Goldendoodle Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes, Nutrition & Tips

This is the ultimate guide to cooking homemade dog food for your Goldendoodles.

Homemade diets for dogs can be tricky to navigate, especially when it comes to getting the right amount of nutrients, vitamins, and other factors that play into making a balanced diet for your pet.

We cover every aspect of cooking for your Goldendoodle, including recipes, tips, and vital guidelines to make delicious home-cooked meals for your Groodles.

Chapter 1: Nutrition, Benefits & Risks

Ch 2 

Goldendoodles Homemade Dog Food Benefits

Are there any health and nutritional benefits that make home cooking from your Goldendoodle appealing?

Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, say some of the benefits you can expect when you start feeding your dog homemade dog food include:

Additionally, a homemade dog diet is generally the healthiest alternative for Goldendoodles. It’s free of additives or preservatives, unlike regular kibble. It promotes healthier digestion and can prevent many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, and coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity.

Food And Goldendoodles Health: Why Feed Homemade?

Allergies are a common ailment in dogs, and the Goldendoodle is no exception. In many cases, the cause of food allergies in dogs is animal protein such as chicken or beef, chemical additives, and preservatives. However, some dogs also develop allergies to other sources like corn, grains, fat, eggs, and milk.

Dr. Sara Ochoa, D.V.M. states that a large portion of Goldendoodles have sensitive stomachs, and feeding them higher-quality ingredients is vital to avoid digestive issues. But why is this? Because the Goldendoodle is a hybrid breed (a cross between Golden Retrievers and Poodle), we’ll have to examine its parents to determine what food-related issues this mixed breed may be prone to.

According to a study published in “Veterinary Dermatology,” researchers found that Golden Retrievers Atopic dermatitis, a heritable condition, is more common in Golden Retrievers than in other breeds. This allergic skin disease is primarily due to environmental allergens, but food intolerances can also cause skin allergies and gastrointestinal disorders in Golden Retrievers. On the other hand, Poodles are susceptible on many levels, especially in the food department. They are known to develop skin allergies from food. According to several testimonials in this poodle forum, this breed is prone to skin allergies due to improper nutrition. A poodle that develops an allergic reaction to food may suffer from dry, itchy, and irritated skin, including a rare inflammatory skin disease (sebaceous adenitis), which is more prominent in poodles.

Because the parents of Goldenpoodles are breeds susceptible to food-related allergy issues, you need to be mindful of creating a healthy diet that sustains the high energy of Goldendoodles and keeps allergens at bay.

How Can A Homemade Diet Stop All Of This In Goldendoodles?

Goldendoodle Homemade Dog Food Risks

Making homemade dog food may sound as easy as making a home-cooked meal for you and your family, but that’s not always the case.

Here are some of the risks:

Research by the University of California Davis, School of Veterinary and two studies published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine and The Journal of Nutritional Science found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients, and other recipes used dangerously high levels of some nutrients.^[5][6][7]

Here are the findings:

Goldendoodles Nutritional Guidelines To Follow

When cooking for your Groodle (aks Goldendoodle), you need to consider your dog’s health conditions, activity level, size, and weight. Just as you would with any dog.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AFFCO), (the entity regulating dog food nutritional value in commercial dog food) recommends that all dog meals need to include these 6 essential nutrients.

Nutrient	Food	Description
Protein	Chicken, lamb, turkey, beef, fish, yogurt and cooked eggs	Builds and repairs muscles and other body tissues. Needed to make new skin cells, grow hair, hormones, enzymes and more.
Carbohydrates	Oats, brown rice, potatoes, and whole wheat	Source of energy for dogs and supplies glucose needed by the brain, nervous system and other critical organs for normal function.
Fat	From meats and oils such as olive or sunflower oil, fish oil, canola oils among others	Responsible for providing quality energy. Necessary for the normal development and function of body cells, nerves, muscles, and body tissues
Minerals	Calcium, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, zinc, etc.	Common functions include the formation of bone and cartilage, nerve and muscle function, fluid balance regulation, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream and hormone production.
Water	Water	Hydration is critical in dogs. A dog that loses too much water (10% to 15% of the water in his body) can get very sick and even die. Ensure they have water available throughout the day.
Vitamins	A, B, C, D, E, and K	Keeps skin and coat healthy, strengthens bones and teeth, and gives them the overall energy that they need to function.

