Vet-approved Aussiedoodle Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

Aussiedoodles might be playful and people-smart, but their nutrition needs demand more than just a good appetite.

If you’re a new Aussiedoodle parent, or simply researching how to give your dog the healthiest start, understanding what to feed your pup is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

This guide breaks down what matters most when it comes to feeding your Aussiedoodle. Backed by veterinary insight, it’s built to help you choose nutrition that supports their long-term health, from protecting joints to managing food sensitivities and skin flare-ups.

We've also created a handy downloadable puppy feeding schedule to help you build your routine and keep track of your puppy's nutritional needs as they grow.

Aussiedoodles are a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Poodle. They’re intelligent, energetic, and highly trainable. Most fall into the medium-to-large breed range and thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity.

Due to their mixed genetics, Aussiedoodles can inherit a range of breed-specific health risks, including joint problems, digestive issues, and skin problems. Nutrition plays a key role in helping manage and prevent these conditions.

It’s not just about choosing the right calories. Aussiedoodles benefit from diets that support lean muscle, joint health, and skin integrity, especially as they move through puppy, adult and senior stages.

A vet-informed diet also helps account for variation within the breed. Aussiedoodles can differ widely in metabolism, coat type and growth patterns, which means their ideal food isn’t one-size-fits-all. Personalised nutrition helps you stay ahead of preventable problems before they affect your dog’s wellbeing.

Related reading: The Vet’s Guide to Aussiedoodles: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Animal-based protein should always be the first ingredient in your Aussiedoodle’s food. Lamb, turkey, chicken or salmon are ideal sources that help maintain lean muscle in this energetic breed. Protein is especially important for growth, performance and daily recovery.

Look for moderate levels of fat from healthy sources like fish oil. These fats support your dog’s skin barrier, coat quality and joint health. Foods with added DHA also help support brain development in growing puppies.

Avoid fillers like corn, wheat or soy when possible. While not necessarily harmful in small amounts, they offer little nutritional value and can contribute to weight gain or sensitivities in dogs with more delicate digestion.

Aussiedoodles fall into the medium to large breed category, and they often have the drive and stamina of a working dog. That means they need nutrient-dense diets that support daily movement, mental stimulation and joint protection.

Puppies need controlled growth formulas with balanced calcium and phosphorus. This reduces the risk of joint stress or developmental issues as they grow. Adults need steady energy, protein to preserve muscle and antioxidants to protect cells from oxidative stress. Seniors benefit from lower-calorie formulas with support for joints, digestion and brain function.

Kibble size also matters. Choose diets designed for medium or large breeds to ensure the food is easy to chew, digest and portion correctly.

Dry food, or kibble, is one of the most practical choices for Aussiedoodles. It’s easy to store, simple to portion and helps reduce tartar buildup during chewing. For dogs prone to dental disease or fast eating, kibble made for larger breeds is especially useful.

Many dry diets also come fortified with added joint support and have fibre blends that help regulate digestion. This is particularly important for Aussiedoodles with sensitive stomachs or irregular stools.

Wet food offers strong flavour appeal and higher moisture content. It can be a great choice for picky eaters or older Aussiedoodles who need extra hydration. The softer texture is also easier to chew for dogs with missing teeth or reduced appetite.

Because wet food is less calorie-dense per gram than dry kibble, portions tend to look bigger, even if the calorie content is similar. Always check the feeding guide on the label to avoid overfeeding.

Mixed feeding, or simply combining dry and wet food can provide the best of both worlds. You get the dental and digestive benefits of kibble alongside the taste and texture variety of wet food. Just make sure the combined portions don’t exceed your dog’s daily energy needs.

No matter which format you choose, the food must be AAFCO-approved and life-stage appropriate. Whether you’re feeding a growing puppy or an ageing adult, complete and balanced nutrition is essential.

Nutrition plays a powerful role in preventing or managing many health concerns common to Aussiedoodles.

1. Food allergies and sensitivities

Aussiedoodles are often prone to food intolerances, especially to proteins like chicken or beef. This can show up as itching, digestive upset or chronic ear inflammation. Limited-ingredient or novel-protein diets, using options like salmon or duck, can help minimise flare-ups.

2. Ear infections

Their floppy, Poodle-like ears can trap moisture and become a breeding ground for yeast or bacteria. Diets that support skin integrity with omega-3s and avoid common allergens can help reduce recurrent ear issues tied to dietary inflammation.

3. Hip and elbow dysplasia

As a medium-to-large active breed, Aussiedoodles are at risk of developing joint problems, especially if they grow too quickly as puppies or carry excess weight. Diets fortified with glucosamine, chondroitin and EPA/DHA help protect cartilage and manage inflammation.

4. Bloat (gastric dilation)

Deep-chested Aussiedoodles can be vulnerable to bloat, a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and using slow-feeder bowls lowers the risk by preventing rapid gulping.

5. Obesity

Highly trainable and food-motivated, Aussiedoodles can easily gain weight if portions aren’t controlled. This puts strain on joints and can trigger metabolic issues. Weight-management formulas and precise portioning are essential.

Further reading: The Vet’s Guide to Aussiedoodle Health Issues and Management

Here are top vet-recommended choices available for Aussiedoodles, tailored by life stage and common breed sensitivities. Each option supports key areas like joint health, digestive comfort and skin resilience.

