Best Dog Food for Cavapoo

The best dog food for Cavapoo is ideal for the breed profile of these dogs that are cross between Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodles.

Cavapoos are small dogs that are highly energetic. They have a fast metabolism which causes them to burn a lot of energy throughout the day.

David Anderson, the author of The Complete Guide to Cavapoo Dogs recommends high-protein dog food for Cavapoos.

The food should also contain higher quantity of good fats than those found in regular dog foods to meet this small dog’s energy and calorie needs.

Based on this, we have some great food picks (both dry and wet as well as puppy and adult foods) for your Cavapoo. These are recommended by real Cavapoo parents as well.

Just in case you are in a hurry, click on our short summary below to view our Top reviewed products for the best dog food for Cavapoo:

1. Royal Canin Nutrition X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food
2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Natural Dog Food for Small Breed
3. Hill's Science Diet Wet Dog Food for Small Breed
4. Purina Beneful Canned Food for Adult Small Breed
5. Hill's Science Diet Small Bites Puppy Dry Food
6. Merrick Lil' Plates Grain Free Wet Food for Small Breed

Best Dog Food for Cavapoo – 2022 Top 5 Picks

Best Dry Dog Food for Cavapoo

1. Our Editor’s Pick: Royal Canin X-Small Adult Dry Dog Food, 14 lb bag

Royal Canin has made this food for small dog breeds like Cavapoo to meet their high energy needs and also it contains optimal calorie levels targeted for their small sizes.

There is 22% crude protein and 17% fat in this food and one cup of kibble can provide your pet with 362 kilocalories.

This food is also rich in EPA and DHA which are necessary for your Cavapoo’s skin and coat, heart, as well as for weight management.

Royal Canin Small Adult dry dog food also features highly digestible protein.

Moreover, the kibble’s shape, texture, aroma, and size are also perfect for small dogs.

The extra-small and highly-palatable kibble is easy to pick for small jaws.

What we like about it

• High calorie, high protein, high in good fats and omegas
• Alluring kibble shape, texture, flavor, and easy to pick for small dogs.

What we don’t like

• Caused some scratching in sensitive dogs – check with your vet if the ingredients are right for your pet.

2.  Blue Buffalo Small Breed Dog Food, Life Protection Formula, Natural Chicken & Brown Rice Flavor, Adult Dry Dog Food, 15 lb Bag

Blue Buffalo Life Protection for Small Breed Dogs is made with high protein and healthy carbohydrates that help meet the nutritional needs of your energetic Cavapoo.

It provides 350 Kcals per cup and contains de-boned chicken as its first ingredient to provide 24% crude protein, 14% crude fat, and 400mg of glucosamine for protecting your pet’s joint health.

Your Cavapoo will love the small-sized kibble which is easy to pick. It also has tons of flavor thanks to wholesome garden veggies, complex carbs, and delicious fruits.

What we like about it

• Natural dog food higher in calories, proteins, and healthy carbs to meet the energy demands of active small breeds
• Free from byproducts
• Packed with antioxidants
• Contains glucosamine for joint health

What we don’t like

• Price fluctuations and packaging issues

Best wet dog food for Cavapoo

3.  Hill's Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken & Barley Entree Canned Dog Food, 5.8 oz., Case of 24

Hill’s wet dog food for small dog breeds like Cavapoos provides your pet with nearly 166 kcal of calories per can. It also contains high-quality, easy-to-digest protein in the form of chicken, pork, and liver.

Hill’s dog food is also fortified with vitamins and minerals and made using all-natural, USA-sourced ingredients.

We love the fact that real vets and canine nutrition experts have formulated this food for small and energetic dog breeds.

What we like about it

• Easily digestible high-protein and calories to build lean muscle and provide all-day energy
• Delicious taste for picky dogs

What we don’t like

• Inconsistent quality- some cans were too dry and crumbly, others runny and super-moist.

4. Purina Beneful Small Breed Wet Dog Food Variety Pack, IncrediBites - (2 Packs of 12) 3 oz. Cans

Purina Beneful provides 100% real nutrition to your highly energetic Cavapoo.

This variety pack contains chicken/salmon/beef, so there is something for every picky eater.

