Canine Bible is reader-supported. We receive affiliate commissions via some of our links. Learn more.
Is navigating the dog food market for your Cavapoo feeling like an epic quest?
The Cavapoo, a mix-breed of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Poodle, finding the perfect food for this breed can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.
We’ve put together a guide with expert advice and hands-on experience to bring you a curated list of the best dog food for Cavapoos that considers every aspect of your Cavapoo’s dietary needs. Our reviews will help simplify the search for you. Let’s dive right in!
Providing your Cavapoo with the appropriate food from weaning to maturity is crucial for their overall health and happiness. Before we recommend the top dog food options for your Cavapoo, it’s important to understand how food affects their well-being.
As a small to medium breed, Cavapoo has distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The ideal food for your Cavapoo should be of high quality and tailored to their unique dietary requirements, taking into account factors such as:
Age
Activity level
Health
Weight (size)
Food & Cavapoo Age
Cavapoos have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. A diet that meets these life-stage needs is essential for proper development and health maintenance.
Cavapoopuppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and a high protein count of at least 22% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality food formulated explicitly for Cavapoo puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial developmental stage.
Adult Cavapoos. Require a diet that is moderate in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. You must slowly transition your dog to an adult recipe at one year old. Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-26%, depending on the specific needs and dog activity level.
Senior Cavapoos. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. At around 8 or 9, you should slowly transition your Cavapoo to senior food. Senior formulas concentrate on the unique needs of a dog’s aging body. Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants are important to boost their weakening immune system.
Food & Cavapoo Activity Level
Cavapoos are known for their high energy levels and require regular physical and mental stimulation. The energy they get from their food fuels their activities. However, it’s important to provide the right amount of calories. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, which can decrease activity levels and cause various health issues. Conversely, a diet lacking in essential nutrients or low in calories can leave a Cavapoo feeling lethargic, leading to decreased physical activity and overall fitness. This can also result in nutritional deficiencies that can have long-term health consequences.
Food & Cavapoo Health
Generally, Cavapoos are healthy dogs, but like any breed, they are susceptible to several health concerns. Although certain health issues that Cavapoos may experience are congenital and beyond our control, others can be influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet.
Some of the most common health issues faced by Cavapoos include the following:
Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Cavapoos. Food allergies in Cavapoos may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Luxating patella. Also known as slipping kneecaps, this condition occurs when the kneecap jumps out of place sideways. It can cause pain and lameness.
Hip dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, which can lead to arthritis or lameness. Regular, moderate exercise and a balanced diet can help manage this condition.
Mitral valve disease. This is a common heart issue in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, one of the Cavapoo’s parent breeds. It causes a heart valve to malfunction, leading to various symptoms, from coughing to fatigue.
Cataracts. This condition causes cloudiness in the lens of the eye, which can lead to blurred vision or even blindness.
Ear infections. Cavapoos, with their floppy ears, are prone to ear infections.
Syringomyelia. This condition occurs when fluid-filled cavities develop in the dog’s spinal cord in the area close to the brain.
Epilepsy. This condition causes spontaneous seizure activity.
Cavapoo-Specific Dog Food Qualities To Look For
To help maintain their health and prevent some health problems that may arise from poor nutrition, it’s essential to provide Cavapoos with a well-balanced and nutritious diet and preventative supplementation when your veterinarian advises.
Here are the key qualities to look for in dog food for Cavapoos.
Avoid common allergies. Because Cavapoos can develop allergies or food intolerances, we highly recommend conducting an at-home dog allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to 255 ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens.
Probiotics. Cavapoos can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Probiotics also help to reduce your Cavapoo’s inflammatory responses to allergens and immunological attacks.
Digestibility. Cavapoos can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Cavapoos. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
Joint support. To combat hip dysplasia and luxating patella, look for foods rich in chondroitin and glucosamine to support joint health and reduce inflammation.
Heart health. To aid mitral valve disease, a diet low in sodium and high in taurine and L-carnitine can be beneficial, as these nutrients support heart function.
Eye health. Look for foods rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein, and vitamins A, C, and E to help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts.
Nervous system support. For conditions like syringomyelia and epilepsy, diets rich in B vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids can support brain and nervous system health.
