The adorable Cockapoo is one of our favorite designer doodles. They’re extremely sweet and nonaggressive but also have unique personalities that draw you in. This Cocker Spaniel and Poodle mix is another specialty dog breed that any family would be proud to own. If you are looking to get a Cockapoo or already own one, it’s important to know just what dog food they need to be strong and healthy. Our article will help you find the best dog food for a Cockapoo.
Nutrition is important for a Cockapoo to live a long life, so carefully choosing the dog food you give them should be a high priority. In addition, Cockapoos typically have a nonshedding and hypoallergenic coat which needs special nutrition if you want to keep their coat soft. The dog food you feed your Cockapoo plays a major role in their overall health.
Additionally, it is not uncommon for mixed doodle breeds to sometimes struggle with allergies or food sensitivities. You’ll have to feed your Cockapoo special food if you see them itching, scratching, or having loose stools. On the other hand, plenty of Cockapoos have no issues and will eat whatever you feed them.
There are so many dog food options on the market, but we’ve sorted through them all and narrowed it down to the very best dog food for a Cockapoo. We have a variety of recommendations, from sensitive dogs to adults to puppies, and we’re sure you will find an option to meet your needs.
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In a rush? Here are our top picks!
Best Dog food for Mini Cockapoo
Mini Cockapoos have different digestive systems than standard-sized Cockapoos. Thus, if you have a mini Cockapoo, we recommend purchasing a small breed dog food. First, the kibble size is typically much smaller, making it easier to digest. Second, small dog breeds like the mini Cockapoo require slightly different nutritional requirements. These varying nutrition requirements are because small dog breeds are more prone to gastrointestinal issues and dental health.
- Pros
- Highly digestible dog food ingredients
- Omega 6 and Vitamin E to support a healthy coat
- High amounts of protein to support the active lifestyle of a Cockapoo
- Made with natural ingredients
- Made in the United States
- Cons
- Not meant for Cockapoos larger than 25 pounds
Hill’s Science Diet is one of the biggest dog food brands in the world. They have created this small breed dog food that is great for mini Cockapoos. With any mini Cockapoo, you must buy easily digestible dog food, especially if your dog doesn’t chew as much as it should. The Hill’s Science Diet small breed dog food is 4.5mm x 7.5mm, which is extra small and easy to eat for any mini Cockapoo.
Additionally, it’s important to look at nutritional supplements. The Omega 6 and Vitamin E in this dog food are great for Cockapoos because they support healthy skin and coat fur. As many Cockapoo owners know, this breed doesn’t shed fur, so keeping their coats healthy is important. Lastly, if you look closely at the ingredients, there are no filler products in this dog food. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and high in protein, supporting a mini Cockapoo’s active lifestyle.
Best Dog Food for Cockapoo with Allergies
It’s pretty common for Poodle mixed breeds to have sensitive skin or skin allergies that cause them to itch or break out. Sometimes, these allergies can be thwarted or at least helped with the right diet. P.S. created this dog food option was created for dogs with allergies, which will be the perfect dog food for Cockapoos with allergies.
- Pros
- Composed of 90% lamb meat and organs
- Works great for dogs with allergies
- No grains, potatoes, or other filler products
- Loved by picky dogs
- High-quality pet food
- Cons
- This food is high in protein and could cause weight gain
P.S. for Dogs is one of the best hypoallergenic dog foods on the market. It can get pretty pricey, but you hopefully won’t need expensive skin care treatments, medications, or shots once your dog adapts to this food.
P.S. for Dogs is high in protein, contributing to healthy skin and coat for your Cockapoo. Dogs tend to love the flavor of this option, and it is allergen-free and healthy, which makes it even better. This dog food for a Cockapoo with allergies has no grains or soy, as these ingredients often lead to allergy issues. The ingredients are extremely limited, and processing is special and gentle.
This dog food is 90% animal-sourced and contains no additives or artificial flavors. It specifically contains lamb meat and organs, a meat that is gentle on Cockapoos with allergies. This food can be used as dog food for a mini Cockapoo, senior Cockapoo, or even a Cockapoo puppy. If your dog is excessively itching and you think it’s attributed to the food you’re feeding them, try this hypoallergenic dog food.
