Goldendoodles are large-breed dogs that are a mix between Golden Retrievers and Poodles. Like with other dogs, knowledge about how much to feed a Goldendoodle is essential to keep them happy and healthy.
A Goldendoodle puppy must be given 1 ½ to 3 ½ cups of puppy food daily, while adult Goldendoodles require 2 to 3 ¼ cups of adult dog food daily. Due to the slower metabolism of senior Goldendoodles, they only need 1 ½ to 2 ¾ cups of dog food daily.
This article will provide feeding guidelines for your Goldendoodle so you can be sure your puppy eats a balanced diet. Keep on reading!
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Goldendoodle?
Knowing the right amount of dog food you feed to large-breed dogs like Goldendoodles is essential to keep them at the right body weight. However, several factors can influence how much dog food they need:
- Weight: Your dog’s health depends on you keeping it at a healthy weight. If your Goldendoodle puppy is overweight, try a weight management formula. You must also consult your veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.
- Activity level: How much food you give your dog depends on your Goldendoodle’s daily activities. You must limit the daily calorie intake of your dog if it lives a sedentary lifestyle.
- Age: Your Goldendoodle’s nutritional requirements will fluctuate as years go by. Your dog’s development and growth will depend on the kind of dog food given.
- Health status: The amount of dog food you offer your Goldendoodle puppy may be significantly impacted by current health status. For instance, hip dysplasia is one of the common health issues among Goldendoodles. Feeding them an excessive amount of dog food could make this condition worse.
- Reproductive status: Female Goldendoodles may require more nourishment to meet their gestational needs if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, their metabolism will reduce, and their caloric needs will decrease after spaying or neutering.
With this information, you can make the necessary adjustments to your dog’s food in any situation.
How Much to Feed Your Goldendoodle?
The Goldendoodle is classed as a large breed dog. However, one of the Goldendoodle puppy’s parents is the Poodle. For this reason, this hybrid can be found in three sizes: Miniature, Standard, and Toy.
In the following feeding guidelines, we’ll presume that your Goldendoodle puppy will mature into a large dog. You must make the necessary adjustments if your dog is a toy or a mini Goldendoodle.
Hence, before following the charts below, you must ensure from your Goldendoodle’s breeder the size of your dog’s parents. This will ensure that you do not under or overfeed your puppy.
Goldendoodle Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)
A Goldendoodle puppy will be ready to shift from mother’s milk to soft puppy food during the second or third month of life.
Please refer to the following table to determine the appropriate amount of dry puppy food to feed your Goldendoodle puppy:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per Day) |
| 2 – 3 months | 1 ½ – 2 ½ | 653 – 1,139 |
| 4 – 5 months | 1 ½ – 2 ¾ | 676 – 1,231 |
| 6 – 7 months | 1 ¾ – 3 ¼ | 813 – 1,455 |
| 8 – 9 months | 2 – 3 ½ | 890 – 1,563 |
| 10 – 12 months | 2 – 3 ½ | 942 – 1,626 |
Your Goldendoodle puppy will only need small amounts of food because of its sensitive stomach and young digestive system. Always read the packaging of any dog food so you can make the necessary adjustments.
The best puppy food for your dog must also contain the right amount of fats. This is essential to keep your puppy’s coat healthy. Fats like omega-3 fatty acids also help your puppy’s brain and eye development.
Adult Goldendoodle Feeding Chart (1 to 6 years)
After a year of age, your Goldendoodle will be fully developed. What does this imply about your dog’s nutritional needs? This usually involves shifting from Goldendoodle puppy food to adult dog food.
Below is the recommended daily feeding amount for an adult Goldendoodle:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per Day) |
| 1 – 6 years | 2 – 3 ¼ | 794 – 1,334 |
Many dogs are given dry food, wet food, and grain-free meals. But regardless of what type of dog food you give your Goldendoodle, ensure your large-breed puppy receives a balanced diet.
Senior Goldendoodle Feeding Chart (7 years and above)
To begin, senior dogs need fewer calories. You can give your dog foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids essential for healthy joints. Adding fiber to your Goldendoodle’s diet is vital to help them pass stool easily.
Below is the recommended daily feeding amount for a senior Goldendoodle:
| Age | Daily Feeding Amount (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per Day) |
| 7 years and above | 1 ½ – 2 ¾ | 635 – 1,067 |
If you notice that your Goldendoodle has gum disease and its bones are more fragile than usual, consider supplementing your dog’s diet with calcium and phosphorus.
Watch this video to learn more about Goldendoodle feeding:
How Often Should You Feed Your Goldendoodle?
Your Goldendoodle’s age will determine when you should begin feeding it with solid food like dry kibble. Goldendoodle puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times daily, while adult Goldendoodles may be fed twice daily. Lastly, senior Goldendoodles must be fed once to twice a day.
The table below shows the recommended feeding frequency for Goldendoodles of varying ages:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| 0 – 12 weeks | Three to four times a day |
| 13 weeks – 12 months | Three times a day |
| 1 – 6 years | Twice a day |
| 7 years and above | Once or twice a day |
Goldendoodle puppies must be given small frequent meals because of their fast metabolism and developing digestive system. It is not recommended to free-feed your puppy.
Free feeding your puppy will not allow you to monitor your dog’s eating habits. You won’t be able to quickly notice if your dog is sick and has no appetite.
Meanwhile, you should feed your adult Goldendoodle once or twice a day and your senior Goldendoodle no more than twice a day. Old dogs have a slower metabolism and do not need too much food.
How to Transition Your Goldendoodle to a New Food
There will always be times as a dog owner when you don’t only change the amount of food you give but the whole diet as well. Some reasons could be boredom, health problems, or testing a new dog food.
When shifting your puppy to a new diet, it’s best to take things slow and watch for signs of acceptance from the dog’s body and demeanor.
You may refer to the schedule below to change your dog’s diet gradually:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
If your Goldendoodle exhibits any unfavorable behavioral or physical signs during the transition, you should stop what you’re doing and consult a veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
One of my colleagues recently adopted an adult Goldendoodle, Penny, from a local shelter, and he was able to transition his new pet appropriately without having any issues.
Following my advice, he ensured that he got the brand of dog food that was being fed by the animal shelter to Penny.
He then used the brand for a week before transitioning to the new one he preferred to give using the ratio suggested above.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight Goldendoodle
If your Goldendoodle’s waist is sagging, has a swinging tummy, or has an oval body shape, and you can no longer feel your puppy’s ribs, your dog is likely overweight.
Here are some tips for feeding your overweight Goldendoodle:
- Keep a close eye on your dog’s calorie intake. The feeding chart provided was based on the appropriate weight for a Goldendoodle of its age. Therefore, it is recommended that you adhere to the dosage specified to restore your Goldendoodle to health.
- Regulate treats. Overusing treats as a positive reinforcement method may be tempting when dealing with a Goldendoodle. However, these will increase your pet’s calorie intake. So, give them to your pet very seldom, and think about substituting healthy, natural treats like fruits and vegetables.
- Follow a feeding schedule: Regular feeding can help your Goldendoodle develop a structure and prevent binge eating, which is unhealthy. It is best to work around your schedule when feeding your puppy to make it easier for both of you.
My experience in formulating diets for dogs with weight issues has shown me the true effectiveness of following a strict feeding schedule to manage their condition.
I have suggested this to a friend whose female Goldendoodle grew quite big due to overeating during pregnancy.
I advised her to follow the vet’s advice completely when it comes to the weight management of her dog so that it will not experience difficult labor.
I also suggested that she stick to a strict feeding schedule. A combination of the two resulted in the healthy delivery of eight puppies.
By giving the right amount of puppy or adult food, enough exercise, and being committed to taking care of your dog, you will be sure that your Goldendoodle will be back in shape in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Goldendoodle Enough?
If your Goldendoodle is at or near its target weight for its age, you know you are providing a healthy diet. Your veterinarian will be able to confirm this for you as well.
A score chart for physical fitness is another helpful indicator of this. You can tell your pet is overweight if you have trouble feeling its ribs. On the other hand, an undernourished puppy would have a protruding rib cage.
Why Is My Goldendoodle Not Eating?
If your Goldendoodle suddenly stops eating but is otherwise healthy and active, it could be due to boredom with its diet, stress, or adjusting to a new environment.
If this happens, try switching to puppy or adult food with a stronger scent or flavor. Meanwhile, immediately visit your vet if your dog exhibits other symptoms like weakness, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Can I Feed My Goldendoodle With Human Food?
It is not recommended to feed your Goldendoodle with table scraps. While boiled vegetables and meat can be fed to your dog, there are human foods that can be hazardous for dogs.
Do Goldendoodles Eat a Lot?
Yes. Goldendoodles are so adaptable that they can eat practically everything. Despite being full, Goldendoodles will continue to eat as long as the food is available. This fact contributes to their reputation as opportunistic eaters.
Their ancestors likely taught them to do this. The Golden Retriever passed on the survival urge to eat a lot to Goldendoodles. These canines, in essence, are of the “feast or famine” mentality.
Can Goldendoodles Eat Bones?
Yes, Goldendoodles can eat raw bones, but not hard, cooked ones. The American Kennel Club recommends that after feeding your dog, give them a raw bone to chew on for 15 minutes and then take it away.
Do you find this guide helpful? Let us know your thoughts about feeding Goldendoodles by leaving a comment below! Please feel free to ask any questions about your dog’s diet, too!
