The best Cockapoo puppy food is tailored to the size and breed of this friendly Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross breed. There are a few breed-specific factors to know about these intelligent and fun-loving dogs. Firstly, Cockapoos can be fussy with food. Plus, they can be prone to getting an upset stomach and their long ears can develop infections. With these common illnesses, switching to a hypoallergenic diet (gluten-free) can help. Cockapoo size varies, so you should follow the feeding guide on the dog food packet, which is based on body weight.
When it comes to puppies, they need feeding more regularly than adult dogs; that's three times a day for six to 12 months. Puppies need 4-6 per cent of their body weight daily. This can be from wet puppy food, dry puppy food - a mixture of both - or a raw food (BARF) or homemade diet. Just be sure to do your research on the latter two as these diets can be expensive and time-consuming.
Best Cockapoo puppy food at a glance:
• Best dry cockapoo food for puppies: AVA Veterinary Approved Cockapoo Puppy Food - view on Pets at Home
• Best for cockapoos with anxiety: Pooch and Mutt - Calm and Relaxed - view on Pooch and Mutt
• Best personalised dog food: Tails.com - view on Tails.com
• Best for active cockapoos: Skinner's Field and Trial Dry Puppy and Junior Food - view on Pets at Home
Dogs have a short digestive system and they do not have the gut enzyme amylase which is needed to digest grains. If you think your Cockapoo is showing signs of a sensitive stomach, they might benefit from sensitive puppy food. Remember, a pup that's less than one year old requires puppy food because the smaller chunks or kibble fit in their mouths. Additionally, puppy food is more calorie-dense than adult food and has added vitamins and minerals to support growth and development.
There's nothing more adorable than a cute Cockapoo puppy and you want to do everything to ensure they grow into cuddly, loyal and lively family pets. Regardless of breed, any dog lover wants to feed their pet the best quality dog food they can afford. At this life stage, it's important to get your puppy on food that's right for them to develop and support their bodily functions. After all, a healthy dog means fewer visits to the vet.
Best Cockapoo puppy food
Best dry Cockapoo food for puppies
www.petsathome.com
For boisterous and enthusiastic cockapoos, choose AVA Veterinary Approved Cockapoo Dry Puppy Food. The benefit of this kibble is that it contains natural ingredients, pre-biotics and +Imuvita immune boosting ingredients. You'll find sweet potato, salmon oil and yucca extract listed in the ingredients, as well as containing 40 per cent chicken. This hypoallergenic dry dog food contains highly digestible chicken protein. Additionally, pre-biotic fibres aid digestion. It's rich in omega-3 oils to support brain development. And your pup's bones get a boost from calcium and phosphorus.
Pros
- Breed-specific
- Tailored kibble shape and size to suit the breed
- Added Chamomile for its calming properties
Cons
- Currently only available for click and collect
Best for Cockapoos with anxiety
www.poochandmutt.co.uk
Anyone who has a Cockapoo knows they can suffer from separation anxiety as they’re so attached to their owners, but Pooch and Mutt - Calm and Relaxed should help them to feel calmer and more relaxed. Designed for excitable dogs too, it includes chamomile to help them to chill out plus prebiotics and probiotics to make sure they’ve got all the good stuff they need to keep them healthy. It’s free from grains, cereal, gluten, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives so perfect for Cockapoos with sensitive tummies.
Customer review: "My 19 month old spaniel is very chilled after eating this for his evening meal. Not sure how much of the chill factor is due to this kibble though as he runs off lead for at least an hour every day so he could just be tired and ready for a good snooze anyway! He loves, loves, loves Pooch and Mutt Calm and Relaxed doggie biscuit treats. Runs into his bed at night in expectation of them for his sleepy bedtime treat. Very happy dog! Zzzzzzzz"
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- 45 per cent lean turkey included
- Suitable from eight weeks old
Cons
- Some reviewers weren't sure it had a calming effect on their pooch
3.
Tails.com
Best personalised puppy food for Cockapoos
tails.com
With a Tails.com subscription, you can get specifically formulated food for your cockapoo delivered straight to your door. You tell them all about your pooch and they’ll make a tailored kibble, developed with vets and nutritionists, from high-quality ingredients to support your dog’s health. They’ll also recommend calories and daily portion sizes so you can keep on track with feeding them the right amount.