This company even promises that if you aren’t satisfied, you will receive a full refund.
Dog Food for Cockapoos with Sensitive Stomachs
Next on our list, we want to draw some attention to stomach sensitivity. Some Cockapoos may deal with this, while others never will. You know your dog best; if they have gastrointestinal issues or loose stools, that may be a sign of a sensitive stomach. Remember that it may take some effort to figure out what works best to ease your dog’s sensitive stomach.
- Pros
- Specially designed for sensitive dogs
- Choose your size and flavor
- Salmon is the main ingredient
- Manufactured in the USA
- Designed with a purpose in mind
- Cons
- This food has been known to cause some gassiness
The Purina Pro Plan Focus line is specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs and skin. Cockapoos are not immune to these sensitivities, and this is certainly a good option to try. This option could even work as a dog food for senior Cockapoos with loose stools or vomiting from other foods. It works for all life stages of a Cockapoo.
You get many options and flavors to choose from with Purina Pro Plan Focus. You will notice more than one size and flavor for your pet. They also serve this line in a wet and dry dog form, so you can mix and match to figure out what your Cockapoo prefers.
No matter which flavor you choose, salmon is the main ingredient. You can also rely on Purina One Focus to be full of nutrients like Omega 6, which are gentle for sensitive coats and stomachs. Omega 6 is especially good at keeping your Cockapoo’s coat soft. What you won’t find in this dog food is corn, filler, soy, wheat, or anything artificial that could upset your dog.
Purina Pro Plan Focus is designed for your dog’s overall health, with every little aspect taken into consideration. Everything put into this blend is carefully chosen with a purpose and is unlikely to upset your dog’s stomach.
The Best Dog Food for Cockapoo Puppy
Now, let’s talk about those sweet Cockapoo puppies. Feeding your dog right from the beginning is essential for ensuring a long life! Cockapoo puppies need to be well-fed with healthy food to stimulate growth and puppy energy levels. Let’s look at 3 highly-rated options for dog food for a Cockapoo puppy.
- Pros
- The prominent ingredient is real chicken
- Designed with fish oil DHA that's good for dogs
- Contains puppy-friendly minerals and nutrients
- Easy to chew and digest
- Made with high-quality nutrition in mind
- Cons
- If you check the ingredient list, you will find a pretty high level of corn fillers
You are probably already familiar with Purina, a common pet food brand. This particular option comes from their Pro Plan line and is designed for puppies who are 1 year of age or younger. It has a healthy formula that was made to give your Cockapoo puppy proper nutrition in their first year of life.
This particular formula from Purina Pro Plan is made with chicken and rice and is a dry dog food. The kibbles are small, so it will be easy to transition your Cockapoo puppy to dry food and not worry about choking!
This puppy food is a high-quality option with live probiotics for the optimal health of your puppy’s immune system and digestive health. It is rich with calcium and phosphorous to promote strong bones and teeth. In addition, this food also has antioxidants for immune development.
This puppy food contains DHA for the nourishment of brain development and vision. The first ingredient on their label is real chicken, and you won’t find any artificial flavors or colors added to this puppy food.
- Pros
- Loaded with nutrients and minerals
- Choose your size of bag
- The bag zips for freshness
- Designed for energetic puppies
- This food is highly-rated across the board
- Cons
- This option does contain some wheat, gluten, and fish in the mix
Next on our list of dog food for a Cockapoo puppy
is an option from Royal Canin. Royal Canin is a highly-rated premium dog food that comes in many size options to fit your needs. As a bonus, you can seal the bag in between feedings if you don’t have a container to put the puppy food in.
Royal Canin puppy focuses on your Cockapoo puppy’s immune support and digestive health. It is optimal for providing high-energy support to your rambunctious Cockapoo puppy. This option was made for medium puppies who are 2 to 12 months old. After the 12-month mark, you can switch your Cockapoo to an adult option.
