Cavoodle Feeding Guide: What to Feed & How Much (By Age)

One of the first questions every new Cavoodle owner asks: “What should I feed my Cavoodle?” With so many options – kibble, raw, fresh food, grain-free – it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

The truth is, there’s no single “best” food for every Cavoodle. What matters most is choosing quality food appropriate for their age, feeding the right amount, and staying consistent. This guide covers everything you need to know about feeding your Cavoodle from puppyhood through their senior years.

What to Feed Your Cavoodle: The Options

There are four main feeding approaches, each with pros and cons:

Premium Dry Food (Kibble)

Best for: Convenience, dental health, budget-friendly

Quality kibble is the most popular choice for Cavoodle owners. Look for brands where the first ingredient is a named meat (chicken, lamb, beef) rather than “meat meal” or “animal by-products.”

Pros:

• Convenient and easy to store
• Helps with dental health (crunching action)
• Complete and balanced nutrition
• Cost-effective long-term
• Easy to measure portions

Cons:

• Lower moisture content (ensure fresh water always available)
• Quality varies dramatically between brands
• May be less palatable for fussy eaters

Australian brands to consider: Black Hawk, Advance, Ivory Coat, Open Farm, Ziwi Peak

Wet Food (Canned or Pouches)

Best for: Picky eaters, hydration, older dogs

Wet food can be used as a complete diet or mixed with kibble for added palatability.

Pros:

• Higher moisture content (good for hydration)
• More aromatic and appealing to fussy eaters
• Easier for puppies and seniors to eat
• Often higher in protein

Cons:

• More expensive than kibble
• Spoils quickly once opened
• Can stick to teeth (less dental benefit)
• Messier to serve

Fresh/Gently Cooked Food

Best for: Health-conscious owners, dogs with sensitivities

Subscription services like Lyka, Petzyo, and Big Dog deliver human-grade, gently cooked meals to your door.

Pros:

• Minimally processed, whole food ingredients
• Often improves coat quality and digestion
• Portioned for your dog’s specific needs
• Convenient delivery

Cons:

• Most expensive option
• Requires freezer space
• Must thaw before serving
• Less convenient for travel

Australian brands: Lyka, Petzyo, Big Dog, Eureka

Raw Feeding (BARF/Prey Model)

Best for: Experienced owners committed to research

Raw feeding involves feeding uncooked meat, bones, and organs. It can be done via commercial raw patties or DIY.

Pros:

• Some owners report improved coats, energy, and smaller stools
• Dogs often find it highly palatable
• No artificial additives

Cons:

• Risk of bacterial contamination if not handled properly
• Nutritional imbalances possible with DIY
• More expensive and time-consuming
• Not recommended for puppies or immunocompromised dogs

If choosing raw: Start with commercial raw food (like Big Dog or Proudi) that’s already balanced, rather than DIY. Talk to your vet first.

Cavoodle Feeding Chart by Age

How much to feed depends on your Cavoodle’s age, size, and activity level. Here’s a general guide:

Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)

Age	Meals Per Day	Daily Amount (Toy)	Daily Amount (Mini)
8-12 weeks	4 meals	1/3 – 1/2 cup	1/2 – 2/3 cup
3-6 months	3 meals	1/2 – 2/3 cup	2/3 – 1 cup
6-12 months	2 meals	1/2 – 3/4 cup	3/4 – 1 cup

Note: These are approximate amounts for quality kibble. Check your specific food’s feeding guide and adjust based on your puppy’s body condition. Puppies should feel slightly lean – you should be able to feel (but not see) ribs easily.

Adult (1-7 years)

Adult Weight	Daily Amount	Meals Per Day
5-7 kg (Toy)	1/2 – 3/4 cup	2 meals
7-10 kg (Mini)	3/4 – 1 cup	2 meals
10-12 kg (Standard)	1 – 1.25 cups	2 meals

Adjust for activity: Very active Cavoodles may need 10-20% more. Couch potato Cavoodles may need less. Monitor body condition and adjust accordingly.

