Best Dog Foods For Cockapoos: Puppies, Adults & Seniors

The Cockapoo is one of the most popular designer dog breeds in the world. Some are first generations, with one Poodle parent and one Cocker Spaniel parent. Other Cockapoos come from a long line of Cockapoos. Whatever generation your Cockapoo is, he has a particular set of nutritional needs to consider in choosing the right dog food.

Are you are looking for the best food for your new Cockapoo puppy or a change in diet for your resident Cockapoo? We’ll take you through the nutritional needs at every life stage, including what items to look for in the ingredients list. Using this info, we find the best options for puppies, adults, and senior Cockapoos, making your decision a whole lot easier. Finding the right nutrition can make the difference between poor and great health, so it’s important to get it right.

It’s vital to note that this guide is based on the needs of a standard-sized Cockapoo. Generally speaking, Cockapoos that weigh between 20 and 50 pounds are considered standard-sized. If your Cockapoo is smaller, you should look for toy or small breed dog food.

At A Glance: Our Favorite Foods For Cockapoos

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Cockapoo Puppy Nutrient Needs

It’s crucial to feed your pup a product designed for puppies because these have higher levels of fats and protein for his development. Plus, feeding your pup the best quality nutrition you can afford sets the foundations for a healthy body and lifestyle.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) recommends that all puppies need a minimum protein content of 22%. A top sign of good quality food is meat listed as the first ingredient. Meat provides amino acids and energy, and amino acids are the essential building blocks that assist him in his growth. Meat meals are a great source of concentrated protein too, and they are full of glucosamine which is great for his growing joints.

Puppies need healthy omega fatty acids because they are healthy fats that provide energy and help them grow. They also assist in healthy organ development, particularly cognitive and cardiac function, and it supports healthy vision too. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) are naturally found in mothers’ milk. So it’s important for him to continue receiving these nutrients. Look out for fish, meat meals, fish oil, flaxseed, and eggs, as these are great DHA and ARA sources.

Adult Cockapoo Nutrient Needs

The right time to transition your Cockapoo from puppy to adult food is around 12 months. Although he won’t be fully mature yet, he has completed most of his growth. If you continue feeding him puppy food, he might become overweight. He doesn’t need the extra puppy energy and fats, and instead, adulthood is all about a well-balanced diet.

AAFCO recommends that adult dogs need a minimum protein content of 18%, and meat should still be the first ingredient. His diet should also consist of carbohydrates, fiber, omega fats, vitamins, and minerals. Vitamins and minerals ensure that his immunity is supported to stay fighting fit against infections and diseases. Look for fruits and veggies, plus nutrient-dense ingredients such as dried kelp, as well as added supplements.

Cockapoos are known to have sensitive stomachs. Prebiotic fiber, found in such peas, pumpkin, and chicory root, is important for the digestive system to stay regular and produce healthy stools. Probiotic ingredients are great for promoting friendly bacteria in his gut, which helps digestion and reduces gas. Dried Lactobacillus Plantarum is an example of a probiotic. A healthy digestive system keeps the immune system strong.

Senior Cockapoo Nutrient Needs

The best time to switch your Cockapoo to a senior formula is around the age of eight years old. This is his final life stage, and it has different nutritional needs compared to adulthood. So, it’s important to switch him to a product designed specifically for seniors.

Senior dogs need less fuel and energy as they are not as active anymore. Plus, their stomach cannot digest fats as well as it once could. If you continue to feed him adult food, he can become overweight, adding extra pressure to organs and joints and increasing the chance of developing weight-related health conditions. As you can see, it’s really important to switch him to a senior recipe. Many senior dog foods have a higher fiber content as fiber is low in calories and keeps him feeling fuller in between meals.

Senior Cockapoos also need foods with higher glucosamine and chondroitin content to support joints. Meat meals, fish, fish oil, cartilage, green-lipped mussels, and supplements are great glucosamine sources. Your senior also needs an extra boost of antioxidants to keep his weakening immunity supported. Blueberries, cranberries, pumpkin, and dried kelp are commonly found in high-quality products.

