best dog food for cockapoo puppies uk

Best Dog Food For Cockapoos: Reviews & Recommendations

If youre on the search for the best dog food for Cockapoos, youve come to the right place! In this article, were going to review the best dog food brands for Cockapoos tried by actual Doodle owners. Lets get started!

Table of Contents

Scroll down this page further for details and full reviews on each of the following.

Top 7 Best Dog Food For Cockapoos Reviews

Without further ado, here are the best dog food brands for Cockapoos.

1. Purina Pro Plan

Theres no surprise that Purina Pro Plan has been rated as one of the best dog food brands for Cockapoos, as it offers a wide range of different dry and wet dog foods, with special formulas for puppies, adults, seniors, or dogs with other special requirements.

The Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula dry dog food is a great choice for Cockapoos since the formula is designed to support their digestive health. As Cockapoos might inherit a sensitive tummy from the Poodle parent, this formula could be a helpful way to keep the sensitivities at bay.

This formula contains prebiotic fiber thats beneficial for stool quality and good intestinal bacteria. Its also made with live probiotics that support digestive health and immunity. Additionally, its fortified with a ton of added vitamins, minerals, and supplements that provide a well-rounded support for your Cockapoo pup. For instance, vitamins A and E also protect eye health.

What we love about this formula is that the first ingredient listed is salmon, which is a great source of both high-quality protein and fat. Salmon and the added omega-6 fatty acids help keep your pups joints healthy. Additionally, this formula also includes fish meal and salmon meal as a source of glucosamine, which is also super beneficial for joint health.

• With prebiotic fibers and live probiotics for gut health
• No corn, wheat, or soy
• Salmon is listed as the first ingredient
• Added omega-6 fatty acids and glucosamine for joint health
• Formulated with a wide range of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

• Contains dried yeast, which can trigger allergic reactions in some Cockapoos
• Contains canola meal, which picky dogs might not find appetizing

The Verdict

Best For: Cockapoos that have sensitive tummies and skin

Age: Adult

Special Features: Highly digestible formula that doesnt contain any corn, wheat, soy, or artificial colors or flavors

First 3 Ingredients: Salmon, rice, barley

2. Fromm

Rated by Doodle owners as the second best dog food for Cockapoo, Fromm is another hugely popular choice available on the market. Using different types of proteins in their formulas, Fromm has options available for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. They also offer formulas for small breed dogs like Cockapoos.

The Fromm Puppy Gold Dry Dog Food formula has been rated as one of the best puppy food for Cockapoos. What we love about this formula is that it contains many different natural ingredients, like chicory root extract and flaxseed, which contain fiber. Fiber can greatly help in proper digestion, which Cockapoo puppies with sensitivities and tummy issues might benefit from.

Since Cockapoos are at risk of developing joint problems, ingredients like salmon oil and menhaden fish meal are great for supporting those growing bones and joints. Additionally, Fromm has included chicken broth, which has multiple purposes in the formula it improves the taste and texture of the food, and also provides lots of nutrients necessary for your puppys growth.

• Chicken listed as the first ingredient
• Added probiotics to support gut health
• Contains flaxseed, which supports the digestive health and also provides essential fatty acids
• Natural sources of fiber help with digestion
• Formulated with salmon oil and menhaden fish meal that provide essential fatty acids and amino acids

• Contains cheese, which might not be suitable for Cockapoos with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities

The Verdict

Best For: Cockapoo puppies and pregnant or nursing mothers

Special Features: Enhanced with probiotics for good digestion, natural sources of collagen to promote joint health, and essential omega fatty acids for skin, coat, and brain health

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, chicken broth

3. pawTree

PawTree offers high-quality pet food, treats, and supplements that provide that much-needed nourishment for our beloved Doods. All of their treats and pet foods have been formulated by top veterinarians and animal nutritionists, and they pack a ton of nutrients from real, quality ingredients. From their selection youll find many different formulas, including grain-free and poultry-free options in case youve got a more sensitive pup.

An excellent choice for Cockapoos is their Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe thats perfect for small and medium breeds. Its a highly digestible, grain-free formula thats made from natural ingredients like chickpeas, apples, sweet potato, blueberries, and spinach, to name a few. Its high in protein with chicken being the very first ingredient listed.

As the formula includes a ton of healthy and nutritious ingredients, it provides an all round support for your Cockapoos health. The formula features taurine for heart health, prebiotics for good digestion, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health, and also naturally occurring glucosamine to support your pups joints.

Furthermore, this formula is fortified with various vitamins and minerals, such as calcium and phosphorus for bone and teeth health, and a blend of A, B, D, and E vitamins.

• This formula is ideal for normal or underweight dogs. So, if your pup is a bit on the chunkier side, this formula might not be the best choice.

