Vet-approved Cavoodle Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

Cavoodles, also known as Cavapoos, are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle. They’re affectionate, intelligent and typically fall into the small to medium breed category. Their coats are often low-shedding, and their personalities make them a favourite for families and first-time dog owners.

But their hybrid genetics can come with a mix of health risks from both parent breeds. This makes tailored nutrition essential.

Cavoodles are prone to health conditions like dental disease, patella luxation, and food-related skin issues. They also tend to love their food, which makes portion control critical.

The right diet supports lean muscle, stable energy, a healthy coat and strong joints. Just as importantly, it helps prevent the issues Cavoodles are most known for, especially as they grow and age.

Feeding your Cavoodle well means looking beyond basic labels to find food that supports their small size, energy levels and typical breed sensitivities.

Ingredients that matter

Always choose a food where a quality animal protein, such as turkey, lamb or fish, is the first ingredient. These provide essential amino acids to maintain lean muscle and immune health. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil help reduce inflammation and keep skin and coats in top condition.

Avoid foods heavy on fillers like corn, wheat or soy. While not inherently harmful, these add calories without much nutritional value, increasing the risk of unnecessary weight gain in small dogs like Cavoodles.

Breed size and energy level considerations

Cavoodles are generally small but energetic, so they need nutrient-dense formulas that support their high metabolism without overloading them with empty calories. Small-breed foods often feature appropriately sized kibble that’s easier to chew and helps clean teeth.

Puppies benefit from foods with higher calories and DHA for brain development. Adults do well on balanced maintenance diets that protect their joints and skin. Seniors typically need lower-calorie options with added joint and cognitive support.

Each feeding format brings its own benefits for Cavoodles, and the best choice often depends on your dog’s preferences, dental health, and your household routine.

Dry dog food (kibble)

Dry dog food is often the go-to for Cavoodles. It’s easy to store, budget-friendly over time, and most importantly, helps reduce plaque build-up on teeth, crucial for small breeds prone to dental disease. Many small-breed dry foods also feature smaller kibble designed for tiny mouths, making them easier to chew and digest.

Wet dog food (cans or trays)

Wet dog food is typically more palatable and has higher moisture content, making it a good option for picky eaters or older Cavoodles who may have dental issues. It can help with hydration, but without the abrasive action of kibble, it doesn’t support dental health in the same way.

Mixed feeding

A combined approach can offer the best of both worlds. Many Cavoodle owners use dry food to help with dental care and mix in wet food to increase flavour appeal and moisture intake. Just be sure to calculate total calories across both types to avoid overfeeding.

Whatever style you choose, always ensure the food is AAFCO-approved and formulated for your Cavoodle’s life stage: puppy, adult or senior.

Nutrition is one of the most effective tools for managing many of the health conditions Cavoodles are prone to.

1. Food allergies and sensitivities

Cavoodles often develop sensitivities to common proteins like chicken or beef, or to certain grains. This can show up as chronic itching, red skin, ear infections or digestive upset. Limited-ingredient diets or those based on novel proteins like salmon or duck can help reduce inflammatory responses.

2. Ear infections

Their floppy, low-airflow ears make Cavoodles more susceptible to infections, which can be triggered by underlying food sensitivities. Choosing diets that support skin and immune health with omega-3 fatty acids and that avoid common allergens may reduce the frequency of ear issues.

3. Patella luxation and joint support

Patella luxation (where the kneecap slips out of place) is common in smaller breeds, including Cavoodles. Foods rich in glucosamine, chondroitin and omega-3s help maintain cartilage and reduce inflammation around the joints.

4. Dental disease

Small breeds like Cavoodles have crowded teeth that trap food particles, making them prone to plaque and tartar build-up. Dry foods designed to support dental health can help mechanically clean teeth as they chew, reducing the risk of periodontal disease.

5. Obesity

Because Cavoodles are highly food-motivated, weight gain in your dog can become an issue. Obesity not only strains their joints but also increases the risk of diabetes and reduces overall lifespan. Controlled portions and weight-management formulas are essential.

Here are vet-recommended options for Cavoodles, chosen to match their small breed size, energy needs and common sensitivities.

Royal Canin Mini Puppy Dry Dog Food

Formulated specifically for small breed puppies up to 10 months old. Contains DHA for healthy brain development, antioxidants to build strong immunity, and a kibble size tailored for tiny mouths.

Advance Puppy Small Breed Chicken with Rice

Designed for small breed growth, with highly digestible ingredients, controlled calcium for proper skeletal development, and natural colostrum to support gut health.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Small Paws Chicken Meal & Rice

Tailored for small dogs under 11kg, this formula combines quality protein with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids to nourish skin and support a glossy coat. Ideal for maintaining energy and muscle in adult Cavoodles.

