best dog food for puppy cockapoo

10 Best Dog Food for Cockapoo: Our 2024 Reviews

Despite its strange-sounding name, the Cockapoo is one of the most popular mixed-breed dogs in the United States. This breed is known for its outgoing, friendly personality as well as its low-shedding coat.

This breed gets along very well with children, other dogs, and even cats it is quick to make friends and never known to show aggression.

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Cockapoo Breed Overview

• Pedigree: Cocker Spaniel and Poodle
• Size: 10 to 15 inches
• Weight: 10 to 40 pounds
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Lifespan: 14 to 18 years

The Cockapoo is a mixed breed that may appear in a variety of different sizes according to various breeding factors. For one thing, there are two different types of Cocker Spaniel the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel.

The English Cocker Spaniel is the slightly larger of the two. Another factor to consider is that the Poodle comes in three different sizes Toy, Miniature, and Standard. In most cases, Cockapoos are bred from Toy Poodles or Miniature Poodles.

Because there are a number of different breeds involved in the pedigree for the Cockapoo, this dog comes in a range of different sizes.

Best Dog Food for Cockapoo

Now that you have a better understanding of what makes the Cockapoo unique (and how those factors might affect the breeds nutritional requirements), you may be wondering how to choose the best dog food for this breed.

Below you will find reviews for our recommended brands for Cockapoo adults as well as one recommendation for Cockapoo puppies:

What are the Best Dog Food for Cockapoos?

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
2. Taste of the Wild Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream
3. American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
4. True Acre Foods Chicken & Vegetable Recipe
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
6. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula
7. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Formula
8. Natural Balance LID Lamb & Rice Small-Breed Recipe
9. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe
10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Oatmeal Puppy Food

1. Ollie Turkey Dish with blueberries

First 5 Ingredients for Turkey Dish: Turkey, Kale, Lentils, Carrots, Turkey Liver

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Ollie is a pet food delivery service that provides fresh, restaurant grade meals that have been tailor made according to your dog's dietary needs. Right now, the company has 4 recipes to choose from, all of which are created by experts.

Ollie's introduction to a raw food diet for your Cockapoo makes feeding raw really simple. This turkey delight uses turkey meat and turkey liver for complete proteins and calcium with oats as a slow release complex carbohydrate that helps stabilize energy levels.

Whole fruits and veggies provide excellent doses of vitamins and minerals, which helps with immune support, and fish oil contains essential fatty acids for maintaining skin and coat health. Everything is packaged in easy to use portion sizes, so theres no confusion about how much to feed each mealtime.

Simply fill out a questionnaire for your dog and receive perfectly portioned meals. Put them in your refrigerator or freezer, and theyre ready to serve when you are.

This turkey dish is just one of the four different vet-crafted recipes on offer, and the one that we would personally recommend for your Cockapoo.

This is grain-free, with the meat sourced from farms that provide vegetable-fed and hormone-free turkey. You will not find a more organically sourced dog food on the market today.

At over 70% moisture, your dog will be adequately hydrated whilst eating the meal. It will also mean that the transition is easier if your dog is currently eating canned dog food as he's digestive system will need less adjustment than changing to dry dog food.

What We Like

• Personalized meal plans
• Fresh and nutritious
• Delivered to your doorstep
• Utilizes human-grade ingredients
• Convenient portioning and packaging

What We Don't Like

• Limited shelf life
• More expensive than traditional kibble

2. Taste of the Wild Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream

First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Ocean Fish Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Peas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Made with novel proteins including real smoked salmon, this zero grain recipe includes sweet potatoes and peas that delivers the energy your pet needs, along with dried chicory root and real fruits and vegetables for overall health support.

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose a dog food because there are so many options out there. When you just cant make a choice, consider a trusted brand like Taste of the Wild.

Formulated with novel proteins including real smoked salmon, this grain-free recipe includes peas and sweet potatoes that deliver the highly-digestible energy your active pup needs, along with natural antioxidant support from real fruits and vegetables and dried chicory root for prebiotic support and healthy digestion.

This brand doesnt have the largest selection (especially compared to big names like Blue Buffalo), but their recipes are complete and balanced and loaded with premium roasted meats and other whole-food ingredients.

Overall, this recipe is an excellent source of natural nutrition and is highly digestible thanks to the inclusion of prebiotic fibers. If this recipe doesnt seem like the right fit, Taste of the Wild has several more to offer, including wet food recipes.

What We Like

• Egg free recipe
• Premium, grain-free formula
• Nutrition inspired from the wild
• Contains species-specific probiotics
• Ample levels of natural fiber and antioxidants

What We Don't Like

• Notable change in formulation and kibble size

3. American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Sweet Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

American Journey contains a great nutrient profile, and it also uses wide range of high quality, well-sourced, organic ingredients to yield a meal that your dog will surely adore.

