10 Affordable & Best Dog Food for Poodles in 2023

Poodles are an easily recognized dog breed with their curly hypoallergenic coats that range in color between from white and silver to apricot and black.  They’re known for being intelligent, sweet, and active dogs with a sense of pride.

Poodles are eager and super smart, and they demonstrate their versatility in their everyday actions. These are athletic pups that respond well to training. 

In fact, Poodles are near the top of the list of the most intelligent dog breeds. They place second only to Border Collies when it comes to following directions and can ace any IQ test you give them. If you want a dog that not only has fabulous hair but also has an agile mind and body, Poodles are your best bet.

But like any dog breed, Poodles are also prone to certain health risks (more on this further down). That’s why a dog’s diet is extremely important as your pet’s first line of defense.

This best dog food for poodles guide will walk you through some special dietary and nutritional considerations for your Poodle, his key nutritional needs, a feeding chart, and some of our top recommendations for great dog food available on the market.

Read on to further inform yourself and make the best decision for your Poodle’s thriving life. He will thank you for it!

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR POODLES

Breed Overview

Pedigree

Poodle dog breeds have been in existence for centuries, particularly in Germany, France, Italy, and England. They were mostly used for sporting and retrieving purposes back then so their coats were clipped in areas to prevent them from getting heavy when wet.

The name Poodle comes from the german word, “pudel” meaning a puddle, because these pups are especially good at water retrieving. In fact, in France they are called “caniches” or duck dogs.

There are three varieties of Poodles that are currently recognized: Standard Poodles, Miniature Poodles, and Toy Poodles. The Standard Poodles are the longest known in existence. Miniature Poodles are more medium-sized and were formerly known as Toy Poodles until a smaller variety came out which was more deserving of the Toy moniker. 

Poodles have square bodies, elegant necks, straight backs, and docked tails. They also have a leggy appearance and long muzzles. Their coats are tight and curly and need constant grooming. 

The most common colors for this dog breed are silver, chocolate, apricot, and white. However, there are also creams, blues, reds, and particolors. 

Size

Poodle puppies grow into different sizes. The Standard Poodles will grow to over 15 inches, Miniature Poodles will be around 10-11 inches, and the tiniest of the bunch — Toy Poodles — will grow to no more than 10 inches.  

Weight

Poodles will, of course, have different weights depending on breed size. Standard Poodles weigh from 45 to 70 pounds. Miniature Poodles will grow to weigh anywhere from 12 to 20 pounds, and Toy Poodles will only be around five to seven pounds.

Energy Level

In cartoons, Poodles are often depicted as lazy aristocrats who do nothing but sleep all day. That is quite far from true. Poodles are active doggos that are still used as working dogs by some. 

Because of their high energy level, Poodles must be exercised for at least an hour daily. They love swimming and will be happy with brisk walks, hikes, and jogs. And since they are retrievers at heart, they will also be perfect for fetchign games.

Lifespan

A generally healthy breed, Standard Poodles have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. Miniatures can live from 13 to 15 years, and Toys will usually live longer by one or two years than the Standard. 

Fast Facts

Compared to other dogs which have double coats, the poodle only has a single layer of hair that looks deceptively as if it does not shed. However, the shed hair only gets trapped between their naturally curly hair.

Without frequent maintenance and grooming, a poodle’s hair can get hopelessly tangled and matted. Your Poodle dog’s skin can also become quite sensitive as a result.

Also, the Poodle cut is not really meant for fashion. It’s for function. Less hair makes the Poodle a more efficient swimmer but shaving it all off can make them very vulnerable to cold water. So to compromise, puffs of hair are left on their torso and joints to protect their vital organs and joints.

Why Quality Poodle Dog Food Matters

Food is your pup’s first line of defense against any kind of sickness or disease. A dog’s diet may not seem that important but there are plenty of scientific evidence and studies to support the belief that quality food increases a dog’s chances of a long life and surmounting any health challenge.

Inadequate nutrition will directly impact your dog’s mood, brain, nervous system, and every metabolic process. Meanwhile, good nutrition will result in a happy and fully functioning dog who will thrive even in his twilight years.

Overall Best Dog Food for Poodles in 2023

What Is The Best Dog Food For Poodle?

