Goldendoodles, with their charming personalities and boundless energy, have captured the hearts of families worldwide. As a Goldendoodle owner, you want to provide the best possible care for your furry companion, and that starts with their diet. Feeding your Goldendoodle well isn’t just about filling their bowl; it’s about fueling their body, supporting their health, and giving them the best chance to thrive. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about crafting the perfect diet for your Goldendoodle, ensuring they live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Understanding Your Goldendoodle's Nutritional Needs
Goldendoodles are a mix of Poodle and Golden Retriever, a crossbreed that brings unique traits and considerations to their dietary needs. As active and loving companions, they require a balanced diet to support their health and vitality.
The Basics of Canine Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition, most dogs, regardless of breed, have surprisingly universal needs. Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. That means meat is their biological staple, but they can survive by scavenging and eating other food types, including some plant matter. Consider the following key components of a healthy puppy diet:
- High-Quality Protein: Essential for muscle growth and development. A Goldendoodle needs a protein-rich diet to keep up with their high energy levels. Look for dog food that lists real meat, like chicken or beef, as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that list meat meals (such as chicken meal), as these ingredients are highly processed forms of meat that are not as nutritionally dense as whole food proteins.
- Healthy Fats: Necessary for energy and brain development, with sources like fish oil providing vital omega-3 fatty acids. Fats have a bad reputation, but some can support important nutritional needs in Goldendoodles. Similarly to carbs, it’s all about moderation and quality.
- Carbohydrates: Carbs and protein work together to sustain your pup’s energy, but too much of one can cause weight gain. They can be provided by sources such as rice, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. Make sure to choose carbohydrates that are easily digestible, such as brown rice or sweet potatoes.
- Fiber: Fiber is a great resource for a dog’s digestive tract. Then, the fatty acid helps prevent bad bacteria and support the colon. It can be provided by sources such as vegetables and fruits, as well as fiber supplements. Make sure to choose vegetables that are safe for dogs to eat, such as carrots, peas, and green beans. Fruits such as apples, bananas, and blueberries can also be a great source of fiber for your pet.
- Vitamins and Minerals: A wide range ensures proper growth and immune system development. These nutrients can help support your pet's immune system and overall health.
Life Stage Considerations
The last factor to consider when assessing your Goldendoodle’s diet is what life stage they are in. This is because puppies burn calories faster and are often more active than older dogs. Your Goldendoodle’s nutritional needs will change as they grow. Puppies need more calories and nutrients to support their growth, while adult dogs need a balanced diet to maintain their weight and energy. Senior Goldendoodles may benefit from a diet lower in calories but higher in fiber to support their aging bodies. Adjusting their food as they age helps them stay healthy and active for years to come.
- Puppies (Under 1 Year): Goldendoodle puppies should see the vet multiple times in their first year for vaccinations and wellness checks. During the first two weeks of the period Goldendoodle puppies, avoid feeding them exact dog food. Your pup should be with its mother as it will rely on nursing at this phase. After this how much to feed Goldendoodles is a general question of many designer dog owners. Goldendoodles manage to grow pretty fast. When they grow three weeks old, this is where they start weaning. At this point, your Goldendoodle puppy is ready to transition into puppy meal feeding. Puppy feeding guidelines are different from adult dogs and change as your young dog grows. For safe growth, it’s important to feed a raw puppy-specific formula. ProDog’s raw puppy food meals are formulated to FEDIAF nutritional standards and expertly portioned for convenience.
- Adults (1-7 Years): A Goldendoodle should be fed one to four cups in a day, divided between two and three meals. Since Goldendoodles come in various size variants, the rule of thumb is to feed them one cup of meals per 15 pounds of body weight per day. Yet, diet may still vary per particular dog.
- Seniors (7+ Years): Meanwhile, adults and old Goldendoodles should be fed once or twice a day.
Size Variations
As mentioned, Goldendoodles can range in size, largely depending on their Poodle parent. A healthy weight for a full-mature toy Goldendoodle is 20 to 30 pounds. A puppy Goldendoodle generally weighs 35 to 50 pounds. The mature one, the average, is usually between 50 and 90 pounds. You should only keep the “one cup of food per 15 pounds of body weight” rule if your Goldendoodle is within the perfect weight range. Otherwise, the rule of thumb will not be useful for your puppy. In the next sections, we’ll consider how your dog will grow from a big breed puppy to a big adult dog. The amount may look small, but you have to understand that they are even puppies.
Read also: Best Food for Golden Retrievers
Special Considerations: Large Breed Puppies
Large breed (expected to be > 70lb adults) puppies have unique nutritional requirements. Their food should have a balanced energy content to prevent them from growing too fast, which can lead to joint problems. Additionally, the calcium to phosphorus ratio needs to be carefully managed to support bone integrity without encouraging excessive growth. For example, Standard Goldendoodles that weigh over 70 lbs are considered large dogs and should follow the special consideration. This is not recommended because many adult foods have calcium to phosphorus ratios, which can be harmful for growing large breed dogs, as their bones are still developing. What you should use is large breed growth diets, which serve the dual purpose of growing needs and reducing overfeeding.
