Knowing how much to feed a Cavapoo can be quite puzzling, especially for new pet owners. Well, it’s understandable since the feeding needs of a Cavapoo will depend on its age, activity level, and size.
Feeding your pup is a big deal, and it’s also something that can be very confusing. Moreover, it’s essential to understand what kind of diet they should be eating.
Luckily for you, this article has all the compiled information you need on how much, when, and what to feed a Cavapoo puppy.
Cavapoo Feeding Chart by Age: How Much to Feed Your Cavapoo?
Generally, a Cavapoo’s food intake depends on its age. A Cavapoo puppy needs ½ to 1 ½ cups of food per day. Meanwhile, adult and senior Poodles only need 1 ¼ cups or even less daily.
Cavapoos are a small hybrid of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles. They are incredible dogs, but they can be challenging to feed.
As pet parents, you need to know how much food your Cavapoo needs to eat at different life stages. The charts below list the amount of food your Cavapoo should receive at each stage of its life.
While this guideline can be useful, it is not the only factor in deciding how much food to provide to your Cavapoo puppy.
You should also look at the individual needs of your dog and what food it prefers. Asking for advice from your veterinarian is also helpful.
Cavapoo Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
In general, Cavapoo puppies get their nutritional needs from their mother’s milk for the first three weeks of their life. However, when the puppy reaches over three weeks, it will gradually transition into the weaning phase.
When your Cavapoo is weaned, it’s time to introduce puppy food into its diet. Your puppy’s food should contain nutrients for your pup to grow more rapidly while it adjusts to life outside of its mother’s womb.
Moreover, these small dogs need more food and extra calories during their first year of life to grow into healthy adult dogs.
For information on how much to feed your Cavapoo puppy, please refer to the feeding chart below:
If you are committed to feeding your Cavapoo pup a nutritious diet, we recommend you offer it high-protein foods.
That way, its muscles and bones will develop properly and boost its immune system. A healthy diet will also give your dog plenty of energy for all its daily activities.
Adult Cavapoo Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years old)
At 12 to 18 months, Cavapoo puppies start growing into their adult size, so it’s very important for them to get enough calories and nutrients from animal protein and fats. Active dogs should also have more food.
Here is a chart showing the daily feeding requirement for an adult Cavapoo:
You will also want to include a lot of healthy carbs in your pup’s diet so that it has plenty of energy. Omega fatty acids will also increase mobility to improve optimal nutrition and overall health.
Senior Cavapoo Feeding Chart (8 years and above)
As your furry friend ages, it’s important to decrease its caloric intake. Older dogs become less active and more fragile, so make sure you’re feeding them appropriately with a balanced diet.
Additionally, because senior Cavapoos have a slower metabolism, they tend to be less active and energetic. It’s best to keep their diets healthy by cutting down on treats and providing them with more nutritious meals.
For guidelines on feeding senior Cavapoos, refer to the table below:
For senior Cavapoos, a low-fat but high-protein diet is recommended. This will help them retain their shape and muscle mass as they age. You can also consult your vet for a much more senior-specific feeding regimen.
Overall, to maintain a healthy coat, keep your senior dog on a high-quality diet that contains essential fatty acids. You can also reduce their carbohydrate and calorie intake since seniors tend to be less active.
Cavapoo Feeding Frequency: How Often Should You Feed Your Cavapoo?
It is generally recommended that Cavapoo puppies should be fed around three to four times daily throughout their puppyhood. After reaching adulthood, Cavapoos should be fed two meals daily, while seniors do well on one meal per day.
Cavapoos have a healthy appetite. Following a regular feeding schedule can help prevent overfeeding and maintain your Cavapoo’s healthy weight.
This table summarizes how often you should feed your Cavapoo at each stage of its life:
At puppy stage, Cavapoos need to eat frequently, as they have high metabolisms. They should be fed four times a day when they are under three months old.
You can also try free feeding these small breeds with nutritious food. This will help keep blood sugar levels even and promote optimal growth.
However, ensure that they are at their ideal weight to avoid excessive body weight gain.
At three months, you should feed your Cavapoo pups three meals daily. Once they are one to seven years old and older, cut back to two meals of adult food a day to keep them full and energized.
However, you should still keep in mind their current health condition and weight.
For senior Cavapoos, feeding them once daily is sufficient because their caloric need and rate of metabolism are lower than those of younger Cavapoos.
Optimal Feeding Times for Cavapoos
As puppies, Cavapoos are typically fed once in the morning, once at noon, and once at night. When they become adult dogs, they only need breakfast and dinner. On the other hand, seniors should be fed once in the morning or at night.
In addition to how much food and how often you should feed your Cavapoo, another important consideration is when to feed your dog. As Cavapoos grow, you’ll need to establish a feeding schedule.
Like other dogs, a Cavapoo is likely to be a picky eater. If you plan to leave food with your dog and make it readily available at all times, expect the dog to be more selective in what it eats.
If you feed your Cavapoo dog food on a regular schedule, it will become accustomed to eating at specific times.
Here is a suggested schedule for feeding your Cavapoo puppy, adult, and senior:
Because your puppy needs to be fed more often, you need to plan out a few hours intervals between meals.
A good rule of thumb is that your Cavapoo shouldn’t be fed very late at night since that can cause indigestion.
You can generally adjust the feeding schedule above according to your preferences and daily routine. However, don’t change the intervals between meals too much.
Best Dog Foods for Cavapoos
Once you’ve chosen a feeding amount and schedule that works for your Cavapoo, the next step is deciding which dog food will provide all the necessary nutrients for it.
As dog owners, finding the right dog food to feed your Cavapoo can be overwhelming. With so many brands and varieties to choose from, this process can be quite challenging.
But don’t worry! This section will provide you with a list of dog food options for your pup.
Here are some of the best food choices for your Cavapoo:
Dry Dog Food: Dry food or kibble is the most popular and convenient commercial dog food option for feeding a Cavapoo. Dry kibble food is available for puppies and adults. It is a budget-friendly product that contains the necessary ingredients needed to help keep your pup’s body healthy and well-nourished.
Wet Food or Canned Food: One of the commercial foods for your Cavapoo is wet food. It is made up of 75% water and is a great option for your Cavapoo when you’re looking to add variety to its diet. However, this non-solid food is not the most practical option and the best dog food on the market because it spoils quickly.
Homemade Food: Homemade diets can be a great option for providing your dog with all the nutrients it needs. This may not be ideal for busy dog owners or those who can’t cook. However, it’s a good alternative for those who want to be in control of what goes on their dog’s stomach aside from regular dog food.
Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet (BARF): BARF is a diet that mainly consists of raw meat, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. Raw food eliminates the risks of harmful preservatives, chemicals, artificial flavors, and additives in processed foods. However, meal preparations should be done precisely and correctly. If you choose to feed your dog a raw diet, be sure you talk to your veterinarian about safety concerns and do your own research so you can prepare raw dog food effectively.
Moreover, adding food supplements, healthy fats, and vitamins to their own food can help your Cavapoo strengthen their immune system.
You can also give them dog treats in moderation to keep their daily calories in check.
Moreover, make sure there is accessible fresh water for your dog at all times to help their digestive system and prevent dehydration.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Cavapoo
Cavapoos are often sensitive to certain foods, so it’s important to know which ones to avoid when feeding your dog. While some ingredients may only cause mild allergic reactions, others can be fatal.
Chocolate is a human food that should not be fed to your puppy or adult dog. Theobromine found in chocolate can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures, and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed.
Another human food you need to keep away from your Cavapoo is coffee because it contains caffeine. Caffeine is toxic to dogs and can cause heart problems, high blood pressure, and stomach upset.
In addition to chocolate, candies and other sweets are also toxic to Cavapoos. They contain xylitol, which is more dangerous to dogs than chocolate. Eating this substance can cause disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse.
Furthermore, be sure to keep your Cavapoo out of the bathroom when you’re brushing your teeth. A small amount of toothpaste can contain xylitol, and a drop can be fatal to them.
Avocado is another human food you should avoid feeding your dog. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin which can make your dog sick once consumed.
Lastly, walnuts, cherries, peaches, plums, grapes, raisins, corn on the cob, and caffeinated drinks are also considered harmful to Cavapoos, so it’s best to avoid including them in your dog’s diet.
If consumed accidentally, rush to your nearest vet to preserve your dog’s health and life. Ingestion of these foods is considered an emergency, so it’s best to act immediately.
How to Transition Your Cavapoo to a New Food
As your Cavapoo goes through different life stages, you may need to switch brands of dog food and/or change their diet.
Regardless of the reason why your dog needs a transition, there are steps you need to follow to get it right.
If you switch your Cavapoo’s food or diet too quickly, it may cause stomach upset, loss of appetite, and digestive problems.
It’s best to make these changes gradually to give their system time to adjust and not compromise gut health. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the transition period should be done within 5 to 7 days.
Here’s an easy-to-follow feeding guide that will help you in making the transition to your Cavapoo’s new puppy food:
As a pet parent, begin by adding more of the new food and reducing the amount of old food at each meal until your pet is eating only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy food to adult food.
If you’re interested in changing your Cavapoo puppy’s diet from dry food to raw food or a home-cooked diet, be sure to do plenty of research and consult with your pet nutritionist.
Switching your small dog’s diet can be a process of trial and error. If switching diets causes discomfort, slow down the transition and consult your vet directly.
Feeding an Overweight Cavapoo
Cavapoos have the tendency to overeat, so it’s best to practice portion control and give your pup the right amount of food. You must also follow the feeding recommendations from your trusted vet or pet nutritionist.
When overfed, Cavapoos may become overweight or even obese. The first step in treating this condition is to identify if your Cavapoo is already overweight.
If you’re having trouble keeping your Cavapoo’s weight down, you can spoil it with premium foods and snacks with low-calorie content. Raw fruits, vegetables, and low-calorie puppy food are also great alternatives.
By sticking to a feeding schedule throughout the day, you can prevent your dog from eating too much. This will also help with weight loss and preserving your Cavapoo’s health.
Aside from scheduled feeding times, it is also important to start feeding your small dog the correct food proportions to prevent weight gain. By doing this, you can meet the correct nutrient requirements for their age and size.
You may also want to consult your vet about a diet plan that will not compromise your dog’s immune system.
Your vet can suggest various Cavapoo food, dog supplements, and even the amount of exercise needed for weight reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is My Cavapoo Not Eating?
Generally, Cavapoos can be very picky eaters. But there may be several reasons why your Cavapoo is not eating. Some of these reasons may be a sudden change in environment when you move to a new home.
Stress could also be a factor, as well as a negative reaction to food or medication. In these cases, you will need to seek medical attention for your pet.
Underlying illnesses and dental problems are also some of the reasons why this breed refuses to eat. If your dog goes for days without eating, you should seek professional help immediately.
Do Cavapoos Eat a Lot?
Cavapoos are just as food-motivated as other dogs. However, since they are small dogs, they have a lower appetite than other dog breeds, especially big ones. Generally, they can be classified as moderate eaters.
Can Cavapoos Eat Bones?
Bones can be a great way to satisfy your Cavapoo’s appetite and keep your puppy’s teeth clean. It can obtain important nutrients from bones. However, it is generally not advised to give your Cavapoo cooked bones.
Your dog can enjoy raw bones from chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef without the risk of choking as long as they are served soft enough for them to chew, eat, and digest. Ground bone is also a great option.
Can Cavapoos Be Vegetarians?
While it’s true that Cavapoos need certain nutrients found in meat and other animal products, it’s also possible to create balanced meals using plant sources.
In some cases, switching to a vegetarian diet can be beneficial for your dog’s heart health. Consulting with a veterinarian is the best way to assess this possibility.
Here is an excellent vegetarian recipe you can try on your Cavapoo:
Homemade Vegetarian Dog Food Recipe (Simple to Make)<a href="https://youtu.be/taIraRAIUDU" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FtaIraRAIUDU%2F0.jpg" alt="Homemade Vegetarian Dog Food Recipe (Simple to Make)" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Final Thoughts
Cavapoos are famous breeds, thanks to their good looks, intelligence, and friendliness. If you own one of these dogs, it’s important to know how much, how frequent, and what kind of food your Cavapoo eats.
Cavapoo pups and adults are particularly sensitive to certain foods. You should make sure that you provide the best possible dog food for your Cavapoo with their age and nutritional requirements.
Aside from the amount of food, gut health should also be considered when you’re choosing the best food for your pup. It is essential that we give food that aids our dog’s digestion.
As dog lovers, what are your thoughts on our Cavapoo feeding guide? Do you prefer kibble, a raw diet, or homemade food for your dog? Share it in the comments below.
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