Whether you’re new to owning Goldendoodles or are a long-time Goldendoodle parent, it is always a good idea to be informed and up to date on what and what not to feed them.
In this post, we’ll cover various diets and dog foods that you can feed your Goldendoodle, as well as note some commercial pet and human foods that should be avoided. If you’ve got a hungry Doodle at your feet, read on to learn more about what they can and can’t eat!
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What Goldendoodles Can Eat – The Safe Options
Choosing the best food for your Doodle is the single most important thing you can do to give them a healthy life. Here are some of the best options to include in their diet:
Commercial dog food
The most common dog food on the commercial diets market is dry food, with the second being canned wet food. Depending on what your feeding budget is, and your dog’s preferences/needs, you will have to choose a menu that works for you both.
A mix of the two is usually a good option. Some owners choose to give dry kibble for one meal and wet for the other. Alternatively, some choose to mix dry food and wet for each meal.
Adult dog food is generally suitable for supplying a well-balanced diet for your Doodle, but there are breed and condition-specific products available on the market (usually found at your local vet clinic or pet food supply store). These dog foods cater to a wide range of health concerns such as;
- Mobility
- Sensitive stomach
- Liver & adrenal functions
- Weight concerns
- Oral care
- Skin & coat
Choose a food for your Groodle that caters to their iconic shaggy coats, or one that will help curb possible hereditary problems with this breed such as hip dysplasia, over/under-active thyroid, or degenerative diseases to do with the central nervous system.
Senior dog food is for dogs who might need a little extra help with the aging process. This food is made to contain less fat and high protein to help maintain muscle mass but not cause excessive weight gain as they slow down. It is also advisable to feed your senior dog food that helps with age-related conditions such as loss in bone density and arthritic joint problems.
However, it is worth consulting with your vet before switching your dog to senior food as protein-rich diets can be problematic for dogs with liver/kidney disease or prone to kidney failure.
If you choose to go with a commercial diet, it is worth keeping in mind that not all foods are created equally. Some brands are of a higher quality than others and should be opted for when choosing your dog’s food.
Lower-quality food generally has less than suitable fillers in it and should be avoided. Fillers such as chicken meal and/or chicken by-products (especially found in dry kibble) cause the food to be less protein-rich, which could have negative effects on your dog’s digestive system.
Choosing a premium dog food with whole proteins is best for the overall health of your Goldendoodle. Whole proteins keep your dog fuller for longer which will mean they won’t need to eat large portions as frequently.
Lean meats
Whether you want to make your own dog food or simply treat your Doodle now and then, meat is a great inclusion in their diet.
Dogs happy on regular homemade diets can have an array of proteins besides just chicken. You can feed them beef, lamb, rabbit, and turkey – they’re sure to thank you for it! Providing your dog with a mix of meats in their diet is highly beneficial as it gives them access to nutrients that are not found in one alone.
Fruit and veg
If your dog doesn’t have any intolerances and will generally eat anything, you can feed them vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and asparagus. They can also enjoy a selection of fruits such as; bananas, apples (without seeds), blackberries, and blueberries.
Apples and bananas are ideal for sensitive-stomached Goldendoodles, but when introducing a new food, always keep an eye on them in case of an unknown allergy.
How much to feed your Goldendoodle
In addition to the kind of food your Goldendoodle can and should eat for a well-balanced diet, it is equally important to make sure they’re getting enough food.
Remember, enough food also means that they’re not getting too much food. Many dogs are often overfed and struggle with being overweight. Overfeeding combined with the feeding of fatty human food can interfere with your Goldendoodle’s overall health and long-term vitality.
Free feeding should be avoided as it is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs. A constant feeding schedule of appropriate portions should be followed to help maintain a healthy weight in your Goldendoodle. Look at the packaging for a suggested daily amount to feed your Doodle, and split this into two or three meals throughout the day.
What Treats Can My Goldendoodle Eat?
Although it is tempting to give your dog human food as a snack, you really shouldn’t. The high levels of caffeine, sugar, salt, dairy products, and many other overly processed ingredients found in human snacks are not suited for dogs. These can cause unnecessary body weight gain and digestive upset.
Instead, try a homemade dog treat recipe that your Goldendoodle is sure to love! This is an easy way to incorporate high-fiber ingredients that are easy on your dog’s stomach such as pumpkin and sweet potatoes into their diet.
If baking isn’t your thing, there are many yummy and nutritious treat options available on the market – Barks in the Park have guides to help you choose the best! Look for high-quality ingredients from reputable brands, and remember treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your Doodle’s daily calorific intake.
What Goldendoodles Cannot Eat
Certain foods should not be given to your Goldendoodle under any circumstances because they’re highly toxic or can carry diseases which could cause your dog to be critically ill.
These foods include:
- Artificial sweeteners
- Avocado
- Cherries
- Chocolate
- Citrus fruits
- Coffee/Black teas
- Grapes, raisins & prunes
- Macadamia nuts
- Onions & garlic
- Salty foods
- Soda
Dairy isn’t necessarily toxic but should generally be avoided (or given only in very small quantities) due to lactose intolerance amongst most dogs.
Here are a few more commonly-given foods that are actually better avoided:
Fat trimmings and bones
Bones are not ideal treats for dogs and should be avoided as they can easily become choking hazards. Even smaller bones are not a good idea as they can splinter when chewed and the shards can become dangerous when ingested.
Fat trimmings and fatty animal skins should not be incorporated into your Goldendoodle’s diet either. An overly fatty diet can cause problems such as diarrhea, excessive weight gain and pancreatitis.
