Are you having a difficult time selecting the best food for your poodle? Your worries end here!
Poodles are not only adorable but are probably one of the most intelligent breeds. They are easy to train and are beloved so much because of their personality. They are lively, active, fun-loving dogs but they need your attention all time or else they are known to develop bad habits easily too.
The most important part to look after as being an owner of a Poodle is checking their nutrition intake, depending on the size of your Poodle as there are 3 sizes of Poodles: Toy, Miniature, and Standard, and each of them requires different dietary needs.
Best Dog Food For Poodles
1) Merrick Lil’ Plates
This dog food is specially made for Toy Poodles. It claims that small dogs cannot resist the great taste of their recipe with debones beef as the first ingredient and a blend of vegetables and fruits.
Its probiotics and prebiotic fiber help in healthy digestion and fatty acids maintain a soft and shiny coat.
It is made with leading levels of glucosamine and chondroitin aids in maintaining healthy hips and joints. Tiny, crunchy bites help in reducing plaque.
What we like:
- Made for Toy Poodles
- The primary ingredient is Debones Beef
- High-quality proteins
- Encourages healthy muscle tone
- Omega fatty acids maintain a soft and healthy coat
- Probiotics and Prebiotics fibers help in a better digestion
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin for maintaining healthy hips and joints
What we dislike:
- The vet does not advice grain-free dog food
- Non-budget-friendly
2) Tiki Dog Aloha Petites
They are one of those few brands which make dog food only for a small breed, and this is specially made for Miniature Poodles. It involves 27% protein with real Chicken as the first ingredient, plus flavoured chicken liver.
Also, it has grain-free carbohydrate sources from whole peas and lentils, but not potatoes. They are gently baked dog food to preserve the nutrients and its flavor.
They are also planning to meetAAFCO Dog Food Nutrition Profile’s nutritional levels set for all Life Stages of Dogs.
What we like:
- Specially made for Miniature Poodles
- 27% Protein
- Real Chicken as the first ingredient
- Chicken Liver Flavoured
- Grain-free carbohydrate sources
What we dislike:
- Expensive
- Very small sized Kibbles
3) Natural Balance
This brand makes dog food designed for any size or breed of dogs. It can also be given to Standard Poodles. It contains 1-15 pound bag of dry dog food. There is a perfect balance between key nutrients and premium proteins which are specially created by the Nutrition Experts of Natural Balance.
Added Taurine helps to maintain a healthy heart and eyes, proper levels of calcium and phosphorus helps to maintain strong and healthy bones and teeth for fetching and playing. The proprietary blend of antioxidant nutrients helps in maintaining a healthy immune system.
Optimal levels of EPA and DHA from marine sources support an active and healthy brain. Balanced Omega 3 and 6 ratios help in maintaining a luxurious coat and a healthy skin around your dog.
It has multiple types of fibres that help in maintaining healthy digestion. And quality proteins help to build healthy muscle.
What we like:
- Designed for any size or breed of dogs
- Contains 1-15 pound bag of dry food
- The perfect balance of key nutrients and premium proteins
- Taurine added to maintain a healthy heart and eyes
- Proper levels of calcium and phosphorus to maintain strong bones
- Antioxidant nutrients help in maintaining a healthy immune system
- Optimal levels of EPA and DHA from marine sources
What we dislike
- Very Expensive
- Not all dogs would prefer to eat it
4) Instinct Raw Boost
Instinct is that dog food brand that adds raw food with their dry dog food to bring the natural lead and give dogs more of the real nutritious raw than fillers, by-products, and artificial preservatives. USA beef is its primary ingredient.
It is high protein-packed dog food with natural probiotics for healthy digestion and naturally occurring Omega 3 and 6 for skin and coat health.
Also, it has Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits for immune health.