American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato is our pick for the best budget dog food option. It has a great nutrient profile for its price-point, and also uses a range of high quality, well-sourced ingredients to provide a meal that your dog will love.

American Journey has produced an affordable dry dog food that contains an above-average amount of protein, a near-average amount of fat, and a below-average amount of carbohydrates. On the surface, these stats are pretty great for a budget brand of dog food and should provide a good base for the development of healthy bones and joints.

The dog food's salmon base also means that it will provide your dog with a high amount of Omega 3 fatty acids that foster brain development and raise your dog's intelligence levels. It also benefits digestion by being grain-free. However, some dogs may dislike the smell of fish so be sure to test this food first before stocking up with it.

The use of chickpeas in the formula is great for both protein and fiber. This means that this dog food will help aid digestion. The use of sweet potatoes in the formula also provides Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium which are all needed for the healthy development of your Cockapoo.

American Journey does, however, use Pea Protein as a way of increasing the overall proportion of protein. This is bad because Pea Protein is considered a low-quality ingredient' that contains far less amino acids when compared to protein from meat.

What We Like

• Suitable for all life stages
• Real chicken is main protein source
• Free from soy, wheat or corn
• Packed nutrient-dense ingredients
• With DHA, Omegas and antioxidants

What We Don't Like

• Weird odor
• Occurrence of skin issues

4. True Acre Foods Beef & Vegetable Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Peas, Pea Starch, Poultry By-Product Meal, Canola Meal

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Using beef as its main protein source, True Acre company have managed to create a budget-friendly dog food formula. The company only uses ingredients from local trusted farms with zero fillers, flavorings or preservatives which makes it very ideal.

Using beef as its main protein source, True Acre Foods have created a reasonable dog food formula that gives quite a lot of value for money. Whilst it only contains an average amount of protein and fat at 24% and 13% respectively, this is all from animal protein sources.

This (along with the good sources of fiber present) make this a great dog food if your pooch has a weak stomach. The omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids present within the formula will also work to ensure your dog's coat and skin remain healthy and vibrant.

All of True Acre's dog foodsare made with ingredients sourced from trusted farms, and without grains, wheat, corn or artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Whilst peas are listed as one of the ingredients, it will be difficult to escape this ingredient within this price bracket.

At $39.99 for a 40-lb bag, this formula is quite reasonably priced and represents a good buy for the dog owner on a budget.

What We Like

• Made from USA-raised beef
• Zero corn, soy or wheat
• Balanced and complete meal
• With natural fibers for better digestion
• Farm grown veggies and fruits are incorporated

What We Don't Like

• Tummy issues were noted
• Contains poultry-by product meals

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

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

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

The Life Protection line was crafted for the well-being and holistic health of adult dogs. The company seeks to give every dog delicious and healthy meals which is developed by leading animal nutrition experts.

Named after a beloved pet who struggled with serious health issues, the Blue Buffalo company is dedicated to creating holistic premium pet food that addresses the various needs of dogs.

From prescription formulas to grain-free recipes, Blue Buffalo seeks to give every pup healthy, wholesome meals developed by leading animal nutritionists and veterinarians.

The brand sticks to all natural ingredients that are a precise blend of pure meaty goodness, flavorful taste, and complete balanced nutrition to meet the different life stage requirements of your furry family member.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula was created for the holistic health and well-being of adult dogs. All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies and fruit, plus added LifeSource Bits, a precise blend of nutrients that have been enhanced with a Super 7 package of antioxidant-rich ingredients.

This recipe features delicious, protein-rich deboned chicken and other natural ingredients for a healthy meal your dog will love.

What We Like

• Promotes overall well-being
• Made from real deboned chicken
• Helps build strong bones and muscles
• With wholesome grains, veggies and fruits
• Contains vital nutrients and antioxidants

What We Don't Like

• Formula change
• Scratching and hair fall tendencies

6. VICTOR Hi-Pro Plus Formula

First 5 Ingredients: Beef Meal, Grain Sorghum, Chicken Fat, Pork Meal, Chicken Meal

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Victor has managed to create a line that is nutrient-dense which makes every fur-rent happy. Considered as an all-rounder meal, this is suitable for puppies, adult, pregnant and lactating bitches alike.

Victor has crafted a good mid-range all-rounder dog food that should please any dog owner. 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.

This formula is great for dog's with sensitive stomach as it is gluten-free and contains no corn, wheat, or peas. It is also loaded with natural fruit and vegetable ingredients 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.

