The 13 Best Dog Foods for Cavapoos in 2023

One of the first designer dogs ever created, Cavapoos have captured millions of hearts due to their fun-loving, friendly, and energetic personalities. Gaining popularity since the nineties, this adorable and hypoallergenic mix between the Cavalier King Charles spaniel and a Poodle has become a family dog for many. However, the only downside to adopting a Cavapoo is that they can be picky eaters.

Keeping this in mind, I have compiled a list of the best dog foods for your pup after careful research and consideration.

The Best Dog Foods for Cavapoos

Cavapoo Dog Food Reviews

1. Purina: Pro Plan Puppy Small Breed Chicken & Rice Formula

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Poultry By-Product Meal, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat

Purina Pro Plan Puppy comes with all the ingredients your growing Cavapoo needs. It comes in four different formulas: chicken and rice, lamb and rice, shredded chicken, and grain-free chicken.

With puppy-sized pieces of kibble and a variety of flavors, the Purina Pro Plan formula is also free of any artificial additives.

Your puppy also gets a good amount of DHA from omega-rich fish oil along with probiotics and antioxidants. These nutrients ensure brain and vision development and a healthy gut and immune system so your puppy can grow up to be healthy and strong!

2. Wellness: CORE Grain-Free Turkey, Chicken Liver & Turkey Liver Formula

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Turkey, Chicken Broth, Chicken Liver, Turkey Liver, Chicken Meal

Wellness CORE Grain-Free Formula contains high-quality and protein-rich ingredients such as chicken, turkey, and salmon oil. The premium proteins along with grains, vegetables and fruits make this formula a rich blend of nutrients that takes care of all your Cavapoo’s needs.

This formula has especially been crafted for dogs with sensitive stomachs as it has a grain and gluten-free composition.

The Wellness CORE formula is popular because professional nutritionists and veterinarians have created it as a filler-free alternative that encourages lean muscle tone and body mass while providing energy-rich nutrients that ensure optimal health.

3. Hill’s Science: Diet Adult Chicken & Barley Entree

Top Ingredients: Water, Chicken, Pork Liver, Whole Grain Corn, Cracked Pearled Barley, Beef By-Products

Hill’s Science wet food formula contains a blend of many natural ingredients that are beneficial to your dog’s health including chicken, pork liver, barley, vitamins, and minerals. This formula is easy to digest and combines various flavors and textures.

This formula is also taste-tested by the pets at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Center to guarantee that your Cavapoo will be eager for mealtime.

Hill’s Science is crafted with fatty acids and high-quality protein that aids in muscular development and a healthy, shiny coat.

4. Halo: Holistic Grain-Free Wild Salmon & Whitefish Flavour

Top Ingredients: Salmon, Whitefish, Dried Egg Product, Chickpeas, Dried Lentils, Dried Peas

Halo’s grain-free formula is perfect for Cavapoo dogs because it combines non-GMO vegetables and fruits along with sustainably caught whole meat. With flavors of salmon and whitefish, your dog will surely find mealtime irresistible.

With all-natural ingredients and bite-sized kibble, this formula is not only easy to eat but will be easy on your dog’s stomach.

Even picky dogs will find this formula delicious and eagerly await their mealtime! It also contains fewer fats and calories but supplies your dog with the right dose of nutrients such as L-carnitine, which are vital for healthy weight and metabolism.

5. Blue Buffalo: Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Top Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is specifically created with your senior Cavapoo’s health in mind. This formula is crafted with real meat, vegetables, and grains to meet all your dog’s nutritional needs inside and out without any additives or poultry by-products.

There are many benefits to choosing this formula because it also includes LifeSource Bits that are a rich complex of antioxidants and other nutrients.

Along with delicious flavors that your dog will surely love, it uses ingredients such as L-Carnitine, Glucosamine, chelated minerals, and chondroitin to support the skeletal and immune systems and ensure joint health.

