Poodles are one of those highly recognizable and widely beloved breeds. Feeding your sweet Poodle a healthy diet from day one helps prepare them for a long, healthy life. There’s a little more to keeping this breed on a healthy diet. Poodles can be prone to a few health issues that impact their diet, including food sensitivities, digestive concerns, and being very picky eaters. I get into the details in this Poodle feeding chart and thorough article. While there are three different-sized Poodles (toy, minature, and standard), this article focuses on the dietary needs of the Standard Poodle, the largest type.
Dietary Concerns For Poodles
Contents
Poodles are generally healthy; however, like all other purebreds, they can be susceptible to several health conditions. Some of these health issues affect digestive health and can impact or alter their dietary needs. For example, Poodles and Poodle mixes are prone to developing gastritis, pancreatitis, food allergies and intolerances, inflammatory bowel disease, and intestinal parasites.
Because they are a breed prone to gastrointestinal problems, promoting a healthy gut and a healthy gut biome is incredibly important for your Poodle’s overall health. This breed fares better on high-quality food, so avoid those budget brands. These tend to use a lot of fillers and lower-quality meat and meat byproducts. Along with high-quality food, paying attention to your Poodle’s hydration is important, as water is particularly important in promoting digestive health. Poodles, like many other breeds, can be very food-motivated and easily pack on extra pounds, which is something to watch for.
It is also important to note that size plays a major role in Poodle nutrition. Standard Poodles can reach a significant size between about 40 and 70 pounds. On the other hand, Miniature Poodles are much smaller, weighing between 10 and 15 lbs. Toy Poodles are even smaller and reach only about five to seven when fully grown. This variation in size means that Miniature and Toy Poodles need food formulated for small breeds, while Standard Poodles need food made for medium to larger breeds.
Large Breed vs Small Breed Nutrition
While large-breed and small-breed dog food generally have the same ingredients, they are not formulated the same. This is because smaller dogs need more nutrient-dense food with higher calories due to higher metabolic rates. Small-breed recipes have higher fat, protein, and calorie content than larger-breed dog food. Additionally, smaller dogs need to eat smaller meals more often throughout the day to provide them with energy and keep their blood sugar at a healthy level. Because they have smaller teeth, small breeds also need kibble that is formulated to fit in their mouths and soft enough not to cause dental damage.
Larger breeds, on the other hand, do not burn calories as fast because their metabolic rates are slower. That means they need a higher quantity of food that is less calorie-dense. Additionally, larger dog breeds need food that supports bone and joint health, such as glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and omega fatty acids. This is particularly important when larger breeds are puppies, as they grow at a very quick rate and must have a balanced diet that supports proper skeletal and muscle development.
Standard Poodle Feeding Chart By Age
| Age | Type Of Food | Cups Per Day | Meals Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-3 weeks | Mother’s Milk | n/a | unlimited |
| 3 – 4 weeks | Mother’s Milk | n/a | unlimited |
| 4 – 6 weeks | Mother’s Milk and Puppy Mush | n/a | 4 – 6 |
| 6 – 8 weeks | Mother’s Milk and Puppy Mush | n/a | 4 – 6 |
| 8 weeks to 3 months | Puppy Mush/Puppy Kibble | 1/4 – 3/4 cup | 3 – 4 |
| 3 – 6 months | Puppy Kibble | 3/4 – 1 1/2 cups | 3 – 4 |
| 6 – 12 months | Puppy Kibble | 1 to 2 cups | 3 |
| 12- 18 months | Puppy Kibble | 2 – 3 cups | 2 – 3 |
| 18 – 24 months | Puppy Kibble mixed with Adult Dog Food | 2 – 3 cups | 2 – 2 |
Feeding Your Standard Poodle Puppy
Your Standard Poodle puppy needs a healthy, wholesome diet from day one. A high-quality and well-balanced diet is one of the most important foundations for promoting your sweet pup’s healthy and long life. Keeping your Poodle at a healthy weight and balancing proper diet and exercise is a lifelong commitment. This starts from the earliest days of puppyhood and lasts until their senior years.