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
2. Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks
3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Formula
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice
5. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
6. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken
7. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula
8. Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula
9. Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
10. Instinct Original Recipe with Real Chicken

 

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food

Rating: 5/5

First 5 ingredients: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Coconut Oil

Guaranteed Analysis:

Overall Best Dog Food for Poodles – Ollie is a dog food option that is made with human-grade, organic and natural ingredients. It is an awesome grain-free dog food recipe that offers a delicious meal for your curly-haired canine companion! 

This wet dog food formulation is comprised of wholesome, fresh ingredients that are processed carefully and in small batches to ensure optimal nutrient provision for your little one. Ollie also ensures its meals are free from artificial ingredients and needless fillers.

Ollie offers a great delivery service that makes it easy for you to provide your Poodle with only the best. The brand does a great job of providing flavorful, complete nutrition to pups without delivering any unnecessary fluff. Good ingredients don’t need extra flavor and Ollie recognizes that.

We chose this as our best dog food recipe for poodle puppies to adults, among a bunch of offerings from different dog food brands, because not only is the formulation quality, but the fresh food can also be customized according to your pup’s weight, breed, size, and specific needs. 

The natural ingredients stand out, and we highly recommend this grain-free food (and other Ollie recipes) for not only Poodles but all small to large breed dogs.

Pros:

• Human grade, safe ingredients
• Convenient delivery for busy Poodle parents
• Zero artificial ingredients and fillers
• Low calorie meal

Cons:

• Is more expensive

2. Iams ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks

Rating: 3/5

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp

Guaranteed Analysis:

Iams ProActive’s dry dog food recipe for adult dogs is crafted with real chicken to offer protein and whole grain corn that deliver an important ingredient: fiber. This formulation provides a rich, fragrant flavor your pup will gulp up with ease!

It’s a suitable dog food for small breed pups, which makes it ideal for miniature and toy poodles.

The extra protein is delivered to boost the upkeep of lean muscle mass in small dogs, ensuring they are super healthy and at an appropriate mass for their size.

This formula adds chicken fat and flaxseed to offer your little curly-haired pup the omega fatty acids that will give his skin and coat the ingredients that increase his chances for optimal health.

Supplementary veggies and fruits deliver the vitamins and minerals and even antioxidants that back total health and explicitly, immune care.

Pros:

• Rich with protein
• Promotes a healthy digestive system
• Premium-sourced protein
• Contains antioxidants for immune system support

Cons:

• Contains corn and chicken by-product meal

3. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Formula

Rating: 4/5

First 5 ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas

Guaranteed Analysis:

Taste of the Wild’s dry dog food includes delicious buffalo and bison ingredients that provide your Poodle with protein, an important component of your pup’s diet that delivers plentiful energy and helps with the maintenance of lean muscle mass for the best weight control.

This well constructed formula for adult dogs includes peas and sweet potatoes to deliver fiber and energy that is easy on your little one’s digestive system.

Added fruits and vegetables provide the vitamins and minerals that encourage your best bud’s overall well-being, including antioxidant support to make sure seasonal colds get skipped altogether.

The K9 probiotic blend in this dry dog food formula is an awesome addition by Taste of the Wild because it encourages a healthy digestion to keep nutrients moving through your pup’s body while also promoting healthy stools.

If your Poodle suffers from any kind of allergies, this is a great, healthy dog food option because Taste of Wild omits fillers like corn, soy, and wheat.

This formula is created to provide optimal nutrition without the danger of tummy upset issues or worse, allergy issues that require medical care.

Pros:

• Very easy to digest adult dog food formula for sensitive tummies
• No artificial colors or flavors
• Zero unnecessary fillers to avoid common allergic reactions
• This formula omits grains and gluten
• Includes a K-9 probiotic blend that supports a healthy digestion

Cons:

• Dry dog food formula has been crumbly of late and may cause gas in some pups

4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice

Rating: 4.25/5

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley

Guaranteed Analysis:

This chicken and brown rice recipe by Blue Buffalo was created with the total wellness of small, growing puppies in mind.

Real meat offers yummy protein, whole grains deliver carbs and fiber, and wholesome garden vegetables and fruit provide all of the vitamins and minerals that encourage the progress of your Poodle.

Blue Buffalo also integrates a select combination of nutrients called LifeSource Bits that are enhanced with extra antioxidants.

Deboned chicken is the core animal protein source in this puppy food recipe and your curly-haired best bud can thoroughly enjoy the taste with ease because the kibbles are made expressly for those tiny jaws.

