you for your responses. They are very helpful. I just had one more question. You suggest to start switching to dog chow. I have read several places that switching to dog chow isn't done till 12 to 14 months of age. Our labs are 6 months. Should we still start switching over or keep them on the puppy chow.
Thank You,
RZ
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
Labman,
Hello we own 2 male 6 mo. labs. Since we got them we have feed them purina puppy chow. The bag suggest that they get feed 5 to 8 8oz cups a day. Does this sound correct for their age?

Also, how much excersie should they recive a day? They go outside at least 4 to 6 hours a day together and get plenty of chasing done and we play catch, fetch, etc. from 15 to 30 mins. a day. Is this sufficent?
Thank You,
RZ

Answer -
Often the recommendations on dog food bags are a little high for all but the most active dogs.  They are only a starting point.  Most Labs' appetites are even less reliable.  Best thing is to check their ribs as this link shows, http://www.puppychow.com/products/popup_body_condition.aspx  Keep them lean.  Also switch to adult chow now.  Keep mixing in a little more adult each day over a week until it is all adult chow.  That will slow their growth giving them more time to develop sturdy joints.  

Don't let anybody try to tell you the more expensive chows are better for the dog.  Likely they are happy to have to eat more of the Purina.  that is what the dog guide school I raise puppies for was feeding when I started.  Their very valuable dogs did fine on it.  They have switched to Pro Plan now, but the smaller, firmer stools that are easier to clean up are a big issue.  

The exercise sounds good.  As long as you aren't seeing problems with restlessness, stick to it.

Answer
The conventional wisdom and the dog chow companies have long said feed puppy chow at least until a year and even 2 years.  More and more people are realizing the highly rich puppy chows lead to fast growth at the expense of sturdy joints.  American animal nutrition science knows ''get big fast''.  A less rich diet leads to slower growth giving joints more time to develop, giving longer active lives.  Much of what I know I have learned from a large dog guide school and other service dog schools.  They have experience with thousands of dogs, a strong incentive to determine the best way to produce sturdy dogs, and share what they learn with those caring for their dogs.  They all make an early switch.  

My local vet is a nationally known joint specialist.  He suggests an even quicker switch going to adult chow as soon as you bring the puppy home.  

I would make your next bag of chow, an adult formula.  Blend it in so it takes about a week before all the puppy chow is gone.