4. Victor

Another popular choice that Cockapoo owners swear by is Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus. This is a premium formula designed for active dogs and puppies. It has a very high protein content of 30%, where 88% of the protein comes from meat sources. Although the first ingredient listed is beef meal, they do take pride in using only premium-quality proteins in their dog food.

What we love about this formula is that it contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, omega fatty acids, amino acids, and tummy-soothing probiotics and prebiotics. As Cockapoos are at a risk of developing eye problems, the added vitamin E provides additional support to those adorable big eyes.

• This formula is suitable for all life stages puppies and pregnant mamas included
• Contains omega fatty acids
• Formulated with Vitamin E to support eye health
• Made with gluten-free grains
• Specially designed to support gut health and digestion

• Might not be suitable for less active or older Cockapoos, as its high in calories

The Verdict

Best For: Active Cockapoos that need plenty of calories and protein to keep up with their exercise routines

Age: All life stages, including puppies and pregnant or nursing mothers

Special Features: Formulated with gluten-free grains and has a whopping 30% protein content

First 3 Ingredients: Beef Meal, grain sorghum, chicken fat

5. Hills Science Diet

We cannot be surprised that Hills Science Diet is considered as one of the best dog food for Cockapoo pups. Their formulas are biology-based and recommended by veterinarians.

The Hills Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken Recipe dry dog food formula is specially designed to support Cockapoos with sensitive tummies. For example, dried beet pulp in the formula provides prebiotic fiber that helps colonize good bacteria and promote good digestion. Yellow peas, flaxseeds, and cracked pearl barley also provide lots of fiber to support your pups gut health.

Additionally, it contains ingredients like vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, apples, broccoli, and carrots, that all help support your pups vision and eye health. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids provide plenty of nourishment for a healthy skin, shiny coat, and also support the joints.

• First ingredient listed is chicken
• Supports eye health
• Plenty of fiber from natural ingredients to support good digestion
• Promotes healthy skin and coat
• Recommended by veterinarians

• This formula contains chicken, which might not be suitable for Cockapoos with sensitivity issues

The Verdict

Best For: Sensitive Cockapoos that need extra help with digestion

Age: Adult

Special Features: A highly digestible formula designed to support nutrient absorption. It also contains prebiotic fibers to help promote good gut bacteria and microbiome

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, yellow peas

6. Royal Canin

Another winner on the list is the Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein Adult HP dry dog food formula. This formula is veterinary-exclusive and specially designed for pups who suffer from food sensitivities.

What we love about this formula is that it contains hydrolyzed protein. For better absorption in the digestive tract, the protein is already broken down. This helps minimize the risk of triggering allergic reactions in Cockapoos who are sensitive to certain types of proteins.

In addition, this formula contains omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients for your pups skin health. This makes it especially great for Doodles who also suffer from skin sensitivities.

• Suitable for puppies and adults
• Hydrolyzed protein makes this formula an excellent choice for Cockapoos with food sensitivities
• Contains prebiotics and fibers for gut health
• Fish oil provides essential fatty acids
• Added vitamin A and E for eye health

• This formula lists brewers rice as the first ingredient, not a protein

The Verdict

Best For: Cockapoos with food sensitivities and allergies

Age: Adult

Special Features: Formulated with hydrolyzed proteins that are easier on the stomach and reduce the risk of triggering allergies

First 3 Ingredients: Brewers rice, hydrolyzed soy protein, chicken fat

7. Diamond Naturals

Diamond Naturals Adult Dog Beef Meal & Rice Formula dry kibble is high in antioxidants, superfoods, probiotics, and omega fatty acids. This formula has a clear emphasis on real, natural ingredients, as it contains kale, chia seeds, pumpkin, blueberries, oranges, spinach, carrots, and more.

What makes it a great food for Cockapoos is that its designed to support proper digestion. It contains a special proprietary probiotic technology and plenty of fiber from natural ingredients like dried chicory root and rice bran.

Furthermore, ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega fatty acids all support your pups joints and bones. Added beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, and carrots naturally protect your Cockapoos eyes.

• Supports joint health
• Live probiotics for good digestion
• Supports eye health
• Contains fiber from natural sources
• No corn, wheat, fillers, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives are used

• Contains dried yeast, which can trigger allergic reactions in some Cockapoos

The Verdict

Best For: Normally active Cockapoos

Age: Adult

Special Features: Packed with nutrients like zinc, selenium, vitamin E, probiotics, and plenty of omega fatty acids for skin and coat health

First 3 Ingredients: Beef meal, grain sorghum, ground white rice

8. Raw/Homemade Food

In recent years, weve seen a huge growth in Doodle owners who opt for raw or homemade dog food. Raw and homemade dog food has great benefits like being able to control every ingredient your pup eats and where they come from.