DHA and ARA support your budding puppy’s brain and eye development, while Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids give just the right boost to provide a beautiful coat and healthy skin.

Pros:

• Has DHA for the brain and eye development of Poodle puppies 
• Essential fatty acids for healthy coat and skin
• Excellent option for immune system support
• This recipe of free of fillers like corn, wheat, and soy
• Little kibbles for poodle puppies to make consumption more comfortable

Cons:

• Does not smell as good as other dog food recipes

More Top Rated Poodle Foods:

5. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe

Rating: 4/5

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Peas, Pea Starch, Canola Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal

Guaranteed Analysis:

This grain-free chicken and vegetable formula for adult dogs by True Acre is prepared with real chicken to provide a whole animal protein source, offering your pup a pleasant zest that delivers the protein he desires to sustain his lean muscle mass. Peas and carrots are just two of the tasty farm veggies incorporated into this recipe.

The dry dog food formulation offers vitamins and minerals that are ever-so essential for your Poodle dog’s health. Antioxidants are also merged with this formula to fight free radicals and encourage your pup’s immune system health, keeping doggy under-the-weather illness away no matter the time of year.

The True Acre dog food brand always remembers the importance of gastric health and does not forget to include natural fibers that encourage ideal digestion.

Omega fatty acids are encompassed to keep your pup’s coat gleaming and his skin healthy. Like any excellent dog food product, this recipe does not have fake components or fillers.

Pros:

• Grain-free formulation for sensitive adult dogs
• USA-raised chicken as the first ingredient
• Meets AAFCO requirements for all life stages and breeds, including large dogs
• Has omega fatty acids for healthy coat and skin

Cons:

• Contains meat by-products

6. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken

Rating: 4/5

First 5 ingredients: Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Peas

Guaranteed Analysis:

This dry dog food chicken recipe by Gentle Giants is the perfect option for conscious Poodle parents with pups of all life stages looking for a GMO-free food option.

Contained within are farm-raised chicken for protein, rice and oatmeal as easily digestible carbs, and it’s even packed with non-GMO fruits and vegetables like carrots, blueberries, apples, and tomatoes.

This means that purebred Poodle puppies to senior dogs will not only be enjoying a flavor sensation, they will also be absorbing Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin C from natural sources. These aim to foster good immune health in your dog. 

This formula has been designed for dog's with sensitive stomachs, so it might be a good idea to try this if your pet is having digestive trouble with standard dog food.

There are tons of vitamins and minerals, probiotics and prebiotics, glucosamine and chondroitin in every meal that provide nutrition, joint support, and digestive support with every bite.

Pros:

• The dry dog food is designed for all life stages and dog breeds
• With added probiotics and prebiotics
• Contains guaranteed levels of omegas for your dog’s skin and coat
• Uses chicken fat as premium fat source
• No meat by-products

Cons:

• Protein content is low

7. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat (preserved with mixed Tocopherols), Pork Meal, Chicken Meal

Guaranteed Analysis:

VICTOR’s Hi-Pro Plus dry dog food is a great option for your pup because it is nutrient-dense and comprised of all the best proteins — chicken, beef, and pork meals that are great for all life stages, from puppies to adult dogs. It also has menhaden fish meal to provide your toy, miniature, or standard poodle with a bountiful supply of DHA.

Victor has crafted a good mid-range all-rounder dry dog food that should please pet owners. Containing 30% protein and 20% fat, this dog food is well above the average levels and will go a long way in developing and maintaining your pet's muscles and bones. to adulthood.

This dry dog food formula is great for dogs with sensitive stomach as it is gluten-free and contains no corn, wheat, or peas. It is also loaded with natural ingredients like fruits and vegetables that will aid digestive health.

The formula does contain a wide variety of animal protein sources, which can increase the risk that your dog will have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients included. If this is the case, it might be worth investigating limited ingredient dog foods.

Pros:

• Contains guaranteed levels of omega-3, omega-6, and DHA
• No chicken by-product meal
• Comprised of 88% meat protein
• Contains the unique VPRO Blend for superior immune system function and digestibility

Cons:

• High calorie content

8. Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula

Rating: 4/5

First 5 ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Ground White Rice, Dried Yeast, Egg Product

Guaranteed Analysis:

This delicious dry dog food option by Diamond Naturals provides your Poodle with complete nutrition along with extras like the addition of superfoods and probiotics that help to encourage good digestive health.