6. Taste of the Wild: High Prairie Puppy Formula Grain-Free

Top Ingredients: Water Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Bison, Roasted Venison

This grain-free formula is one of the most affordable options on the market for your Cavapoo. This formula is made with novel proteins such as bison and buffalo to support the development of a strong muscular and skeletal system.

Your Cavapoo will get the best nutrients because this formula is made only with locally sourced and sustainable ingredients to ensure quality.

This formula also includes viable species-specific K9 Strain Probiotics for digestive health and antioxidants for cellular support.

7. Natural Balance: Limited Ingredient Diets Grain-Free Sweet Potato & Bison Formula

Top Ingredients: Sweet Potato, Bison, Pea Protein, Potato Protein, Canola Oil

If your Cavapoo suffers from allergies or a sensitive stomach, this limited ingredients formula supplies your dog with all the proteins, minerals, and vitamins it needs without upsetting its stomach.

This formula comes with many different protein options, including chicken, beef, bison, duck, fish, lamb, and venison. Sweet potato and peas are the primary sources of carbohydrates.

There are no filler ingredients in this formula, making it a healthy option for your Cavapoo. Rich in DHA and vitamins, this formula provides your dog with all it needs to stay engaged and attentive.

8. Cesar: Classic Loaf in Sauce Beef Recipe, Filet Mignon, Grilled Chicken, & Porterhouse Steak Flavors Variety

Top Ingredients: Beef, Chicken Liver, Beef Lung, Chicken Broth, Beef Liver

If your Cavapoo is not a fan of dry kibble, Cesar’s Canine Cuisine comes in a wide variety of flavors. It is also packaged in peel-away trays to ensure freshness and for your convenience. You can serve it as a meal on its own or a food topper for kibble and other foods.

Even if your dog is a fussy eater, there is enough variety here for you to find one to your dog’s liking.

This formula only includes locally sourced proteins such as beef and chicken enhanced with vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, so freshness and quality are guaranteed.

9. Diamond: Naturals Adult Chicken & Rice Formula

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Grain Sorghum

Diamond Naturals kibble is made specifically for small-breed dogs and is a great option for your Cavapoo. This dry food is crafted in state-of-the-art facilities and free of wheat, corn and soy.

Additionally, it contains various supporting ingredients such as flaxseed, chia seeds, dried kelp, pumpkin, and dried chicory root fiber to support the digestive and immune systems and ensure your dog’s coat is shiny and healthy!

10. Rachael Ray Nutrish: Zero Grain Natural Beef, Potato & Bison Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Beef, Turkey Meal, Bison, Lamb Meal, Dried Peas

Rachel Ray’s grain-free formula uses real beef and many other wholesome ingredients such as peas, beet, tapioca, bison, and potatoes. Your Cavapoo gets all the nutrients without any harmful additives or artificial flavors.

This formula is suitable for dog breeds of all ages and sizes and will certainly be loved by many.

The naturally occurring ingredients also guarantee your dog gets all the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants necessary for overall health and growth. Taurine, Niacin, and fiber all contribute to good digestion and absorption of nutrients.

11. Vital Essentials: Turkey Mini Nibs Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Ground Turkey with Bone, Turkey Heart, Turkey Liver, Herring Oil

If your Cavapoo doesn’t enjoy dry or wet food, you can try Vital Essentials freeze-dried mini nibs. This formula includes raw meat, organ meats, and bone, and comes in many flavors, including chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and rabbit.

These high-quality ingredients are freeze-dried to retain all essential nutrients and guarantee safe storage without refrigeration.

The pieces in this filler-free and gluten-free formula are bite-sized to be easily consumed by Cavapoos. You can serve these mini-nibs as a full meal, a delicious and nutritious snack, or even as a topper for kibble.