Potential Health Concerns
Next, as a Goldendoodle parent, it’s important to consider potential health concerns and how diet may play a role.
- Cancer: Though goldendoodles may have a higher risk of cancer, diet can play an important role in overall health. This is where a balanced diet can be a huge support.
- Hip Dysplasia: Poodles and Golden Retrievers are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, so goldendoodles are too.
- Skin Allergies: Skin allergies can be common in goldendoodles based on their predisposition from their Golden Retriever parent. These can be difficult to diagnose because exact causes and symptoms can vary. Diets with fewer fillers, artificial flavors, and additives, as well as high-quality animal protein sources, may help with allergy-related skin issues.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis - a condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed - is a common concern among all dog breeds. Diet can play a role in the condition developing or becoming more severe. A low-fat diet and avoiding table scraps containing fatty foods can help keep pancreatitis at bay.
Ingredients to Prioritize
Considering all the health conditions and common traits among goldendoodles, it’s important to seek out certain ingredients to incorporate into your pup’s diet.
- Protein: A goldendoodle needs a protein-rich diet to keep up with their high energy levels.
- Omega Fatty Acids: Omega fatty acids should be a key component in your goldendoodle’s diet as they can help support healthy skin and coat.
- Fiber: Fiber is a great resource for a dog’s digestive tract. Then, the fatty acid helps prevent bad bacteria and support the colon.
Ingredients to Avoid
It’s important to look at ingredient lists to make sure there are no common allergens. These can include soy, egg, wheat gluten, dairy, and certain proteins. Meat by-products often contain fillers and artificial preservatives that can make the food difficult to digest. Artificial ingredients are not healthy for dogs in general, including goldendoodles.
- Fillers and Artificial Preservatives: Fillers, such as corn and wheat, provide little nutritional value for your Doodle and can be difficult for them to digest. They can also cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Artificial preservatives, such as BHA, BHT, and ethoxyquin, are often added to dog food to increase its shelf life. However, these preservatives can be harmful to your pet's health and should be avoided.
Choosing the Right Food: Navigating the Options
With so many choices available, from canned dog food and kibble to grain-free formulas and the increasingly popular raw diet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of dog food and their pros and cons:
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Commercial Dog Food (Kibble and Canned)
High-quality commercial dog foods designed for active breeds are often a great choice. Look for options that list real meat, such as chicken, lamb, or fish, as the first ingredient.
Pros:
- Convenience: Readily available and easy to store.
- Balanced Nutrition: Formulated to meet the nutritional needs of dogs.
- Variety: Available in various flavors and formulas to suit different needs.
Cons:
- Processed: Can contain fillers, artificial ingredients, and preservatives.
- Lower Quality Ingredients: Some brands use lower quality ingredients to keep costs down.
- Potential Allergens: May contain common allergens like corn, wheat, and soy.
Grain-Free and Limited-Ingredient Diets
Golden Doodles can also benefit from grain-free or limited-ingredient diets, especially if they have food allergies or sensitivities. If your Goldendoodle has trouble digesting some grains or has food allergies, The Honest Kitchen’s Grain Free Chicken Clusters (also available with beef and turkey) can be a great option.
Pros:
- Easier Digestion: Can be easier for dogs with sensitive stomachs to digest.
- Fewer Allergens: Eliminates common allergens like grains, corn, and soy.
- Improved Skin and Coat: Can help improve skin and coat health in dogs with allergies.
Cons:
- Not Always Necessary: Grain-free diets are not always necessary for dogs without allergies.
- Potential Nutrient Deficiencies: Can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not properly formulated.
- Higher Cost: Often more expensive than traditional dog food.
Fresh or Homemade Dog Food
Fresh or homemade dog food, approved by your veterinarian, is another excellent option for ensuring they receive optimal nutrition. Some Golden Doodle owners choose to prepare homemade meals to ensure the highest quality ingredients.
Pros:
- Control Over Ingredients: You know exactly what your dog is eating.
- Higher Quality Ingredients: Can use fresh, whole foods.
- Customizable: Can tailor the diet to your dog's specific needs.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Requires time and effort to prepare meals.
- Requires Veterinary Guidance: It’s always best to consult your veterinarian when selecting a food, especially if your dog has sensitivities or special dietary needs.
- Potential Imbalances: Can be difficult to balance nutrients properly without guidance from a veterinarian or nutritionist.
Raw Diet
Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
Pros:
- Better Digestion: More vitality.
- Shinier Coats: Healthier teeth.
- Nutrient Absorption and Overall Health: Raw feeding offers significant advantages in terms of nutrient absorption and overall health.
