Best Dog Food For Cockapoos: Reviews & Recommendations

If you’re on the search for the best dog food for Cockapoos, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’re going to review the best dog food brands for Cockapoos tried by actual Doodle owners. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Top 7 Best Dog Food For Cockapoos Reviews
• What To Look For In The Best Dog Food For Cockapoos? 
• Common Health Issues Of Cockapoos & How Foods Can Help Them
• What Foods Can Cockapoos Not Eat?
• Cockapoo Feeding Chart
• Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Food For Cockapoos

Top 7 Best Dog Food For Cockapoos Reviews

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

1. Purina Pro Plan

There’s 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 that’s beneficial for stool quality and good intestinal bacteria. It’s also made with live probiotics that support digestive health and immunity. Additionally, it’s 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 pup’s 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. 

The Verdict

Best For: Cockapoos that have sensitive tummies and skin

Age: Adult

Special Features: Highly digestible formula that doesn’t 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 puppy’s growth. 

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 you’ll find many different formulas, including grain-free and poultry-free options – in case you’ve got a more sensitive pup. 

An excellent choice for Cockapoos is their Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe that’s perfect for small and medium breeds. It’s a highly digestible, grain-free formula that’s made from natural ingredients like chickpeas, apples, sweet potato, blueberries, and spinach, to name a few. It’s 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 Cockapoo’s 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 pup’s 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. 

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. 

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. Hill’s Science Diet

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

The Hill’s 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 pup’s gut health. 

Additionally, it contains ingredients like vitamins A and E, beta-carotene, apples, broccoli, and carrots, that all help support your pup’s 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. 

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 pup’s skin health. This makes it especially great for Doodles who also suffer from skin sensitivities. 

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 it’s 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 pup’s joints and bones. Added beta-carotene, vitamins A and E, and carrots naturally protect your Cockapoo’s eyes.  

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, we’ve 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 dog’s health. 

If you’re 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:

9. Kirkland

Last, but not least, let’s 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 Doodle’s tummy happy. 

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, it’s 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, it’s 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.

Let’s 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, there’s 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 doesn’t 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 parent’s side. As eye diseases are progressive and worsen over time, it’s important that you take your Cockapoo to regular vet check-ups to notice any abnormalities early on. 

To support your Cockapoo’s 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 pup’s eyesight.  

3. Endocrine Problems

Cockapoos are at a risk of hereditary endocrine disorders, which most often include thyroid problems like hypothyroidism or Addison’s disease, Cushing’s 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 dog’s 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 dog’s joints and muscles. Consequently, this will cause a dog pain and difficulty moving around. That in turn can affect your pup’s 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 pup’s daily calorie needs. 

What Foods Can Cockapoos Not Eat?

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

Here’s 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, we’ve won half the race. But as we mentioned, it’s 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, here’s our daily feeding chart that you can use to calculate your Cockapoos daily meals:

And for Cockapoo puppies, here’s our puppy daily feeding chart:

Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Food For Cockapoos