Weeks 0- 3
Poodle puppies are born helpless. They can’t see or hear yet, as both their eyes and ears are sealed. During these first few weeks, they depend completely on their mother for nourishment. Puppies should nurse as needed and get everything they need nutritionally from their mother’s milk. This includes colostrum, which provides infection-fighting antibodies and development-supporting nutrients. Right now, Poodle puppies will simply nurse and sleep, but you will start to see their weight increase bit by bit.
Weeks 3 – 4
Puppies are starting to become a little sturdier, and their ears and eyes will be open now. They should continue to nurse as needed. Right now, their mother’s milk provides everything they need. Though they will still stick close by her side, you may notice a few shaky steps and a bit of interest in new sites, sounds, and smells. If, for some reason, puppies are not getting enough milk, it’s important to reach out to the veterinarian for a recommendation for a puppy milk formula. The weaning process starts soon, but your pup still needs this vital nourishment to support proper growth and development. By now, your puppy also has baby teeth growing in.
Weeks 4 – 6
At one-month-old, your pup can see and hear. They are rapidly growing stronger. The weaning process starts now. While nursing is still the primary source of their nutrition, at about four weeks, you can begin to introduce a puppy mush mixture to them. Puppy mush is made up of water or puppy milk formula and puppy food. It’s best to pick a large breed formula puppy food for the Standard Poodle. The mixture will be primarily liquid right now. Even if your pup shows no interest in the mush, you should start to leave bowls of it out near them a few times each day. This will help them become familiar with the smell. As they grow stronger, they will grow increasingly curious and, hopefully, start to sample the mushy mixture.
By six weeks, your pup will likely have a fairly full set of baby teeth. They will stay in place for the next few weeks until adult teeth start growing in. Baby teeth are sharp, which is another reason it’s important they start to have access to puppy mush.
Weeks 6 – 8
At six weeks old, Poodle puppies are stronger and becoming curious about the world around them. They are captivated by new sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and sights. Hopefully, by now, they are enjoying puppy mush, even if they still need a bit of intermittent nursing. If your puppy is not showing a lot of interest in solid food, it’s time to talk to the veterinarian. By about eight weeks or so, they should be weaned from their mother’s milk or formula. It is around this time when they are ready to go to new homes, and it’s important that they are able to eat solid foods before this can happen.
Starting out with a mixture of wet puppy chow and water or formula may be best, as it has a stronger smell and a meatier flavor than most kibbles. Once they are weaned from their mother, you must add more food to the mixture and gradually phase the water out. During the transition phase, it’s best to leave puppy mush out for them at different times throughout the day.
8 Weeks – 3 Months
This is a time of huge transition for your Poodle puppy. Around eight weeks old, Poodles may leave their mother and go to new homes as long as they are fully weaned. This generally happens between 8 to 10 weeks old. At about 12 weeks, the baby teeth can start to fall out, and the adult teeth can grow in. This process can complicate feeding and cause excessive chewing, drooling, nipping, and even blood spots on your dog’s toys, bedding, and other areas.
In between 12 weeks to three months, it’s important to establish a feeding routine. While free feeding is acceptable to get them used to eating solids, this is not healthy in the long term. It’s best to set up a regular feeding schedule and routine. Right now, puppies must eat about three to four times daily.
During this time, you should transition your puppy from eating puppy mush to eating full-strength dog chow. Be sure to offer some variety, both kibble and softer wet or fresh food, to provide flavor variety and healthy nutrition.
3 – 6 Months
Your puppy should fully be on solids now and on a regular feeding schedule. Large-breed puppy formula is best for Standard Poodles. Regular puppy formulas are also acceptable, but avoid small breed recipes unless your dog is a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Smaller breed formulas have higher calories and are more nutrient-dense, which can cause your pup to pack on the extra pounds. Additionally, these formulas may not have the proper nutrients, vitamins, and minerals needed to support large breed growth.
