Cavapoo Feeding Guide – From Puppy to Senior

When it comes to your Cavapoo’s health and well-being, feeding them a balanced and nutritious diet is essential.

The right Cavapoo feeding guide can help maintain their weight, prevent obesity, and provide them with the necessary nutrients they need to thrive.

This article will discuss the different life stages of your dog and how often you should be feeding them.

I will also delve into different types of food and suggest feeding guidelines.

Feeding Your Puppy: A First-Year Timeline

Feeding your puppy correctly is vital to their growth and development.

As a responsible pet owner, you need to ensure that your puppy gets the right nutrients at the right time.

Here is a first-year timeline to help you understand how to feed your Cavapoo puppy.

6-12 Weeks Cavapoo Feeding Guide

I recommend first feeding your new puppy the same food that the breeder has been feeding them.

This is to prevent stomach upsets and also because your new addition to the family already has enough other changes to go through.

If you are not happy with this food then you can move your pup over to a different food after a couple of weeks.

During this period your puppy needs to be fed puppy food which is a diet specially formulated for their nutritional needs.

Puppies grow rapidly during these weeks and they require a lot of energy to support their growth.

You should feed your puppy four times a day with each meal consisting of a small amount of puppy food with fresh water available.

Puppies have small stomachs and they become full very quickly but this won’t stop them from eating more if it is available.

If you don’t portion their food and only give them a single measured serving then they will eat until they almost burst.

For the exact amount, check the food packaging for guidance but typically you’ll be feeding them around 1/4 to 1/3 cup of high-quality, puppy-formulated dry food at each meal.

3-6 Months Cavapoo Feeding Guide

As your Cavapoo puppy grows, you can start reducing the number of meals they have per day.

By the time they are three months old, you can start feeding them three times a day.

You should continue to feed them puppy food as they have not fully matured yet and they need the higher levels of fat that this food typically has.

Your puppy’s body shape should now start to change from a round shape to a more normal doggie shape.

Always ensure to look at the guidelines on your chosen dog food packaging.

6-12 Months Cavapoo Feeding Guide

When your little fur friend reaches the age of 6 months, you can comfortably reduce their feeding frequency to just twice a day.

But remember that every puppy is unique so keep an eye on their energy levels and monitor their bowel movements to determine the feeding schedule that best suits your pup.

You would be following the same feeding routine that you followed when your Cavapoo was between 3 to 6 months old but you would simply stop feeding the midday meal.

Consistency is key when setting a feeding schedule – having regular feeding times will help establish a routine in your pup’s life, making meal times easier and more enjoyable for both of you.

At around the 10-month phase, you can start transitioning them to adult food.

Go slow and mix in a little bit of the adult food and remove the same amount of puppy food.

Gradually increase the amount of adult food every day until there is no more puppy food.

This should take about 3 to 4 weeks to complete.

By the time your puppy turns 1 year old then it should be completely on adult food.

1-7 Years Cavapoo Feeding Guide

Once your Cavapoo reaches its first birthday, it’s officially an adult dog!

Most adult Cavapoos do well with two meals a day, usually breakfast and dinner.

While every dog is unique, a common guideline is to feed about 1 cup of high-quality adult dog food daily, divided between the two meals.

Feeding times should be consistent to help regulate your dog’s digestive system.

Remember that your dog’s diet should reflect their activity level.

More active dogs may need more food, while less active dogs may require less.

7 Years and Older Cavapoo Feeding Guide

As your Cavapoo grows older, their metabolism will start to slow down.

You might notice your dog gaining weight more easily or losing interest in physical activity.

It’s time to transition to a diet suitable for senior dogs, which are often specially formulated to be easier to digest and lower in calories to maintain a healthy weight.

Typically, two smaller meals a day are recommended to avoid overloading their digestive system.

A total of about 3/4 cup to 1 cup of food divided into two meals is a good benchmark, but this can vary depending on your dog’s health and activity level.

Always consult your vet when making changes to your senior dog’s diet.

How Much Food Should I Give My Cavapoo Puppy?

When it comes to feeding your puppy, it’s important to make sure they’re getting the right amount of food to support their growth and development.

The amount of food your puppy needs will depend on their age, weight, and activity level.