Each can provides 87kcal to your pet with 9% protein.

Most Cavapoos loved the gravy-based food for its taste and variety of flavors.

What we like about it

• 100% real balanced nutrition with high protein and adequate calories
• Variety of flavors for picky eaters
• Fortified with antioxidants
• Fresh ingredients
• Great portion sizes

What we don’t like

• Contains wheat gluten which some dogs are allergic to.

Best dog food for Cavapoo puppy 

5. Hill's Science Diet Dry Dog Food, Puppy, Small Bites, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe, 15.5 lb. Bag

Your growing puppy needs vital nutrients like omegas, proteins, and healthy minerals for brain health, vision, strong bones, and active energy for all-day play.

Hill’s science diet ensures that your Cavapoo gets all that and more.

It contains DHA for eye health and brain development and provides your pet with 29.8% protein for lean muscle development.

This vet-formulated food is also rich in calcium and other minerals for stronger bones and teeth.

What we like about it

• Great food for developing puppies – high protein, rich in DHA
• Great taste and flavor
• Small bites are easy to pick for small jaws.

What we don’t like

• There are no other flavors. Some dogs tend to get bored with it as they grow up.

6. Merrick Lil’ Plates Grain Free Natural Wet Dog Food For Small Breed Puppies, Pint-Sized Puppy Plate In Gravy - (Pack of 12) 3.5 oz. Tubs

Merrick small breed puppy wet food contains turkey and chicken without grains or gluten to ease digestibility in young sensitive pets.

You can choose from other flavors like duck, beef, turkey-duck, steak, Thanksgiving dinner, etc.

Each can contains 8.5% of easy-to-digest protein with pre and probiotic fiber for enhanced digestion.

Being gluten-free, this food is great for dogs with food sensitivities.

Merrick Lil’ Plates is also rich in healthy omegas for brain development and skin and coat.

It also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for enhanced joint health.

What we like about it

• Gluten free and easy-to-digest protein
• Probiotic for enhanced digestion
• Omegas for healthy skin and coat
• Good for travels

What we don’t like

• Small portion sizes.

Characteristics of a Cavapoo

A.  Height and weight

Cavapoos are bred from Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Toy or Miniature Poodles.

This means that they are a fairly small dog breed.

They can be small or medium sized dogs depending on their Poodle parent.

In general, they weigh between 9 to 25 lbs. and with a height range between 9 and 14 inches at withers (shoulder).

B.  Active and energetic like the parent breeds

Your cavapoo inherits its personality traits from both parents.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is active, playful, curious, friendly and social. The poodle is also active, friendly, playful and highly intelligent.

No wonder your Cavapoo is bound to be active, playful, and energetic.

C. High energy needs

Being high in intelligence, your Cavapoo wants to explore its world all the time.

That is why it has high energy requirements.

They also have a fast metabolism which is why you need to provide several small though high-protein meals to your pet.

The best dog food for Cavapoo can help.

Protein will help maintain lean muscle mass and also keep your energetic dog satiated.

D.  Digestion

Cavapoos often inherit the sensitive digestion of their parents.

Both the Cavalier and the Poodles are delicate dog breeds with digestive issues.

Not all cavapoos have sensitive digestion though, so always check with your vet before feeding grain-free or raw diet.

In general, cavapoos have high metabolism, tend to be picky, and may or may not have food allergies.

They are active and energetic most of the times and that is why you need to feed them high quality kibble or wet food.

This may or may not be grain-free depending on the advice of your vet.

Look for food with high protein content in the form of easily digestible protein.

Should I feed my Cavapoo dry or wet food?

There is always a debate among pet lovers about feeding wet or dry food to their dogs.

Both types of foods have their merits and demerits.

Dry food/kibble

Kibble is easier to feed if you have to leave your Cavapoo home alone all day.

You can easily leave dry food outside for your pet and not worry about spoilage.

Dry food with crunchy texture also removes accumulated plaque and tartar and could be better for your pet’s dental health compared to wet food.

Wet food/canned food

Wet food also has its merits.

It is often higher in protein compared to kibble and that is the main ingredient that young cavapoos need.

Wet food also contains higher moisture content which is great for your pet’s urinary and kidney health.