It’s common for homemade dog meals to lack one or more of these essential nutrients. To remedy this, you can supplement your dog’s meals with a multivitamin supplement like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews.

Never improvise when cooking for your pet. To help you cook for your Goldendoodle at home, check out Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D. He’s an expert in veterinary medicine, and tons of pet nutritionists look to this book as a guide for homemade dog food.

Healthy Dietary Changes In Goldendoodles

Is your Goldendoodle struggling with any of the following health conditions below due to a bad food reaction or other reasons? The following dietary changes and adjustments may help bring relief and aid with recovery.

A homemade diet supplemented with the following nutritional tips might help control these conditions.

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 or 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 a food that has added zinc
Dandruff and Crustiness	Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels

Due to hereditary traits, Goldendoodles tend to have sensitive tummies, and food allergies are somewhat common in this breed. To minimize and prevent such digestive problems, adding a couple of squirts of dog-specific fish oil to his food may provide relief and nourishment to affected areas.

Goldendoodles Calorie Requirements

The calorie requirements of an adult Goldendoodle will vary depending on its weight. A full-grown Goldendoodle can weigh between 50-90 pounds. So, most Goldendoodles need to eat between 1160 and 1800 calories a day based on their weight.

If you are giving treats, follow the 10% rule where food equals 90% of the total calories and treats 10%.

You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight.

For pregnant Goldendoodles, make sure to speak with your vet about proper diet care. Pregnant dogs can need up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they would normally have as the mother’s energy and nutrient requirements increase after delivery and during lactation.

Homemade Dog Food For Goldendoodles Puppies

Goldendoodle puppies have different dietary needs than adult Goldendoodles.

If you bring home an 9 weeks old Goldendoodle puppy weighing 16 lbs, you will want to feed them about 497 calories a day, divided into 3 days compared to just two for adults. You would have to cook 3 homemade meals for your Goldendoodle puppy of 165 calories each.

To encourage proper growth and development, never skip a meal and make sure your puppy’s diet consists of a proper balance of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins, as outlined in our nutritional guidelines earlier. Always get your vet’s advice about your puppy’s diet requirements.

Homemade Dog Food Delivery Service

Their food is developed by a veterinary nutritionist and follows the AAFCO nutritional guidelines. They do all the cooking for you, so you never have to worry about using the wrong ingredients, proper nutrition guidelines, portion sizes, and more.

In our experience, it’s a huge time-saver, and you can spend time on more important things like walks or training. Plus, you avoid all the hassle of planning, shopping, and cooking. We think it’s worth the cost after you add up the prices of all the ingredients you’ll need to cook a recipe.

Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Nom Nom order just use this link to get your Goldendoodle’s first homemade meal delivered.

Check out Canine Bible’s Maltipoo eating Nom Nom homemade dog food. She loves it and recommends it.

Chapter 2: Recipes, Cooking Tips & More

Ch 1

Goldendoodles Homemade Dog Tips

Before sharing our favorite Goldendoodle homemade food recipes, keep these recommendations in mind when preparing your dog’s next meal.

Cooking Homemade Dog Food For Goldendoodles

If you’ve never made food for your canine companion, watch this family cook a tasty homemade meal for their Goldendoodle.

Best Goldendoodle Homemade Dog Food Recipes

Browse our favorite recipes for a Goldendoodle that will make your pup begging for more.

Note: Please consult your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portions will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and dog’s health. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain.

CBD-Infused Dog Treats

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
2. Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the gluten-free flour, oats, and coconut sugar. In another medium-sized bowl, beat the egg. Then, add coconut oil, water, and grated apples and carrots.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
5. Using a Tbsp measuring spoon, portion the dog biscuits and press them into the dog treat baking pan. Bake for 32-37 minutes or until the biscuits are firm and golden-brown on the outside.
6. Store in an air-tight container.