This formula includes the proprietary VICTOR CORE of selenium yeast (metabolic function, cellular regeneration and a strong immune response), mineral complexes (support a healthy coat and skin, paw pad integrity, immune response and efficient metabolism), prebiotics (promote immune defense and healthy digestive systems), and probiotics (promote healthy digestion and a strong immune system).

VictorHi-Pro Plus Formula is priced at $50 for a 40-lb bag and we think that's a fair price. It's not a perfect dog food, but it one that is unlikely todisappoint.

What We Like

• Especially made for active dogs
• With selenium yeast for stronger immunity
• Loaded with pre and postbiotics
• Supports healthy skin and coat
• Suitable for all life stages including pregnant and lactating dogs

What We Don't Like

• A change in the recipe
• Caused diarrhea and reflux

7. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Dog Food

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Potatoes

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

This is a high-protein, well-balanced, grain free kibble which aids your pet's overall nutrition. Crafted using select organic ingredients which includes premium proteins, wholesome grains, vegetables and fruits to promote whole body health.

The Wellness brand of dog food is committed to a holistic approach to pet nutrition, ensuring that each of their recipes is made with the highest-quality ingredients available.

Wellness understands that proper nutrition is the foundation for the wellbeing of all pets, including your Cockapoo. If you are looking for a grain-free dog food formulated specifically for small-breed dogs, this Wellness CORE Grain-Free Adult Dog Food is a great option to consider.

Packed with protein and naturally grain-free, this recipe provides for your Cockapoos high energy needs as well as his needs for premium-quality protein. It is completely free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as byproducts and fillers.

This recipe contains a whopping 36% crude protein with 16% fat and just 5% dietary fiber, making it a great option for your dog. Simply put, it will give your dog the quality nutrition he deserves and the natural flavor he loves.

What We Like

• Recommended by Vets
• Protein-rich formula
• Crafted from real turkey
• Zero grains, meat by-products or preservatives
• Fortified with taurine, probiotics and essential minerals

8. Natural Balance LID Lamb & Rice

First 5 Ingredients: Lamb Meal, Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Canola Oil

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Treat your lil one to an extravagant meal with this limited ingredient formula from Natural Balance. This food is specially designed for smaller mouths, hence, crunchy mini kibbles which promotes teeth cleaning as she chews.

Natural Balance is a premium pet food company that is dedicated to providing pets and their owners with Food for a Lifetime.

This company designs each of their recipes according to sound scientific principles and nutritional truths, so you can rest assured that this Natural Balance LID Lamb & Rice Small-Breed Dog Food wont just meet your Cockapoos nutritional needs it will exceed them.

This particular recipe is made for small breed dogs using protein-rich lamb meal, a highly-concentrated source of animal protein. It is supplemented with easily digestible brown rice and white rice plus supplementary fiber to support your dogs healthy and regular digestion.

This formula is also a Limited Ingredient Diet which means it is made with a limited number of primary ingredients, reducing the risk for triggering your Cockapoos food allergies or sensitivities.

It is also packed with healthy fats to keep your dogs coat shiny and his skin healthy. If you are concerned that your dog might have a grain allergy or sensitivity, Natural Balance also offers other Limited Ingredient Diets made without grains. For example, there is another small-breed formula that features duck as the main protein and potato for grain-free carbohydrate.

What We Like

• Single animal protein
• Crafted with wholesome grains
• Nutrient-dense and highly palatable
• Real lamb is the #1 ingredient
• Enriched with taurine for better heart health

What We Don't Like

• Formula change
• Other brand kibbles were found inside the bag

9. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

First 5 Ingredients: Organic Chicken, Organic Chicken Meal, Organic Sweet Potatoes, Organic Chickpeas, Organic Peas

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Castor & Pollux very well understands that high quality nutrition comes from outstanding, organic and ethically sourced ingredients that is why they are the leader when it comes to organic pet foods.

If you want the best for your Cockapoo, Castor & Pollux is a brand you should definitely consider. This brand is the leader in organic and natural pet food, so you can feel good about feeding your dog any of Castor & Polluxs delicious recipes.

The Organix line of pet foods is made with a wide range of organic ingredients and produced in certified-organic kitchens to ensure maximum quality and uncompromised safety.

This grain free kibble is an example of the brands grain-free options made with both chicken and chicken meal for a high-protein, energy-packed formula.

This recipe is supplemented with organic peas, organic chickpeas, and organic sweet potatoes three high-quality, gluten-free and grain-free carbohydrates.

Youll also be glad to know that this recipe is free from corn, wheat, and soy ingredients as well as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Only the best for your beloved Cockapoo!