12. Iams: ProActive Health Adult MiniChunks Dry Dog Food

Top Ingredients: Chicken, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Ground Whole Grain Sorghum, Chicken By-Product Meal, Dried Plain Beet Pulp

Iams MiniChunks are an excellent source of protein and naturally occurring minerals, vitamins, and enzymes. This kibble is packed with protein and nutrients from farm-raised chickens in just the right size for your Cavapoo to enjoy.

This small-sized kibble packs a punch with a hefty dose of fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants that can contribute to digestion and immunity.

Iams crafts special formulas depending on age, size, and need, so you have a variety of choices. Essential nutrients such as taurine, biotin, and omega-6 fatty acids make this formula a wholesome and balanced meal all in one.

13. Nature’s Logic: Canine Chicken Meal Feast

Top Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Millet, Chicken Fat, Pumpkin Seed, Spray Dried Chicken Liver

Nature’s Logic dry dog food formula is one of the most nutrient-rich formulas free of any synthetic chemicals. This formula also contains minimally processed ingredients so that it will be easy on your Cavapoo’s stomach.

There is no corn, wheat, or soy in this dry food, and it is MSG-free and gluten-free.

The best part is that the kibble is the digestive enzyme coating rich in natural minerals, vitamins, and proteins to maintain healthy digestion. This kibble can provide your pup with nutrients and ensure they are absorbed properly as well.

Related:

• Nursing Dog Foods
• Vegan Dog Foods

FAQs

What is better for my Cavapoo – dry food or wet food?

Both are fine to feed your Cavapoo as long as you know about the quality and quantity of ingredients. Some Cavapoo pups may be picky eaters, preferring wet food over dry food due to its freshness and textures. It all comes down to your dog’s preferences.

How much should I feed my Cavapoo puppy?

Cavapoo puppies need a minimum of 4 meals a day at the age of four months. As they age, you should reduce the number of meals to 3 times a day. When your Cavapoo grows into an adult, you should feed them bigger meals twice day.

What should I look for when buying dry food for my Cavapoo?

Ensure there are no ambiguous labels, go through all the ingredients and get the right size kibble. Cavapoos are small-breed dogs, so they require bite-sized kibble. If a packet says ‘complete and balanced’, it is a sign that the company meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) guidelines for balanced nutrition.

Can I give my Cavapoo puppy a raw diet?

Raw diets are not recommended for puppies because their digestive system is still under development and may not be prepared for the bacteria in raw meat. When your pup grows into an adult, you can try freeze-dried options to see if they take a liking to it or prepare raw food for them by yourself.

How often should I give my Cavapoo treats?

Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily intake of calories. Most commercially prepared treats are rich in calories and should only be used to train your dog or as the occasional snack. In high quantities, they can affect your dog’s blood pressure and overall health.

What kind of dog food is the best for my Cavapoo?

You need to consider your dog’s age, size, activity level, and dietary preferences to determine what food is best for it. The perfect diet should include a balanced blend of all major nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water.

Should I give my Cavapoo supplements?

If your Cavapoo is suffering from any special health conditions, it is best to consult your vet about dietary supplements. However, it is important that when choosing supplements, you go for those with all-natural, chemical-free, and species-specific ingredients because they are the best option for your dog.

How should I introduce new food to my Cavapoo’s diet?

When introducing new food to your dog’s diet, you should start by mixing the new food with old food and gradually increasing the proportion of the new food. Cavapoos can be sensitive to dietary changes so the make transition slowly over a few weeks.

What kind of dog food should I feed to my senior Cavapoo?

Senior dogs require a well-balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and fiber and low in calories. There are formulas specifically created for senior dogs rich in proteins, fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients while being low in calories, which helps in creating a feeling of fullness.

What should I keep in mind when feeding my Cavapoo?

Cavapoos are prone to obesity, so you must pick balanced diets rich in biologically appropriate nutrients that can easily be digested and absorbed. Your dog’s activity level is also an important factor in determining their appetite, as the more active they are, the hungrier they will feel.