On the downside, wet food spoils easily so you cannot leave it outside if you have to leave your pet alone for prolonged periods of time.

How often and how much food should I feed my Cavapoo?

Puppy Cavapoo diet

If you have recently got your puppy home from the breeder’s feed it the same brand of food that the breeder was feeding.

Remember: Puppies must stay with their dam (mother) until at least 6-8 weeks of age.

Until then, they need their mother’s milk for optimum nourishment.

As they grow and play all day, puppies have higher energy needs compared to adult dogs – therefore, they benefit from smaller though frequent number of meals.

Feed your puppy highly digestible, protein-rich kibble or wet or canned food.

Depending on the brand, your pet’s age, and activity levels, you can feed your puppy 3-4 times a day.

Refer to the feeding chart provided on the label. Your vet can also guide you about how often to feed your Cavapoo puppy.

Also Read: Benefits of Elevated Dog Bowls

Adult Cavapoo diet

A cavapoo is considered an adult after it is 12 months of age.

Feed your adult cavapoo high-quality kibble or canned food once or twice a day.

This quantity will depend on your pet’s activity levels and the brand of food you feed.

You can also refer to the feeding chart given on the food’s packaging.

Alternatively, speak to your vet about the right quantity to feed.

Cavapoos are prone to weight gain, so you must make sure to exercise them daily – once or twice – or as recommended by your vet.

Weight gain and obesity can be very bad for your pet’s joints and can cause many problems in your pet.

Main factors to consider when choosing the best dog food for Cavapoo

1. Is suitable for your pet’s life stage

Make sure that the food is labeled as complete and balanced for your Cavapoo’s life stage.

Younger dogs and puppy cavapoos need omegas and DHA for brain and vision development.

They also need calcium and minerals for healthy bones and teeth.

Older Cavapoos need more protein which is easy to digest and helps maintain muscle mass.

They also need fiber and prebiotics and probiotics for easy digestion, immunity, and overall health and wellbeing.

Avoid foods that are labeled as ‘supplemental’ – these are treats and not the main meal.

2.  contains highly digestible protein

In general, the energetic cavapoo breed needs high protein food to maintain their muscle mass.

Younger cavapoos also need high protein and calorie-dense foods because they are active, have rapid metabolisms, and tend to expend a lot of energy.

However, these requirements can change based on your pet’s activity levels, age, and even its overall health profile.

For example, if your dog is mainly a couch potato and does not get too much exercise, then it might not need as many calories as younger and more active Cavapoos.

Older dogs could also develop urinary or kidney related issues for which your vet might prescribe lower protein diets.

So, check with your vet from time to time regarding the right diet for your Cavapoo.

3.  Decide if grain-free is right for your dog

Not all Cavapoos have sensitive tummies and switching to grain-free foods may not be necessary in such cases.

After all, grains provide complex carbohydrates for energy which your cavapoo needs plenty of.

Also, some ancestral grains like amaranth, buckwheat, sorghum, millets, etc. are easy to digest for most dogs and also healthy for them.

So, always check with your vet before jumping on the grain-free dog food bandwagon.

Also Read: Best Cat Food for Maine Coon

What ingredients should Cavapoo avoid?

As stated earlier, you need not switch to grain-free dog food unless your vet has specifically suggested that you do so. Here are some ingredients you must avoid in dog food for Cavapoos:

A. Preservatives

These include BHA and BHT which are known to preserve dog food. However, these are known carcinogens and best avoided.

Ethoxyquin is another preservative which is quite toxic to dogs. Look for foods with vitamins C and E which are healthier preservatives.

B. Food dyes and colors

Dog food does not need to be colorful – your cavapoo does not need Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 5 and 6 which many dog foods are known to contain.

C. Rendered fats

Rendered fats are nothing but ‘restaurant grease’ which is sprayed on pellets and kibble to make it more palatable. It has absolutely no nutritional value and can even lead to obesity in pets.

Conclusion

The best dog food for cavapoo contains highly digestible protein, high calories, and healthy fats. It is free from preservatives, dyes, and rendered fats.

We recommend the Royal Canin X-small Adult Dry Dog Food for adult Cavapoos and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Dry Food Small Bites for puppy cavapoos.

Check out our other recommendations as well.