However, commercial dog food formulas contain added vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other supplements to provide an all-round support for a dogs health.

If youre interested in learning more about raw dog food, check out our article on this topic. Meanwhile, here are the pros and cons of raw and homemade dog food:

• Fresh, whole ingredients
• Better control over the ingredients and quantities
• No artificial ingredients, additives, or fillers
• Easier to determine allergy triggers by eliminating certain ingredients

• Difficult to provide a balanced nutrient profile your pup needs
• Its time consuming to prepare all the meals on your own

9. Kirkland

Last, but not least, lets review Kirkland Signature Small Formula dry kibble. This formula is a great option for small breeds like Cockapoo. The size of these kibbles is smaller, so your tiny Cockapoo has an easier time devouring their meals.

Thanks to the prebiotic and probiotic fibers, this dog food is especially beneficial for pups who might need some added support in digestion. Even better, this formula includes live probiotics that play a key role in keeping your Doodles tummy happy.

• Contains live probiotics
• Formulated with omega-3 fatty acids
• First ingredient listed is chicken
• Smaller kibbles
• Supports gut health

• This small breed formula is made with chicken, which might not be suitable for Cockapoos with food sensitivities

The Verdict

Best For: Cockapoos with sensitive stomachs

Age: Adult

Special Features: The kibble size is perfect for small breeds like the Cockapoo

First 3 Ingredients: Chicken, chicken meal, whole grain brown rice

What To Look For In The Best Dog Food For Cockapoos?

For your Cockapoo pup to thrive, their diet has to have a balanced nutrient profile and include high-quality ingredients. Good quality dog foods should meet the Dog Food Nutrient Profiles established by the AAFCO. The best dog food brands for Cockapoos should have this statement on the packaging as well.

Key Nutritional Needs Of Cockapoos

When it comes to choosing the best food for a Cockapoo, the formula should have adequate amounts of macro- and micronutrients in balanced quantities. Macronutrients protein, carbs, and fats provide your pup daily energy. Micronutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are also crucial for their normal functioning.

Most commonly, we see chicken, beef, pork, fish, lamb, and other types of fish and poultry as the main source of protein in dog food formulas. The AAFCO states that adult dogs need to get at least 18% of protein from their food, whereas puppies need at least 22% protein.

Common types of carbs include wheat, barley, rice, oats, but also potatoes and sweet potatoes. However, we recommend you look for whole-grains, as they have more nutrients and additional fiber.

A high-quality dog food formula should contain at least 8% fat for pregnant and nursing Cockapoos, and growing Cockapoo puppies. For adults, its a bit lower at 5% by the AAFCO standards. For instance, salmon is a great source of essential fatty acids. So are added flaxseeds, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

The most common micronutrients found in dog food formulas are vitamins like A, B, C, D, E, K, or minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, and sodium.

Common Health Issues Of Cockapoos & How Foods Can Help Them

To know what to look for in a dog food formula, its important we understand the most common health issues that Cockapoos are prone to. Although hybrid breeds like Cockapoos are usually healthier than their purebred parents, they are still at risk of developing hereditary diseases from either side of their lineage.

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Lets now have a look at the most common health issues of Cockapoos and how certain foods and ingredients can help.

1. Allergies & Sensitivities

Although as a hybrid breed Cockapoos are usually considered healthier than the Poodle and Cocker Spaniel parents, theres still a chance of hereditary disease to appear. One of the most common health issues in Cockapoos are allergies and food sensitivities.

The most common allergens for dogs are proteins or high-protein grains. The most common triggers are usually chicken and wheat, but sometimes also dairy. Luckily, most dog food brands offer a wide selection of different proteins and carbs to choose from. So if your Cockapoo doesnt handle a formula with chicken, you can try switching it to lamb instead!

In addition, ingredients like soy, corn, and all sorts of artificial ingredients like flavorings and preservatives can trigger allergic reactions in Cockapoos. These ingredients are usually cheaper, so they are more often found in lower-end dog food formulas.

Moreover, Cockapoos with sensitive tummies can find great help in fiber. Fiber helps with proper digestion and stool formation, but can also act as a prebiotic, which further supports the digestive system.

2. Eye Problems

Cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), retinal dysplasia, and glaucoma can be inherited from either the Cocker Spaniel or Poodle parents side. As eye diseases are progressive and worsen over time, its important that you take your Cockapoo to regular vet check-ups to notice any abnormalities early on.

To support your Cockapoos vision and eye health, look for ingredients like vitamins A, C, E, carotenoids, antioxidants, and essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. Natural ingredients like tomatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, pumpkin, and eggs are all great for your pups eyesight.

