Best Dog Foods For Cockapoos
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Cockapoos are the original hybrid or designer dog. They first became popular in the 1940s and 1950s, when American Cocker Spaniels and Poodles were the most popular American Kennel Club breeds in the United States.
It only seemed natural to cross these breeds and produce the cockapoo. Cockapoos have been popular ever since. Smart, cute, and affectionate,
There’s a lot to like about these small to medium-sized dogs. In addition, many cockapoos are low-shedding because of their poodle connection. We can help you find the best dog foods for Cockapoos.
Best Dog Foods for Cockapoos
We highly recommend looking at the comparison table we have below, where we have highlighted the features of each product. You’ll also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Cockapoos
BEST FOR ALLERGIES  5. Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Mini Breed Formula Dry Dog Food | ||||
Protein 37% Min | Protein 37.5% Min | Protein 23% Min | Protein 28% Min | Protein 30% Min |
Fat 26% Min | Fat 31% Min | Fat 12% Min | Fat 18% Min | Fat 18% Min |
Fiber 4% Max | Fiber 6% Max | Fiber 3.3% Max | Fiber 3.6% Max | Fiber 2.9% Max |
Calories 1,189 kcal/kg | Calories 1,540 kcal/kg | Calories 304 kcal/cup | Calories 425 kcal/cup | Calories 435 kcal/cup |
Our criteria
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association recommends choosing the best dog foods for cockapoos based on several criteria. These include AAFCO-approved foods, companies investing in nutritional research and testing, employing veterinary nutritionists for formula development, and maintaining good quality control.
Nutrition is more important than appealing ingredients. The FDA is currently investigating a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, which has expanded to include exotic meats.
The FDA does not recommend feeding grain-free dog food unless a specific health problem or food allergy has been diagnosed by a veterinarian and a grain-free dog food is recommended. Some recommended dog foods are not popular today but are considered the best for cockapoos due to their nutritional value, quality control measures, and science.
Best Dog foods For Cockapoos Reviewed
A quality dog food brand will feature animal protein as the main ingredient, along with digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and beneficial supplements to ensure nutritional balance. It should also come from a reputable brand that doesn’t use fillers or artificial additives.
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Fresh Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 37% Min
- Fat: 26% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 1,189 kcal/kg
- Rich in protein with moderate fat and calories
- Perfectly portioned for dog’s calorie needs
- Suitable for all life stages
- Some dogs of this breed are prone to allergies (like chicken)
- More expensive than the average kibble
Nom Nom offers four recipes for fresh dog food, all made with wholesome natural ingredients and delivered right to your door. Each bag is perfectly portioned according to your dog’s calorie requirements, as well, so you don’t have to worry about overfeeding.
Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion. It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures
We like Nom Nom’s Chicken Chow-Wow recipe for the Cockapoo breed because it is rich in protein but moderate in fat and calories. It provides plenty of fiber for healthy digestion as well as omega fatty acids to support your dog’s curly coat.
Ollie Hearty Beef Eats Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 37.5% Min
- Fat: 31% Min
- Fiber: 6% Max
- Calories: 1,540 kcal/kg
- Rich in protein and energy for active breeds
- Fresh fruits and vegetables for natural nutrients
- No plant-based proteins (like lentils)
- Some dogs are sensitive or allergic to beef
- More expensive than most commercial dry foods
Ollie fresh food is catered to your dog’s calorie requirements and made with fresh, human-grade ingredients to deliver a powerful punch of quality nutrition.
We like Ollie’s Hearty Beef Eats recipe for the Cockapoo breed because it is higher in fat and calories than some of the other recipes, making it an energy-rich source of nutrition for this active breed. This recipe contains fresh fruits and vegetables as well to provide natural sources for key nutrients.
Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult
Product Info
- Protein: 23% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 3.3% Max
- Calories: 304 kcal/cup
- Supports cardiac muscle health
- Helps your Cockapoo’s skin and coat
- Keeps your dog at a healthy weight
- Better for Cockapoos that resemble Cocker Spaniels
- Not suitable for puppies
It also maintains cardiac muscle health. This Cocker Spaniel formula has an exclusive kibble shape that encourages grasping and chewing for dogs with a Cocker Spaniel-type jaw. This food is intended for dogs over 12 months of age.
If your Cockapoo is a little more like his Poodle parent, we can suggest the Royal Canin Poodle dry dog food formula for adult Miniature and Toy Poodles. (Cockapoos are nearly always a cross between American Cocker Spaniels and a Miniature or Toy Poodle and not the Standard Poodle.)
Eukanuba Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 28% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 3.6% Max
- Calories: 425 kcal/cup
- Prebiotics that are good for your Cockapoo’s digestion
- Antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system
- 3D DentaDefense System to reduce tartar build-up
- This is a maintenance dog food, not suitable for puppies
- Suitable for small dogs but if your Cockapoo is larger you should look for a different food
Eukanuba Lifestage Formlas Small Breed Dog Food has a specialized fiber system made from natural beet pulp and prebiotic FOS (fructooligosaccharides), a natural sugar, to promote nutrient absorption and healthy digestion.
This Eukanuba formula also has a smaller, nutrient-dense kibble that makes it easier for your small dog to grasp and chew the food. The 3D DentaDefense System has been proven to reduce tartar build-up in 28 days.