It’s an adult food formula for large and small dog breeds that provides naturally sourced vitamins and minerals from real beef, fish, veggies, and fruit to your dog’s diet. 

Marketed for adult dogs from standard to toy poodle sizes, the Diamond Naturals Beef Meal & Rice Formula offers enough nutrients to fully support a grown dog’s daily requirements for overall good health. The mixture is made up of real animal proteins, superfoods such as kale and blackberries, and antioxidants.

This particular adult food recipe is made with beef meal as the first ingredient. Contrary to what most believe, beef meal can be excellent for dogs, particularly if it’s made by a good-quality brand. It’s a highly-concentrated source of natural protein that is also used to improve the amino acid profile of a formulation. 

Pros:

• Includes species specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics
• Contains antioxidants and prebiotics
• Real pasture-raised beef as the first ingredient
• No corn, wheat, or artificial ingredients
• Has glucosamine and chondroitin for hip and joint support

Cons:

•  Might not be popular with extremely picky dogs

9. Merrick Real Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Beef, Lamb Meal, Salmon Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes,

Guaranteed Analysis:

Merrick provides a great dry dog food recipe because according to the company, your pup deserves only the best! The nutrition provided in this formula is allergy-friendly – this means it is free of grains and includes deboned beef, sweet potatoes, apples, peas, and even blueberries to deliver vitamins and minerals for the best and most complete nutrition.

It's perfect for all breeds, ages, and sizes and is available in a variety of different flavors. We recommend the beef and sweet potato recipe as it is poultry-free (a common allergy in dogs) and grain-free.

Containing a whopping 34% protein and 15% fat, Merrick's philosophy is that these two properties in combination with a host of vitamins and minerals will do wonders for promoting the overall health of your pet.

The brand is extremely transparent with regards to the ingredient composition, choosing only the best available products and containing no corn, wheat, soy or gluten ingredients.

Pros:

• Very high protein content
• Made with 65% protein
• 60% of the protein content is animal-based
• Made without poultry ingredients
• Small kibble size, perfect for miniature or toy poodle

Cons:

• A little more expensive than other recipes

10. Instinct by Nature's Variety Original Recipe with Real Chicken

Rating: 4.5/5

First 5 ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Chicken Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Tapioca

Guaranteed Analysis:

This real chicken dry dog food by Instinct by Nature's Variety provides excellent nourishment because this manufacturer holds a strong belief that pups benefit from raw nutrition. It’s a grain-free raw food diet formula that provides only the best sustenance to allow pups to thrive.

Nature's Variety has produced a premium grain-free recipe that excels in all areas. The recipe uses chicken as its main protein source, with all the poultry used in its production coming from cage-free chickens.

Every piece of kibble contains a raw ingredient, which Nature's Variety believes is the best way for dogs to take in nutrients. It does not include any grain, potato, corn, wheat, soy, by-product meal, artificial colors or preservatives.

This leaves more room for minerals and vitamins that will enable your dog to thrive! Peas are included in the formula, which might be a problem for some dogs with weaker stomachs.

To counterbalance this, Nature's Variety has packed this formula with guaranteed levels of live, natural probiotics, natural omegas and antioxidants to encourage digestive health, healthy skin and coat, and immune health.

Pros:

• Made from 70% real animal ingredients
• Cage-free chicken is the first ingredient
• Has guaranteed levels of live probiotics, antioxidants, and natural omegas
• Pure nutrition of raw

Cons:

• Very high caloric content

Common Health Issues of Poodles

Poodles are generally happy and healthy, but they’re not immune to diseases. Here are the most common health issues seen in the breed:

1. Bloat. This occurs when your Standard Poodle eats way too fast that gas gets trapped inside his stomach. It’s incredibly painful and can become life-threatening within hours if the gas does not pass naturally.

2. Addison’s Disease. Poodles have a generally calm temperament so it’s not immediately obvious when they suffer from Addison’s disease. The disease is brought about by lack of normal levels of cortisol in the body, resulting in symptoms like slow heart rate, lethargy, lack of appetite, and dehydration.

3. Thyroid problems. A common concern in senior Poodles is their thyroid, which may produce decreased or increased production of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine.

4. Hip dysplasia. When joint sockets are over or underdeveloped, the ball in the socket can be dislodged. The regular dislocation and relocation may wear the joints and cause hip dysplasia.

