Goldendoodle Homemade Dog Food Guide: Recipes, Nutrition & Tips
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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.
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:
It’s vital to understand that dogs’ nutritional requirements are unique. We recommend consulting a veterinary nutritionist who can address your Goldendoodles’ dietary requirements, help you make nutritionally balanced recipes, or recommend a homemade food service for convenience.
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.
Always consult your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
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
If you are a Goldendoodle dog parent who is overwhelmed about dog nutrition and don’t want to risk cooking something that’s not nutritionally appropriate for your pet, or maybe you don’t have the time to cook for your doodle, Nom Nom homemade dog food delivery service is here to help.
Nom Nom offers fresh, pre-portioned packs of homemade dog food to your door at regular intervals. This food is carefully designed to fit your specific dog’s needs using the information you fill out when signing up. Everything is made from real, human-grade ingredients (meats, veggies, grains, etc.)
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.
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.
We’ve also added a special treat recipe for your Goldendoodle that is tasty and packed with remarkable health benefits. This recipe has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil. CBD oil can help with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness, and other health problems.
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
Treat your Goldendoodle with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD dog treats. They are made with Pumpkin, a great source of essential vitamins and minerals (like vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, and iron). Pumpkin also aids with digestion and hydration. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion, and helps reduce allergic reactions.
Just be sure to check with your vet before to ensure CBD is safe for your pup and that you are giving the correct dosage.
You can also purchase already made CBD dog treats so your pup can experience all the benefits of CBD without the cooking.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a dog cookie baking tray with coconut oil.
- Core and grate the apples, then peel and grate the carrots.
- 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.
- Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl; mix thoroughly. Finally, add CBD oil and mix once more.
- 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.
- Store in an air-tight container.
Recipe from: Truth Theory
Fiber Filled For Fido
Fiber is pretty awesome for your dog! Since Goldendoodles are prone to digestive function issues, chances are fiber can help.
This recipe provides a burst of vitamins and beneficial minerals. You shouldn’t give this to your dog more than twice a week as they need a good amount of protein in their active diet.
Beware: Too much fiber in your dog’s diet will cause her to poop way too much.
Ingredients
Directions
- Boil turkey and chicken in 3 cups of water over medium heat for 20 minutes
- Remove the meat from the water and set it aside
- Add rice, lentils, and sweet potato to the water and return to a boil – Cook for 15 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Mix in the cooked meat and serve warm
- Freeze unused portions and feed as directed by your vet
Source: WithaSplashofColor
DIY Homemade Dog Food
We love making this meal for our dogs because this can translate to many different breeds. So if you have a Goldendoodle and another pup in the house, you can make this for both of them, and both will enjoy the hearty, warm meal.
Ingredients
Directions
- In a large saucepan of 3 cups water, cook rice according to package instructions; set aside.
- 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.
- Stir in spinach, carrots, zucchini, peas, and brown rice until the spinach has wilted and the mixture is heated for about 3-5 minutes.
- Let cool completely.
Source: DamnDelicious
Turkey & Vegetable Dinner
A great recipe for making sure your Goldendoodle is getting their protein and carbs to be filled with energy. It’s ideal for highly active Goldendoodles to burn calories quickly because the turkey and veggies help stabilize their metabolism.
This basic dog food recipe includes fish oil to ensure your pet gets his Omega-3 fats, which are great for the immune system. It comes with turkey for protein and vegetables for added vitamins and minerals.
Ingredients
Directions
- Cook the ground turkey in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until the meat is cooked.
- Add the brown rice, turkey, and water to a large pot and bring to a boil
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the rice is soft and tender
- Add the carrots and green beans and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender
- Allow cooling before serving
- 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
Since Goldendoodles have such high energy and yours probably loves to play nonstop, this classic strawberry banana smoothie recipe will help cool them down as they enjoy a treat! This treat is easy to make with five simple ingredients in less than 10 minutes. After the first bite, your Goldendoodle will expect them after every run you go on!
All the ingredients are human-grade and will make them roll over. They are perfect for hot weather, but your Goldendoodle will enjoy them all year round. It’s one of our fave dog treats to make because our pups love it so much.
Ingredients
Directions
- Place all the ingredients in your blender
- Turn on the blender to a medium speed
- Blend for approximately 2 minutes
- Pour into the molds of your choice or use ice cube trays
- Freeze for 4 hours or more
- Pop-out of the molds
- 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 food is meant to mimic dogs’ diet in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog foods, organs, muscles, whole or ground bones, fresh fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are usually included. Several raw dog foods are available, including homemade raw dog food and store-bought (frozen, freeze-dried, and dehydrated).
As the risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance is higher when handling raw foods, preparing a BARF diet for your Goldendoodle requires a lot of extra care and planning.
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.