Please remember that every Cavapoo puppy is unique and the following tips are just a starting point and should be adjusted where needed.

Caloric Intake

Puppies have high energy needs which means they require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs.

According to the American Kennel Club, a puppy should consume between 25-30 calories per pound of body weight per day.

However, this can vary depending on the size of your puppy.

Portion Sizes

To ensure your puppy is getting the right amount of food, you must accurately measure their portions.

A kitchen scale or measuring cup can help determine the appropriate amount of food to give your puppy.

The chart provided by Purina can be a helpful guide when determining portion sizes based on your puppy’s age and weight.

Puppy Food

Puppy food is specially formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of growing puppies.

It’s important to choose a high-quality puppy food that contains the right balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

Look for a brand that meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).

Do not feed a puppy younger than 10 months adult food.

Adult dog food will not contain the right amounts of vitamins and minerals that are so essential for a growing puppy.

Premium Food

Premium dog foods are made with high-quality ingredients and are often more expensive than standard dog foods.

While they may be more costly, premium foods can be very beneficial for your puppy’s health and development.

Look for brands that use whole meats, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid foods that contain artificial preservatives and fillers.

A high-quality food will mean a healthier dog which in turn means fewer vet visits.

So, it might be more expensive but it will turn out cheaper in the end.

Dry Food

Dry dog food, often referred to as kibble, is a popular choice among dog owners due to its convenience, affordability, and long shelf life.

It’s manufactured through a process known as extrusion and typically contains a blend of proteins, grains, vegetables, and added vitamins and minerals.

Dry dog food is usually more cost-effective than wet food.

It is convenient to store and doesn’t spoil quickly once opened making it a good choice for busy pet owners.

It can also be used in puzzle feeders to keep dogs mentally stimulated.

Dry food can be a good choice for puppies as certain formulations are designed to support their growth and development.

Additionally, the texture and the act of chewing dry food can help them develop strong jaw muscles.

Wet Food

Wet dog food, often found in cans or pouches is a type of dog food that contains high moisture content.

The moisture content in wet dog food is typically around 75-80%, making it highly palatable to dogs.

It comes in a variety of flavors and textures including chunks in gravy, stews, or pate-style food.

The rich aroma and taste of wet food can be a real winner for Cavapoos who turn their noses up at dry kibble.

It’s flavorful and tends to be more appealing to finicky eaters.

Older dogs can sometimes struggle with dental problems that make chewing dry food difficult.

The soft texture of wet food makes it easier for these dogs to eat.

Plus, its strong smell can also help stimulate the appetite of senior dogs who may be losing their sense of smell.

However, it has a shorter shelf life than dry food and can be more expensive.

Supplements

While a high-quality puppy food should contain all the necessary nutrients some puppies may benefit from additional supplements.

Talk to your veterinarian first about whether your puppy needs any additional vitamins or minerals.

Raw Food

Raw food diets have become increasingly popular in recent years but they can be risky for puppies.

If you’re considering a raw food diet for your puppy talk to your veterinarian first to make sure it’s safe.

By following these guidelines you can ensure your puppy is getting the right amount of food to support their growth and development.

Remember to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your puppy’s diet.

How Often Should I Feed My Cavapoo Puppy?

Puppies have a high metabolism and need to eat frequently to maintain their energy levels.

As a general rule puppies should eat three to four meals a day depending on their age and preferably at the same time every day.

A feeding schedule will help regulate your puppy’s digestive system and prevent them from overeating.

You can create a feeding schedule using a table or a simple list.

Make sure to include the time of day and the amount of food your Cavapoo puppy should eat for each meal.

When it comes to the number of meals per day, it depends on your puppy’s age.

Younger puppies require more frequent meals, while older puppies can eat less frequently.

As a general rule puppies under six months old should eat at least three meals a day.

Mealtime is also important.

It is best to feed your puppy at the same time every day to establish a routine.

Feeding your puppy at regular intervals will help them maintain their energy levels and prevent them from getting hungry between meals.

Treats are a great way to reward your puppy but they should not be given in excess.

Treats should be given sparingly and should not make up a significant portion of your puppy’s diet.

Too many treats can lead to obesity and other health problems.

Grazing or free-feeding is not recommended for puppies.

Grazing is when food is left out for your puppy to eat whenever they want.

Free-feeding is when food is left out all day and your puppy can eat whenever they want.

Grazing and free-feeding can lead to overeating and obesity.

In summary, it is essential to establish a feeding schedule for your puppy.

Puppies should eat at least three meals a day, preferably at the same time every day.

Treats should be given sparingly, and grazing or free-feeding is not recommended.

By following these guidelines, you can help your puppy maintain a healthy diet and grow into a happy and healthy adult dog.

Is It Worth It to Buy Expensive Puppy Food?

When it comes to feeding your Cavapoo puppy you might wonder if it’s worth it to buy expensive puppy food.

The answer is, it depends.

Premium dog food has higher nutritional density so you can feed your dog less to achieve the same results.

Also, premium foods have better quality ingredients, which can benefit your puppy’s overall health and well-being.

However, not all expensive puppy foods are created equal.

It’s important to read the labels and understand the nutritional requirements of your Cavapoo puppy.

Some expensive puppy foods may contain fillers like corn which have little nutritional value and can cause digestive issues.

It’s also important to consider your budget when choosing puppy food.

While premium foods can be more expensive it’s not always necessary to break the bank.

You can find high-quality puppy food at a reasonable price by doing your research and comparing labels.

Ultimately, the decision to buy expensive puppy food comes down to your individual preferences and budget.

If you’re willing to spend more for higher quality ingredients and better nutrition then it might be worth it.

However, if you’re on a tight budget you can still find quality puppy food that meets your puppy’s nutritional needs without breaking the bank.

In summary, when choosing puppy food, it’s important to consider the nutritional requirements of your puppy, read labels, and compare prices.

While expensive puppy food can offer benefits it’s not always necessary to spend more to provide your puppy with a healthy and balanced diet.

Dry Food, Wet Food, or Both?

When it comes to feeding your dog, you have several options to choose from including dry food, wet food, or a combination of both.

Each type of food has its benefits and drawbacks so consider your dog’s nutritional requirements and dietary needs before making a decision.

Dry Food

Dry food, also known as kibble, is a popular choice for many dog owners.

It’s convenient, easy to store, and can be left out for your dog to eat throughout the day.

Dry food also helps to keep your dog’s teeth clean by scraping away plaque and tartar as they chew.

However, it’s important to choose a high-quality dry food that meets your dog’s nutritional requirements.

Look for a brand that lists a high-quality protein source, such as chicken or beef, as the first ingredient.

You should also check the label to ensure that the food contains the right balance of nutrients, including calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth.

Wet Food

Wet food, also known as canned food is another option to consider.

This type of food is often more palatable to dogs and can be a good choice for picky eaters or dogs with dental issues.

Wet food also contains a higher moisture content, which can help to keep your dog hydrated and prevent urinary tract infections.

However, wet food can be more expensive than dry food and can spoil quickly if left out for too long.

It’s also important to choose a high-quality wet food that meets your dog’s nutritional requirements.

Look for a brand that lists a high-quality protein source as the first ingredient and contains a balance of nutrients including water-soluble vitamins.

Both Wet and Dry Food

I feed my dogs a combination of dry and wet food.

This can provide the benefits of both types of food while minimizing the drawbacks.

For example, you can feed your dog dry food in the morning and then offer wet food as a treat or supplement in the evening.

When feeding your dog a combination of dry and wet food, it’s important to ensure that they are getting the right balance of nutrients.

You should also be careful not to overfeed your dog as this can lead to weight gain and other health issues.

In summary, whether you choose dry food, wet food, or a combination of both, choose a high-quality brand that meets your dog’s nutritional requirements.

Talk to your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet.

Chart Your Puppy’s Weight and Growth

One of the most important things you can do for your Cavapoo puppy is to keep track of their weight and growth.

This will help you ensure that they are getting the right amount of food and growing at a healthy rate.

Here are some tips for charting your puppy’s weight and growth:

Weigh Your Puppy Weekly

Weigh your puppy once a week using a digital scale.

Record their weight in a notebook or on a spreadsheet.

This will help you track their growth and make sure they are gaining weight at a healthy rate.

If your puppy is not gaining weight or is losing weight, talk to your veterinarian.

Use a Growth Chart

There are many growth charts available online or from your veterinarian.

These charts will help you compare your puppy’s weight to the average weight for their breed and age.

This will give you an idea of whether your puppy is growing at a healthy rate.

You can get some downloadable charts here.

Adjust Food Intake

If your Cavapoo puppy is not gaining weight at a healthy rate then you may need to adjust their food intake.

Talk to your veterinarian about how much food your puppy should be eating each day.

They may recommend a specific brand of food or a different feeding schedule.

How to Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food

Switching your puppy from puppy food to adult food requires a gradual transition to prevent digestive issues.

Here are some steps to help you make the switch:

1. Choose the right adult food: Select a high-quality adult dog food that meets your dog’s nutritional requirements. Premium dog foods are usually better than cheaper ones as they contain more nutrients and fewer fillers.
2. Determine the right time to switch: Cavapoos can start switching to adult food from the age of 10 months.
3. Gradually introduce the new food: Start by mixing 25% of the new adult food with 75% of the old puppy food for a few days. Then gradually increase the amount of new food while decreasing the amount of old food until you are feeding only the new adult food.
4. Monitor your dog’s reaction: Watch your dog for any signs of digestive issues or discomfort during the transition. If your dog experiences any issues slow down the transition or consult with your veterinarian.
5. Stick to a feeding schedule: Adult dogs typically need to be fed twice a day while puppies may need to be fed three to four times a day. Stick to a consistent feeding schedule to help your dog maintain a healthy weight and prevent overeating.
6. Choose the right type of food: Dry food is the most commonly used type of dog food but wet food can be a good option for dogs with dental issues or those who need more moisture in their diet. Raw food can also be a good option but it requires more preparation and may not be suitable for all dogs.

By following these steps you can ensure a smooth transition from puppy food to adult food for your Cavapoo.

Is Free Feeding a Good Idea?

Free feeding is a feeding method where you leave a bowl of food out for your dog at all times and your dog has constant access to this food bowl and can eat whenever they feel like it.

While it may seem like a convenient option, free feeding has its pros and cons.

Pros of Free Feeding

• Convenient: Free feeding is a convenient option especially if you have a busy schedule. You don’t have to worry about sticking to a specific mealtime or feeding schedule.
• Less Whining and Begging: When your dog has constant access to food they are less likely to whine or beg for food during the day.
• Less Chance of Hypoglycemia: Free feeding can also lessen the chance of hypoglycemia (low glucose sugar levels) in your dog.

Cons of Free Feeding

• Obesity: Free feeding can contribute to obesity in dogs especially if they tend to overeat. When food is available all the time, some dogs may eat more than they need, leading to weight gain and other health problems.
• Digestive Issues: Free feeding can also lead to digestive issues in dogs. When dogs eat too much at once it can put a strain on their digestive system leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and other digestive problems.
• Caloric Intake: Free feeding can make it difficult to monitor your dog’s caloric intake. It’s important to ensure that your dog is getting the right amount of food for their energy requirements and activity levels.
• Lack of Routine: Free feeding can disrupt your dog’s feeding routine making it difficult to establish a consistent schedule. A consistent feeding schedule is essential for maintaining your dog’s health and well-being.
• Multiple Dogs: This is probably the most important issue with free feeding. You won’t be able to pick up if one of your dogs is not eating and is sick. You might only pick up on it when it’s too late.

In conclusion, free feeding may seem like a convenient option but in my honest opinion, it is too risky.

I want to know when and how much each of my dogs is eating.

I can then very quickly pick up if one of them is not feeling well.

A scheduled and measured feeding plan is a much better option.

Wrapping Up

Providing your dog with a well-balanced and nutritious diet is vital for their overall health and happiness.

Regularly assess their body condition, and energy levels, and consult your veterinarian for any necessary adjustments or dietary recommendations.

In the end, the goal is to nourish your beloved companion with a diet that meets their specific nutritional requirements, supports their overall well-being, and brings joy to their mealtime experience.

By making informed choices you’re ensuring that your Cavapoo is well-cared for and able to thrive by your side, sharing in the joy and adventure that a life with a happy and healthy dog brings.