5. Epilepsy. Poodles are prone to epileptic seizures.

What To Look For In Poodle Dog Food

Meat first formulation. When looking for good poodle dog food recipes, always check the label. Since labels list down ingredients with the most volume first, look for meat-first recipes in dry dog foods. (It’s totally fine for canned dog food to start with broth or water first before meat.

Protein, fat, fiber, and calorie content. To keep our reviews more succinct, we only displayed the protein, fat, fiber, moisture, and calorie content of our featured best dog foods. 

But a more extensive guaranteed analysis usually contain extras like glucosamine, chondroitin, vitamin, mineral, and omega fatty acid content, which are all useful to know especially if your pup suffers from any medical condition. 

If your pup is a highly active adult dog, try to look for a dog food with a higher percentage of protein. If your pup has weight issues, check the fat and calorie content. Your vet will usually advise you what is the best for your pup.

Ingredients To Avoid

Artificial flavors. High-quality dog foods have no need for artificial flavors. It’s because they are mostly meat-based and not packed with fillers. Aside from this, artificial flavors in your poodle’s diet can also trigger allergies if your pup has food sensitivities.

Artificial Colorings. Artificial food colorings are not recommended at all in dog food but if your Poodle has a lighter coat color, it is even more important to avoid foods that contain them.

Food coloring  ingredients have the potential of causing staining on the fur of your pup’s face while he dives into his favorite meal. Even if you are avoiding these ingredients, it is always a good idea to help your light-colored Poodle groom by wiping his face after a yummy dinner.

Carrageenan. Although this is a highly debated topic among scientists, about half warn that carrageenan — yes, even the food-grade one — is carcinogenic. We’d like to err on the side of caution and recommend that you steer clear of dog foods that contain it.

Sugar. Sugar will do the same thing to your pup that it does to humans. It can be the cause of obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. Your dog does not really added sugar, especially in large quantities, in his regular dog food.Fillers. Fillers are anything that are included in food to add bulk to it but without adding any nutritional value.  Some examples of these are wheat and soy.

5 Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations

The  nutritional requirements of Poodles depend on their age, size, and activity level. Some Poodles have a predisposition to weight gain, while others thrive without caloric restrictions. However, since these pups may have a tendency to become overweight, it is important for you, as pet parents, to pay mind to this issue.

This means providing treats only in moderation, avoiding the provision of table scraps and leftovers, and ensuring proper exercise.

Choose Foods That Meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials Standards. When foods meet the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards, this means they have all the complete nutrition that is required and recommended for dogs to keep them healthy.

According to the FDA, dry dog food options that meet AAFCO standards have at least 18% protein provided for adult pups and 22% protein provided for dogs in the puppy stage, as well as pregnant or nursing dogs. These proteins ensure that your Poodle receives the essential amino acids he needs to promote the growth and development of lean muscle mass.

Monitor Weight. It is extremely important to heed feeding instructions when providing mealtimes for your Poodle. While most pups will acclimate to a standard feeding routine, you may find that your Poodle needs a little more or a little less food, depending on activity and subsequent weight consistency.

For instance, if you can see your pup’s ribs, he is underweight and will require a higher caloric intake per day. On the other hand, if you can not feel your Poodle’s ribs under layers of fat, he is overweight and will require a shift in his daily caloric intake along with his activity levels.

Be Mindful of Appetite. Some Poodles have a susceptibility to certain health conditions that affect appetite. For example, Addison’s disease is a condition that affects appetite and causes vomiting and diarrhea, which can trigger sudden weight loss and malnutrition.

Although this condition is more commonly seen in female Poodles, if you notice your pup is missing that same excitement during mealtimes and leftovers are becoming common, it is a good idea to see the vet and rule out more serious conditions.

Prevent Bloat. Since Poodles have a deep chest, they can suffer from bloat more easily than other dogs. Bloat is a condition that occurs when gases expand the stomach. Bloating can inhibit the regular expulsion of excessive gas and can even affect the regular blood supply that goes to the stomach.

Although bloating may not seem like a serious condition, it can become serious very quickly and may require emergency medical intervention. If you notice signs like gagging, drooling more than usual, a swollen tummy, or even weakness, bloat may be the culprit.

To assist with preventing the development of this issue, feed your Poodle small meals throughout the day. One big meal can detrimentally affect your pup’s digestive system and make him uncomfortable and deal with the pain of bloating. Feeding small meals throughout the day also helps with keeping stable blood sugar levels.