This food was designed for a growing puppy and has the nutrients to show for it. The dog food supports healthy digestion and is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients. These vitamins and nutrients help support your Cockapoo’s hypoallergenic and nonshedding coat. Lastly, the kibble is small and easy for a puppy to eat or transition to.
- Pros
- Protein is 80% animal sources
- Made in the United States
- Salmon provides DHA
- Formulated with a patented probiotic
- Made with grain-free ingredients
- Cons
- The bag cannot be sealed to maintain freshness.
Our last option comes from Nulo Puppy Food and is one of our top picks. This dog food can get a bit pricey, but it is a high-quality, premium food with plenty of positive ratings to back it up.
Nulo Puppy Food has two primary flavors: turkey and sweet potato, or salmon and peas. Your Cockapoo puppy should love to eat either flavor. The dog food is also grain-free and does not contain fillers with wheat, soy, corn, potatoes, or similar unhealthy additives.
Morever, this puppy food for your Cockapoo is made in the USA. It contains the company’s patented BC30 probiotic, which promotes healthy digestion. This food is designed with calcium and phosphorous for healthy bone growth levels that are balanced. The protein in this food is 80% from real animal sources, and it is also loaded with DHA from real salmon. DHA is really good for your Cockapoo’s skin and coat.
This premium puppy food for a Cockapoo has a lot to offer. Inspire your puppy’s inner athlete with balanced nutrition that fuels them and helps them grow healthily.
Best Brands of Dog Food for Cockapoos
Now, let’s talk about an adult Cockapoo. These adult options may meet a variety of needs, including dog food for adult Cockapoos, senior Cockapoos, or dog food for mini Cockapoos as well. Be sure to pay attention to the size and weight recommendations before you make a selection.
- Pros
- Budget-friendly option
- Includes exclusive Life Source Bits
- No artificial ingredients of any kind
- Contains real chicken as a primary ingredient
- Bag has zipper seal for freshness
- Cons
- Some dogs are not fond of the Life Source Bits and just eat around them
Blue Buffalo is a brand that is well-known and readily available at most pet stores as well as online. They are best known for producing high-quality pet foods using only natural ingredients. It’s also very affordable compared to many other healthy adult dog foods. Lastly, there are several sizes and flavors to choose from if you want to try this food out.
Blue Buffalo uses meat as its first ingredient in this dog food and they stand by this promise for all their dog foods. All of the protein sources in the ingredients is high-quality and comes from real chicken. The food has added whole grains, fruits, and vegetables that make a balanced diet.
This adult food for your Cockapoo is packed with minerals and nutrients important for adult canines. It meets adult energy needs and even includes a special addition designed by Blue Buffalo: Life Source Bits. These Life Source Bits contain a blend of vitamins and antioxidants that are especially good for your Cockapoo’s coat. Lastly, Blue Buffalo food has no preservatives, artificial flavors, by-products, wheat, corn, or soy.
- Pros
- Makes up to 40 pounds of dog food
- Manufactured in the United States
- All-natural ingredients only
- Easy to make - just add water
- Dehydrated dog food that is healthy for your dog
- Cons
- This food can be a bit pricey but is superior quality
Next on our list is a unique option: human-grade dog food that is dehydrated. You simply add water, turning it into wet dog food for a Cockapoo. You get 10 pounds of dehydrated dog food which ultimately equals 40 pounds of food when water is added. After you add water, this is honestly one of the best wet dog foods for a Cockapoo.
The box has full instructions to create the food. It’s easy to make! A nice feature of this food is that it takes up a lot less space and is easily portable if you’re on the go. This mix has wholesome ingredients with plenty of protein, and your Cockapoo will love the taste.
The Honest Kitchen dehydrated dog food is made with grain-free and cage-free turkey as the primary ingredient. All of the ingredients come from real foods, and the dehydration process actually aids digestion. Dehydrated dog food retains the natural nutrients in the food better than other methods.
Everything in this dog food meets human-grade standards. The food is made in the USA and free of fillers and preservatives.