Senior (7+ years)

Senior Cavoodles often need fewer calories as their metabolism slows. Switch to a senior formula around age 7 and consider:

• Reducing portions by 10-20% if weight gain is occurring
• Adding joint supplements (glucosamine, fish oil)
• Smaller, more frequent meals if digestion becomes sensitive
• Softer food if dental issues arise

Feeding Schedule for Cavoodle Puppies

Consistency is key. Here’s a sample schedule:

8-12 Week Old Puppy (4 meals)

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast (after morning toilet break)
• 12:00 PM: Lunch
• 5:00 PM: Dinner
• 9:00 PM: Small supper (helps through the night)

3-6 Month Old Puppy (3 meals)

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast
• 12:30 PM: Lunch
• 6:00 PM: Dinner

6 Months+ (2 meals)

• 7:00 AM: Breakfast
• 6:00 PM: Dinner

Tips for success:

• Feed at the same times each day
• Put food down for 15-20 minutes, then remove (teaches them to eat promptly)
• Don’t leave food out all day (free-feeding leads to overeating)
• Provide fresh water at all times
• Avoid feeding immediately before or after vigorous exercise

Transitioning Foods

Never switch foods suddenly – this causes digestive upset. When changing foods (new brand, puppy to adult, etc.), transition gradually over 7-10 days:

Day	Old Food	New Food
Day 1-2	75%	25%
Day 3-4	50%	50%
Day 5-6	25%	75%
Day 7+	0%	100%

If you notice loose stools during transition, slow down the process.

Foods to Avoid

Some human foods are toxic to dogs. Never feed your Cavoodle:

Food	Why It’s Dangerous
Chocolate	Contains theobromine – toxic to dogs
Grapes/Raisins	Can cause kidney failure
Onions/Garlic	Damages red blood cells
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)	Causes rapid insulin release, liver failure
Macadamia nuts	Causes weakness, vomiting, tremors
Avocado	Contains persin – toxic to dogs
Cooked bones	Splinter and can cause internal damage
Alcohol	Toxic even in small amounts
Caffeine	Can be fatal

If your Cavoodle eats something toxic: Contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) immediately.

Healthy Treats and Snacks

Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories. Safe options include:

• Carrots: Low-calorie, good for teeth
• Apple slices: (no seeds or core)
• Blueberries: Antioxidant-rich
• Plain cooked chicken: Great for training
• Watermelon: (seedless, no rind) – hydrating summer treat
• Green beans: Low-calorie filler for weight management
• Sweet potato: (cooked, no skin)

Training treats tip: Use small, soft treats for training. A single piece of kibble or tiny bit of chicken is enough – it’s the reward that matters, not the size.

Common Feeding Issues

Picky Eating

Cavoodles can be fussy eaters. Before assuming pickiness:

• Rule out health issues (see your vet if appetite changes suddenly)
• Check the food isn’t stale or expired
• Ensure you’re not overfeeding treats

Solutions for fussy eaters:

• Add a tablespoon of warm water to kibble (releases aroma)
• Mix in a small amount of wet food
• Try food toppers (freeze-dried meat, bone broth)
• Stick to a schedule – don’t leave food down all day
• Don’t give in with treats if they refuse meals

Eating Too Fast

Some Cavoodles inhale their food, which can cause choking, vomiting, or bloat.

Solutions:

• Use a slow-feeder bowl with ridges
• Spread food on a lick mat
• Use puzzle feeders
• Scatter kibble on the floor or grass
• Feed smaller, more frequent meals

Weight Management

Cavoodles can easily become overweight, which strains their joints and shortens their lifespan.

How to check body condition:

• You should feel ribs easily without pressing hard
• There should be a visible waist when viewed from above
• Belly should tuck up slightly when viewed from the side

If overweight:

• Reduce portions by 10-15%
• Cut back on treats
• Increase exercise gradually
• Consider a weight management formula
• Weigh food rather than eyeballing it

Food Allergies and Sensitivities

Cavoodles can be prone to food sensitivities. Signs include:

• Itchy skin, especially ears and paws
• Recurring ear infections
• Digestive upset (vomiting, diarrhoea, gas)
• Excessive licking of paws
• Dull coat

Common allergens: Chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy

What to do: Work with your vet to conduct an elimination diet. This involves feeding a novel protein (one your dog hasn’t eaten before, like duck or kangaroo) for 8-12 weeks, then reintroducing ingredients one at a time to identify the trigger.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I feed my Cavoodle puppy?