 

Maintain Standard Feeding Schedule. Maintaining a standard feeding schedule not only assists with preventing bloat and ensuring a stable weight, it also provides your pup with a healthy routine he can look forward to.

If your Poodle is athletic and has a vigorous exercise schedule, it is important not to feed him just prior or just after heavy exercise. These pups need a little buffer period between eating and exercise, so their little bodies have to time to adjust. Be sure to always have a fresh water bowl available, to avoid your pup overindulging on water during mealtimes.

5 Key Nutritional Needs of a Poodle Puppy

The best dog food for your Poodle must contain a balanced ratio of protein, fat, and fiber and these depend according to your pet’s activity level and size. 

Protein Rich Diet. A protein-rich diet allows your pup’s body to build and maintain strong muscle development – this is especially crucial for pups who maintain active lifestyles and those pups who may not be so active and maintain a healthy weight.

Protein is not only an important component for a healthy and active lifestyle, it is also a flavor that Poodles instinctively crave – so, whether they are enjoying turkey, beef, chicken, or fish, they are having a palate-pleasing meal that serves their body for optimum health.

High in Fat. There are different types of fats provided in dog food and they each serve an important function. Fats tend to be easy to digest and will deliver a steady release of energy to provide your Poodle with enough sustenance to tackle his days.

Fatty acids will provide your pup with a foundation for proper tissue development. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are especially important to maintain the beautiful coat Poodles are well recognized for.

Carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are provided in foods via different ingredients and there is not an exact requirement for Poodles, however, carbs are excellent for providing immediate energy and fuel. There are complex carbohydrates, like sweet potatoes and peas, which absorb more slowly, giving that long-term sustained energy that fuels their days.

Unfortunately, some dog food brands include simple carbs in their formulas that include soy and corn – these should be avoided. These carbs provide a quick release of energy and cause a crash soon after.

This is much like giving a child a treat full of sugar, watching them run around the room, then completely lose their energy. These are not good ingredients for your pup to ingest, not only because they affect energy levels in an extreme fashion, but because you may find they struggle to digest simple carbs.

Vegetables. Poodles benefit from yummy veggie additions to their dry and wet foods. This is because vegetables provide the vitamins and minerals they require to be healthy. It is important to note that some pups are allergic to certain vegetables, the most common being corn and peas.

Manufacturers of high-quality dog foods will reveal ingredients openly on their labels so if you come to find that your pup is allergic to a specific vegetable ingredient, you will have plenty of warning signs to avoid those foods that include these ingredients and provide a more customized food experience for your Poodle.

Vitamins and Minerals. Vitamins and minerals are a requirement for health benefits and for providing the best nutrition for your Poodle. These vitamins include Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and many others.

Most foods include these naturally via the vegetables and fruits included in the foods and some formulas add synthetic forms of these vitamins. These additives assist with improving bodily processes, like vision improvement, healthy metabolism, and even with fighting oxidative damage.

Poodle Puppy Feeding Chart

6 Week Old Poodle – Six-week old Poodles are much too young to be pulled away from their littermates. Baby Poodles still need to suckle from their canine mama because she provides the best nutrients during this vital phase of development.

In addition, that critical time spent with litter mates is a great help with socialization, offering your Poodle the opportunity to become well-acquainted with dealing with not only other pups, but other humans as well.

10 Week Old Poodle – During the tenth week, your Poodle will likely already be in your home, becoming familiar with the scents of your environment, with your family members, whether humans or others pets, and should be used to a solid puppy diet.

When you transition your Poodle, pay mind to what your breeder has been providing. Start your pup off with the same type of food and if you wish to switch to a different brand of food or something you deem of a higher quality, do so slowly.

Puppies need time to become accustomed to a new diet – any changes made too quickly will likely cause gastrointestinal distress, an unfortunate experience that can be avoided with your mindful care.

12 Week Old Poodle – When your Poodle has reached twelve weeks of age, his appetite will be apparent. If you are a pup parent like many with busy schedules, you may leave out yummy dry food for some free feeding throughout the day, when you are not available to provide a proper mealtime.

However, when you are home, it is better to keep your pup on a schedule, paying mind to feeding instructions and ensuring your little one is getting adequate nutrition throughout the day.

