what is the best dog food for poodle puppies
26 Best Dog Foods for Poodles 2023 (Premium & Budget)
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Last Updated on April 26, 2023
Known for its elegant appearance, curly and hypoallergenic coat, friendliness, and intelligence, the Poodle deserves to be one of the most popular dog breeds.
But being high maintenance and energetic also means they need the best dog food to stay in tip-top shape.
Whether you own a Poodle or youre interested in getting one, its best to know what to feed your pup from puppyhood to adulthood. A large part of this revolves around nutrition.
However, theres too many options! Fret not. Were here to give you the best dog food brands and recipes for puppies, adult, and senior Poodles.
26 of the best dog food brands for Poodles by stage
Different dog food brands have been specially formulated to cater to a specific stage in your dogs life. Puppy and adult foods can differ in caloric intake, as well as the ingredients and size of the kibble.
Youll want to provide your dog with food that gives her everything she needs for that stage of her life.
Little puppies tend to eat small amounts per meal but multiple times a day about three to four times daily until fully-grown. Adult Poodles typically need to be fed around twice a day.
As your dog grows, her energy level and needs will affect her diet. Still, no matter which brand you choose, always go for recipes with high-quality ingredients.
After all, we want to give our fur babies everything above average!
Best puppy foods for Poodles
While small puppies dont need as many calories per day as their adult counterparts, they still have different nutritional needs.
The main thing to consider when looking at puppy foods is the protein level.
Growing Poodle puppies can need as much as 28% more protein than adults to help their muscles develop. Theyll also need a range of other supplements to promote brain growth and maintain their luscious coat.
Here are some of the best foods for your Poodle puppy:
1. Royal Canin Poodle Puppy Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, CornType: Dry
This dry dog food is specially designed for Poodle puppies from 8 weeks to 10 months. Its enriched with Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids for luxurious coat growth with DHA for brain and eye development.
Pros:
- Scientifically developed by veterinary nutritionists with an exclusive blend formulated for puppies.
- It contains antioxidants and probiotics to help the young digestive system. It is also designed to be easy to chew.
Cons:
- Ingredients arent as natural as some other brands.
CHECK PRICE HERE
2. Wellness CORE Wet Canned Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Turkey, Chicken liver, ChickenType: Wet
This natural grain-free wet canned dog food is specially formulated for puppies.
Its made of 100% grain-free natural ingredients consisting mainly of pure animal proteins from three different sources blended with various vegetables.
Pros:
- High in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats.
- It contains various supplements for puppies, including Vitamin A, E, B12, D3, iron, and zinc.
- Formulated to feed muscles and promote coat growth while boosting the young immune system.
CHECK PRICE HERE
3. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Puppy Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice & Salmon Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, PeasType: Dry
This dry dog food is designed especially for large breed puppies with a blend of nutrients for slower growth.
Its meat comes from real protein sources with healthy carbohydrates mixed in, such as brown rice, barley, and oatmeal. It doesnt have any corn, wheat or soy.
Pros:
- Best suited to standard poodle puppies.
- This food is an excellent source of DHA from real salmon for brain development.
- It contains flaxseed for nourishing the coat.
- It also has calcium for bone growth and probiotics for digestion.
CHECK PRICE HERE
4. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Puppy Chicken & Brown Rice
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown RiceType: Dry
This chicken and brown rice formula is crafted explicitly for the puppy stage with no by-products or unnecessary fillers. It doesnt have any corn, wheat or soy.
Its real meat offers essential protein, while whole grains deliver healthy carbohydrates and fiber.
Pros:
- Contains DHA and EPA for brain and eye development and Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids for a shiny coat.
- The kibble is sized for small puppies with little jaws and packed with extra antioxidants for a healthy immune system.
CHECK PRICE HERE
The best dog foods for adult poodles
Poodles typically reach adulthood by around one year old and can now move on to adult dog food. Adult dogs should have a well-balanced diet consisting of at least 18% protein and 5% fat.
Carbohydrates should be high in fiber to aid in digestion. Foods that contain too much grain, artificial colors and flavorings, and meat-by products are best avoided.
5. Orijen 6 Fish Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Deboned Turkey, Yellowtail FlounderType: Dry
This dry dog food for all life stages is made from six different types of fish which include a blend of real fish, meat, peas, lentils, beans, kale, and other natural ingredients.