What we like:
- High protein-packed dog food
- Natural probiotics for healthy digestion
- Free of by-products and artificial preservatives
- Omega 3 and 6 for skin
- Antioxidant-rich vegetables
What we dislike:
- Product quality and quantity doesn’t justify the price
- Some dogs don’t like it
5) Solid Gold Mighty Mini
Might Mini claims to deliver kibble that’s full of nutrition, perfectly balanced for their mini size, and easily chewable for smallmouth dogs.
Their grain and gluten-free chicken, fiber-rich chickpeas and pumpkin are good for healthy digestion, it even suits those with a sensitive stomach.
It is a fully protein-packed dry dog food specially made to go beyond the core nutrients for breeds of all life stages.
Each recipe of this dog food features a balanced level of protein, fat, and fiber made to meet the unique nutritional needs of the toy breed dogs.
What we like:
- Kibble full of nutrition
- Easy chewable
- Gluten-free chicken
- Protein-packed dog food
- A balanced level of protein
- Meet the nutritional needs of toy breed dogs
What we dislike:
- Too Tiny Kibbles
- Some dogs don’t like to eat it
6) Blue Buffalo Wilderness
This is the largest and best seller of all-natural dog food on the market. They have four different lines of food, which covers every single base when it comes to high-quality food.
It has real chicken in its ingredients to satisfy your dog’s natural love for meat and to help them build and maintain lean muscle mass.
This dog food is made with ingredients to meet your Standard Poodle’s need for glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. Also, it contains Omega-3 and 6 for skin and coat health.
Its formula contains a mixture of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals selected by professional veterinarians and animal nutritionists which makes a good immune system, a healthy oxidative balance and supports life stage requirement.
What we like:
- Real chicken
- Includes Glucosamine and Chondroitin
- Omega 3 and 5 for skin and coat
- Contains a blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals for the good immune system
What we dislike:
- Not worth the money
- Not every dog likes it
- Causes allergy
7) Halo Natural
This dog food brand comes with a unique and remarkable tagline “The Proof is in the Poop”, which explains in a way that they use highly digestible ingredients in all their food products. They only have Whole meat than meat meals.
According to them, many companies show meat as their ‘first ingredient’ but if we read the ingredient section carefully it read chicken or fish meal as the primary ingredient. This means all these dog meals are the melted and dehydrated combination of those non-human edible things which are left or taken from slaughterhouses.
Also, many companies use a powdered meal because it’s less expensive than Whole Meat. And Whole Meat is easier to digest. No preservatives, artificial flavors or colors are added to it. Their fruits and vegetables are sourced from those farmlands which prohibit the use of Genetically Modified Seeds.
What we like:
- Highly digestible ingredients
- No preservatives, artificial flavors or colors are added to it.
- Includes Whole meat than meat meals
- Fruits and Vegetables from farms
What we dislike:
- Very Expensive
- Most Dogs won’t prefer eating it
8) Hill’s Science Diet
They are specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of large bread dogs during the prime of their life, like Standard Poodle.
It is packed natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin as their ingredients for joint health, Omega-6s, and Vitamin E for beautiful skin and coat and high-quality protein for lean muscles.
Lamb is this product’s primary ingredient.
All ingredients used are natural and no chicken by-product meal is there. It also has clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E for a healthy immune system.
What we like:
- They are specially made to fuel energy in your dogs
- Includes Omega 6 and Vitamin E for skin and coat
- High-quality protein for lean muscles
- Lamb is its primary ingredient
- All-natural ingredients
- Clinically proven antioxidants and vitamins for a healthier immune system.
What we dislike:
- Needs vet’s recommendation before giving to your dog
- Some dogs are allergic to chicken
- Expensive
9) Nutro Wholesome Essentials
This dog food brand has recipes that include those necessary ingredients that complete a meal which is rich in nutrients and full of flavor.
It also contains natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin as their ingredients to support healthy joints, essential Antioxidants to support your dog’s ageing immune system, and crafted to help in maintaining Cognitive Health.
