Goldendoodles are popular family pets that need a high-quality diet to thrive. What you feed them in the early years of their life also influences their long-term health. I examine what Goldendoodles need, diets to consider, and ingredients to avoid. I also provide a helpful standard Goldendoodle feeding chart. Want to learn what and how much to feed your Goldendoodle throughout their life? Let’s go.
Standard Goldendoodle Feeding Chart By Age & Weight
Contents
| Age | Puppy Weight (lbs) |
Type Of Food | Cups Per Day | Meals Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 – 4 weeks | 10 – 15 | Mother’s milk | n/a | Unlimited |
| 4 – 8 weeks | 15 – 20 | Mother’s milk & puppy mush | n/a | 4 – 6 |
| 8 weeks – 6 months | 20 – 40 | Mother’s milk & puppy diet | Up to 1 | 3 – 4 |
| 6 – 12 months | 40 – 50 | Puppy diet | 2 – 3 | 2 – 3 |
| 12 – 18 months | 50 – 70 | Puppy or adult diet | 3 – 4 | 2 |
| 18 – 24 months | 50 – 80 | Adult diet | 4 – 5 | 2 |
Please note this standard Goldendoodle feeding chart is a guideline only – every Goldendoodle is different.
Goldendoodle Breed
Goldendoodles are a mixed breed of Golden Retriever and Poodle. I am discussing the standard Goldendoodle for this article, not the mini Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle’s parents are medium to large breeds, and they are both sporting dogs that love water. Their large frame and high energy mean they need a high-quality diet to fuel their growth, vitality, and overall health.
How Much To Feed A Goldendoodle Puppy
How much a Goldendoodle eats differs for every pup and changes throughout their lifetime. For this reason, it can be challenging to understand how much a Goldendoodle should eat. Plus, what you feed them also determines how much they eat. The following guidelines assist owners in knowing what and how much to feed a Goldendoodle puppy.
Weeks 0 – 4
During the first four weeks of a puppy’s life, they spend their entire day with their mom and siblings. Mothers’ milk has everything most puppies need, and they nurse as often as they need. As long as the puppies and mother are doing well, you shouldn’t have to feed them anything else. If you are concerned that the mother isn’t producing enough milk or a puppy isn’t drinking enough, you must consult your vet. They might need assistance with a puppy formula milk substitute.
Weeks 4 – 8
During the next four weeks of a Goldendoodle’s life, they continue to nurse. Although mothers produce milk for around 10 weeks, most pups are fully weaned between 7 to 10 weeks. Signs that a Goldendoodle puppy is ready to wean include their puppy teeth coming through, becoming frustrated or hungry despite the availability of milk, wanting to try mom’s food, and showing an interest in the puppy mush you offer.
During this period, Goldendoodles drink their mother’s milk and dabble with “solid” food. It’s essential to introduce puppy mush before diving into puppy food. Puppy mush is a mixture of ground puppy kibble with water or a milk formula for puppies. It helps their digestive system to develop. Once they are ready to wean, put a bowl of this gruel-like mixture in front of them and let them explore. Once they start eating it, they should consume around four to six meals daily. Watch this helpful video on the puppy weaning process.
Weaning is messy, and puppies climb in and out of the bowl in the beginning. So, I recommend investing in puppy pee pads and laying them down before serving puppy mush.
8 Weeks – 6 Months
Some puppies might continue feeding from their mother until they are 10 weeks old. Typically, they eat puppy mush for a few weeks, and then they’ll be ready for puppy food. Some pups might need encouragement with warm water, bone broth, or puppy milk formula to help soften the kibble. Goldendoodle puppies typically eat between three and four meals a day during this stage.
6 – 12 Months
Between 6 and 12 months, Goldendoodles solely eat large-breed puppy food. Read the feeding instructions to be sure the food is suitable for the development of large-breed puppies. During this period, you should try to reduce their meals to two to three a day.
12 – 24 Months
Around 12 months, you should transition your Goldendoodle to large-breed adult food. By 18 months, they should be fully transitioned. Not sure how much to feed a Goldendoodle? Always follow the feeding instructions according to their weight. However, every dog is different. So, if your Goldendoodle is consistently hungry, you might not be feeding them enough; if they’re overweight, you are probably feeding them too much.
When transitioning to a new food, even if it’s the same food but a different life stage, you need to monitor them. If they are showing signs of allergies, speaking to your vet is essential. By now, Goldendoodles should eat two meals a day. Setting a feeding schedule is great for developing healthy eating habits and understanding how much they consume.
Consider an automatic dog feeder that helps you adhere to set meal times. This is especially helpful if you’re home at varying hours, as it allows your dog to stick to their meal routine.
4 Key Differences – Adult vs. Puppy Food
Feeding a Goldendoodle the right life-stage food is important. It is especially crucial during the first 12 to 18 months of their life when their body needs puppy food for large breeds to support their development and overall health. Here are the main differences between puppy vs adult food and why you should feed a Goldendoodle puppy food.