Pros:
- Uses natural rather than chemical preservatives.
- High protein content with greens to aid in good digestion.
- Lots of added vitamins and minerals.
CHECK PRICE HERE
6. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken MealType: Dry
This grain-free formula is enriched with protein from real chicken and turkey. It doesnt feature any soy, corn, wheat, or meat by-products.
Pros:
- Includes probiotics, glucosamine, omega fatty acids, antioxidants, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
- High energy food for active dogs. Made with two sources of animal protein.
- No artificial flavors or preservatives.
CHECK PRICE HERE
7. Earthborn Holistic Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet PotatoType: Dry
This high-quality dry dog food is free from grain or gluten. Its also a high protein product made from chicken, turkey, and white-fish meal.
Pros:
- A variety of vegetables provide vitamins and minerals. Other fruits offer antioxidants for a robust immune system.
- The food contains L-carnitine, which helps convert fat into muscle, and Omega 3 and 6 for healthy skin and coat.
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8. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Wet Dog Food for Small Breed
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Turkey, Chicken, Chicken BrothType: Wet
This canned dog food is specially formulated with high protein for small dog breeds. All products are natural with a focus on a low carbohydrate, high meat diet.
Pros:
- Low carbohydrate content ensures dogs dont gain too much weight as they might do on other wet foods.
- Made without any unnecessary thickening agents. No poultry by-products, wheat or corn.
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9. Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Brewers RiceType: Dry
This dry dog food is for adult dogs over the age of seven. Its a nutritious, well-rounded dry dog food made for older dogs that prefer smaller kibbles.
Pros:
- Packed with plenty of antioxidants and vitamins to build a healthy immune system.
- No artificial dyes or preservatives.
- Designed with natural ingredients for a healthy coat and weight.
CHECK PRICE HERE
10. Nutro Natural Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Chicken Meal, Brewers RiceType: Dry
This wholesome natural dry dog food is ideal for larger breeds. It includes essential ingredients supporting the muscles of large dogs.
Pros:
- Perfect for standard poodles.
- The first ingredient is pasture-fed lamb, a good source of high-quality protein.
- Natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin maintain healthy joints.
CHECK PRICE HERE
11. Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, CornType: Dry
This recipe is a healthy blend of carbohydrates, protein, and minerals formulated for adult dogs. It also has high protein with low carbohydrates and low fat.
Pros:
- Small kibbles well suited to medium-sized dogs.
- It contains Vitamin E and DHA for building brain growth.
- Great for dogs with energy to burn.
- It has Eukanubas special 3D DentaDefense to reduce tartar build-up.
CHECK PRICE HERE
12. Royal Canin Poodle Breed Health Nutrition Adult
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Corn, Brewers Rice, Wheat GlutenType: Dry
This science-based formula was created explicitly for the Poodle breed.
Pros:
- 28% protein content for healthy, lean muscle development.
- Contains DHA for brain building and fish oil to keep a Poodles coat looking good.
- Uniquely designed kibble for keeping a dogs teeth healthy.
CHECK PRICE HERE
13. Eukanuba Large Breed Adult Dog Formula
Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Lamb, Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product MealType: Dry
This well-balanced dry dog food is for pets 15 months and older. Its ideal for active breeds with lamb as the main ingredient and a well-balanced level of carbohydrates and fats.
Pros:
- Keeps your dogs teeth in top form through DentaDefense and patented kibble shape, reducing tartar build-up.
- A premium brand with a good reputation
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14. Native Performance Dog Food
Our rating: 4Top ingredients: Lamb Meal, Ground Brown Rice, Ground OatsType: Dry
This high-performance dry dog food is recommended for active breeds. It has quality, naturally healthy protein, and fat sources for working and high energy dogs.
Pros:
- Higher calorie food for very active Poodles.
- As Poodles are natural retrievers, this food has different levels for working dogs based on the season and their current working intensity.
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15. Hills Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Adult, Large Breed, Light for Weight Management, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Pea FiberType: Dry
This large breed formula is for dogs that are prone to excessive weight gain. It contains fewer calories while still providing your dog with a nourishing recipe.
Pros:
- Many hours of research and study have gone into formulating the food for specific breeds.
- Do not have grain-free choices.