Chicken is its first ingredient, and it is made with Non- Genetic Modified Organism. It is free of chicken by-product meal, artificial flavours or colors, artificial preservatives and corn, wheat, or soy protein.
Also, it is in partnership with trusted farmers and suppliers who are the source of their high- quality ingredients.
What we like:
- It includes necessary ingredients for a complete meal
- Natural sources of Glucosamine and Chondroitin to support healthy joints
- Antioxidants to support dog’s ageing immune system
- Chicken is its first ingredient
- Includes Non-Genetic Modified Organism
- Free of chicken by-product meal, artificial flavors, artificial preservatives and corn
- Includes high-quality ingredients
What we dislike:
- Very Expensive Dog Food
- Quality doesn’t meet the price
- Some dogs don’t like to eat it
10) Wellness CORE
This dog food brand produces natural dry dog food for small breed dogs; it has optimal protein levels and calorie content to help support the higher energy needs of dogs like Toy Poodles. Also, it includes high-quality proteins and wholesome grains which are balanced by experts to provide a complete diet packed with the nutrients small breed dogs need to thrive and to maintain your pup’s health and longevity, there are no meat by-products.
It has been crafted for whole-body health; leaner body mass and muscle tone, there are Omega fatty acids for healthy skin and shiny coat and prebiotics and probiotics for better digestive health
.
What we liked:
- Optimal protein level
- High- quality proteins
- Encourages healthy muscle tone
- Omega fatty acids arethere for a healthier skin
- Prebiotics and Probiotics for better digestive health
What we disliked:
- Expensive
A Poodle’s Diet And Nutrition Should Include
1. Protein
The place of protein in a dog’s diet cannot be neglected. At least eighty-five percent of your Poodle’s food should have protein in it. This is because protein fuels their lean muscles with energy while they also support their heart simultaneously. It also helps them to grow properly and healthy. Some other ingredients, like Carbohydrate, should only have a small portion of your dog’s diet as they can lead to obesity in them. Also, make sure the protein is from natural sources.
2. Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
These fatty acids are very important in a dog’s diet as they help them protect and nurture a poodle’s skin and coat, also keep the skin and coat healthy and shiny.
3. Antioxidants and Probiotics
Antioxidants help in supporting your dog’s liver function. They play a vital role in boosting your poodle’s immune system and helps to buildup natural defenceagainst free radical damages. Probiotics works differently it rather ensures that your Poodle maintains a healthy digestive system.
4. Carbohydrates
They play a very small role in your dog’s diet. However, its role is to provide energy.
Food To Avoid Feeding Your Poodle
Just follow a simple rule of not feeding them anything that is not mentioned in any of the dog food ingredients.
To know more about it, read the list below of food you should never feed your Poodle, even by mistake.
1. Chocolate
As sweet, tasty, and healthy in a way they are to humans, it is poisonous to poodles. They have Methylxanthines as one of their ingredient which can result in vomiting, restlessness, and high temperatures in your poodles.
2. Raisins and grapes
Humans love grapes regardless of their sour or sweet taste and raisins. But never feed your Poodle with it. They are very dangerous to dogs. Even a small amount of it can lead to kidney failure or even the death of your dog after a few days.
3. Macadamia Nuts
Some dogs can tolerate these nuts, as their digestive systems don’t react to it. But still, they are not advised to feed your poodles with it. They can have effects such as two days of unrest, tremors, vomiting, and weakness in poodles.
4. Xylitol and alcohol
Xylitol is not a common word to us, but this is an ingredient that is more common around us than we think. It is added to a lot of food colourings and gum. Xylitol and alcohol, both are very dangerous to poodles; they can cause long term damage to them.
5. Garlic, onions, and coffee
These things are perfectly safe for humans. But do not feed them by any chance to your poodle. It can react to their digestive system much dangerously than we think.