Customer review: "We started a trial with Tails because our StaffX has an allergy to chicken and grains. He used to get sore and smelly ears and sore eyes, even with recommended treatment from the vet. We’ve now been on Tails food for eight weeks and all of his issues have resolved. He’s not itching anymore and his bowel movements are much more healthy."
Find out more by reading our full Tails.com review.
Pros
- Designed specifically for your Cockapoo
- High-quality ingredients
- Made so your Cockapoo gets the right balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals they need
Cons
- Can't find out the exact price for your Cockapoo until you've put your details in
Best chicken-free wet puppy food
www.lilyskitchen.co.uk
Some Cockapoos can have allergies and intolerances to chicken and beef, so if you’re worried about that, why not give this Lily's Kitchen Turkey and Duck Puppy Recipe a go? You'll know that Cockapoos are high energy, pretty much 24/7, and as an active breed they'll benefit from wholesome natural ingredients. This wet food is especially for puppies aged between 8-14 months, those premium ingredients are going to nourish your pup and give them a yummy din-dins.
Customer review: "My puppy loves this food. He was on raw when I got him but he wouldn’t eat it and wanted to be hand fed. One bowl of this and he's hooked, he loves it. The smell is actually nice too, and as I don't normally like dog food smells and really gag, it was a pleasant surprise, reminded me of a roast dinner."
Pros
- All natural ingredients
- A source of quality protein
Cons
- Tinned food needs to be eaten within a day otherwise it gets smelly and spoils
Best for active Cockapoos
www.petsathome.com
Skinner's is another good option for a hypoallergenic junior dog food that doesn't contain chicken. The Field and Trial range are designed for active working dogs, which is great for bouncing Cockapoos. Duck meat is a rich source of protein and fat. Just take care to follow the feeding guide and give a portion size that's appropriate for the size and weight of your puppy. Skinner's Field and Trial Dry Puppy and Junior Food Duck and Rice contains wholesome brown rice and oats to give your pup energy, as well as a whole host of nourishing ingredients to support their immune system and development.
Pros
- Bulk buy
- Chicken and beef free
- Hypoallergenic for sensitive stomach
Cons
- Do not overfeed this as it's a rich meat
Best meat and rice puppy food
Harringtons Puppy Food Rich in Turkey and Rice is a dry puppy food that's packed with omega 6 and 3 oils. Plus, it has no soy, wheat or dairy so it's all good for those sensitive stomachs. This dry dog food is available on Amazon's Subscribe and Save so it's ideal if you're feeding more than one pup and need to buy in bulk.
Customer review: "Very good value and quality dog food. My Pomeranian puppies love it and the odour isn’t as bad as other brands. The biscuits are very small so it’s very good for ‘toy dog’ size."
Pros
- Great value
- Tasty
Cons
- Small range
Best sensitive puppy food for medium breeds
www.petsathome.com
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion is designed for medium-size breeds. The ActivBiome+ formula helps nourish and maintain healthy digestion. This dry food contains easy-to-digest ingredients for small stomachs. Additionally, a blend of high-quality proteins, gentle carbs and probiotics will help your puppy reach its full potential. Hill's Science has a brilliant range of dog foods for small, medium and large breeds, catering for sensitivities, puppies and senior dogs.
Customer review: "From opening the bag she has regularly wolfed down a couple of bowls a day even fetching her empty dish a few times. Much to my relief there have been zero stomach issues and she now has a lovely shiny coat and is in peak condition."
Pros
- Expertly balanced nutrition
- Lots of sensitive products in the range
Cons
- It has relatively high maize content which a couple of reviewers found didn't agree with their pup's digestion
Best hypoallergenic wet puppy food
Hypoallergenic wet dog foods are made from ingredients that are less likely to cause allergies and intolerances, as well as using highly digestible single proteins. James Wellbeloved Complete Wet Puppy Dog is an excellent choice for pets with sensitive tummies or allergies from birth. Made from natural ingredients, with added vitamins and minerals, including Omega 3 oils to help promote a healthy, glossy coat. These are tasty meals, free from added artificial colours, flavours or preservatives.