Recipe from: Truth Theory

Fiber Filled For Fido

Beware: Too much fiber in your dog’s diet will cause her to poop way too much.

Ingredients

Directions

1. Boil turkey and chicken in 3 cups of water over medium heat for 20 minutes
2. Remove the meat from the water and set it aside
3. Add rice, lentils, and sweet potato to the water and return to a boil – Cook for 15 minutes.
4. Add remaining ingredients and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
5. Mix in the cooked meat and serve warm
6. Freeze unused portions and feed as directed by your vet

Source: WithaSplashofColor

DIY Homemade Dog Food

Ingredients

Directions

1. In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, about 3-5 minutes, making sure to crumble the turkey as it cooks.
3. Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas, and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated for about 3-5 minutes.
4. Let cool completely.

Source: DamnDelicious

Turkey & Vegetable Dinner

Ingredients

Directions

1. Cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked.
2. Add the brown rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is soft and tender
4. Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender
5. Allow cooling before serving
6. Store extra dinners in the fridge for up to five days

Pro tip: Avoid using heavy oil to brown the turkey. Its high-fat content may upset your dog’s stomach.

Recipe from: Moneycrashers

Frozen Strawberry & Banana Smoothie Dog Treat

Ingredients

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients in your blender
2. Turn on the blender to a medium speed
3. Blend for approximately 2 minutes
4. Pour into the molds of your choice or use ice cube trays
5. Freeze for 4 hours or more
6. Pop-out of the molds
7. Ready to enjoy!

NOTE: For storage, use Zip Lock Bags or some Tupperware. Keep them in the freezer.

Recipe from: The Cottage Market

If you are interested in more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Goldendoodle, cookbooks can come in handy for various dog food recipes. Our top pick is Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog.

What Foods Should Your Goldendoodle Never Eat?

Below is a list of the most common toxic ingredients dogs need to avoid.

Here is the complete list of toxic ingredients your Goldendoodle should never eat. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder.

Goldendoodle Raw Diet (BARF)

Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their fantastic health benefits for teeth, coats, digestion, and allergies. Read our raw dog food diet article to learn more about the benefits and risks, and get the best commercial raw food diet for your Goldendoodle.

Best Dog Cooking Practices

Here are some general guidelines to follow when cooking homemade dog food for your Goldendoodle.

Can I Feed Homemade Dog Food To My Goldendoodle?

Yes, and you should! Cooking and feeding your Goldendoodle homemade food is okay as long as they get the nutrition levels they need to live a healthy, allergy-free life.

Ensure all ingredients used are safe for dogs and that your Goldendoodle’s nutritional requirements are met in every meal.

Remember, switching your Goldendoodle’s food from kibble to homemade is a slow process and should be done progressively. You need to consider factors like your Goldendoodle’s eating history, weight, and overall health before giving homemade food to your pet.

Monitor Weight & Health

It’s vital to monitor your Goldendoodle’s weight when feeding them new food, like homemade meals.

Goldendoodles are known for having a very slender figure, making it hard to tell if they need extra calories. This breed can easily become underweight due to their naturally energetic nature, which makes it burn calories faster than other breeds. That’s why you must ensure his diet meets all their caloric needs and the nutritional aspect for proper function and development.

If you notice symptoms such as lack of energy, skin or coat disorders, malnutrition, or obesity, you need to revise his diet immediately and contact your vet.

Should You Feed Homemade Food to Goldendoodle? Alternatives

What are other food options for Goldendoodles other than kibble and homemade food?

Did you know vegan dog food is gaining popularity in the dog realm for those pups that suffer from food intolerance, allergies, digestive issues, or any other food health-related condition?

If your Goldendoodle has any of those problems (or you want to see how vegan dog food can benefit your pup), it might be worth reading up on vegan dog food for your Goldendoodle.

Like It? Subscribe & Share!

* indicates required

First Name *

Email Address *

Dog Breed

Leave this field empty if you’re human: