Best dog food for Poodles (2024)

Pets Can Smile – 29 April 2024

The best dog food for Poodles (2024) is The Farmer’s Dog.

But check our below top picks to find the best food for your Poodle specifically.

Because when buying dog food for your Poodle, you need to consider:

• The breed of your Poodle: toy, miniature, or standard
• The age of your dog
• Are there any food sensitivities, allergies, or health problems?
• Your budget

But worry not.

Our top picks will quickly help you find the right dog food for your dear doggy.

This article will also tell you everything you need to know when buying dog food for a Poodle.  

These picks have been prepared by our team of dog nutrition experts.

Your Poodle will soon be enjoying the best meals of its life!

Best dog food for Poodles – QUICK PEEK

Here is a quick peek at our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Poodles.

Best dog food for Poodles – FULL REVIEWS

Here are full reviews of our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Poodles.

• Best overall: The Farmers’s Dog
• Best for puppies: Open Farm
• Best for seniors: Orijen
• Best dry food: Spot & Tango
• Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
• Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
• Best for allergies: Royal Canin
• Best grain-free: Open Farm
• Best raw food: Instinct
• Best value: Blue Buffalo

Best overall food for Poodles

The Farmer’s Dog

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Made from fresh, human-grade meat and veggies
• Food cooked gently and from scratch to ensure retention of key nutrients  
• Cooked in human-grade kitchens
• No cheap fillers, additives, preservatives, or harmful chemicals
• Food options for dogs with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, and other dietary issues
• Vet-formulated to exceed AAFCO standards
• Two-week trial plan 
• You can edit your subscription at any time
• Unmatched level of customization (vet-designed)
• Pre-packaged meals as daily portions
• Free shipping 

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best dog food for Poodle puppies

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• This food is designed for puppies to provide key nutrients for optimal growth and development
• Special cooking process to remove bacteria while retaining full flavor and nutrients
• Human-grade ingredients
• 100% animal welfare certified chicken and pork
• Wild-caught salmon
• 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
• Non-GMO vegetables and superfoods
• Free of antibiotics, hormones, and steroids
• Chicken broth for healthy joint development
• Prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion
• Complies with AAFCO standards
• Pre-portioned
• Free shipping over $50

CONS

• More expensive than some meals for puppies

Best dog food for senior Poodles

Orijen

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Crafted specifically to help maintain healthy weight & joints in senior dogs
• Enhanced with Chondroitin and Glucosamine to help your dog as its cartilage wears and tears with age
• Fresh chicken, turkey, and fish provide your dog with a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Uses the most succulent parts of the prey for nutrient-rich meals
• Freeze-dried coated for best flavor 
• Contains up to 85% animal ingredients
• No added soy, wheat, corn, or tapioca 

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best dry dog food for Poodles

Spot & Tango

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Dried gently at a low temperature
• 100% human grade 
• Real meats only
• No artificial colors, flavors, or additives
• Enhanced with super herbs to ensure digestive support and more
• Customized meals for your dog’s breed, weight, and activity level
• Sold directly (no retail markup) to lower the price
• Comes in personalized plans and scoops to avoid guesswork when serving food
• Exceeds AAFCO standards
• Cheaper than fresh dog food
• Free shipping 

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than traditional kibble

Best wet food for Poodles

JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• 100% human-grade ingredients
• No added preservatives 
• Cooked at low heat to protect taste and nutrients
• Nutritionally balanced
• Whole food ingredients
• Tetra Pak® packaging makes it easy to store and travel
• Shelf-stable for up to 2 years

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than traditional wet dog food

Best food for Poodles with sensitive stomach

Hill’s

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Created specifically for a sensitive stomach and skin
• Easily digestible ingredients, such as brown rice, beet pulp, and barley
• No artificially flavored, preserved, or colored
• No added wheat or soy that could upset your dog’s stomach 
• Created with natural ingredients
• Real chicken
• Prebiotic fiber to ensure a balanced microbiome
• Contains Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat

CONS

• Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
• Up to 15% of dogs may still be sensitive to this food

Best food for Poodles with allergies

Royal Canin

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Made especially for adult dogs with food sensitivities 
• Contains highly digestible hydrolyzed soy protein for great gastrointestinal and dermatological health
• Provides skin with a natural protective barrier
• Enhanced with EPA and DHA fatty acids for healthy skin and digestion 
• Helps regulate the intestinal passage
• Promotes a balanced digestive flora   

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors
• Requires vet authorization

Best grain-free dry food for Poodles

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• No added grain, corn, soy, or wheat
• Enhanced with superfoods, such as non-GMO pumpkin, leafy greens, coconut oil, and carrot
• Non-GMO fruits and veggies provide a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• No added hormones, antibiotics, or artificial preservatives
• Sourced locally with 100% traceable ingredients
• Only uses ethnically sourced and humanely raised meats

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best raw food for Poodles

Instinct 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• The ingredients are frozen (never cooked) in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients 
• Cold-pressured to create a delicious raw meal
• Minimally processed for that real nutrition quality
• 85% meat and organs
• 15% non-GMO vegetables, fruits, vitamins, and wholesome ingredients 
• No fillers like grain, wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors or preservatives 

CONS

• Needs to be kept frozen until it’s used
• Less convenient than feeding your dog dry dog food

Best cheapest food for Poodles

Blue Buffalo 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Great value for money
• All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits
• Includes phosphorus, calcium, and essential vitamins for strong bones and teeth
• Added glucosamine to ensure joint health and mobility support
• Supports the immune system with added vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
• No added wheat, corn, soy, or chicken byproducts
• L-carnitine helps burn fat while preserving lean muscles 
• Added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids support healthy skin and great coat

CONS

• It may not be suitable for dogs with serious food sensitivities or allergies 
• The added brown rice and sweet potatoes are not ideal for overweight or diabetic dogs

Why you should trust us

Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet’s health and happiness. But with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which dog food is the best for your pet. This is where we come in. To help you find the best dog food for your pet, we follow a strict set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and extensive personal experience.

Specifically, we examine all the following when reviewing dog food:

• Nutritional balance
• Ingredients quality
• Absence of fillers and artificial additives
• Meat meal vs fresh meat
• Digestibility
• Allergens consideration
• Life stage suitability
• Transparency and sourcing
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• Recall history and safety

VIDEO: Pros & cons of owning a Poodle

What to consider when buying dog food for Poodle

Here are the most important factors you should consider when buying dog food for your Poodle:

• Breed
• Age
• Activity level
• Weight
• Health

Each Poodle breed comes with a different growth speed and metabolism. 

Toy Poodle becomes an adult within 12 months, whereas the standard Poodle needs up to 16 months to develop fully. 

This is why food for toy Poodles needs more calories to support rapid growth. 

And this is why feeding a standard Poodle with food meant for toy Poodles is a clear path to obesity.  

Poodles need different food at different stages of their lives. 

Puppy

Give your Poodle puppy food higher in protein and calories. This will support its growth and development. And look for food containing balanced quantities of calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy bone growth. Giving your puppy food formulated explicitly for a Poodle puppy will ensure it receives the right quantity and quality of the necessary nutrients. And make sure your puppy is not trying to hide food for later, as this may greatly reduce your pup’s daily nutritional intake. You can check here to see why your dog may be trying to hide or bury food for later.

Adult

An adult Poodle needs a diet lower in protein and calories. This will help your dog maintain a healthy weight. In brief, your older Poodle needs a balanced diet of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. 

Senior

Senior Poodles need even lower levels of proteins and calories. They also need more fiber in their food to support their digestive health. And don’t forget to include some joint supplements to help your senior Poodle maintain good mobility and joint health. 

Fortunately, there are dog food companies that make high-quality food specifically designed for senior dogs (see our above review of the best dog food for senior Poodles).

But dog food brands also focus on senior dogs from other dog breeds. For example, we recently rated Orijen as the best dog food for senior Dobermans.

If a very active Poodle is not getting enough nutrition from its diet, it may quickly become lethargic and inactive. 

On the other hand, give your inactive Poodle too much food, and it may quickly become overweight. 

In short, the type and quantity of food need to be adjusted to the activity level of your Poodle. Your vet will be able to help you determine the best diet for your Poodle. 

And yes, Poodles need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Daily walks and play should take care of this nicely. 

Poodles come in three breeds: toy, miniature, and standard. 

This is why Poodles vary in size from 4 to 70 pounds. And this is why dog food labels are often based on a dog’s weight. 

Weight information on dog food labels can also help you adjust the amount of food you give your Poodle in case your dog is underweight or overweight.

Pro Tip: You can test your Poodle for obesity by examining the dog’s rib area. If you can see your dog’s ribs with your eyes, your poodle is underweight. If you can only find your dog’s ribs by probing a layer of fat, or you can’t feel your dog’s ribs through their fat layer at all, your dog may be overweight. 

Poodles are healthy dogs in general. But like other dogs, Poodles are susceptible to certain health issues.

Hip dysplasia

Poodles are susceptible to hip dysplasia. 

Symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

• Difficulties with moving around
• Sudden change in walk
• Lack of energy
• Limping
• Growling due to pain 

To help a Poodle who suffers from hip dysplasia, consider food that contains glucosamine and chondroitin. This will help your dog maintain healthy joint function. This will also reduce inflammation.

Digestive issues

As you may have guessed by now, Poodles are quite vulnerable to developing digestive issues. 

So to make it easier for Poodles to digest their food, look for food that is minimally processed.

For example, avoid lower-quality kibble, as this often contains fillers. Also, avoid artificial preservatives and other ingredients that your dog may find hard to digest. 

Speaking of digestive issues, you can check here to see why your dog may be throwing up undigested food hours after eating.

Food allergies

Certain ingredients in your Poodle’s food can trigger allergies.

Food allergies in Poodles can show as dry and itchy skin, ears, and paws. 

So avoid common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef.  

You can check if your dog has food allergies by using a food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This allergy test kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and it’ll tell you which ingredients can cause food intolerance in your dog. We’ll discuss food that is ideal for dogs with food allergies later. 

Poodles also have sensitive stomachs. So look for a food that contains only a single protein and limited carbohydrates. This will help minimize potential triggers.

Fortunately, there are dog food brands that make great food specifically designed for dogs with allergies (see our above review of the best food for Poodles with allergies).

But dog food manufacturers also focus on dogs with allergies from other dog breeds. For example, we recently rated Royal Canin as the best food for German Shorthaired Pointers with allergies.

Addison’s disease

Poodles are susceptible to Addison’s disease. This disease can prevent a Poodle’s system from producing enough cortisol (hormone) in the adrenal gland. 

The most common symptoms of Addison’s disease are:

• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Increased thirst and urination
• Sudden weakness and sluggishness
• Clotting problems 
• Depression

If your Poodle suffers from Addison’s disease, look for food that contains adrenal glandular supplements or natural cortisol precursors. This will support healthy hormone production. 

Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism

Poodles are also susceptible to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. This condition can cause weight gain, lethargy, and skin and coat problems.

Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid gland. This can cause weight loss, increased appetite, and restlessness. 

If your Poodle suffers from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, ensure your dog gets food containing omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can support healthy thyroid function.

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat)

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is a serious condition in dogs, including Poodles. GDV is usually fatal if left untreated.

GDV is commonly referred to as “bloat”.

GDV occurs when a dog’s stomach fills with gas, food, or fluid and subsequently twists. It goes without saying that GDV is always an emergency.

Cushing’s disease

Poodles are also susceptible to Cushing’s disease. This condition is the opposite of Addison’s Disease. Cushing’s disease triggers an overproduction of cortisol. This disease is usually caused by a pituitary gland tumor. 

Symptoms of Cushing’s disease include: 

• Increased thirst and urination
• Hair loss
• Fragile skin, which may look like a skin infection 
• Lethargy
• Possible enlargement of the abdomen

Probiotics

There is still very little scientific consensus about the healing and preventive properties of probiotics. Still, there is some scientific evidence showing that a healthy microbiome can improve a dog’s gut health. 

Talk to your vet to see if probiotic supplements can improve your pup’s digestive health. You can check here to see how long it takes for probiotics to work in dogs.

So yes, if your Poodle has a sensitive digestive system, do consider food that contains probiotics. There is a good chance that this will promote a healthier gut and support your dog’s immune system. Probiotics can also reduce your dog’s inflammatory responses to allergens.

Dog guarding food but not eating

Check here to see why your dog may be guarding its food but not eating.

Specific food qualities for Poodles

Wet, dry, or fresh dog food?

Luckily, wet, dry, and fresh foods are all suitable for Poodles.

Note that:

• Wet food is easier to digest than dry kibble
• Dry dog food is designed to make it easier to portion out, and it doesn’t spoil as quickly as wet food
• Fresh food is the easiest to digest and usually contains more nutrients per calorie compared to wet and dry dog food

By the way, Poodles are one of the dog breeds that are prone to tear stains. Check here to see what dog food won’t cause tear stains.

Interesting fact: Dry dog food is an excellent choice to help scrape off plaque and tartar from your Poodle’s teeth.

If you have a white or cream-colored poodle

If you have a white or cream-colored Poodle, avoid foods that include coloring agents or corn.

Coloring agents and corn can stain the fur around your Poodle’s mouth.

Choose food specifically formulated for Poodle puppies

Puppies grow faster than older dogs. This is why puppies need nutrient-rich food to support fast growth. 

Note that feeding your puppy with food formulated for dog adults will deprive the puppy of the necessary amounts of protein, fat, calcium, and long-chain fatty acids (DHA) needed for healthy brain development. 

But avoid getting your Poodle puppy too much of the good thing, as certain nutrients, such as calcium, can cause problems when given in excess.  

For best results, make sure your choices of dog food recipes are formulated with Poodle puppies in mind. This will ensure your little cutie is getting the correct amount of nutrients.   

Luckily, there are dog food brands that make high-quality food specifically designed for puppies (see our above review of the best dog food for Poodle puppies).

But dog food companies also focus on puppies from other dog breeds. For example, we recently rated Open Farm as the best dog food for Dalmatian puppies.

Nutritional value

Nutritional value is the most important criterion when choosing the right diet for your Poodle.

It’s recommended that you provide your dog with both complete and balanced food. 

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) defines complete food in terms of its nutrient content and balanced food in terms of nutrient ratio. 

So pay attention to dog food labels and look for products that claim both complete and balanced food status. 

Poodles need lots of protein 

Standard Poodles need more protein than their miniature and toy counterparts.  

Still, even the smallest Poodles need a high-protein diet to maintain their muscle fat. Protein is also needed to keep Poodles’ coats full and lustrous. 

How many calories do Poodles need every day?

Standard poodles are quite heavy – from 48 to 65 pounds as adults. As per The National Research Council of the National Academies of Veterinary Medicine, active dogs of this size need between 1,353 and 1,740 calories per day. 

Less active standard adult Poodles need between 990 and 1,272 calories each day. 

Older Poodles, especially those with arthritis or hip dysplasia, need fewer calories than older Poodles without mobility problems.

Toy Poodle

Energy Level	Calories Per Day
Not active	240
Average	300
Very active	450

Miniature Poodle

Energy Level	Calories Per Day
Not active	400
Average	490
Very active	775

Standard Poodle

Energy Level	Calories Per Day
Not active	1,000
Average	1,230
Very active	2,000

All types of Poodles based on their age

Age	Calories Per Pound Per Day
Puppy	120 to 165 calories per pound
Adult	105 to 135 calories per pound
Senior	100 to 120 calories per pound

Key nutrients for Poodles

Nutrient	Uses	Sources
B Vitamins	Anti-inflammatory Supports muscle and joint health	Eggs, fish, goat milk, liver, red meat
Glucosamine	Supports tracheal health Supports joint health	Fish, poultry, and bird cartilage, pork cartilage
Leucine	Supports muscle and bone health Supports heart health	Beef, sardines, eggs
Vitamin C	Anti-inflammatory Supports muscle and joint health	Blueberries, carrots, kale, pumpkin, kelp, sweet potatoes
Magnesium	Supports heart health	Bones, beef, fish, beef organs, spinach, kale, potatoes
Vitamin E	Anti-inflammatory Supports muscle and joint health	Beef, beef organs, eggs, salmon, spinach
Omega-3 Fatty Acids	Supports cartilage health (spine and joint health)	Flaxseed, mackerel, pumpkin seed oil, salmon, sardines
Potassium	Supports muscle function Supports heart health	Salmon, potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach
Chondroitin	Supports tracheal health Supports joint health	Fish, poultry and bird cartilage, pork cartilage

Important

Switching your Poodle’s food to a new food formula too quickly can result in stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. 

So make sure to follow this vet recommendation when it comes to changing your Poodle’s diet: 

• Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4: 100% new food

What ingredients to avoid

Artificial flavorings, preservatives, and additives 

Artificial preservatives, such as ethoxyquin, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can cause major allergic reactions among dogs. 

Food colorings, such as food dyes Red 3, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 can cause cancer in animals. Also, Blue 1, Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 can cause hypersensitivity reactions. 

Byproducts

Many companies suggest that additives are generally safe. Still, consider replacing additives with natural ingredients if you can. 

Too many byproducts in your Poodle’s food can make it sick. Especially avoid byproducts coming from euthanized animals.

Highly-processed grains

Highly processed grains lack adequate quantities of essential nutrients, such as minerals, fibers, and vitamins. 

Fillers

Fillers will not provide any nutritional value to your Poodle. 

Fillers may also contain potential allergens, such as wheat, soy, and corn. 

All commercial dog food should be labeled to certify that it meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards. 

According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dog food that meets AAFCO standards provides all the nutrients dogs need for a complete diet. 

Both FDA and AAFCO recognize that there are different food needs for Poodles at various stages of life. 

This is why AAFCO recognizes the following life stages for Poodles: 

• Growth (puppy stage)
• Maintenance 
• Gestation-lactation
• All life stages

Just check dog food labels and you’ll see that many dog food manufacturers ensure their food is designed to meet the AAFCO four distinct life stages. 

Furthermore, FDA requires dog food producers to label ingredients in order of declining weight.

The first ingredient on the list will contribute the most to the dry weight of the food. The second ingredient will contribute less than the first but more than the rest of the ingredients. And so on. 

Make sure to always choose meals for your Poodle that list meat (lamb, beef, fish, etc.) as the first ingredient item. The next ingredient should be a source of fat (e.g. a healthy plant oil). After that, see what vegetables and other proteins are listed below. 

Tip: Brown rice, whole oats, and barley are easier to digest by Poodles than corn, wheat, soy, or gluten.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I feed my Poodle?

The frequency of meals depends on your Poodle’s age, weight, health, and more. 

Here is a quick eating guide for Poodles. 

What’s the difference between Poodle puppy food and regular Poodle food?

Food for a Poodle puppy has usually higher levels of calcium, phosphorus, and protein than adult food. These higher levels are critical for puppy growth.

When should a Poodle puppy switch to adult Poodle food?

You can switch your Poodle puppy to older Poodle food when your puppy reaches 9 to 12 months, depending on the dog breed (toy, miniature, standard). A small-breed puppy can be switched to adult food sooner than larger breeds. Once switched, make sure you serve food that meets your Poodle’s new dietary needs. 

Can Poodle adults eat Poodle puppy food?

No, Poodle adults shouldn’t eat puppy food. This is because Puppies-specific food is ideal for accommodating puppy fast growth. Your older Poodle may quickly become obese if you give it food meant for puppies.  

You can check here to find out how to keep older dogs from eating puppy food.

Do Poodles need a special diet?

No, Poodles don’t need breed-specific food. But Poodles do need the right balance of nutrients in their meals. So if you find food specifically designed for Poodles, do check it out.

Are there any special dietary requirements for toy Poodles?

Toy poodles are susceptible to skin conditions. 

So give your toy Poodle enough omega-3 fatty acids from foods like salmon. And enough omega-6 fatty acids from grains. 

What is the best Poodle dog food for dogs with sensitive stomachs?

The best dog food for toy Poodles with sensitive stomachs is dog food made with easily digestible ingredients, such as lamb and chicken, including a quality chicken meal. You can check here to see what exactly chicken meal is in dog food.

Also, avoid dog foods that contain artificial ingredients or fillers.

Is dry dog food better than wet dog food for my Poodle?

Wet food is easier to digest than dry food. Also, wet dog food helps to keep meals tasty. 

On the other hand, dry dog food is made to help keep your Poodle healthy when it comes to dental health. Specifically, dry food helps Poodles keep their teeth and gums clean, which is important for preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  

Speaking of dental health, don’t forget to brush your Poodle’s teeth several times a week. 

Is dry dog food safe for Poodle puppies?

Yes, dry dog food is safe for Poodle puppies. 

But the kibble’s size and texture have to be adjusted to the dog’s age. Your puppy will struggle to chew and digest large and hard kibble. 

Also, if your Poodle puppy struggles to chew dry food, you can always add some chicken or beef broth to moisten the kibble for easier eating. 

Are grains safe for my Poodle?

Grains are considered a common allergen for dogs. 

Also, grains are not good for Poodles with digestive issues. Highly processed grains should be especially avoided. 

Still, some dog conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy and gallbladder disease can benefit from small amounts of grain in the dog’s diet.

So it’s usually safe to include grain in your Poodle’s food, providing grains are listed as third or fourth or later on the dog food label. 

What should I do if my Poodle struggles to chew?

Poodles are prone to cavities and gum disease. 

So when your Poodle struggles with chewing, it’s time to visit a vet. 

While waiting for your vet appointment, give your Poodle high-quality canned food.

Also, check here to see why your dog doesn’t chew food but just swallows.

Can dog food cause diarrhea in your Poodle?

Yes, dog food can cause diarrhea if you switch your Poodle to a new diet too quickly.  

You can check here to see how to reduce the duration of diarrhea in dogs by feeding your dog green bananas.

Do Poodles need fiber?

Yes, Poodles need fiber in their food for better digestion. 

But don’t overdo it with fiber supplements or fiber snacks. This is because Poodles get plenty of fiber from vegetables, fruits, and grains. There is also some fiber in seafood dog treats.  

By the way, you can check here to find out how long does it take a dog to digest food. Knowing how long it should take your doggy to digest food will allow you to assess your dog’s digestive health.

Should I put my poodle on a low-fat diet?

Definitely not. Dogs need more fat than humans. Also, dogs don’t develop coronary artery diseases due to eating too much cholesterol. 

Should I put my poodle on a high-fat diet?

Excessive amounts of fat in your Poodle’s food may lead to obesity. 

So always look for balanced dog food. 

What is the ideal protein percentage in a food for Poodles?

Poodles need plenty of proteins. So look for a dog food that contains at least 25% protein. 

Can I feed my Poodle a vegetarian diet?

Poodles need meat-based protein in their food and typically can’t thrive on a vegetarian diet. 

Yes, there are some vegetarian and even vegan recipes out there. But ask yourself whether it’s worth the trouble and the potential health problems for your Poodle. 

Should I avoid dog foods that contain byproducts?

Byproducts are usually viewed negatively. Still, they can provide some essential nutrients for your Poodle. 

For example, chicken liver is great for dogs.   

Are raw foods good for my Poodle?

Most Poodles thrive on a diet of raw muscle, meat, tripe, liver, and secretory organs like pancreas and sweetbreads. 

Small amounts of raw plant foods like diced apples and carrots are also recommended. 

But don’t feed your Poodle uncooked grains, beans, or lentils. 

Note that some dog owners prefer a raw diet for their Poodles. And it’s always easier to start Poodle puppies on raw food diets than switch them to one later. 

What about frozen raw foods for Poodles?

Always refrigerate raw dog food to keep it fresh and odor-free.

And remember that frozen meat mixes for dogs tend to get very bloody as they thaw. 

Can I feed eggs to my Poodle? And what about eggshells?

It’s fine to give your Poodle up to one raw (or boiled) egg per day if eggs are recommended in your dog’s diet. 

Regarding eggshells, finely ground eggshells are a good source of calcium. Give your dog up to 5 grams (a teaspoon) per day. 

How often should I change my Poodle’s dog food?

It is not necessary to change your Poodle’s dog food unless recommended by a vet. This is because feeding consistency is important for Poodles’ digestive health.

But check one of the earlier (above) questions about switching food from puppy food to adult food. 

What can I do if my Poodle is a fussy eater?

The first thing is to identify why your Poodle is a fussy eater. 

Is it because:

• Your Poodle doesn’t like the food you’re serving
• The dog is already full
• You gave your Poodle too many treats

If you’re not sure about the reason for fussy eating, try to spice up your Poodle’s food with tasty toppers or by mixing the food with other dog food. 

Also, check if your Poodle is not eating the food you’re giving to your cat if you have one. 

And make sure your dog is not spitting out food. You can check here to see why your dog may be spitting out food and what you can do about it.  

Can I feed my Poodle with treats shaped like bacon, hamburgers, hot dogs, or pork chops?

Poodle food that has been squeezed to resemble human food often contains artificial colors and flavors. This can trigger allergies. 

By the way, your Poodle most likely doesn’t care about the shape of food and treats. 

But don’t give away too many treats, as this can reduce your dog’s appetite for regular food. If your dog prefers treats to regular food, you can check here to see why your dog is not eating regular food but will eat treats.

Is it OK to feed my Poodle leftovers?

If you’re buying your Poodle quality dog food, your dog is already getting complete nutrition. 

So adding leftovers may result in overfeeding, bloating, and gas. 

Still, if you really want (or need) to give your Poodle leftovers, make sure you serve these as an occasional replacement for regular dog food rather than as an addition to it. 

See below video to see how to massage gas out of your dog:

Are there any foods that are toxic to Poodles?

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and the artificial sweetener xylitol (used in sugar-free candy and gum) are toxic to all kinds of dogs, including Poodles. 

Also avoid feeding your Poodle macadamia nuts and other tropical fruits and nuts, such as cashews, papayas, and mangoes. 

Also note that Poodles can become intoxicated when eating marijuana edibles.

Are there any other foods that Poodles should never eat?

Never feed your Poodle cooked bones. These can easily splinter and lodge in your dog’s mouth or digestive tract. This in turn can cause a blockage that may require urgent surgery or even lead to death. 

Also avoid feeding your Poodle human food. This is because food meant for humans is too high in salt, seasonings, and saturated fat. That’s right, the best dog food is made for dogs specifically.

And if you (or your friend) also have a German Shepherd, you can check here to see what’s the worst food for German Shepherds.

My Poodle eats grass and other plants in my yard

Many plants are poisonous to dogs. So it’s generally not safe for your Poodle to eat landscape plants. 

Also, snails living on leaves can carry parasites, and plants urinated on by other animals can spread leptospirosis.

Note that some dogs eat plants to get more fiber. If so, feed your Poodle higher-fiber dog food. 

But eating plants is not as dramatic as eating poop. Yes, poop. You can find out here how to stop a dog from eating poop, including what to put in dog food to stop your dog eating feces.

Best dog food for Poodles (2024) – CONCLUSION

As shown in this article, the best dog food for Poodles (2024) is The Farmer’s Dog.

But check our top picks to find the best food for your Poodle specifically:

• Best overall: The Farmer’s Dog
• Best for puppies: Open Farm
• Best for seniors: Orijen
• Best dry food: Spot & Tango
• Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
• Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
• Best for allergies: Royal Canin
• Best grain-free: Open Farm
• Best raw food: Instinct
• Best value: Blue Buffalo

Our team wishes your Poodle good appetite!