Royal Canin Mini Adult Dry Dog Food

Helps maintain ideal weight in small breeds with carefully balanced calories, and includes nutrients that reduce tartar formation, a must for dental-prone Cavoodles.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Paws Dry Dog Food

Formulated for small seniors, this diet supports brain function, mobility and energy levels, helping older Cavoodles stay active and alert.

Royal Canin Mini Ageing 12+ Dry Dog Food

Excellent for senior Cavoodles with reduced appetite or dental wear. Softened kibble is easier to chew, and enriched omega-3s help keep joints comfortable.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete

Ideal for Cavoodles with skin allergies or chronic ear issues. This diet uses a single animal protein and high levels of omega-3 & 6 fatty acids to calm skin inflammation.

Royal Canin Dental Small Dog Dry Food

For Cavoodles prone to dental disease. Specially textured kibble scrubs teeth as your dog chews, reducing plaque and tartar build-up while also supporting digestive health.

Cavoodles generally weigh between 5–12 kg, but ideal feeding amounts depend on age, activity level and metabolism. Use this table as a starting guide and adjust with your vet’s help based on your dog’s body condition.

Feeding frequency:

• Puppies: 3 meals per day to support healthy growth, digestion and brain development.
• Adults: 2 meals per day to maintain steady energy and prevent hunger-related behaviour.
• Seniors: 2 smaller meals per day to support digestion, joint comfort and energy balance.

If you’re feeding a mix of wet and dry food, adjust the portions to ensure total daily calories stay in range. Always measure food precisely using cups or a kitchen scale, not estimates.

Free feeding is not recommended for Cavoodles. They’re naturally food-driven, and gradual weight gain can sneak up without clear portion control.

Even with quality food, a few small missteps can undermine your Cavoodle’s health. Staying mindful of these issues helps you protect them from preventable problems.

Cavoodles are small but often have big appetites. Extra treats or overfilled bowls can quickly lead to weight gain, which puts strain on their joints and raises the risk of conditions like diabetes. Always use a measuring cup or kitchen scale rather than estimating by sight.

A sudden change in diet can easily upset a Cavoodle’s stomach, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea or refusal to eat. Transition to new foods over at least 7–10 days, slowly mixing more of the new with the old each day.

Keep an eye on skin health, stool consistency, ear condition and coat shine. Repeated paw licking, soft stools, frequent ear infections or a dull coat may signal that your Cavoodle’s food isn’t meeting their needs. These are best addressed early, before they progress into more serious health concerns.

Certain foods can be dangerous or even toxic to Cavoodles. Keep chocolate, grapes, onions, garlic, raisins, macadamias and anything containing xylitol (common in sugar-free products) far away from your dog. Even fatty scraps from the table can trigger pancreatitis, so it’s best to stick to vet-approved treats.

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

Look for a shiny coat, stable energy levels, well-formed stools and minimal scratching. Recurrent ear infections, frequent licking or inconsistent stools may be clues that their diet needs adjusting.

Do Cavoodles need small breed dog food formulas?

Yes. Cavoodles typically fall into the small-to-medium category, and small breed formulas are tailored for higher metabolic rates, smaller kibble sizes and common dental needs, all ideal for Cavoodles.

Is it okay to rotate my Cavoodle’s food?

Rotating between similar high-quality diets can provide variety and may reduce the risk of developing food intolerances. Just introduce any new food gradually to protect their digestion, and check with your vet if your dog has a history of sensitivities.

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

Possibly. Hot weather might mean less activity and slightly fewer calories needed. You might also opt for more moisture-rich food in warmer months to help with hydration.

What’s the safest way to transition my Cavoodle to a new food?

Do it slowly over 7–10 days. Begin by mixing a small portion of the new food with their old, then gradually increase the ratio each day. This helps avoid digestive upset, which Cavoodles are particularly prone to.

Feeding your Cavoodle properly goes far beyond filling their bowl, it’s one of the most effective ways to protect their health and happiness for years to come.

A diet tailored to their breed-specific needs helps guard against dental disease, supports healthy joints, calms sensitive skin and keeps them at an ideal weight. With guidance from your vet, you can fine-tune their nutrition to match their age, lifestyle and any emerging health concerns.

Prevention always costs less than treatment. When it comes to your Cavoodle’s health, it truly starts with what you choose to feed them every day.

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.

• Animal Answers. Cavoodle Diet: What & How Much Do Cavapoos Eat?
• Choice Paws. Cavapoo Nutrition Guide: Best Foods & Feeding Tips
• Dogs‑Central. Cavapoo Nutrition: Feeding from Puppy to Adult and Beyond