- Pros
- Foremost ingredients are 85% quality animal ingredients
- Made with 2/3 fresh or raw ingredients
- All ingredients are fresh and regional
- Highly-rated premium option
- Biologically appropriate adult food
- Cons
- The serving sizes may need adjusted
- It’s best if you integrate this food slowly into your dog’s diet
Last on our list for adult Cockapoos, we have a premium dog food from Orijen.
Orijen is perhaps one of the best brands on the market for Cockapoos. It is optimally designed for adults and works really well for active Cockapoos.
As a nice bonus, Orijen’s dog food has a zipper seal so that the food stays fresh between feedings and you can leave it in the bag. The adult dog food contains only fresh ingredients, including turkey and chicken, wild-caught fish, and cage-free eggs. As you can imagine from these ingredients, it’s high in protein, which works great for a Cockapoo who loves to run around.
There are no by-products or meal products in the Orijen dog food. You will find that the primary ingredients are 85% raw and fresh animal ingredients. In addition to the fresh ingredients, everything in this is produced regionally by the manufacturer.
You will need to slowly transition your Cockapoo to this dog food. Some dogs aren’t used to natural and fresh ingredients, to you’ll need to mix it in with their current food slowly.
Important Qualities of Cockapoo Dog Food
It’s important that you provide your Cockapoo with a balanced diet. Just like humans are encouraged to eat balanced diets with natural and unprocessed foods, you should take a similar approach with your Cockapoo.
Dog food is the primary source for your pet to receive the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients essential for their overall health. Without the proper dog food, they will not be guaranteed to live their longest life.
Primarily, the goal is to choose a well-balanced food with various nutrients balanced across the food pyramid. Here are some quality food ingredients that you will want to watch for as you review your options:
Carbohydrates
First, dog food should contain some amount of carbohydrates. We’re not telling you to load up your Cockapoo with carbs, but their food needs to have a balanced level of healthy carbs.
Carbohydrates are used to provide healthy energy for your Cockapoo throughout the day. They include simple sugars, glucose, and complex sugars that keep your dog’s energy levels high. Fiber also comes from carbohydrate sources and is necessary for a healthy immune system and gastrointestinal health.
Proteins
Protein is perhaps one of the most important ingredients for a Cockapoo. As humans, we need protein in our diets for similar reasons as our dogs. They rely on protein to provide them with healthy energy. Protein helps with overall dog growth, and it offers restorative assistance for repairing damaged tissue.
Protein is an important factor for your Cockapoo’s daily living in terms of overall health, growth, maintenance, and life. Essential amino acids are incredibly important because your dog cannot produce their own, so they need to consume and digest them. At the same time, there are non-essential amino acids that your Cockapoo can synthesize that are not necessary in dog food.
Fats
Healthy fats are another important factor in the best dog food for a Cockapoo. Find a dog food that will provide your Cockapoo with a source of healthy fat for energy and essential nutrients. These play a part in your dog’s wellness, health, and coat.
We don’t recommend a dog food that is high in fats, particularly unhealthy fats, but we do recommend that you check for the right fats in a dog food. You will want the food to contain fatty acids specifically, as these play a role in inflammatory responses.
Additionally, the healthy fats in dog food supplement and contribute to healthy skin and coat for your pet. You’ll want to have fat to keep your Cockapoo’s coat fluffy and soft.
Choosing the Best Dog Food for Cockapoos
When it comes to choosing the right dog food for Cockapoos, you’ll want to keep these aspects in mind as you make a decision. As a dog owner, only you can truly know what your dog needs. Remember that not all foods are created equally.
Your Dog’s Needs
To start, consider what your dog needs in their diet. Not every dog has the same needs, and not every dog will react the same to a specific dog food. You must consider your Cockapoo’s specific needs when choosing a dog food.
You will find that dog foods are often designed for specific size ranges and age ranges. Different sizes of Cockapoos need different levels of nutrients. For example, a mini Cockapoo may need different food than a standard Cockapoo. Cockapoos are typically mini to medium-sized dogs, so you should check the recommended weight ranges on the food packaging.
Age & Activity Levels
Choosing a dog food appropriate for your Cockapoo’s age and activity levels is similar to translating your dog’s individual needs. Cockapoo puppies need different nutrients and energy resources than adults. Therefore, you will need separate puppy and adult foods depending on a dog’s age.