Hypoallergenic: Given their susceptibility to allergies, a hypoallergenic diet free from common allergens like soy, wheat, and dairy could be beneficial.
Other General Tips To Pick The Best Food For Cavapoos
Other factors to consider when picking food for this breed.
AAFCO approved
High-quality protein as the first ingredient
Avoid meat meals or meat-byproducts
Made in the USA
Avoid food that contains fillers, by-products, or artificial additives
Your dog’s preferences
It’s important to note that each Cavapoo has unique dietary needs. Seek guidance from a veterinarian who can help you choose the most suitable food that fulfills your Cavapoo’s nutritional requirements.
Here are Canine Bible’s top picks for the best dog food for Cavapoos.
Our research team chose all dog foods listed below based on AAFCO’s nutrient guidelines, Cavapoo’s exclusive nutrition needs, customer reviews, price, and more. This Cavapoo food list also includes food for specific needs such as weight loss, allergies, and more.
Flavors: Beef, turkey & chicken┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, turkey & chicken •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Fresh •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Open Farm fresh recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Cavapoos. This Brand stands out because they use fresh human-grade ingredients. Think of fresh recipes as balanced home-cooked meals formulated by veterinarian nutritionists. Feeding your dog Open Farm offers many research-backed health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. It’s also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Unlike traditional kibble, Open Farm’s fresh food is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Cavapoo receives the healthiest, most nutritious, and most flavorful meal with every serving.
Key Features
Vet-designed. Recipes are made by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Human-grade. Cooked in human-grade kitchens with human-grade ingredients.
Excellent ingredient sourcing. Sourced ingredients from reputable suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Zero chemicals
Pre-portioned pouches for easy serving
Never uses feed-grade ingredients
Doesn’t process ingredients to be shelf-stable
Enhanced with proprietary nutrient blends
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
Our Video Review
Our readers have access to 20% Off on their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE. Just use this link to get started!
Sundays‘ dog formula is our top pick for the best all-around dry dog food for Cavapoos. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Sundays is minimally processed. Sundays’ recipes are air-dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Sundays is a superfood-powered kibble with functional ingredients that support and boost gut, skin and coat, immunity, heart, weight management and more.
Key Features
100% human-grade. Made with USDA meat proteins, vegetables, and fruits.
Nutritionist formulated. Designed by veterinarians and backed by science to provide balanced nutrition
Digestive health. It contains naturally occurring pre- and probiotics to help to regulate the dog microbiome
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Exceeds industry standards
No artificial flavors or preservatives
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Flavors: Blend of chicken, pork & salmon┊ Life stage: Puppies ┊ Food type: Fresh Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Blend of chicken, port & salmon •Life stage: Puppies •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Fresh •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Cavapoos. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Cavapoo puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula is designed specifically for Cavapoo puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish ┊ Life stage: Adult ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Natural ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Beef, chicken, lamb & fish •Life stage: Adult •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is great if you are looking for the most affordable dog food for Cavapoos. For a slightly lower price than other brands, this dry food is formulated to provide your Cavapoo pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with real meat, brown rice, and sweet potatoes, which are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits are a precise blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support your dog’s immune system and overall health. It is made with real meat as the first ingredient, rare in most affordable dog food brands.
Key Features
Omegas. This dog food is also packed with omega-6 and -3 fatty acids to promote healthy skin and a radiant coat.
Muscle support. L-Carnitine to help burn fat while preserving lean muscles
Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
No chicken (or poultry) by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Cons
It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
The inclusion of brown rice and sweet potatoes may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
•Flavors: Chicken, turkey & fish •Life stage: Senior •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Fresh •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Cavapoo is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Cavapoo healthy during his older years, Orijen Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Cavapoo to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.
Key Features
Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Raw Ingredients: Raw┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, lamb & beef •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Raw •Ingredients: Natural •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and out of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Cavapoos, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Cavapoo a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Raw dog food benefits a shinier coat, healthier skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, and smaller stool. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Never cooked
Non-GMO vegetables, fruits, and wholesome ingredients
All ingredients are frozen in their prime to maintain the highest level of nutrients
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw.
Best Food For Cavapoos With Sensitive Stomach — Hill’s
If you are looking for the best food for Cavapoos with sensitive stomachs, Hill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is a top choice. This kibble is formulated to protect sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice, and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Cavapoo.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs, and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs.