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Best Foods For Cockapoo Puppies

At approximately six weeks old, Cockapoo puppies should wean off their mother’s milk. So, by the time he joins you, you’ll need to have picked a food ready for him to eat. Here are our top picks for you to choose from for Cockapoo puppies.

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American Journey might be one of the newest brands to join the dog food market. But they are of great quality and prove to be popular with dog owners. This recipe has a protein content of 30%, which is fab for your pup’s growing needs. The first three ingredients are deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal. A little bit of Menhaden fish meal boosts the protein content. With salmon oil, he is supplied with plenty of DHA and ARA for his developmental needs.

This is a grain-free diet that uses peas, chickpeas, and sweet potatoes as the secondary energy source. Plus, they are a great source of fiber and minerals. Blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp are nutrient-dense and boost his immunity to stay strong and healthy. Dried bacillus coagulans fermentation product produces friendly bacteria, and yucca schidigera extract lowers gas odor.

We love that this recipe has the highest protein content on our puppy list, and the first three ingredients are real meat, making this a top pick for meat-obsessed pups.

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Purina is well-known for its high-quality recipes, and this one is no exception. We have chosen this puppy kibble for Cockapoos as many of them have sensitive skin and stomachs from an early age. This is one of the only puppy foods on the market that targets these conditions. This recipe is a grain-inclusive formula that relies on oatmeal and rice for his carb needs.

It offers a protein content of 28%, and lamb is the first ingredient. Lamb is an easy-to-digest protein that is gentle on his stomach. Fish meal is the third ingredient, full of healthy omega fats for his skin and other developmental needs. A long list of vitamin and mineral supplements supports his developing immune system too.

We love that this recipe has the highest fat content, which is great to keep his sensitive skin nourished from the inside out.

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Taste of the Wild has created this delicious recipe with hungry pups in mind. The protein content is 28% which is plenty for his developmental needs. It includes prairie meats such as water buffalo, lamb meal, roasted bison, roasted venison, beef, and Menhaden fish meal. This is a chicken-free recipe that is great for Cockapoos allergic to this protein.

This recipe’s focus is on gut health, and it is a top pick for many breeds. The fiber content is 5%, thanks to sweet potatoes, peas, and dried chicory root. Which also replaces the need for grains in this formula. This recipe also includes an exclusive K9 strain of probiotic ingredients, guaranteeing live microorganism cultures in every bite—Salmon oil and egg products support cognitive and eye development.

We love that this recipe lists the highest amount of probiotic ingredients that are great for his gut and promote friendly bacteria.

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Blue Buffalo is known for its wide range of formulas, and this is a top choice for those puppies seeking a limited ingredient diet. Limited ingredient diets use only a handful of key ingredients, which reduces the strain on sensitive digestive systems. It is free from chicken, beef, corn, wheat, soy, dairy, and egg ingredients.

The protein content is 26%, and deboned turkey and turkey meal are the first two, and only, meat ingredients used. Like most Blue Buffalo recipes, this formula includes their exclusive LifeSource Bits. These are kibble pieces made from optimized nutrition, which are crucial for his puppy development. This recipe also has a high omega-3 content, which is excellent for his skin and coat health.

We love that this recipe is the best option for Cockapoo pups who are allergic to chicken. This recipe is a limited ingredient diet that avoids chicken meat and chicken fat, the most common ingredients in most puppy recipes.

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This is our premium option for Cockapoo puppies. It is made with delicious, real Texas beef as the first ingredient. Lamb meal, salmon meal, and deboned salmon are listed shortly after, which provide a variety of amino acids for his growing needs. These, alongside sunflower oil and flaxseed, provide healthy omega fats for his overall wellbeing.

Sweet potatoes and peas provide fiber and energy, excluding the need for grains. Apples and blueberries are rich in antioxidants for immune system development. And this kibble is fortified with vitamin and mineral supplements for an extra added boost of goodness. Dried fermented ingredients ensure that digestive support is supplied with every bite too.

We love that this recipe contains the highest amount of glucosamine which is important for joint support—making this an ideal option for extra-crazy Cockapoos pups or those who lead a very active lifestyle with their family in the future.