Royal Canin Medium Puppy Dry Dog Food

Formulated to control growth rates in medium breeds, this diet includes balanced calcium and phosphorus for skeletal health and antioxidants for immune defence — ideal for Aussiedoodle puppies prone to joint concerns.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed Chicken Meal & Oats

Targets proper bone development with precisely managed minerals, plus DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development. Great for preventing rapid growth that can strain developing joints.

Advance Adult Large Breed Chicken with Rice

Designed to maintain lean muscle and protect joint health with added green-lipped mussel. Includes a tailored fibre blend for optimal digestion — important for Aussiedoodles that can have sensitive stomachs.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Lamb Meal & Brown Rice

A gentle alternative for Aussiedoodles prone to protein sensitivities. Lamb supports strong muscles, while vitamin E and omega-6s keep their skin barrier healthy.

Royal Canin Medium Ageing 10+ Dry Dog Food

Though marketed for medium breeds, this formula is excellent for Aussiedoodles approaching their senior years. Includes nutrients that protect cartilage and support brain health, plus an adapted energy content to help prevent age-related weight gain.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Large & Giant Breed

Clinically shown to fight the effects of ageing on the brain, kidneys and joints, helping your Aussiedoodle stay active and sharp well into their later years.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete

Ideal for Aussiedoodles prone to allergies, itchy skin or recurrent ear infections. This single-protein formula with high omega-3 levels calms inflammation from within.

Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management

Excellent for Aussiedoodles who tend to gain weight. Promotes safe, steady fat loss while preserving lean muscle, and helps manage begging by improving satiety.

Feeding your Aussiedoodle the right amount is just as crucial as choosing the right formula. These are general guidelines to help you plan daily portions, based on high-quality dry food.

Feeding frequency:

• Puppies: 3 meals per day to support growth, digestion and stable energy.
• Adults: 2 meals per day to maintain steady energy and reduce bloat risk.
• Senior: 2 smaller meals per day to support digestion, joint comfort and appetite control.

If you’re combining wet and dry food, adjust quantities to maintain total daily calories. Your vet can help with customised feeding plans based on your dog’s health goals, metabolism and life stage.

Even with the best food choices, simple mistakes can affect your Aussiedoodle’s long-term health. Here’s what to watch for.

Overfeeding

Aussiedoodles are clever, often learning how to charm their owners into extra treats. But excess calories can quickly lead to weight gain, putting added pressure on their joints and raising the risk of diabetes or heart disease. Always measure meals precisely, and use vet-recommended feeding charts as your baseline.

Human foods to avoid

Certain foods are toxic to dogs, including grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions, garlic and anything containing xylitol (often found in sugar-free products). Even fatty scraps like bacon or sausages can trigger pancreatitis. Stick to approved treats and avoid sharing from your plate.

Switching foods too quickly

Aussiedoodles can have sensitive stomachs. Rapid changes in diet can cause vomiting, diarrhoea or refusal to eat. Introduce any new food over at least 7–10 days, gradually increasing the proportion of new food to old.

Watch for subtle signs

Keep an eye on coat quality, scratching or licking, and stool consistency. Soft stools, chronic paw licking, red ears or a dull coat can indicate that your Aussiedoodle’s diet needs adjusting. These early signs are easier to correct before they evolve into bigger health concerns.

How do I know if my Aussiedoodle’s food is actually working for them?

Healthy stools, a shiny coat, steady energy and minimal scratching all point to the right diet. Subtle issues like frequent paw licking, recurring ear problems or inconsistent poos may mean it’s time to re-evaluate.

Do Aussiedoodles need large-breed dog food formulas?

In many cases, yes. Standard Aussiedoodles fall into the medium-to-large size range, and large-breed formulas help control growth rates in puppies and protect joints in adults — reducing the likelihood of dysplasia.

Is it okay to rotate my Aussiedoodle’s food regularly?

Switching between high-quality, similar-profile foods can offer variety and may even help reduce the risk of developing intolerances. Just make sure transitions are gradual, especially if your dog has a history of sensitivities.

Should I feed my Aussiedoodle differently in summer vs. winter?

Potentially. Aussiedoodles may need fewer calories during hot months if they’re less active, or slightly more moisture-rich food to support hydration. Seasonal changes in weight and coat quality can also guide adjustments.

What’s the best way to transition my Aussiedoodle to a new food?

Slowly mix increasing amounts of the new food with the old over a period of 7–10 days. This gradual change reduces the chance of digestive upset, which Aussiedoodles are known to be prone to.

Feeding your Aussiedoodle isn’t just about satisfying their appetite — it’s about shaping their health, energy and quality of life from the inside out.

A diet tailored to their breed traits, growth needs and sensitivities helps prevent common issues like joint strain, skin flare-ups and weight gain. And by partnering with your vet, you can personalise their nutrition plan to keep them thriving at every life stage.

Because when it comes to Aussiedoodles, prevention truly starts in the bowl. Choosing food that does more than fill them up ensures your dog enjoys a long, healthy and active life by your side.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe

Vets Love Pets follows rigorous sourcing standards, drawing only from peer-reviewed veterinary studies, recognised university research, and trusted industry or government bodies. Every fact is checked against credible, evidence-based references to keep our content accurate, transparent, and veterinarian-approved.

• Tailwise. (2024). The Ultimate Guide to an Optimal Aussiedoodle Diet
• Mini Aussiedoodle Dog (2024). Aussiedoodle Feeding Chart
• Cornell University. Feeding Your Performance Dog