By about six months, most of your Poodle’s adult teeth should have grown in. However, the teething process may last up to about eight months for some dogs. Teething can cause pain, which may affect your dog’s appetite. It’s important to offer softer food during this time as harder kibble may aggravate their already irritated gums. It’s also a good idea to transition your pup two to three meals a day during this time. They can also have various snacks throughout the day, although these should not make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake.
6 – 12 months
At six months, your Poodle puppy will be a professional eater. They are still on puppy food, and it’s best to stick to a large breed puppy formula until well after your pup’s first birthday. Poodles do not reach full physical or mental maturity until about two years old, and they are still experiencing bouts of rapid growth. It’s important to stick with a regular feeding routine and schedule. While growth tends to slow down a bit during this time, there is still a lot of development and maturation going on.
Your pup may become curious and food-motivated by snacks around now. Though tempting, try to refrain from giving them table scraps or bites of your meals, as they can develop a preference for treats over their puppy chow. While human snacks are a tasty treat, they do not provide growing puppies with the proper nutrients they need to stay healthy.
12 – 24 Months
Although your dog may seem like a full-grown Standard Poodle, they are still growing. Poodles are not considered adults until they reach 2 years old. They reach their full height at about one year and their adult weight at about two years. While switching to an adult formula might be tempting, do not do it just yet. This step can start at about 18 months. You can start mixing adult formula kibble with your Poodle’s puppy food. The transition should be gradual and take place over a few weeks. Your Poodle will start calming down about now and maturing as they approach the second-year mark.
A feeding schedule is especially important right now. Two to three meals a day are appropriate for adult Poodles. When your puppy gets closer to their second birthday, you can consider reducing it to two meals a day. However, some adult dogs do better on three meals a day. It’s up to you to determine which best suits your pup’s needs. They can have occasional snacks throughout the day along with their regular feeding schedule. However, these should be kept to about 10% of their daily calorie intake.
Setting A Feeding Schedule For Your Dog
Once your pup is past the early puppy stages, it’s best to get them set on a regular feeding schedule. Free feeding is not advisable beyond three or four months old, as many dogs don’t have self-control and will quickly overeat. Packing on extra pounds at a young age leads to a lifetime of health problems. For older dogs, it can lead to digestive issues, diabetes, arthritis, and even mobility issues. When dogs are free-fed, there is no way for you to track the amount of food they are getting or their calories.
Free feeding also leads dogs to want to start to resource guard, especially if they share food with other pets in the home. Eventually, this may lead to some aggressive, guarding behavior because dogs will always feel protective of their food. It can also lead to dogs becoming picky eaters and, in some cases, interfere with training. Dogs who have access to as much food as they like all the time have less motivation to respond to training rewards like treats.
A feeding schedule allows you to have more control over how much your dog is eating. This helps you maintain a healthy weight for your dog. Along with that, you can better observe your pup’s eating habits and changes in appetite. Regular mealtimes also help promote healthy digestion and help your dog get on a potty schedule. To make mealtimes more interesting, you can bring in interactive tools like feeding puzzles, slow feeders, snuffle mats, and more.
Set a feeding schedule that works for your dogs and your schedule. In general, puppies need an early morning meal, a midday meal, an early afternoon meal, and an early evening meal. For older dogs, this can be reduced to a morning meal, a midday meal, and a late afternoon meal. Feeding your dog earlier on in the evening, around 5:00 pm, is helpful. This allows them enough time to digest their dinner and go outside to eliminate it before settling down for bed. An evening walk or quick game of fetch helps promote digestion, so if you can work one in, it’s worth it.
An example feeding schedule for an adult Standard Poodle is a 7:00 am breakfast, an 11:00 am snack, and a 5:00 pm dinner.
Adult vs Puppy Food
While they used many of the same ingredients, adult dog food and puppy food are not the same thing. Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult and senior dogs. Due to their rapid level of growth and development, puppies need higher levels of fat, protein, and calories. They also need different levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. For puppies, higher fat and protein support their growth and development and provide energy. Healthy puppy food formulas should include omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, which are vital for brain and vision development.