What ingredients should I look out for when purchasing dog food for my Cavapoo?

When purchasing dog food for your Cavapoo, you should always check the ingredients to make sure these are not included because they can cause health issues:

• Melamine
• BHT
• BHA
• Ethoxyquin
• Poligeenan
• Propylene Glycol
• MSG
• Corn Syrup
• Soy
• Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Can I give my Cavapoo bones?

Once your Cavapoo is older than four months, you can start introducing bones to their diet. However, never use cooked bones as they can easily break and cause harm. You can use raw bones or artificial bones as they can also help satisfy the urge to gnaw when your puppy is teething.

Is grain-free dog food better for my Cavapoo?

Some dogs can be allergic to grains, so it is always better to consult your vet regarding this. Generally speaking, dog food should not contain inexpensive grain sources such as corn or wheat as they can be harmful. Rice, oats, barley, rye, millet, sorghum are healthier options.

Do Cavapoos have any health complications?

Crossbreeds generally tend to have fewer health conditions than their pedigree parents, but they can still inherit them. Cavapoos are also prone to certain health conditions such as heart conditions, skin problems, and hip dysplasia but it is not a certainty that your dog will experience these.

How can I make sure my Cavapoo gets enough water for the day?

If your dog is not a big fan of drinking water, which is not uncommon, you might want to consider switching from dry food to wet food. Wet food contains more moisture, providing your dog with more daily fluids.

What ingredients should I look for in dog food to take care of my Cavapoo’s fur?

The main ingredients that contribute to ensuring coat and skin health are Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. You will find them in most dog foods available on the market including dry and wet food. They take care of flakes, promote skin health, and make your Cavapoo’s coat shiny and healthy.

How much does it cost to take care of a Cavapoo?

Cavapoos are high maintenance and can be costly to care for depending on many factors. The first-time cost of a Cavapoo pup including the breeder cost/adoption cost, registration, training, grooming, vaccination, vet bills, food, toys and supplies can range anywhere from $3,000-$7,500 annually. 

What does it mean if my Cavapoo barks a lot?

Cavapoos are generally not considered barkers so if your Cavapoo is barking a lot, they likely want your attention. Cavapoos are people-pleasers and thrive when given proper attention so if they feel neglected, they will bring it to your attention by barking.

How can I make sure my Cavapoo stays healthy?

The two things that Cavapoos need are a nutritious and well-balanced diet along with daily exercise. Adult Cavapoos eat anywhere from 1-2 meals a day and require anywhere from 30 minutes to 45 minutes of exercise per day to make sure they stay healthy, strong, and active.

Can I feed my adult Cavapoo freeze-dried food?

Many nutritionists and veterinarians believe that dogs are carnivorous predators who thrive on raw meat diets that are minimally processed with all nutrients kept intact. To determine whether your Cavapoo likes freeze-dried food, you can start with small amounts as treats or a topper for dry food.

Buyer’s Guide

With many options available in the market, it can be difficult and overwhelming to find the right food for your Cavapoo. There are various pros and cons based on the type of food you choose, which brings us to available options, including kibble, wet food, and freeze-dried raw food.

Dogs are predominantly carnivorous, so they need a hefty portion of meat in their diets to thrive. While most dog food contains fruit, vegetables, and grains to create a well-balanced and nutritious meal that includes all necessary minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids, meat makes up a large portion of these meals. According to federal regulations, all dog food must contain at least 70% of the ingredients in the food’s name, e.g. ‘Beef for Dogs’. However, some companies will use vague labelling such as ‘bison meal’ and ‘chicken dinner..’. These vague names indicate that the portion of meat can be as low as 10%. If the label says, ‘with chicken’, that means the quantity of meat can be as low as 3%.

To make sure your Cavapoo is fit, healthy, and strong, you need to pick options that are rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins. If your dog’s diet consists more of vegetables and grains than meat, they are likely to have flatulence issues or need to poop more often.