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Best Dog Foods For Adult Cockapoos

The Cockapoo’s adult diet should be based on a well-balanced intake and specific dietary needs that you identified during his puppy life stage. If your Cockapoo is super energetic, pick a food with higher protein, fats, and energy. If he is more laidback, pick an option with fewer calories and fats. Here are our favorite options to cover all Cockapoo needs.

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We have picked a different Taste of the Wild recipe for the Cockapoo adult. Instead, we have chosen the pacific stream option that uses only fish as the protein source. Salmon and ocean fish meal are the first two ingredients. It is rich in fishy taste and healthy omega fats to keep his locks looking lush. Plus, his cognitive and eye function is supported, as are his joints.

This is a grain-free option that many dogs do better on. Instead, it relies on sweet potatoes and peas as the secondary energy source. Plus, they are rich in vitamins and minerals for his immunity, and sweet raspberries are too. Like before, Taste of the Wild focuses on gut health. With a long list of probiotic ingredients, every bite of kibble guarantees live microorganisms for improved gut health.

We love that the sole protein source is fish, making it a yummy choice for dogs that are fussy or intolerant of other commonly used meats.

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This option follows on from the puppy section, so you can be sure that if your Cockapoo liked that recipe, he should like this one too. At 34%, the protein content supplies enough muscle power and maintenance for his energetic lifestyle. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are the first three ingredients still, which are also full of glucosamine for his joints.

This recipe has the second-highest fiber content, which is great in keeping his digestion regular. Sweet potatoes and dried beet pulp, along with yucca schidigera, all contribute towards a healthy digestive tract. Dried kelp is naturally rich in minerals, and blueberries and carrots add more antioxidants to his bowl. Menhaden fish meal and salmon oil provide a high omega-3 content.

We love that this recipe has the highest protein content in our adult selection. Making this a top choice for Cockapoos who go crazy for big, meaty taste.

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Here we have included the follow-up to the sensitive skin and stomach puppy formula. So, if his sensitive skin and digestive system did well on this as a pup, he should continue doing well on this as an adult. The first ingredient is lamb which is an easy-to-digest protein. It is also fortified in dried probiotic ingredients for extra digestive support. This recipe avoids corn, wheat, and soy.

Fish meal, egg product, and fish oil provide omega healthy fats for continuous cognitive function. Reviewers loved how shiny this formula made their dog’s coat. Oatmeal and barley are gentle grains that help to keep his digestive system regular. This recipe is also fortified in added vitamin and mineral supplements, which his immune system is grateful for.

We love that this recipe targets Cockapoos who have sensitive skin and stomachs. With a high-fat content, this option ensures his coat stays healthy and shiny.

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We have continued our limited ingredient diet choice with Blue Buffalo’s Basics turkey and potato line. If your pup’s digestive system was regular and his stools improved with the puppy option, this is the obvious adult choice. This recipe has the lowest protein content on our list. But at 20%, many Cockapoos find this less rich option easier to digest. Turkey is the first ingredient, and turkey meal is also listed.

The fiber content is 6% which makes this a high fiber diet. This is great for dogs who regularly suffer from diarrhea or those who need filling up with low-calorie ingredients. Pumpkin is a key ingredient here. Gentle oatmeal and brown rice provide slow-release energy without being too heavy in fats or calories. This combo makes it a great option for more sedentary Cockapoos.

We love that this recipe is a top choice for Cockapoos who do better on a limited ingredient diet. A simple formula with gentle ingredients eases digestion.

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This is our best recommendation for energetic dogs looking for a performance formula. Using the optimized 30/20 ratio (protein to fat), the energy supplied here is high and focused. It provides everything that your Cockapoo adult needs while still maintaining a healthy and lean body. L-carnitine stimulates his metabolism, supporting his weight maintenance.

The first ingredient is beef meal. Pork meal, chicken meal, and Menhaden fish meal are also listed. Blood meal and dried seaweed meal are naturally rich in nutrients for his overall health. The Victor Pro blend of probiotics promotes friendly bacteria in his digestive system. This recipe is made with gluten-free grains, such as millet and sorghum. Many dogs find these easier on the digestive system compared to others.