Active adult dogs need calories and nutrients but not as much fat or protein as a growing puppy. While they still need to eat enough food to feel satisfied, they do not need as many calories. While adult dogs can eat puppy food, they will quickly pack on the pounds. Additionally, adult dogs need different levels of calcium, glucosamine, and chondroitin to support healthy bones and joints. One of the main differences is that puppy food is designed to support rapid growth and development. Adult dog food, on the other hand, is developed to maintain a healthy lifestyle and weight.
Transitioning your Poodle puppy from puppy food to adult dog food should be done gradually. Start with mixing about 25% of the adult dog food formula with your regular puppy food. Over the course of about two weeks, gradually decrease the puppy food and increase the adult dog food. This slower transition helps your dog’s digestive system adjust without causing major disruption.
Different Types Of Dog Food
Fortunately, the dog food market is booming, and there are plenty of different choices for puppies and adults. Keep in mind that the list of ingredients for pet foods is based on weight and in order of the most to least. So if you see higher quality ingredients lower down on the list, this means there’s not as much of them in the recipe as the ingredients listed earlier.
Kibble (Dry)
Dry dog food, also called kibble, is an incredibly common form of dog chow. High-quality kibbles offer a balanced, nutritionally complete diet. Many dogs enjoy kibble, and it has some health benefits. In particular, kibble helps reduce plaque buildup on the teeth. Kibble is the most affordable option and is shelf-stable, making it very convenient and popular among many pet owners.
Kibbles come in all shapes and sizes, including those with meaty chunks, freeze-dried meaty coatings, novel animal proteins, and even vegetarian options. One thing to keep in mind is that kibbles have a higher nutrient density than wet or fresh. Kibble also contains significantly less water than wet or fresh foods. This means your dog needs to eat less kibble than wet food. It also means that you need to ensure your dog gets a proper amount of water.
Adding bone broth, water, or wet toppers to kibble boosts the flavor and ensures that dogs get proper hydration. Dogs who eat primarily sustain on kibble can be perfectly healthy as long as the kibble is high quality, uses named ingredients, and is free of fillers and low-quality ingredients like unnamed meat byproducts and meals. Stay away from kibbles that use a lot of chemical additives, as well as food dyes. A high-quality kibble should include a named protein source, healthy fats, carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals. Avoid those brands that use unrecognizable and unknown ingredients.
Wet Food (Can Or Pouch)
Wet dog food can come in a can, pouch, or plastic container. Dogs often like wet foods more than kibble, largely due to the extra meaty flavor and tasty gravies. Canned dog food also has higher fat and protein content than dry kibble, meaning it tastes much better. Canned food has a much higher moisture content than kibble, meaning that dogs are not getting as many calories or nutrients. For many dogs, a mixed diet of kibble and wet food works well. This allows them to get the teeth-cleaning benefits of crunchy kibble while enjoying the flavor of wet foods.
When buying canned dog food, it’s important to check the containers to make sure they don’t contain BPA. Bisphenol A, or BPA, is a dangerous chemical that can interfere with normal bodily functions, upset the endocrine system, and cause health problems in both humans and dogs. These include cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, heart and kidney disease, and reproductive problems.
Fresh (Human Grade)
Dog food made from human-grade ingredients has become extremely popular over the last few years. Human-grade means that the ingredients meet the guidelines for human consumption and do not include certain chemicals, byproducts, fillers, and lower-quality meat products that many commercial pet food companies use. Human-grade dog food is primarily prepared in fresh meals, which are shipped to your door. However, there are some shelf-stable options that use different dehydration methods and air drying.
Fresh pet food uses incredibly high-quality ingredients, often in a limited-ingredient recipe. Fresh dog foods use real meat, organ meats, and whole foods rather than meat byproducts. They can be grain-free or grain-inclusive and include other ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, eggs, seeds, and superfoods. Often, fresh dog food companies work with veterinarians and board-certified veterinary nutritionists to develop their recipes. Ingredient sourcing is generally more transparent with fresh pet food companies, and they are often locally sourced.