Sugary foods and drinks
Sugary foods and drinks should not be given to dogs. Not only will it cause stomach problems and diarrhea, but it can also lead to diabetes and pancreatitis in dogs, as well as cause tooth decay.
Xylitol and other artificial sweeteners are highly poisonous to dogs and can have life-threatening consequences if ingested. If you plan to give your Goldendoodle the odd spoon of peanut butter, make sure it is unsweetened.
If you want to treat your Goldendoodle to something sweet, you can give them an occasional piece of cantaloupe to eat – it’s much better for them and they’ll enjoy it all the same!
Kitchen pantry: no dogs allowed!
Some dogs (especially curious and playful Goldendoodles) can’t resist the urge to look for a snack. But because so many common pantry items can be toxic for them, you should make your pantry off-limits.
Dogs have an overly keen sense of smell and will be drawn to your candy and chocolate stash (much like your kids) and because you can’t keep a constant eye on them, it’s best to keep the door closed so that the temptation to rummage around and score a snack can’t be acted on!
What to do if your dog eats dangerous foods
If your dog ingests something it shouldn’t, you should contact a vet immediately for further instructions. In some events, your Goldendoodle may need an emergency visit to the vet as the toxicity of some items can make them incredibly ill and can even be life-threatening. If you notice symptoms like difficulty breathing and you’re not sure what your Doodle has eaten, it’s definitely time to call for advice.
Raw Meat and Fish: Feed With Caution
Recently, the raw diet has entered the commercial dog food market and has been an increasingly popular choice ever since. That being said, dog owners should be cautious about food that may have been prepared or stored incorrectly.
The main concern is that harmful bacteria could be present in the food which could upset your dog’s stomach or even make them critically sick. Vets generally recommend avoiding these types of food as you can’t be sure of its preparation, and it’s not worth the risk of contracting a serious illness.
When working with proteins for homemade diets, it is important that you are not giving your Doodle raw meat or undercooked meat. The meat you include in your dog’s diet should be fully cooked so as to not make them very sick in the same way as feeding them improperly prepared commercial raw food. Additionally, dogs should not eat raw eggs due to the risk of salmonella.
What if My Goldendoodle is a Picky Eater?
It’s not the end of the world if your Groodle has food allergies or is a picky eater. You can easily put them on a homemade bland diet which has limited items that are easy on a dog’s digestive system. This diet has the same effect as commercially produced foods for sensitive stomachs.
You can keep it basic by limiting it to lean chicken, rice, potatoes and cauliflower. Chicken fat should be avoided as the high-fat content can lead to digestive upset. After your dog has settled on that base diet, you can slowly add other vegetables such as;
- Carrots,
- Broccoli,
- Corn,
- Brussel sprouts,
- Bell peppers,
- Asparagus.
However, keep an eye out after your Goldendoodle eats each of these vegetables to make sure they’re not intolerant to any of them. Diarrhea and excessive flatulence are signs of intolerance.
Switching diets or protein source
If your Goldendoodle doesn’t have much of an appetite, you can try introducing different proteins into their diet. Instead of chicken, you could try turkey or duck and instead of beef, you could try lamb. However, both lamb and duck are quite fatty meats, so it’s important to watch your dog’s digestion after feeding them those in case they’re too rich for their stomach.
Add warm water to their food
If you have a dog that doesn’t seem to drink all too much, wet food may be more suitable for them. It has higher moisture levels and can even be watered down slightly to ensure they’re getting optimal hydration throughout the day.
Warm water can also be added to dry kibbles to help soften them into a more palatable consistency. This can be helpful for picky eaters and those with decreasing appetites due to age.
Goldendoodle Puppy Feeding Tips
Food intended for puppies tends to have a higher fat and protein content, as well as other nutritional components that are essential for rapid puppy growth. This specialized food also contains a higher concentration of the omega fatty acids found in their mom’s milk. Many widely accessible commercial dog food brands offer a puppy formula – be sure to choose these before your Doodle is one year old.
Not only is puppy food ideal for weaning puppies off milk, but puppies also have small mouths and baby teeth. This means that feeding Goldendoodle puppies adult food could very well be a choking hazard.
If your puppy is very young and unable to fully eat solids, you can soak puppy kibbles in a milk replacement to create a soft texture to help them transition to full solids.
Visit barksinthepark.co for more information on feeding your dog the best food and the right amount of it.
FAQs
Can Goldendoodles eat bread?
While Goldendoodles can eat bread, doesn’t mean they should. If your Doodle doesn’t have food allergies, they can eat plain brown or white bread in small quantities – it shouldn’t cause any digestive issues, but offers little nutrition. It’s better to stick to commercial food, meat, and vegetables for the most part.
Can a Goldendoodle have milk?
Goldendoodles can have milk (and other dairy products) in small amounts – which means just a few tablespoons at a time. While not dangerous as such, many Doodles are lactose intolerant, so the result of too much milk can be equally unpleasant for dogs and owners!
Can a Goldendoodle eat bananas?
Yes! Bananas are an excellent, healthy, and safe treat for Goldendoodles. They’re ideal for training or providing your doggo with a sweet treat.
Can Goldendoodles eat eggs?
Eggs are a great inclusion in your Goldendoodle’s diet as they’re high in vitamins, fatty acids, and protein – all essentials for a healthy and happy dog. While some owners feed raw eggs, we recommend ensuring they are fully cooked before offering them to your dog.