Vet-approved Groodle Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

Groodles are playful, intelligent and full of charm, but their nutritional needs go well beyond the basics.

If you’re welcoming a Groodle into your home, or simply researching how to keep your dog healthy for the long haul, understanding what goes into their bowl is one of the most powerful choices you can make.

This guide breaks down exactly how to feed your Groodle, with vet-backed advice on choosing the right food for their unique size, energy and health needs. From preventing joint issues to managing sensitive skin, it’s all here to help you give your Groodle the best possible care.

Groodles, also called Goldendoodles, are a cross between the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. They’re smart, sociable and often fall into the medium to large breed category. Their affectionate nature and low-shedding coats have made them one of Australia’s most popular designer breeds.

But their hybrid genetics also come with a unique set of needs. Groodles are known for their high energy and trainability, but they can also be prone to joint issues, skin sensitivities and bloat. Their deep chests and floppy ears only add to the list of things to keep an eye on.

Nutrition is a powerful tool in managing these risks. It helps maintain lean muscle, supports healthy skin, protects joints and promotes steady digestion. With the right feeding plan, many common issues can be reduced or prevented altogether.

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

Finding the right food isn’t just about flavour. It’s about choosing a formula that matches your Groodle’s breed size, energy output and any known sensitivities.

Ingredients that matter

Animal-based protein should always top the ingredient list. Look for lamb, turkey, fish or specially formulated novel proteins. These build lean muscle and support immune health. Healthy fats, particularly omega-3s from fish oil, help reduce skin inflammation and support joint function, which is critical for Groodles prone to dysplasia.

Avoid foods bulked out with low-value fillers like corn, wheat or soy. While not always harmful, they don’t offer much nutritional benefit and can contribute to excess calories.

Breed size and energy level considerations

Groodles are typically medium-to-large, with boundless energy, especially in their younger years. They do best on nutrient-dense formulas designed for large breeds, which help regulate growth in puppies and support joint cartilage in adults.

Choosing between wet, dry or a combination feeding plan comes down to your Groodle’s preferences, health status and your own household routine. Each type offers distinct benefits.

Dry food (kibble)

Dry dog food is convenient, easy to store and generally more cost-effective over time. It also supports dental health, helping to mechanically reduce plaque build-up, an important benefit for breeds like Groodles that can be prone to tartar accumulation. Look for large-breed formulas with tailored kibble sizes, which encourage proper chewing and slow down rapid eating.

Wet food (cans or trays)

Wet dog food is higher in moisture, making it a good choice for hydration, older Groodles with dental issues, or dogs who simply prefer the texture. It’s typically more palatable, which can be useful for picky eaters. However, it doesn’t provide the same abrasive effect for teeth and is usually more expensive by volume.

Mixed feeding

Combining wet and dry can give you the advantages of both. Many owners use wet food to boost flavour appeal and dry food for dental support. If you go this route, be careful with total daily calorie intake to avoid unintentional overfeeding.

Whichever style you choose, always ensure the product is AAFCO-approved and matches your Groodle’s life stage: puppy, adult or senior. This guarantees complete and balanced 

The right food does more than fill your Groodle’s belly — it actively protects them from common breed-related health problems. Here’s how nutrition plays a part.

1. Food allergies and sensitivities

Many Groodles inherit a tendency toward food intolerances, reacting to common proteins like chicken or beef. This can lead to itchy skin, hot spots, upset stomach or frequent licking of paws. Limited-ingredient or novel-protein diets (like salmon or duck) can help calm these inflammatory responses.

2. Chronic ear infections

Groodles’ floppy ears trap moisture, and if combined with low-grade food sensitivities, this can fuel recurring infections. Diets that avoid common allergens or that include anti-inflammatory omega-3s may reduce the frequency and severity of these problems.

3. Hip and elbow dysplasia

As medium-to-large dogs, Groodles are prone to joint issues — especially if they grow too quickly or become overweight. Diets rich in EPA and DHA (omega-3s), plus glucosamine and chondroitin, help support cartilage and reduce inflammation around the joints.

4. Bloat (gastric dilation)

Their deep chests make Groodles more vulnerable to bloat, a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals and using slow-feeder bowls can help reduce rapid eating, lowering the risk.

5. Obesity

Groodles are enthusiastic eaters, but carrying extra weight puts strain on their joints and raises the risk of diabetes or heart problems. Controlled portions, plus weight-management formulas if needed, keep them at an ideal condition.

All recommendations below are selected for their breed-appropriate nutrient profiles, tailored to support Groodles from puppyhood through to their senior years — and for common sensitivities seen in this crossbreed.

Royal Canin Maxi Puppy Dry Dog Food

Formulated to support controlled growth in medium-to-large breed puppies, with balanced calcium and phosphorus to protect developing joints. Also enriched with antioxidants for immune health and highly digestible proteins for sensitive tummies.

Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Large Breed 

Designed specifically to manage growth rate in large-breed puppies, reducing the risk of skeletal problems like hip dysplasia. Includes DHA from fish oil for brain and eye development.

Advance Adult Large Breed Chicken with Rice

Contains green-lipped mussel to support joint health and carefully controlled mineral levels to protect urinary health. Ideal for active adult Groodles who need sustained energy without excess calories.

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

A great option for Groodles with mild skin sensitivities. Lamb provides an alternative protein source, and added vitamin E plus omega-6 fatty acids promote a healthy skin barrier.

Royal Canin Maxi Ageing 8+ Dry Dog Food

Tailored for dogs over 8 years old. Supports joint health with EPA, DHA and glucosamine while maintaining muscle mass with quality protein. Also includes nutrients for cognitive health as your Groodle ages.

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

A specialised formula to help combat the effects of ageing on the brain, joints and energy levels, with clinically proven antioxidants.

Hill’s Prescription Diet Derm Complete

Excellent for Groodles prone to allergies, hot spots or chronic ear infections. This diet supports skin health from within, using a single animal protein and essential fatty acids to calm inflammation.

Royal Canin Satiety Weight Management

Ideal if your Groodle is carrying extra weight. This formula helps reduce hunger between meals and protects joints by supporting gradual, healthy weight loss.

Feeding amounts depend on your Groodle’s weight, age and activity level. Use this as a starting point, then adjust with your vet’s guidance based on body condition.

Feeding frequency:

• Puppies: 3 meals per day to support steady growth, digestion and brain development.
• Adults: 2 meals per day to maintain energy and help reduce the risk of bloat.
• Seniors: 2 smaller meals per day to support digestion, joint comfort and overall weight balance.

These amounts are based on high-quality dry food. If you’re mixing wet and dry, adjust the portions to ensure your Groodle stays within the right calorie range.

Free feeding is not recommended. Groodles are known to be enthusiastic eaters, and unmeasured meals can quickly lead to weight gain. Always use a measuring cup or kitchen scale for accuracy.

Even with the best intentions, a few simple missteps can affect your Groodle’s health. Keeping an eye out for these common issues helps you stay ahead of preventable problems.

Overfeeding medium-to-large breeds

Groodles are enthusiastic eaters and quick to learn how to beg. Without careful portioning, it’s easy to give in — leading to gradual weight gain that strains their joints and increases the risk of conditions like diabetes or arthritis. Always use a measuring cup or scale for accuracy, rather than guessing by eye.

Human foods to avoid

Some foods are downright dangerous. Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamias and xylitol (found in sugar-free products) are toxic to dogs. Even fatty scraps like sausages or bacon can trigger pancreatitis. Keep treats dog-safe and occasional.

Switching foods too quickly

Changing diets abruptly can upset your Groodle’s stomach, causing vomiting or diarrhoea. Transition over at least 7–10 days by slowly mixing the new food with the old, increasing the ratio of new food each day.

Early signs something isn’t right

Watch for inconsistent stools, chronic scratching or licking, redness around the ears or paws, or a dull coat. These often indicate food sensitivities, early dental issues or that their current diet may not be the right fit.

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

Healthy stools, steady energy, a shiny coat and minimal scratching are all great signs. Watch for subtle problems like frequent ear infections or licking paws, which can signal food sensitivities.

Do Groodles need large-breed dog food formulas?

Most do. Standard Groodles typically fall into the medium-to-large category. Large-breed formulas help manage growth in puppies and protect joints in adults, reducing the risk of dysplasia.

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

Rotating between high-quality, similar-profile diets can add variety and may reduce the risk of developing intolerances. Just make sure to transition gradually and check with your vet if your Groodle has a sensitive stomach.

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

Possibly. Hot weather often means less activity, so slightly fewer calories might be needed. You can also add moisture-rich foods during summer to help maintain hydration.

What’s the best way to switch my Groodle to a new food?

Go slowly. Introduce the new food over 7–10 days, increasing the proportion each day. This helps prevent digestive upset, which Groodles with sensitive stomachs are especially prone to.

Feeding your Groodle properly isn’t just about preventing health issues. It’s about giving them the very best chance at a long, vibrant life.

A diet chosen with their breed-specific needs in mind supports everything from joint resilience to skin health and digestive comfort. Combined with the guidance of your vet, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’re protecting your dog’s wellbeing — and often avoiding more serious problems down the track.

When it comes to Groodles, prevention truly starts in the bowl. And that means choosing nutrition that’s built for their needs, every single 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. Groodle Diet: What & How Much Do They Eat?
• Gemstone Groodles. What to Feed a Groodle: Diet & Feeding Chart
• Canine Journal. Goldendoodle Feeding Chart by Age & Weight