Human-grade dog food is one of the healthiest choices pet owners can make. However, it is also the most expensive. If we could all afford it, fresh pet meals would, of course, be our top choice. It is expensive due to the high quality of ingredients and freshness.
Vegan
Dogs are omnivores, and though relatively new, vegan dog food is a healthily growing market. Research shows that a vegan diet is highly digestible for dogs and helps support the immune system. It is becoming a popular choice for pups who suffer from allergies and dietary sensitivities and have trouble digesting animal protein. Learn more about vegan brands like Bramble and v-dog.
Home-Cooked
Home-cooked meals are a route some pet owners choose. This allows them to control everything that goes into their dog’s bowl. For owners who choose to home-cook their dog’s meals, it’s important to work with your veterinarian to ensure that you are using recipes that provide a complete and balanced diet. It’s also important to know which foods are unsafe for dogs to eat, such as onions, garlic, and grapes. A home-cooked diet can provide dogs with a wholesome, healthy diet. However, simply feeding your dog a portion of your dinner is not a healthy way to go.
Raw, BARF, Or Prey Diet
A raw food diet is another alternative that some owners prefer. Dogs on a raw diet eat only fresh, uncooked foods, including proteins, fruits, and vegetables. A biologically appropriate raw food diet (BARF) includes raw foods and bones. The PRM or PREY (Prey Model Raw) diet focuses on a higher concentration of meats, organs, and bones.
Some owners prefer the raw diet because they like the fact that it is based on a canine’s ancestral diet and biological needs. Some owners find that their dogs have better digestion, healthier bowels, and higher energy when on a raw food diet. As with human-grade dog food, a raw diet is much more expensive. There are some health concerns and risks surrounding feeding raw meat and bones to dogs, so it’s important that you discuss making this switch with your veterinarian first. Alternatively, you can choose commercially made raw food such as Maev and We Feed Raw.
Importance Of High-Quality Dog Food
During your pup’s first stages of development, it is essential to provide the necessary support for proper growth and a balanced nutritional intake to maintain their energy levels throughout their lives. A well-rounded diet not only enhances tastiness but also delivers vital nutrients that contribute to your pet’s overall well-being, immune function, muscle growth, and emotional stability. Furthermore, it can play a significant role in preventing various health issues, including obesity and related diseases. Maintaining your puppy’s weight throughout their life is crucial in reducing the risk of developing additional health conditions such as hip dysplasia and arthritis.
A healthy Standard Poodle can live, on average, 12 to 15 years. With a healthy diet and lifestyle, your pup has a better chance of walking by your side for as long as possible.
Ingredients To Avoid In Dog Food
It’s important to know what ingredients to look out for and avoid in dog food. I’ve covered a few of the most common below, but this is not a complete list.
- Food dye – Food dyes are nothing more than artificial chemical additives that create a specific color to make pet chow more appealing or look like something else. Commercial pet foods often use caramel coloring, which has known animal carcinogens in it. Other dyes, such as Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6, have also been connected to the development of behavioral issues and even cancer in humans. Yellow 5, in particular, has been linked to aggression, allergies, asthma, certain cancers, thyroid malfunction, and hyperactivity.
- Corn syrup – While corn syrup tastes good, in reality, it is simply refined sugar that has no nutritional value. It is not healthy for dogs to have and contributes to obesity, diabetes, and dental issues.
- Unnamed meat or bone meal – Unnamed meat and bone meals are a huge red flag. These are made from leftover parts of the rendering process. This includes parts like animal carcasses and can include parts of many different animal species. This means that you don’t have a clear picture of what animal protein your dog is eating. Avoid these at all costs.
- Rendered fat – Like unnamed meat and bone meal, rendered fat also comes from unknown animal sources. It is used in commercial dog foods to add flavor but can contain mold, bacteria, microorganisms, including salmonella, and higher levels of toxins and heavy metals.