You can find dog food formulas for all ages, including puppy and senior dogs. You can even find options for performance and endurance, so take a look and figure out what your Cockapoo needs.
Consider both age and activity levels as you select the best dog food for your Cockapoo.
Balanced Formula
Most of the dog foods shared here contain only natural ingredients. We felt this was important to truly get the most out of a dog food formula. However, purchasing all-natural dog food doesn’t automatically make it a good option. You still want a balanced food formula that contains important nutrients without filler ingredients.
Cockapoos need a balanced diet that includes fats, carbohydrates, and proteins at reasonable levels sourced from healthy ingredients. Don’t be afraid to do a bit of research to truly understand what you are feeding your Cockapoo.
Allergies and Reactions
Some Cockapoos tend to be sensitive to foods, shampoos, and their environment. If your dog suffers from any type of allergy or sensitivity to foods, be mindful of that and choose an appropriate dog food. You may have to do some testing to ascertain what causes them to have reactions. You can go with a hypoallergenic dog food designed for these sensitivities and work from there.
Remember that sensitive dogs may need some adjustment time if you change their food. You will need to slowly integrate a new food to allow your Cockapoo to adapt.
Conclusion for Best Dog Food for a Cockapoo
Cockapoos have specific dog food needs because they are mini or medium-sized dogs with hypoallergenic coats. Thus, it’s important to pick the right dog food for a Cockapoo based on their specific needs. Consider the factors of age, size, and activity level when choosing a dog food. In addition, you’ll also want to make sure that the dog food contains a nutritious diet for your Cockapoo with a mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Always check to ensure that the ingredients are natural and there aren’t many filler ingredients.
FAQs about the Best Dog Food for Cockapoo
Are there any dog foods formulated specifically for Cockapoos?
In the United States, there is no dog food made just for Cockapoos. However, British people LOVE Cockpoos. In the United Kingdom, the company AVA makes breed-specific foods, including one for Cockapoos. AVA Cockapoo food has ingredients specifically for the needs of a Cockapoo, such as added Omega 3 and 6 to support healthy skin and coats. But you don’t need to import fancy AVA Cockapoo food from across the pond! Use our article above to find some excellent dog food options locally for your Cockapoo.
Do cockapoos have sensitive stomachs?
Cockapoos, like any other mixed breed, are prone to some health issues. Fortunately, a sensitive stomach is not one of the common ones. According to UK Purina (like I said, British people love Cockapoos), the top 8 common health problems for Cockapoos are:
- Luxating patella, a.k.a. dislocated kneecap
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear problems
- Progressive retinal atrophy (loss of sight)
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Allergies
- Rage syndrome
With this in mind, you’ll want to choose a dog food with healthy, balanced ingredients for the overall health of your Cockapoo. You can also talk to your veterinarian about supplements if you are concerned about specific health risks.
Should I feed my Cockapoo wet or dry food?
Generally speaking, wet food is better for your dog. It contains moisture, which helps with hydration and also helps if your dog has a urinary issue. Some wet foods may also contain fewer carbs. However, that’s not to say there aren’t some very good dry foods too. Some Cockapoos do better on dry food, or a combination of wet and dry food. Also, dry food is more convenient and less messy than wet food. The best dog food for Cockapoos is the one that suits the needs of your specific Cockapoo. As always, you should discuss your Cockapoo food with your veterinarian.
What is the best wet dog food for Cockapoos?
We like The Honest Kitchen Human-Grade Dehydrated Grain-Free Dog Food. It is human-grade dehydrated dog food. Dehydrated food takes up much less space than regular foods and is super easy to make – just add water! Also, check out our list of Best Wet Dog Food for Small Breeds.
Claudia Bensimoun is a writer who specializes in dog content and veterinary topics! Aside from writing for We Love Doodles, Claudia also writes for other major dog blogs like Fido Friendly, Animal Wellness Magazine, and the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA). She has a ghostwritten over 50 different dog e-books. Her passions include animal welfare, veterinary research, and wildlife conservation.
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