Farmina Natural & Delicious Chicken & Ancestral Low-Grain Mini Breed Formula Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 30% Min
- Fat: 18% Min
- Fiber: 2.9% Max
- Calories: 435 kcal/cup
- This formula is 60 percent protein, 20 percent organic spelt and organic oats, and 20 percent vegetables and fruits, vitamins and minerals
- 92 percent of the protein comes from animal sources
- Farmina has chicken, lamb, and cod low grain formulas
- Comes in Medium and Maxi sizes with larger kibble pieces for bigger dogs
- This food is more expensive than some of the American brands we have recommended
- Customers report that the food has a strong, fresh odor, especially the cod formula, that some buyers don’t like; but dogs like it
Unlike many dog foods that are higher in protein, this food has 92 percent protein from animal sources. Farmina foods are also low-glycemic and GMO-free. This low grain formula does not contain peas, lentils, pea protein, chickpeas, or added plant oils. Farmina is one of the dog food brands that have been testing very well with dogs tested for DCM and taurine levels. Made in Italy.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Cockapoo
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM)
The American Cocker Spaniel is one of the breeds that is particularly prone to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), a heart disease. It’s possible that your Cockapoo can inherit this tendency from his Cocker Spaniel parent. We strongly recommend that you do not feed your Cockapoo grain-free dog food, at least until the FDA investigation into the possible link between grain-free dog foods and DCM is completed.
Allergies
Cocker Spaniels can have some allergies and they can have ear infections because of their long, floppy ears. Any of these things could show up in your cockapoo. If your dog does have allergies, we recommend working with your veterinarian to determine the exact cause.
If your vet confirms that your Cockapoo has an allergy, you can work together to identify the trigger that causes your dog’s allergic reaction. The most common food allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs.
You should be aware that any dog can develop an allergy at any time in his or her life. Even if your dog has never shown any indication of having an allergy to anything, he could suddenly develop an allergy when he’s 10 years old.
Most dogs will show signs of an allergy between 6 months and three years of age, but an allergy can develop at any time, and anything can be a trigger.
How Much Should You Feed Your Cockapoo?
An adult cockapoo can weigh between 10 and 34 pounds, with miniature or toy poodles being potential parents. To determine the appropriate amount of calories to feed, consider the weight of the puppy at different ages.
A three-month-old would need 660 calories per day, while a six-month-old would need 700 calories.
By a year old, around 26 pounds, the puppy would need 800 calories per day. Adjusting portions based on the puppy’s size or weight may be necessary.
Spayed or neutered dogs may need fewer calories as adults due to their slower metabolism.
What Kind of Diet Should You Feed Your Cockapoo?
Most cockapoos should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. All dogs require certain nutrients in their diet.
Protein
Cockapoos need protein for muscle development, tissue repair, and skin and hair health. Many grain-free dog foods have high protein percentages, but these may be difficult for dogs to digest. To ensure full protein benefits, feed grain-inclusive dog food with a moderate protein percentage between 22 and 26%. For highly active dogs, opt for a grain-inclusive food with 28-30% protein.
Fat
Most adult dogs need a minimum of 5 percent fat in their diet, while puppies and pregnant or nursing dams need a minimum of 8 percent. Most dog foods have higher fat percentages than these recommendations, but feeding high-fat cockapoo food can lead to overweight dogs or upset stomachs.
A moderate fat level between 12 and 16 percent is recommended for cockapoos, as too rich food can cause digestive issues and diarrhea.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in dog foods are not empty calories or filler ingredients, but rather provide energy, fiber, and nutrients. Simple sugars and starches aid brain function, while complex carbohydrates regulate glucose levels, prevent sugar spikes, and prevent hunger. Some carbohydrates also contain fiber for digestion regulation.
Fiber
Your dog also needs fiber in his diet. Fiber generally comes in soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble fiber, found in beet pulp, chicory, and inulin, attracts water and turns material into a gel.
This slows down the digestive process. Insoluble fiber, such as cellulose, adds bulk to your dog’s digestive matter and can help speed the process. It is also used in some weight-control diets.
Most dry dog foods have around 3–6 percent crude fiber. If your cockapoo appears to have loose stools, check the fiber percentage. You may need to switch to a food that has slightly less fiber.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Dog foods today often contain prebiotics and probiotics, which promote healthy bacteria growth in the digestive tract. Prebiotics, like chicory and inulin, are added to dog foods. Probiotics, living organisms, form beneficial colonies with millions of good bacteria, improving digestion once established.
Vitamins and minerals
Most dog foods today contain vitamins and minerals, as high-temperature cooking destroys some nutrients in ingredients. Pet food companies ensure your dog receives the necessary nutrients by adding these elements after cooking.
What to Look For When Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Cockapoos?
When selecting the best dog food for Cockapoos, it’s recommended to use grain-inclusive kibble, a protein percentage between 22 and 26%, moderate fat and fiber, and avoid grain-free or exotic meat proteins unless your dog has a specific health problem or allergy. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what to feed if your dog has a health issue.
Final Thoughts
Cockapoos are sweet, gentle, and intelligent dogs weighing 10 to 35 pounds. They can resemble Cocker Spaniels or Poodles. Finding the best dog food for Cockapoos is easy, as they can eat moderate protein, fat, and fiber. Whether your Cockapoo is small or larger, finding the right food is crucial for their well-being.
Norma
is just right dog food healthy for my cockapoo?