We love that this recipe is a top pick for very energetic Cockapoos. It uses the optimum 30/20 ratio for sporting dogs. It has a high-calorie count per cup, fueling his day ahead.

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Best Dog Foods For Senior Cockapoos

Cockapoos need much less energy, fats, and proteins in their senior years. So, when the time comes, it’s important to make the switch. Here are our favorite options for senior Cockapoos.

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This is only one of two senior options that fully complete the set from puppyhood all the way up to his senior years. This senior pick has a high protein content of 30%. Deboned chicken, chicken meal, and turkey meal are the first three ingredients making this option rich in meaty taste. Egg products supply DHA and ARA needed for aging cognitive support.

It has a high fiber content of 7%, which keeps him feeling fuller between meals. Sweet potato, peas, dried chicory root, and pumpkin are natural sources of prebiotic fiber that keep him regular. These ingredients and coconut oil, blueberries, marine microalgae, and dried kelp are full of nutrients to keep his immunity strong. Dried fermented products are also listed.

We love that this senior recipe lists many nutrient-dense ingredients that help him to look and feel his best as he ages.

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Hill’s Science Diet is based on science, hence its name. After researching the needs of senior dogs aged seven years and above, scientists and canine nutritionists have created this recipe. You can be sure it meets all of his senior needs. Chicken is the first ingredient, and chicken meal follows shortly after, supplying much-need glucosamine for joint health.

This recipe is a grain-inclusive option that uses wholesome brown rice and whole grain oats. But it is free from corn, wheat, and soy for easier digestion. Peas, apples, cranberries, and carrots combine their antioxidants with a long list of vitamin and mineral supplements for strong immunity. And taurine is added to the recipe for strong heart health as he ages.

We love that this has the lowest protein content on this list. Making this an ideal pick for Cockapoos who find rich and meaty formulas too much to digest in their senior years

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This recipe differs from the previous Victor recommendation. This option targets seniors who need to manage their weight or lose a little. This recipe focuses on gut health and regular digestion. Selenium yeast, prebiotic fiber, probiotics, and l-carnitine work together to ensure that he can comfortably digest what he consumes. This is a gluten-free grain-based recipe.

The protein content is relatively high at 27%, with beef meal being the first ingredient. Menhaden fish meal and chicken meal are also listed, which all contribute towards the high glucosamine content for joint support. Nutrient-dense ingredients such as blood meal and seaweed meal, along with other vitamin and mineral supplements, keep him fighting fit in his old age.

We love that this weight management recipe is great for Cockapoos looking to lose a little bit of chunk in their senior life stage (or at least manage it).

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Merrick is known for its fantastic joint support, and this recipe is no different. This option has the highest glucosamine content by far, making this a top pick for all seniors. At 30%, the protein content is high, which is great for Cockapoos, who still demand a big, meaty taste. Or who are still relatively active in their older age. Deboned chicken and chicken are the first two ingredients, with turkey meal and salmon meal following shortly behind.

This recipe is rich in healthy omega fats needed for continued cognitive function and coat health. His immunity is strengthened thanks to vitamin and mineral supplements, as well as apples and blueberries. And to balance the rich formula, this recipe is fortified in probiotic ingredients to promote friendly gut bacteria.

We love that this premium recipe has market-leading levels of glucosamine, so this is the ideal option for Cockapoos with stiff joints or those who have led an active lifestyle.

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Final Thoughts

Cockapoos are much-loved designer dogs who deserve the very best. And this includes what you put in their bowl. The saying, ‘you are what you eat’ also applies to our four-legged besties, so it’s essential to feed your pooch the very best to help him lead a healthy and happy life. By choosing one of our recommendations above, you can be sure he receives the very best Cockapoo nutrition.

Why Trust Love Your Dog

Emma is a dog fanatic with over 20 years of experience and the proud mom of two rescue dogs, Bonkers and Chips. Before becoming a freelance writer specializing in canine content, she worked as a professional dog walker and sitter for many years. She has undergone various canine care courses and has looked after several breeds with different needs. Emma dedicates countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to keep her two best buddies and other doggy clients as happy and healthy as possible.