Wet Food VS Dry Food
Most poodle owners would have noticed that their Poodle prefer wet food than dry food. However, dry foods are recommended more by vets; it helps to protect the mouth and gum of poodles. Also, it seems dry food is well tolerated by their digestive system than wet food is. Wet food is more likely to end up causing a stomach ache for your pets.
FAQ
Q) How To Choose The Best Dog Food?
A) The right dog food for your poodle depends on the size and weight of your Poodle. They can be as small as 6 pounds and as heavy as 70 pounds.
Another aspect we need to look into is their lifestyle. As an active dog needs more food to get through the day compared to a lazy dog.
So as the owner, it’s your responsibility to check your dog’s lifestyle and nutrition consumption. And adjust their daily intake to match their daily needs as they grow up.
As each dog food has different contents in it, and the food given to them should measure the proportion by calories than the volume of food given.
Q) What kind of food should be fed to my dog?
It is important to consider the age, breed, body weight, gender, and activity level. In general, a healthy diet with high-quality ingredients that meet your dog’s needs will be beneficial for your dog.
The diet needs to have a balance of ingredients like Protein, Fats, Minerals, Vitamins, Carbohydrate, Omega, Antioxidants, Prebiotic, and Probiotics.
Q) Do I need to change dog foods?
A) Dogs are very picky regarding the clothes they wear and the food they eat. If they like the food and the food is healthy, then there is no reason to change it. But if the dog isn’t even interested to take a bite after smelling the food, then yes, maybe it doesn’t suit him.
Many dog foods which don’t suit a dog but still are eaten because they are hungry can cause:
a.Digestive upsets: loose motions, excessive or very smelly wind and regular vomiting.
b.Skin problems: Itching, bald patches, excessive dandruff, greasy or smelly coat.
c.Bad Breath
d.Hyperactivity
Sometimes, changing dog food is not only based on the reason for the dog’s health, but dog food can be really expensive. So, if you manage to find another dog food that fits your budget, is healthy, and even your dogs like it. Then the perfect move is to change it.
Q) Which is the best food for my pet?
A) There is no “best food”, at least not in this competitive market. But every company claims to produce the best food. Each pet is unique and each one of them has their own needs and choices to meet while picking dog food. The food should suit them, cause even if your dog food has the healthiest ingredients if it doesn’t suit the dog’s digestive system. Then there are chances that the dog will end up with an upset stomach.
If the marketing of a product sounds too good to be true, then try researching about the research and studies made for the product, if they aren’t any they can provide or claims that it cannot be sustained, then that’s a red flag that the diet shouldn’t be chosen for your dog.
Q) What are the kinds of ingredients You Should Look For In A Dog Food?
The ingredients of dog food are not subject to the size or weight of your Poodle, there are some important ingredients to look to meet your Poodles needs before buying.
A. Chicken and other poultry rich ingredients
These ingredients are great sources of protein that your poodle would ever need. But don’t give them these products directly; rather Poultry should take a major source’s place with your other ingredients for your Poodle’s diet.
B. Fish and other types of fish rich proteins
These are also great source of protein for your dogs. But they shouldn’t be picked over any poultry protein.
C. Grains
They should not take a huge part of your Poodle’s diet as they are not the healthiest option. Even some of the animal nutritionists do not recommend grains now.
D. Potatoes, Fruits, and Vegetables
These all are an excellent addition made to your Poodle’s food. But they should form only a small percentage, which is probably less than ten percent.
Conclusion
Now as we humans can eat anything edible in this world, it seems our small hairy buddies can’t. Their food is way more complex and strict than ours. If a little extra unwanted ingredient is added to their diet, you will find that poor thing with an upset stomach. And even if they want to eat wet food, always serve them dry one. Cause dry food is much better than wet food.
Now you won’t face difficulty to buy that dog food which would suit your Poodle because you can find everything here, from the ingredients to flavors available. Just read and know yourself.
Be safe and take care of those cute Poodles.
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