3. Endocrine Problems

Cockapoos are at a risk of hereditary endocrine disorders, which most often include thyroid problems like hypothyroidism or Addisons disease, Cushings syndrome, and diabetes.

Endocrine disorders are hormonal issues and imbalances, which unfortunately cannot be prevented or cured with food or any specific ingredients. However, they are usually easily treated or managed with proper veterinary care.

4. Common Joint Problems

Due to their small size and genetic makeup, Cockapoos are at a risk of developing joint problems like patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. This can cause your dog pain, discomfort, and difficulty getting up or moving.

Ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, omega fatty acids, and calcium are great for prevention and pain management. For instance, fish meal is commonly used in formulas, as it provides glucosamine and omega fatty acids.

5. Obesity

Calculating your dogs daily energy requirements is crucial for them to maintain a healthy weight. Over or underfeeding your dog can have lasting effects on their health and wellbeing, and shorten their lifespan significantly.

For instance, overweight dogs can develop joint problems. This happens because the excess body weight puts extra strain on a dogs joints and muscles. Consequently, this will cause a dog pain and difficulty moving around. That in turn can affect your pups weight even more, as they cannot freely move and exercise.

If your Cockapoo is carrying a bit of extra weight, we recommend you look for formulas that are specially designed for weight-control. Also, make sure to consult with your veterinarian, as they will help you find the right diet for your Cockapoo pup.

We recommend you read our article on how much you should feed your dog. There you will find our dog feeding chart, puppy feeding chart, and dog food calculator to further assist you in establishing your pups daily calorie needs.

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What Foods Can Cockapoos Not Eat?

Although it might be hard to resist those adorable, guilt-tripping eyes, you shouldnt feed your Cockapoo everything they want. Not only can this contribute to excessive weight gain, you might seriously harm your furbabys health.

Heres a list of foods that you should never feed your Cockapoo:

• Alcohol and yeast dough
• Avocado
• Caffeine
• Chocolate
• Fruit pits and seeds
• Grapes and raisins
• Macadamia nuts and almonds
• Garlic, onions, leeks, and chives
• Green parts of potatoes, rhubarb, and tomatoes
• Xylitol and other artificial sweeteners found in processed human foods
• High amounts of dairy products, salty foods and snacks, sugary foods

We wrote a comprehensive article on foods and ingredients that are harmful for all Doodles. Make sure to check it out, so you can stay mindful and alert.

Cockapoo Feeding Chart

Now that we know the best dog food for Cockapoo, weve won half the race. But as we mentioned, its also important that you feed your furry companion the right amount of food for their optimal health and wellbeing.

To make things easier for you, heres our daily feeding chart that you can use to calculate your Cockapoos daily meals:

And for Cockapoo puppies, heres our puppy daily feeding chart:

Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Food For Cockapoos

The best food for Cockapoo includes a high-quality protein as the first ingredient, high-quality carbs and fats, and added vitamins and minerals. Additionally, we recommend you consult with your vet about the most suitable diet for your furry little friend. Your vet will be able to map out the nutrients your pup needs based on their current health and potential hereditary health risks.

Cockapoos do have a reputation of being fussy eaters. The solution to this might be as simple as switching your pups food. Picky dogs might be put off by either taste or texture, so switching it up might be a simple solution.However, please keep in mind that an underlying health problem can often cause appetite loss. Please contact your vet as soon as you notice a difference in your pups appetite and eating behaviors to get to the bottom of the issue.

Depending on their age and eating habits, there are a few different answers to this question. Usually, adult Cockapoos do well on one or two meals a day. However, puppies need more frequent meals than full-grown Cockapoos. Heres a simple guideline that applies to most Cockapoos: From birth to 8 weeks old, puppies should be able to feed on their mothers milk as often they want; 8 to 12 weeks old puppies should be fed small portions 3-4 times a day; 4 to 5 months old puppies should be fed specially formulated puppy food 3 times a day; From 6 to 9 months old, you can adjust your Cockapoo puppy to 2 puppy food meals a day; Around 9 to 11 months of age, your Cockapoo is fully-grown and can be fed adult food 2 times a day.

Cockapoos can eat fresh, high-quality human foods like meats and hams, fish, and even small amounts of dairy and cheese! Even many fruits and vegetables are completely safe and healthy for your Cockapoo to eat. However, we still recommend that you dont feed your pup anything that youre not 100% sure is completely safe.The American Kennel Club has an extensive list of human foods that dogs can eat, which you can have a look at here.

As all dogs are unique, theres no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to daily calorie requirements. Your dogs daily food intake depends on their size, age, activity levels, and other factors like preposition to hereditary diseases or other chronic health concerns. Also, be sure to follow your vets guidelines on how much food your Cockapoo needs.You can calculate how many calories your Cockapoo needs daily with our easy-to-use dog food calculator.