Customer review: "After searching for such a long time I finally found a product with only positives. Honestly couldn’t recommend this enough, he absolutely loves it. I mix half wet and half kibble from the same brand with a pump of salmon oil (salmon oil only once a day). Firm stool, gives him lots of energy and he always begs for more."
Pros
- Great for fussy dogs
- Full of moisture
Cons
- Small portions
Best dry puppy food for sensitive puppies
www.viovet.co.uk
This complete dry food is perfect for little puppies who are bounding with energy. Royal Canin Mini Puppy Food contains poultry and rice in a small kibble form, so it's easily chewed and digested. Give your pup a good start in life by providing them with food to help support their immune and digestive system. Added Vitamin E and a probiotic will support their natural defences and gut health. It is recommended that you give this to puppies between two to 10 months old.
Customer review: "My puppy is very fussy, I have wasted so much money on foods he wouldn't eat, but Royal Canin is always eaten. I can see why it smells nice and is not all dry like most foods, think I would eat it myself if I was a pup."
Pros
- Breed-specific
- Great for early years
Cons
- Designed for mini breeds so you may want to look for an alternative if you have a larger dog
Best for bulk buy
www.petsathome.com
Suitable for pups over eight weeks old, Wagg's brilliant complete, sensitive food contains a tasty doggie staple: Chicken and rice. Not only is this wheat-free for gluten-free pups, but it contains no added, dairy, soya or artificial colours. Plus, Wagg Complete Wheat-Free Chicken Dry Dog Food offers immune and digestive support with an added vitamin E. The yucca extract helps to reduce odours. At Take A Break Pets this is a favourite of ours and it’s made in the UK too.
Customer review: "My dog seems very settled on this food she gets an upset stomach a lot and so far this food is working great."
Pros
- Wheat-free
- Affordable
- Offers immune and digestive support
Cons
- Made in a factory that handles wheat
FAQs
What are Cockapoos?
According to The Cockapoo Club of GB, Cockapoos are one of the oldest hybrid breeds, dating back to the 1950s. The earliest dictionary reference that listed the word 'Cockapoo' was in the 1960 Oxford English Dictionary. Gaining popularity in the UK in the 2000s, these designer dogs are now commonplace. Cockapoos can vary greatly in size. For example, a Cocker Spaniel crossbred with a Toy Poodle will result in smaller offspring than a Cockapoo bred from a Cocker Spaniel and a standard Poodle. They are a lively and active breed - friendly, loyal and make good family pets.
What do I feed my new Cockapoo puppy?
Firstly, ask the breeder to tell you what they have been feeding the pup. For the first couple of weeks, it's best to stick with that food so your puppy can focus on settling into their new home. After that, you can choose to make changes to their diet by gradually transitioning them on to new foods. The Cockapoo Club of GB offers comprehensive advice on feeding Cockapoos.
How do I introduce new food into my Cockapoo's diet?
As we mentioned earlier, Cockapoos can suffer from food sensitivities and allergies, so you’ll need to be careful when introducing new food to avoid an upset tummy and other health issues.
The best way to introduce any dog to new food is to do it gradually. You’ll want to start by mixing a bit of the new food in with their old food for the first couple of days and see how they get on. If you haven’t noticed any negative changes in your pooch, you can gradually increase the amount of the new food you add into the mix over a week or two until your hound is solidly eating their new diet.
How much food does a Cockapoo need?
How much food your Cockapoo needs will depend on a number of factors; this includes how much they weigh, their ideal weight for their size and their activity levels. The more active your dog is, the more calories it'll burn. You can feed your Cockapoo dry puppy food, wet puppy food on its own, or a combination of the two.
As Cockapoos can be bred with Poodles of varying sizes, the ideal weight and height of your Cockapoo will depend. Most commonly, a Cockapoo is created by crossing a Cocker Spaniel with a miniature Poodle. This creates a sturdy, medium-sized dog that weighs around 15 pounds and stands about 14 inches at the withers. The feeding guide on the packet of dog food will tell you how much to give your pup in relation to its ideal weight.
If you're not sure how much food to give your pooch, you can always contact your vet for more advice.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.