- BHA – BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) is a synthetic chemical used as a preservative in pet foods. BHA is a controversial ingredient due to the carcinogenic effects it has shown in research. A healthier alternative is rosemary oil. Ethoxyquin is another one to note, and it is often found in fish meals.
- Fillers – Many commercial pet foods use fillers such as wheat, corn, soy, rice flour, cereals, vegetable oil bull derivatives, potato starch, and other grain and grain byproducts as fillers. These ingredients take up space but don’t offer any nutritional benefit. Another one to look out for is cellulose, which gets added to bulk up the food’s volume but doesn’t add any nutrients to your dog’s diet.
What Nutrients Do Standard Poodle Puppies & Adults Need?
Below is a list of nutrients that should be included in dog food from the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO):
- Protein – 22% for puppies and 18% for adults
- Fat – 8% for puppies and 5% for adults
- Calcium – 1% for puppies and 0.6% for adults
- Phosphorus – 0.8% for puppies and 0.5% for adults
- Sodium – 0.3% for puppies and 0.06% for adults
- Arginine – 0.62 for puppies. 0.51 for adults.
- Protein – 22% for puppies. 18% for adults.
- Fat – 8% for puppies. 5% for adults.
- Calcium – 1% for puppies. 0.6% for adults.
- Phosphorus – 0.8% for puppies. 0.5% for adults.
- Lysine – 0.77% for puppies. 0.63% for adults.
- Leucine 0.72 % for puppies. 0.59 for adults.
- Chloride – 0.45 % for a puppy. 0.095 for adults.
(This is not a complete list)
Protein
Protein is one of the most important ingredients in your dog’s food. High-quality brands include real meat, organ meats, and novel proteins. Protein is important because it provides dogs with energy and is also critical in many different body functions. For example, animal protein helps support skin, muscle, and bone tissue and is also pivotal in hormone production.
Protein is made up of something called amino acids, which are greatly beneficial for canines. Proteins have 20 amino acids, and 10 of these are considered essential for dogs. Unfortunately, they can only naturally produce some of them in their body, and the others must be available in their diet. High-quality animal-sourced proteins are important because they provide these essential amino acids without adding extra proteins.
Poodles do well on high-quality proteins, including chicken, fish, and eggs. Beef, turkey, lamb, and duck are also high-quality animal proteins that Poodles do well with.
Fat
While fat gets a bad rap as unhealthy, in reality, dogs need healthy fats. Healthy fats are essential to many body functions, help move fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K through the body, and most importantly, provide energy. Fats are composed of fatty acids, which offer a variety of health benefits. DHA fatty acid is especially important for puppies during their growth and development and is essential to support brain health and vision development in dogs of all ages. You can often find DHA in dog foods from fish oil.
Look for foods that provide fat from a healthy source, like animal protein, chicken fat, fish oil, beef tallow, or flaxseed and flaxseed oil. Omega fatty acids are an essential element that dogs need to support their immune system, eye health, skin and coat health, and brain development.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a source of fiber that help regulate the digestive system and bind and remove toxins from the body. They can come from various sources, including vegetables like peas, lentils, and sweet potatoes, but they can also come from fruits Like apples, bananas, and pumpkins. Another source is grains, including oatmeal, rice, and barley. Carbohydrates are important because they provide fiber, but they also add antioxidants, fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins to your dog’s diet. Carbohydrates help your dog feel full and are beneficial in keeping them at a healthy weight.
Vitamins & Minerals
Minerals are an essential part of your dog’s diet. These support many different body functions, including growth and development, the immune system, fluid balance, muscle function, and bone growth. Additionally, minerals like calcium and phosphorus are important to support healthy teeth and strong bones.
Water
Water is another incredibly essential element of a dog’s diet that often gets overlooked. It supports the body and body functions by carrying nutrients throughout the body, supporting digestion, and helping to regulate body temperature. Water also provides lubrication for joints throughout the body, flushes toxins out, and helps with circulation.
How Much Do Poodle Puppies Grow Each Week?