What We Like

• Certified USDA organic
• Nutrient-packed superfood blend
• Made from organic free-range chicken
• Fortified with blueberries, flaxseed and sweet potatoes
• Rich in Omegas for better coat and skin health

What We Don't Like

• Quality change since Purina took over

10. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Chicken and Oatmeal Puppy Food

First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Oatmeal, Peas, Whole Ground Barley, Chicken Fat

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY

Widely known as a leader in the pet food industry, Blue Buffalo offers a wide selection of pet food products, including many size-specific options such as this kibble.

Best Puppy Food For Cockapoos Starting your Cockapoo puppy off with a high-quality diet is essential for his long-term health and wellness that is why Blue Buffalo is such a great choice.

Widely known as a leader in the natural pet food industry, Blue Buffalo offers a wide variety of dog food products, including many size-specific options like this Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small-Breed Chicken and Oatmeal Puppy Food.

This recipe features protein-rich, deboned chicken as the primary protein with plenty of wholesome whole grains, veggies, and fresh fruits for nutritional balance.

As is true for all Blue Buffalo products, this formula is also supplemented with Blues LifeSource Bits these are made with a proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support your puppys whole-body health from the very start.

Plus, because this is a small-breed formula, you can rest assured that it will provide your Cockapoo puppy with the protein and energy he needs to grow up strong. Thats all you can really ask for in a puppy food.

The key to maximizing your Cockapoos longevity is to feed him a high-quality, healthy diet. Taking what youve learned about the nutritional requirements of dogs and the unique dietary considerations for this breed, you are ready to set out on your own in shopping for the best Cockapoo dog food. If you need a little help getting started, keep the brands reviewed above in mind.

What We Like

• Small breed formula
• Kibble size is perfect for small jaws
• Made from healthy and finest ingredients
• Supports muscle and bone development
• Rich in ARA and DHA for better brain health

What We Don't Like

• Not a hit with picky eaters

Dietary Considerations for Cockapoos

Dietary considerations for Cockapoos are crucial for their health and well-being. A balanced diet with appropriate proportions of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is essential. High-quality protein sources from meat, fish, or eggs, complex carbohydrates from whole grains and vegetables, and healthy fats from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are important for their muscle development, energy levels, skin, and coat health.

Portion control is necessary to prevent obesity, as Cockapoos can be prone to weight gain. Adequate hydration with fresh water, monitoring for food allergies, maintaining good dental health, and establishing a regular feeding schedule are also important considerations.

One of the most important dietary considerations to take into account for any dog breed is size. Unfortunately, this gets a bit tricky with the Cockapoo since this breed comes in a wide range of sizes. The Cocker Spaniel ranges from 14 to 17 inches in size and weighs between 25 and 34 pounds.

Toy Poodles, the smallest of the Poodle varieties, stand 10 inches tall or less and weigh between 7 and 10 pounds. Miniature Poodles stand 10 to 15 inches tall and weigh 15 to 17 pounds. Standard Poodles are the largest, standing 15 inches tall or more and weighing 40 to 55 pounds. That puts the Cockapoo somewhere between 10 and 15 inches, on average, with a weight range between 10 and 40 pounds.

Because the Cockapoo is a mixed breed, it is difficult to make predictions about things like size, build, and activity level. For the most part, however, the Cockapoo is a moderately energetic breed of small to medium size.

While you might assume that small dogs need less food than larger dogs, it isnt quite that simple. Small-breed dogs have very fast metabolisms which means that they burn through energy at a higher rate than large-breed dogs.

This being the case, a small dog like a Cockapoo might need less food (and calories) per day than a large dog, but the Cockapoo will need more calories per pound of bodyweight to sustain his metabolism at a healthy rate. Most small-breed dog food formulas have higher levels of protein and fat to meet this need.

Read Also: 10 Best (Healthiest) and Worst Dog Foods in 2024

Another dietary consideration you may want to factor in with your Cockapoo is the potential for food allergies this is largely due to their Poodle genetics.

Any dog can develop a food allergy or sensitivity, but it seems to be more common in some breeds than others this goes for the Poodle.

It is also unfortunate that a dog can develop a food allergy at any time, particularly with frequent exposure to a specific ingredient.

Some of the ingredients that are most likely to trigger food allergies in your Cockapoo include grains like corn and wheat as well as common proteins like chicken, beef, and fish.

If you want to protect your Cockapoo from food allergies, you might want to choose a grain-free dog food. If he has already developed allergies, consider a Limited Ingredient Diet (LID) made with a novel source of protein and carbohydrate.

Feeding your dog an LID for 12 weeks should be enough to resolve any lingering symptoms related to his allergy. At that point you can switch to a diet free from the offending allergen or simply keep feeding him the LID.

Consulting with a veterinarian for tailored dietary recommendations based on the Cockapoo's age, weight, activity level, and health conditions is highly recommended. Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in keeping Cockapoos healthy, happy, and thriving.