- Natural fiber and L-carnitine to convert fat into energy.
CHECK PRICE HERE
16. Wellness Large Breed Complete Health Adult Deboned Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Brown RiceType: Dry
This dry kibble with an adult maintenance formula is for large breed dogs.
Its free from corn, wheat, and soy. No meat by-products or artificial fillers. Its also made with rich sources of protein to build muscle.
Pros:
- Contains chondroitin and glucosamine for joint and hip support.
- Less fat and fewer calories to ensure your dog doesnt put on extra weight.
- Good level of probiotics to aid with digestion.
CHECK PRICE HERE
17. Blue Buffalo Carnivora Woodland Blend Grain-Free Adult Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Dried Chicken, Deboned TurkeyType: Dry
This grain-free, high protein kibble is for adult dogs. Its made from eleven different animal sources, this is a rich protein food.
Pros:
- Nutrient-rich food similar to what a dog may eat in the wild.
- High in Omega 3 and 6 for a healthy coat.
- Contains no grain, potatoes, or peas.
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18. Nutro Hearty Stew Tender Chicken, Carrot & Pea Stew Grain-Free Canned Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken, Pork Broth, Chicken BrothType: Wet
This canned stew is for adult dogs with no grains, meat by-products, or artificial flavors. Real chicken is the main ingredient combined with rich broths for a tasty meal.
Pros:
- Good for all adult dogs.
- Rich in protein.
- No artificial ingredients.
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19. American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey MealType: Dry
This all-life formula dry kibble contains all-natural ingredients. It has real salmon as the main ingredient and is packed with healthy Omega 3 fatty acids for a healthy coat.
Pros:
- Grain and gluten-free.
- High protein percentage.
- Contains DHA for brain development.
CHECK PRICE HERE
20. Instinct by Natures Variety Limited Ingredient Diet Small Breed Grain-Free Turkey Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Turkey Meal, Peas, TurkeyType: Dry
This recipe is a dry kibble with a single animal protein source. Its made for small breeds with food sensitivities.
Pros:
- Limited carbohydrate sources with one protein is good for animals with allergies.
- No dairy, eggs, potatoes, chicken, beef, or other allergens.
- Raw-coated kibble.
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21. Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Adult 7+ Small Breed Formula Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken, Rice, Poultry By-Product MealType: Dry
This dry kibble is formulated especially for small dogs in their more senior years.
Pros:
- Contains medium-chain triglycerides for better cognitive function in aging dogs.
- Bite-sized kibbles that are easier for older dogs to chew.
- Botanical oils to promote alertness.
- Includes calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
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22. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken MealType: Dry
This high protein dry kibble is for adult dogs. Real buffalo is the main ingredient, with many other proteins also included in the formula.
Pros:
- Includes fatty acids for a healthy coat and antioxidants, such as cranberries, to build a robust immune system.
- Grain-free and gluten-free.
- No fillers or artificial additives.
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23. American Natural Premium Triple Protein Recipe with Ancestral Grains Legume-Free Premium Dry Dog Food
Our rating: 4Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Ground Grain SorghumType: Dry
Pea, corn, wheat, flax, and soy-free dry dog food for all ages. Packed with protein and natural ingredients.
Pros:
- Contains non-GMO ancestral grains and no peas, legumes, or potatoes
- Has Omega 3 to keep your dogs coat healthy
- Has added prebiotics and probiotics to boost your pets immune system.
CHECK PRICE HERE
The best dog foods for Poodle seniors
Many brands make dog food that caters explicitly to senior poodles. These foods assist with weight control and have ingredients that are easy to digest.
As Poodles are known to have dental issues, many senior dog foods are also easier to eat or help in some way with dental care.
24. Hills Science Diet Active Longevity Meal
Our rating: 4.5Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Whole Grain WheatType: Dry
Age-appropriate nutrition for older dogs. Scientifically formulated to support the activity levels and nutritional needs of older dogs.
Pros:
- Easily chewed and digested.
- Contains antioxidants for joint health and Omega 3.
CHECK PRICE HERE
25. Hills Science Diet Adult 11+ Small & Toy Breed Age Defying Formula
Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain WheatType: Dry
A great blend of highly digestible ingredients for toy breeds. With special formula for older dogs, including Omega 3 and 6 and antioxidants.