Generally speaking, your Cavapoo needs a healthy balance of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats, and water. When purchasing food for your Cavapoo, make sure that you go through the ingredients to ensure it includes all the necessary nutrients they need to grow big, strong, and healthy.

Dry Dog Foods

Kibble is a type of dry dog food where all the ingredients are crushed together into pellets, somewhat like a biscuit. Kibble is readily available and an affordable option compared to wet food and freeze-dried food. However, you need to make sure to get the right size for your Cavapoo because larger kibble will be hard for them to chew. Many kibble options are available for puppies and small-breed dogs, so you can easily find the right size.

Pros

• Kibble is easily available and can be stored for long periods so that you can buy it in bulk.
• Kibble is less messy to serve as compared to wet food.
• Chewing on kibble helps in cleaning plaque or tartar build-up in your Cavapoo’s teeth.

Cons

• Often, kibble can contain many filler ingredients, making it an unhealthier option as compared to wet or freeze-dried food.
• Advertisers might use ambiguous labels to sell dog food that does not have adequate meat and protein. You will need to carefully read the list of ingredients to make sure there are no fillers or additives.

In conclusion, kibble is a convenient and affordable option for most pet parents, but finding good and nutritious dog kibble requires an informed consumer.

Wet Dog Foods

Wet dog foods consist of a blend of ingredients usually cooked at high temperatures and vacuum-sealed to ensure freshness. They can either come in cans, trays, or pouches and do not need artificial additives for preservation.

Pros

• Cavapoos take a liking to wet food more easily than dry food due to the flavors and textures.
• Wet dog foods also include water so if your puppy is not big on drinking water, you can rest easy knowing they are getting enough fluids while eating their food.
• Wet food comes in many options, especially for pups with allergies or sensitive stomachs such as grain-free or limited ingredients.
• Wet food has fresh ingredients that are easy to swallow and digest.
• Wet food is generally filler-free and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring your Cavapoo gets all the necessary nutrients.

Cons

• Wet food is a more expensive option compared to kibble or dry food.
• Since it also needs to be refrigerated, it can be difficult to buy wet food in bulk.
• Due to high water content, dogs require a larger amount of wet food than dry food, increasing the cost per meal.
• Wet food can encourage plaque and tartar build-up.

In conclusion, wet food is a healthier option compared to dry food but is more expensive and difficult to store for long periods of time.

Freeze-Dried Dog Foods

Freeze-dried dog food normally contains raw meat, vital organs, and bones that undergo a freeze-drying process where all the moisture in the food is frozen, making it easy to store and preserve without artificial additives. Freeze-dried dog food usually consists of meat but can also include vegetables and fruits.

Pros

• The food is minimally processed, making it a much more sustainable option compared to dry or wet food.
• Since the ingredients are kept raw, the flavors and textures are kept intact.
• Freeze-drying also ensures that more of the nutritional value of ingredients is retained when compared to cooking or dehydrating.
• You can also use freeze-dried food as a topper for dry food or as nutrient-rich treats.
• For pet parents that want to feed their dogs a raw diet but are intimidated by the idea of cutting and preparing fresh meat, freeze-dried food is a convenient option.

Cons

• Freeze-dried food is super expensive, as much as $33 per pound, making it the priciest option for your Cavapoo.
• Some nutritionists also fear that freeze-drying is not an effective method to remove bacteria and other pathogens compared to cooking. These bacteria could also potentially make your dog or other members in the house sick.

In conclusion, your Cavapoo’s preferences can be the biggest determinator for the type of food they consume. You might even have to try out a variety of options to find something they like. Cavapoo pups are also very friendly and active, so you will need to ensure all their nutritional needs are met to support their inquisitive lifestyle.

Most dog food companies provide feeding instructions on the packet so the process of feeding your dog is easy and simple. However, it is always a good option to consult your vet about any special needs or allergies your Cavapoo pup might have.