15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a premium choice like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Cavapoos With Allergies — Royal Canin
Flavors: Natural ┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Dry Ingredients: Hypoallergenic ┊ Manufactured: USA┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Natural •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Hypoallergenic •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Whether your Cavapoo suffers from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance to certain ingredients, Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Cavapoo. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies, and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a unique blend of fibers and prebiotics.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
It helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Best dog food for Cavapoos with skin allergies
Best dog food for itchy skin Cavapoos
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can help also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
•Flavors: Beef, chicken & turkey, salmon, lamb, venison & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Dry •Ingredients: Premium •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Does your Cavapoo dog suffer from grain allergies or intolerances? If so, Open Farm’s grain-free dry dog food is your best bet. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Cavapoo nutritional needs. Open Farm grain-free recipes are specifically designed for dogs with grain sensitivities.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in their bag of Open Farm pet food
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies
Ethically sourced protein. Only uses ethically sourced and humanely raised meats
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
No rendered poultry or meat meals
Meats from audited higher welfare farms
High in protein
Local carbon footprint per bag
Cons
It can be more expensive than other brands on the market
Flavors: Chicken, lamb, beef, & more┊ Life stage: All ages ┊ Food type: Wet Ingredients: Human-grade ┊ Manufactured: USA ┊ Nutrition: AAFCO
Overview
•Flavors: Chicken, lamb, beef, & more •Life stage: All ages •Food type: Wet •Ingredients: Human-grade •Manufactured: USA •Nutrition: AAFCO
Why We Picked & Recommended It
Are you looking for the best-wet food for Cavapoos? The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew is our favorite choice. Cavapoo is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, The Honest Kitchen One Pot Stew uses only ingredient fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make One Pot Stews preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What Sets It Apart From Competitors
The Honest Kitchen’s wet dog food is made with the same human quality and safety standards as people’s food. They adhere to over 100 safety standards and only use verified human-edible ingredients.
Key Features
Vet and chef-formulated. A team of veterinarians and a chef formulates every recipe.
Whole grain and grain-free options. Perfect for dogs who like or can’t tolerate grains.
Travel friendly. Two-year unopened shelf life and transportable tetra pak packaging make it easy to store and travel.
What We Like & Don’tLike
Pros
USDA certified meats
A variety pack for picky eaters
Money back guarantee
Lots of protein options
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Food For Cavapoos
Best dehydrated dog food for Cavapoos.The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Cavapoos to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated food can be easier for dogs to eat than traditional kibble.
Best food topper for Cavapoos.Portland Pet Food Company offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diets food for Cavapoos.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Cavapoo has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Best dog food for Cavapoos to lose weight.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is great if your Cavapoo needs to lose weight.
The caloric needs of dogs are based on their weight. An adult Cavapoo usually weighs between 9 and 25 pounds, meaning most Cavapoos need between 322 and 692 calories daily. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.
How to Switch Cavapoo Dog Food
If you decide to switch your Cavapoo’s dog food to a new dog formula, it’s advised to adhere to the following recommendations by vets:
Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4: 100% new food
Pro tip: Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Only increase the weekly food percentage if your Cavapoo seems to be doing well during each transition. Monitor closely, and if you notice any adverse reaction to his new food, stop feeding it to your dog.
Health Dietary Changes In Cavapoos
If your Cavapoo is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.
Condition
Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes
Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs
Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis
Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and Scaling
Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and Crustiness
Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels
Best Dog Food For Cavapoos — Conclusion
The nutritional requirements of Cavapoos may vary depending on their age, size, and activity level. Therefore, finding the best dog food for your Cavapoo requires careful consideration of their specific needs. Consulting with a veterinarian and selecting a diet tailored to their unique circumstances is key to promoting optimal health and well-being.
Like It? Subscribe & Share!
Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Canine Bible authorship represents the unified voice of our entire editorial team and our in-house veterinarians rather than a single author. Each article, blog post, and review published under the Canine Bible name undergoes a rigorous review process, involving all team members to guarantee accuracy and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. This collaborative effort is an integral part of our editorial process and aligns with our four pillars of content creation. This approach ensures our content is backed by expert knowledge and factual information, offering our readers reliable, actionable, and trustworthy content.