Pros:
- It does not contain any artificial flavors or preservatives, or colors.
- Full of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support heart, kidney, and bladder health.
CHECK PRICE HERE
26. Eukanuba Senior Maintenance
Our rating: 5Top ingredients: Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain WheatType: Dry
This high-quality dog food is for large breeds. It has a high level of antioxidants for proper functioning in aging dogs.
Pros:
- Ideal for standard Poodles older than ten years.
- It is proven to reduce tartar buildup on teeth by 46%.
CHECK PRICE HERE
The best dog food brand for Poodles by size
Poodles come in three sizes, namely the Miniature, Toy, and Standard Poodle.
Toy Poodles weigh under 10 pounds (4.5kg), while Miniature Poodles weigh between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 and 9 kg) and Standard Poodles weigh between 45 and 70 pounds (20 and 32 kg).
Due to the vast weight differences between Poodles different sizes, choosing food that suits your dog is necessary.
Top 5 best dog foods for Toy Poodles
- Merrick Lil Plates Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This all-natural dog food is made from beef from Texas. The size of the kibble is well suited to Toy Poodles of any life stage.
- Instinct Raw Boost Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food: Instinct adds raw food coatings and raw bits to their kibble to provide a high protein food for dogs with lots of energy. Raw food also helps improve digestion. The salmon option is excellent for your dogs coat; however, the high protein and fat content should be avoided for older dogs.
- Wellness Complete Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food: This food is perfect for small, picky eaters with high-value ingredients that make the food exciting and tasty.
- Halo Holistic Chicken and Chicken Liver Puppy Dry Food: Contains highly digestible ingredients and no animals meals. Raw food is added for additional protein and to maintain a glossy coat. A good choice for dogs with food allergies.
- Royal Canin Wet Dog Food for Poodle: A breed-specific formula with protein levels designed to suit Toy Poodles. The kibble is also designed for your dogs specific mouth shape.
Top 5 best dog foods for Miniature Poodles
- Whole Earth Farms Grain-Free Pork, Beef & Lamb Recipe Dry Dog Food: Made of high-quality ingredients with various protein choices.
- Taste Of The Wild Grain Free Dog Food: Excellent quality ingredients mimicking what wild wolves would eat. High in protein for energetic Miniature Poodles.
- Tiki Dog Aloha Petites Chicken Luau Small Breed Dry Dog Food: One of the only brands to work exclusively with small breeds. This food contains a wide assortment of fruits and vegetables, along with pork and chicken protein.
- Solid Gold Small & Toy Breed Wet & Dry Dog Food: Ideal for all life stages, this kibble is shaped for small jaws. Contains high-quality vegetables and antioxidants as well as various vitamins and minerals.
- ACANA Adult Small Breed Dog Food: Naturally sourced ingredients with mixed or single protein types, perfect for dogs with sensitivities.
Top 5 best dog foods for Standard Poodles
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Puppy FormulaAll life stages food for dogs on restricted ingredient diets. The perfect formula for ensuring large breed dogs arent overfed.
- Nutro Natural Choice: An all-natural food offering a tremendously balanced diet while promoting skin and digestive health. A range of protein choices is available.
- Orijen Large Breed Dry Dog Food: A high protein food ideal for puppies with nutrient-dense kibble. High palatability, perfect for picky pups.
- Blue Buffalo High Protein Grain Free Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food: One of the best selling all-natural dog foods on the market. It is perfectly formulated for different dogs with specific needs.
- Hills Science Diet Adult Light With Chicken Meal & Barley Dry Dog Food: Specially formulated by veterinarians with formulas to entirely balance protein, vitamins, and minerals in large breeds.
Best dog food for Poodles with health issues
Poodles are prone to several health issues that should be carefully considered when choosing their dog food.
Inclusions of antioxidants in your dogs diet will help avoid some of these diseases, such as Cushings Disease, resulting in tumors.
Foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin will promote bone and joint health to prevent issues like hip dysplasia.
On the other hand, avoiding dog foods containing wheat, corn, and soy can prevent Addisons Disease.
Standard Poodles are particularly susceptible to bloat, so be sure to spread your dogs meals throughout the day. Wet dog food can also help prevent its risk, as well as a slow feeder.
Best dog food for Poodles buying guide
When buying dog food, choose one thats best suited for your dogs needs, size, age, and health concerns.