Puppies need more calories per kilogram than adults to support growth. Follow your puppy food’s feeding guide based on their expected adult weight (Toy: 5-7kg, Mini: 7-10kg). Split daily portions into 3-4 meals for puppies under 6 months, then 2 meals from 6 months onward. Adjust based on body condition – puppies should be lean, not chubby.

When should I switch from puppy to adult food?

Cavoodles are considered adult at 12 months. Transition to adult food between 10-12 months. Toy Cavoodles may mature slightly earlier (9-10 months), while larger Minis may benefit from puppy food until 12 months. Your vet can advise on timing based on your dog’s development.

Should I feed my Cavoodle grain-free food?

There’s no need to go grain-free unless your dog has a diagnosed grain allergy (which is rare). Recent studies have raised concerns about a potential link between grain-free diets and heart disease (DCM) in some dogs. Grains like rice and oats are actually nutritious and well-tolerated by most dogs. Talk to your vet before choosing grain-free.

Can I feed my Cavoodle human food?

Some human foods are safe as occasional treats (see our safe treats list above), but human food shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet. Avoid feeding from your plate during meals – this encourages begging. If you want to share, put safe foods in their bowl at their regular mealtimes.

How do I know if my Cavoodle food is good quality?

Check the ingredients list:

• Good signs: Named meat as first ingredient (chicken, lamb), whole grains or vegetables, natural preservatives (tocopherols/vitamin E)
• Avoid: “Meat meal” or “animal by-products” as main protein, artificial colours or flavours, excessive fillers (corn as first ingredient)

Look for foods that meet AAFCO standards (this should be stated on the packaging). Australian-made foods from reputable brands are generally reliable.

My Cavoodle won’t eat their kibble but loves treats. What should I do?

Your Cavoodle has learned that refusing meals gets them better food. Reset by:

• Stopping all treats for a few days
• Offering kibble for 15 minutes, then removing it
• Not offering anything else until the next mealtime
• A healthy dog won’t starve themselves – they’ll eat when hungry

Once they’re eating regularly, reintroduce treats sparingly (maximum 10% of daily calories).

Best Dog Foods for Cavoodles in Australia

Based on ingredient quality, nutritional balance, and feedback from Cavoodle owners, here are solid options at different price points:

Premium Kibble

• Ziwi Peak: Air-dried, high meat content, excellent for allergies ($$$$)
• Open Farm: Sustainably sourced, high quality ($$$)
• Ivory Coat: Australian-made, grain-free options ($$-$$$)
• Black Hawk: Australian-made, good value ($$)
• Advance: Vet-recommended, Australian ($-$$)

Fresh/Cooked Delivery

• Lyka: Human-grade, vet-formulated, convenient ($$$-$$$$)
• Petzyo: Good value fresh food, Australian ($$-$$$)
• Big Dog: Raw and cooked options ($$-$$$)

Budget-Friendly Quality

• Advance: Reliable nutrition, widely available ($)
• Black Hawk: Good ingredients for the price ($$)

Tip: More expensive doesn’t always mean better. A mid-range food your Cavoodle eats consistently is better than premium food they refuse.

The Bottom Line

Feeding your Cavoodle doesn’t need to be complicated. The essentials:

• Choose a quality food appropriate for their life stage
• Feed the right amount for their size and activity level
• Stick to a consistent schedule
• Provide fresh water at all times
• Monitor body condition and adjust as needed

Every Cavoodle is different. What works perfectly for one might not suit another. Pay attention to your dog’s energy levels, coat quality, digestion, and overall health – these are the best indicators of whether their diet is working.

When in doubt, talk to your vet. They can recommend food based on your specific Cavoodle’s needs, especially if dealing with allergies, weight issues, or health conditions.

Related Resources

For more Cavoodle care guidance, visit our Cavoodle Learning Centre. New puppy owners should also read our First Week with Your Cavoodle Puppy guide and Complete Preparation Guide.