Puppies grow at an amazingly fast rate within the first few weeks. However, because Standard Poodles are a larger breed of dog, they will grow slower than some smaller breeds. Both male and female Standard Poodle puppies weigh between two and four pounds from birth to about two weeks. From there, you can expect to see about a pound of weight gain each week until they reach three months. By then, they weigh between 20 and 26 pounds. Then, you will see about five to ten pounds a month. By 12 months, Standard Poodles can weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds.
This will continue until your pup reaches 11 to 12 months old. After their first birthday, Standard Poodles slowly gain a few more pounds until they reach two years old. They reach their full weight of 50 to 70 pounds during this time.
Keeping Your Standard Poodle At A Healthy Weight
A healthy, balanced diet is the first step to keeping your Poodle at the proper weight. Monitoring your Standard Poodles’ weight throughout their life is just one part of keeping them at a healthy weight. Along with keeping tabs on their weight gain and loss, It’s important to ensure they have proper portion sizes, are on a regular feeding schedule, don’t overdo it on dog treats or human food snacks, and, of course, get plenty of regular, vigorous physical exercise.
It’s also important to always feed your dog food that meets their age, weight, breed, health needs, and activity level. Along with that, discuss any changes in your dog’s bowel movements, digestive habits, appetite, or behavior at the earliest signs.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of questions about feeding Poodle puppies and adults. I answered a few of the most common below. If I didn’t get yours or you have some Poodle feeding experience to share, I’d love to hear it in the comments.
How Much Should My Standard Poodle Weigh?
Healthy Standard Poodles weigh between 40 and 70 pounds. Some may be a bit larger or smaller, depending on genetics. As a general rule, when dogs are at a healthy weight, you should be able to feel their ribs and see a noticeable hourglass figure. The abdomen should “tuck up” into the ribcage, and you should not feel a layer of fat over the ribs. Learn more in our guide on how much dogs should weigh.
Should I Feed My Standard Poodle Large-Breed Puppy Food?
If possible, feed your Standard Poodle food that is formulated to support medium and larger-size dogs. A large-breed puppy food formula is a good idea, as it is formulated to meet the specific needs of larger dogs, with extra support for bone and joint health.
Do Standard Poodles Need Elevated Food Bowls?
This depends on your dog’s specific eating habits. They can help reduce mess or help older dogs with mobility issues reach their bowls. Elevating the bowl helps reduce strain on the back, neck, and joints. However, there is some concern that elevated feeders may contribute to the chances of canine bloat (gastric dilation volvulus) in larger dogs or faster eaters. Not all raised dog bowls are created the same; some are lower, and they come in different materials and sizes. Talk to your vet if you have concerns, and be sure to pick a bowl that is at the right height for your pup.
Are Poodles Picky Eaters?
Poodles can be picky eaters, in part because they are prone to food sensitivity, allergies, and intolerance. This causes digestive issues. They are also very food-motivated and can develop a preference for treats or human foods, leading them to be picky. Not all Poodles are picky eaters, though, and any dog can become one if it is not properly fed or is attention-seeking. Stress or an underlying illness can also lead to picky eating habits. If your pup’s appetite changes quickly, it’s best to talk to the vet before making changes to their diet.
Best Dog Food For Poodles
Poodles need top-quality nutrition throughout their lives. This starts with picking brands that are transparent about their ingredients. If you can afford it, fresh meals like The Farmer’s Dog or Spot & Tango are an excellent choice. Learn more from our guide on the best dog food for Poodles of all sizes. Along with a healthy diet, regular physical exercise and routine veterinary care are great ways to keep your Poodle pup healthy at every stage.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Danielle has over thirty years of canine care experience. She has cared for many rescue animals, including those with special needs. As a research and dog-focused writer, she has tested and reviewed over 100 kinds of pet food. Her two rescue pups, Falkor (a Poodle mix) and Daisy are her enthusiastic assistants and dog food testers. Danielle collaborates with a dedicated team of canine experts at Canine Journal, striving to bring the best canine information to pet parents.