Make sure your Poodle is always fed a well-balanced diet, regardless of whether you opt for dry kibbles or wet canned dog food.
It also isnt always about choosing a big-name brand. Sometimes, smaller companies will have more natural ingredients that are better for your dogs health.
The downside is that they can often be more expensive and difficult to find.
Poodle nutritional requirement
There are some critical nutritional requirements that you want to bear in mind when feeding your dog. All dogs need protein for muscle development, as well as animal fat, which helps provide energy.
Carbohydrates are also essential and not just filler ingredients. Healthy carbs provide fiber and keep your dog regular, aiding in digestion.
Vitamins and minerals should also be included in your dogs diet in the right ratios.
Ingredients to avoid when feeding your Poodle
Some ingredients should always be avoided when feeding your Poodle. These ingredients can cause your dog to get sick and can even be fatal. They include:
- Chocolate
- Raisins and grapes
- Macadamia nuts
- Xylitol and alcohol
- Garlic, onions, and coffee
Should my Poodle eat a grain-free diet?
Poodles dont require a grain-free diet. Dogs have certain enzymes that help them deal with grains and digest starches. However, certain grains have been linked to diseases.
Of course, if your dog develops an allergy to grain, then youll want to avoid that in their diet.
Should you give your Poodle dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?
While dry kibbles are better for convenience, you can feed all sizes of Poodles wet or dry dog food, or even a mixture of both.
Poodles are not known to have particularly sensitive stomachs and can do well on a range of diets.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach, then a raw food diet may be a good idea due to the lack of artificial ingredients.
A homemade recipe you can try for your Poodle
While cooking food at home for your Poodle is a great way to ensure that you dont include any ingredients they could be allergic to, youll want to follow a recipe that consists of the right proportion of protein to fats and carbohydrates.
For particularly allergy-prone pooches, some great kibble options on the market feature natural ingredients and limited proteins.
Limiting the number of ingredients in your dogs diet will help minimize the risk of any allergens.
Poodle feeding chart
The calorie intake of your Poodle will depend on the size of your Poodle as well as their age.
Here is a guideline for feeding your Poodle:
| Poodle Size | Puppy | 6-months Old | Adult |
| Toy Poodle | 130 Calories per day | 250 Calories per day | 325 Calories per day |
| Miniature Poodle | 275 Calories per day | 500 Calories per day | 700 Calories per day |
| Standard Poodle | 1100 Calories per day | 2000 Calories per day | 2700 Calories per day |
Transition: How to switch from puppy to adult dog food?
Puppies start to transition from puppy food to adult food from around the age of six months. When changing diet or transitioning from puppy to adult food, the key is to make it a slow transition.
Start with adding a small amount of their old food to the new food, adding more and more new food, and removing some of the old food over an extended period.
During this transition phase, keep an eye out for any itches, rashes, or skin issues that could indicate a food allergy. You also want to separate your dogs meals into two or three meals a day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Poodles need supplements?
Certain supplements are good for joint and bone growth in Poodles, such as the previously mentioned glucosamine and chondroitin.
Omega 3 and 6 supplements will also keep their hypoallergenic coat healthy and shiny, and the skin supple.
What human food can Poodles eat?
Raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog, as are cooked eggs, salmon, and blueberries. All of these foods contain great minerals and vitamins for your dog.
What should I do if my poodle is not eating?
Poodles can be picky eaters, particularly Toy and Miniature Poodles. Try feeding a fussy eater a food that contains fewer ingredients and has a smaller kibble.
A picky eater can also be provided smaller amounts of food more frequently.
The best dog treats for Poodles
For a sweet treat, peanut butter is an excellent choice for dogs. You can add peanut butter inside a toy to provide endless hours of entertainment for your pup.
Treats should only be provided in moderation, taking into consideration their daily calories.
Always avoid giving your dog table scraps and leftovers as this can lead to destructive behavior from your dog and stop them from eating their food.
What makes dog food good for Poodles?
As you can see, there are a variety of options when it comes to choosing the perfect dog food.
Before settling on any food, be sure to talk to your vet about the best choice for your specific dog, considering their age, size, and health.
Do you have a Poodle at home? Let us know their favorite pet food in the comments below.
Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.