Cons:
- Requires Freezer Space: Raw food arrives frozen, so ensure you have sufficient freezer space.
Feeding Schedules and Portion Control
The correct time to feed your Goldendoodle relies on its age. Normally, you should feed Goldendoodle puppies three to four times a day. Unrestricted feeding is also fine for puppies.
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Establishing a Routine
Just like humans, puppies also need good eating habits. This way, their energy levels are maintained stable throughout the day. Goldendoodles forever have a hunger. They are known as living food lovers and will eat more than required if unsupervised. It is important to make a feeding timetable to secure underfeeding or overfeeding your puppy.
Portion Control
Portion control is essential for maintaining your Doodle's weight and preventing obesity. It is important to measure the amount of food you are feeding your pet, rather than guessing. Use a measuring cup to ensure that you are providing the correct amount of food for your pet's age, weight, and activity level.
Maintaining Hydration
Like all dogs, Goldendoodles should have access to clean, fresh water at all times. As a general rule, dogs need about one ounce of water per pound of body weight per day, but this can vary based on age, temperature, and activity. Puppies and active dogs may need more frequent hydration.
Addressing Picky Eating Habits
Some may develop a reputation for being picky eaters. While not all dogs of this breed are selective about their meals, individual personalities and past experiences with food can influence their eating habits.
Tips for Picky Eaters
If your Golden Doodle turns their nose up at meals, consider trying different protein sources or switching from kibble to a mixed diet that includes wet food or fresh options.
Got a picky eater? It might not be the food. At the end of the day, feeding real food isn’t just healthy; it’s easy.
Treats and Supplements
Goldendoodles typically enjoy soft chews, freeze-dried meats, and bite-sized training treats. Look for dog-friendly options made with high-quality, recognizable ingredients and minimal fillers. Treats should complement your dog’s daily nutrition, not replace it, and should account for no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Recommended Supplements
To add a boost of immune support to your goldendoodle’s meal, consider The Honest Kitchen’s Functional Pour Over for Immune Support. This tasty stew can be added as a topper to your pup’s dry dog food or used as a treat. The second topper we recommend is The Honest Kitchen’s Functional Pour Over for Hip and Joint. As mentioned, goldendoodles can be at risk for hip and joint-related health concerns, so you may want to add a boost of support. Digest, our dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food.
Recognizing Signs of Dietary Issues
There are various signs & symptoms of bad health of Doodledog due to bad quality dog food or improper feeding.
- Obesity: Extra fat negatively affects a puppy’s health and longevity. Obese puppies develop an improved risk for many types of cancer, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and hypertension.
- Rickets: Rickets is a rare disorder of young, growing animals that causes soft and distorted bones. It is generally caused by poor phosphorus or vitamin D in the diet. More infrequently, calcium shortage is to blame.
- Allergies: In the dog, the most ordinary symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin, either localized (in one area) or generalized (all over the body). In some puppies, the symptoms affect the respiratory system, with coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing.
When to Consult a Veterinarian
If your puppy seems hungry and aggressive all the time, this may be a sign that it’s not bringing sufficient food, but don’t go off of that one indicator independently. Feel about its ribs - you should be capable to feel the ribs but not seeing them separately when simply glancing at them. If you can see the puppy’s ribs, that’s a powerful signal that it is not consuming sufficient food or obtaining sufficient nutrition. Also, do your best to observe the advice in the chart above. Most puppies stop eating when they’re full. Yet, this does not suggest that you should have big amounts of food willingly available to your dog all of the time.
As always, if you have any concerns about your pet’s health, speak with your veterinarian. If you want to optimize your pet’s nutrition needs, schedule a same-day appointment with Dr. Terry White, Medical Director at EverPal, who brings 40 years of experience to help you navigate the complex pet food world and develop the right nutritional plan for your fur baby.
Making the Switch: Transitioning to a New Diet
Switching your Goldendoodle from processed food to a raw, biologically aligned diet is one of the most impactful health decisions you can make. The transition from puppy food to adult food is a pivotal moment, typically around the 12-month mark for many breeds but later for larger breeds, sometimes not until 18-24 months. The key to transition is gradual change, allowing your puppy’s digestive system to adjust. This stage marks the beginning of their life as adult dogs, where the focus shifts from supporting rapid growth to maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
Gradual Transition
Gradually Introduce Adult Food: Start by mixing a small amount of adult food with their puppy food, gradually increasing the adult food portion over 7-10 days. To minimize digestive upset, you could do the following:
- Day 1-3: Mix 75% puppy food with 25% adult food.
- Day 4-6: Adjust the mix to 50% puppy food and 50% adult food.
- Day 7-9: Shift to 25% puppy food and 75% adult food.
- Day 10: Completely switch to adult food.
Monitoring Your Dog's Response
During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite.
Monitor Their Reaction: Pay attention to how they react to the new food-both their appetite and digestion. Adjust as necessary.