3 Month Old Poodle – At the three-month age, your Poodle will have become accustomed to his eating schedule. You will be delighting in his growth and playfulness. Keep a keen eye on his belly and be sure ribs are never protruding or being held behind too many layers of fat.

5 Month Old Poodle – During this stage, your Poodle will require less mealtimes per day. This does not mean to skimp on daily caloric intake! Simply, your little one will be getting more accustomed to a big dog diet and will need less full-time attention.

So long as you are following the daily caloric suggestions as provided by the manufacturer of your chosen best dog food, your Poodle should be thriving. If this is not the case, always ask your vet for assistance – it is always better to get a little confirmation than wait for any unusual symptoms or behavior to worsen!

1 Year Old Poodle – The one-year stage is exciting for your Poodle! At this phase, you have on your hands a beautiful, curly-coated loving, and energetic adult Poodle member of the family. At this stage, feeding twice a day is a great option.

Small portions with daily caloric requirements provided will ensure your little buddy is able to maintain his weight, have enough energy, and be his most playful self alongside you and your family.

Our 2023 Poodles' Feeding Guide

• Puppy Poodle – A special time for pups is puppyhood, and Poodles, due to their size, are extra endearing for pup parents. However, their cuteness should not take your focus from their primary need: proper feeding! At this stage, they should be receiving their nutrition from dog foods that are made for puppies – this is because protein to fat and carb ratios are optimal for growing pups!
• Adult Poodle – Adulthood for a Poodle means an adult stage formula is required. They are no longer in need of puppy food rations and will thrive with a high-quality option for adult pups.
• Senior Poodle – During this beautiful and sometimes painful life stage, your Poodle will be counting on you to make end of life comfortable. Keep an eye on weight and any unusual symptoms – during this time, your Poodle will need you more than ever. Feed less as needed if your pup is gaining weight but as always, pay mind to feeding instructions and always connect with your vet!

FAQs:

Should Poodles eat dry or canned food? There is no specific suggestion for dry or canned food. Dry food will be most economical and canned food will probably be most preferred by your Poodle due to its aroma and texture. A great compromise is to use wet food as a topper for dry food, this way both your budget and your pup’s palate win.

Should my Poodles eat a grain free diet? Some Poodles will do well with a diet than includes healthy grains; however, many pup parents avoid grains because they are a common allergen. You could try a diet that includes grains, however, be careful and look out for any allergic reactions. If you notice an allergic reaction, try feeding a grain-free option and see if your pup responds better.

How much Food should I feed my Poodle? During puppyhood, your Poodle should be fed small meals throughout the day. As he grows older, meals can be provided twice a day. The most important aspect of feeding is your attention – your Poodle will have individual needs that will only be apparent to you so if he needs a little extra food or a little less food, you will need to adjust and employ the assistance of your veterinarian should anything uncommon arise.

How often should I feed my Poodle puppy? Your Poodle’s feeding schedule is highly dependent on his activity. If your Poodle has a very active lifestyle, he will require not only a standard feeding schedule, but also some treats to keep his energy up.

However, if your Poodle is more of a homebody that spends his time cuddling with you, his meals and treats should be less. Two meals per day based on weight and activity will be enough. Tweaks along the way to fit your individual pup’s needs will be required.

Is a Poodle considered a Large breed? No, Poodles are small pups that come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy sizes.

Conclusion

To provide the best dog food for poodles, it is crucial to pay mind to the many different nutritional requirements for your pup. Not only that, but to be aware that your Poodle, whether a standard size, a miniature size, or a toy size, will require individual care to ensure optimal health.

While there are some basic guidelines that assist with providing your pup with the best food to thrive, each Poodle is different. Your little one will be counting on you to inform yourself, provide only the highest quality foods, and help him get exercise.

The recommendations provided above are a great starting point to deliver balanced nutrition in a tasty format that your Poodle will appreciate. Developing a good feeding routing will help your Poodle by establishing structure and will be of great assistance to you as a pup parent so you can quickly be made aware of any change in appetite or other unusual behavior.

Poodles are excellent companions, active by nature, intelligent and responsive, and proud of themselves – perhaps they know how cute they are because of all the human praise they get! And if you have a Poodle pup or are considering getting one, you will find yourself showering this breed with love and affection.

They will win your heart over with their appearance and personality and will inspire you to provide only the best foods, the most present and involved playtime, and of course, only the best cuddles possible.