- Higher Fats. Puppies need energy to grow, which is why they need more fat than adult dogs. High-quality puppy food contains the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in mothers’ milk and supports vision and brain development.
- Increased Calories. Puppies have a higher metabolic rate and require higher calories to support their growth and energy needs.
- More Protein. Puppies need amino acids to support muscle development and growth. This, along with the higher need for calories and fat, is why puppies need more protein than adults.
- Vitamins & Minerals. Puppies need specific vitamins and minerals, such as additional calcium and phosphorus, to support their development. Their immune systems also need support to develop and prevent illnesses.
Because of the additional fats and calories, feeding an adult Goldendoodle puppy food could lead to unnecessary weight gain, obesity, and weight-related health conditions. This is why it is crucial to feed your dog the correct food according to their life stage.
Why Is Large Breed Puppy Food Important?
Feeding your Goldendoodle large-breed puppy food is important because it is tailored to the unique needs of large-breed puppies. Large breed pups are those that are expected to be 50 pounds or more at adult weight. Large-breed puppies have more growing to do in the same amount of time as small-breed puppies. It’s crucial to stabilize this exponential growth. With specific nutrition and ratios, large-breed puppy food contributes to healthy growth. Otherwise, large puppies are at risk of developing joint issues like hip dysplasia and other musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis.
6 Different Types Of Puppy Food
Are you wondering, “What diet should I feed my Goldendoodle?” There’s no correct answer. As long as their diet is high quality and meets the pet food guidelines set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), there are several options to choose from.
1. Dry Food (Kibble)
Dry food, also known as kibble, is a popular diet choice for dogs as it’s convenient and readily available. There is a huge variety of high-quality dry dog food to choose from, so most Goldendoodles can find a kibble to suit their individual needs. Plus, many dogs like the crunchy texture of biscuits, which can also help to reduce the build-up of plaque.
2. Wet Food (Canned)
Wet dog food, often referred to as canned dog food, is also readily available. Some dogs prefer moist dog food due to its increased scent and moisture. Many dog parents, like me, feed a combination of dry and wet dog food. Although high-quality wet dog food is usually higher in protein and lower in carbs than kibble, it doesn’t provide the abrasive effect on teeth that can help dental health, and it is slightly more expensive, too.
3. Fresh (Human-Grade)
Feeding dogs fresh food is becoming increasingly popular. Although it has a shorter shelf life and is more expensive, high-quality fresh dog food has many health benefits. Plus, fresh food options often use “human-grade” ingredients, are cooked in smaller batches for quality control, and follow eco-friendly practices, making them safer for everyone.
4. Raw Or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF)
A raw diet, or BARF, has many health benefits that appeal to owners and dogs. Compared to dry or canned food, raw food retains most of the nutrients that are usually lost in the cooking process. Raw dog food is often more suitable for dogs with allergies as it uses limited, higher-quality ingredients. I recommend feeding a raw dog food subscription, as these meals are nutritionally balanced and less likely to contain bones and harmful bacteria.
5. Vegan Diet
Feeding a dog a high-quality vegan diet is a relatively new concept, but it’s proving popular with vegan owners. These diets contain 100% plant-based ingredients and zero animal meat. Most vets strongly advise against feeding puppies vegan diets, as they do not contain the additional calories and specific nutrients that animal-based options provide.
6. Home Cooked
Some owners prefer to offer their Goldendoodle a home-cooked meal because it means they know precisely what they are feeding their pups. Although chicken and rice are great for occasional meals and fixing digestive issues, they are not nutritionally complete. It’s important to consult your vet to ensure the home-cooked meals are balanced and meet their nutritional needs.
Do you require help choosing the best puppy food for your Goldendoodle puppy? We have a comprehensive guide on the best dog foods for all puppies.
Importance Of High-Quality Dog Food
Feeding your Goldendoodle a high-quality diet is crucial. There are a variety of choices, but choosing a high-quality option that is nutritionally complete can help your Goldendoodle puppy develop into a healthy adult. Goldendoodles have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years; feeding them a quality diet can contribute to better health and a longer lifespan. It can also boost their energy levels and immunity, improve digestion, and reduce diseases like cardiovascular conditions and diabetes.
5 Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Food
High-quality diets and trusted brands do not use these ingredients. Not only do they have no health benefits, but they have also been linked to health problems.
- Artificial Preservatives. Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and ethoxyquin are controversial synthetic antioxidants. Research suggests they are slightly carcinogenic and can cause lung damage. High-quality diets use natural preservatives such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid), vitamin E (mixed tocopherols), and rosemary oil, which are safer.
- Artificial Colors. Low-quality dog foods sometimes add colors to their food to make them look more appealing. However, food coloring has been linked to behavioral problems and endocrine and nutrient bioavailability interference in humans. Plus, they serve no purpose for dogs.
- Unnamed Meats. Animal protein without a name, such as “poultry” or “meat meal,” can contain animal protein from any species and be poor quality. If your Goldendoodle has a sensitive digestive system, knowing what you’re feeding them is crucial to identify the allergens.
- Rendered Fat. Although this can add flavor, there are few regulations regarding these ingredients, and they can be a source of harmful bacteria. Rendered fats are often found in low-quality kibbles.
- Propylene Glycol. This ingredient is sometimes used to keep low-quality semi-moist food moist. Propylene glycol is derived from ethylene glycol (EG), which is commonly known as antifreeze and is highly toxic.
What Nutrients Do Goldendoodle Puppies Need? 5 Essentials
- Protein. This is one of the most essential nutrients for dogs as it is vital to their nutritional needs. It assists with muscle maintenance, energy, hormone levels, immunity, and more. Animal protein is rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and flavors that dogs love.
- Fat. Although fats have a bad rep, healthy fats are essential. They provide energy, protect organs, nourish skin and fur, and support gut health. DHA is an essential fatty acid for healthy puppy development. Look for ingredients such as meat meal, chicken fat, fish and fish oil, and flaxseeds.
- Carbohydrates. Carbs provide energy, support digestion, and strengthen immunity. Good examples of carbohydrates include brown rice, whole grains, oatmeal, and pumpkin.
- Vitamins & Minerals. These come from a wide variety of ingredients but can also be added to food for an extra health boost. Some owners add canine vitamin supplements, too.
- Water. Staying hydrated is crucial for all bodily functions and overall well-being. You must ensure your dog has access to fresh water throughout the day.
How Much Should A Goldendoodle Weigh?
The Goldendoodle Association of North America (GANA) breed standard states that standard-size Goldendoodles measure 21 inches and above and weigh a minimum of 51 pounds. On average, most measure between 20 to 24 inches and weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. See our Goldendoodle growth chart for more information on how much a Goldendoodle should weigh.
7 Ways To Keep Your Goldendoodle At The Right Weight
It’s important to keep your Goldendoodle at a healthy weight. Otherwise, you put them at risk of developing a variety of health issues and risk shortening their lifespan. Here are my top tips on keeping your golden Fido at the right weight.
- Choose a high-quality Goldendoodle diet
- Follow the feeding guidelines and portion their food
- Stick to two meals (as an adult) at set times
- Avoid giving table scraps
- Monitor their treat intake (no more than 10% of their diet) and offer low-calorie dog treats
- Exercise your Goldendoodle regularly
- Monitor their weight and adjust food intake if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about feeding your Goldendoodle that isn’t listed below, ask us in the comments, and we’ll find an answer for you.
How Much Should A Goldendoodle Eat?
There’s no simple answer because how much you feed your Goldendoodle depends on their age, weight, activity level, health conditions, what you feed them, and more. Every Goldendoodle is different, and how much you feed them changes throughout their lifetime. Always read the feeding guidelines of the diet you’ve chosen, and go from there.
What Is The Right Diet For Goldendoodle?
The right diet for a Goldendoodle is the one that meets their dietary needs. Puppies need a large puppy food option, and adults need an adult option. See our guide on the best dog food for Goldendoodles. Monitoring their weight, energy levels, digestion, poop color, and condition of their skin and fur are significant indicators of the right diet. If you feel something is not right, speak to your vet, who can advise you.
How Often Should I Feed My Goldendoodle Puppy?
Maintaining a regular feeding schedule is vital for their health, eating habits, and overall well-being. How often depends on their age, and it’s important to space meals out evenly but not feeding too late to avoid late-night poops and digestive problems. An example of a feeding schedule for Goldendoodle puppies aged between two and six months might be 7 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. It’s also important to consider a schedule that is achievable and right for your circumstances.
Other Must-Know Information For Goldendoodle Owners
We have a guide on the Goldendoodle’s variety of coat colors and patterns – there are more than you might think. A dog’s coat condition can also tell you a lot about their health, so be sure to look at our guide on Goldendoodle shedding and the best shampoos for Goldendoodles. Lastly, but maybe most importantly, is our guide on the best pet insurance for Goldendoodles.
Do you have a Goldendoodle puppy or want to welcome one into your family? Do you have a funny story about your Goldendoodle’s eating habits? We love to hear from our readers, so please get in touch in the comment section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Emma is a mom to two sweet rescue pups, Bonkers and Chips. Before joining Canine Journal, she was a full-time dog walker and sitter. She has taken care of many breeds, including one of the most popular designer dog breeds, the Goldendoodle. Emma is passionate about sharing her knowledge and expertise with fellow dog-loving readers. She works with a devoted team to ensure Canine Journal remains a trusted and current go-to dog resource.