How Much to Feed a Poodle (Puppy & Adult Feeding Chart)

As Poodle pet owners, one of the most common questions we have is how much to feed a Poodle. Since Poodles come in different sizes — Toy, Miniature, and Standard – their feeding requirements can be a bit tricky.

Aside from their sizes, the different life stages of Poodles also affect the diets they need. So having an adequate feeding schedule and knowing the proper regimen should be one of our top priorities as Poodle owners.

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will tackle everything you need to know about the Poodle diet from the rapid growth of a Poodle puppy to adulthood, and for all sizes too.

Poodle Feeding Chart by Age: How Much to Feed Your Poodle?

A Poodle’s food needs depend on its age. Usually, puppy Poodles need 2 to 4 cups of food per day. Meanwhile, adult and senior Poodles only need 1 to 2 cups or even less. The size of a Poodle also affects its feeding needs. As expected, Toy and Miniature Poodles eat less than Standard Poodles.

One of the most crucial factors in deciding how much to feed your Poodle is its age. For instance, puppies have different nutritional requirements from adults and are fed more frequently.

Moreover, because of size differences, a Toy and a Miniature Poodle puppy may require less food than the Standard Poodle.

All types of Poodles must have a complete and balanced diet and should comply with the recommendations of the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 

Although this guide will be helpful, always check your dog’s needs if they need a special diet, and it is best to consult a vet or a licensed pet nutritionist for more specific advice.

Poodle Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)

Ideally, Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodle puppies get their nutritional needs from their mother’s milk for the first weeks of their life. 

When a Poodle puppy reaches over three weeks, it will gradually transition into the weaning phase. This is when you introduce puppy food to the Poodle puppy diet until they are independent of their mother’s milk.

Generally, you will notice these dogs tend to grow more rapidly when they are well-adjusted after weaning. In this case, Poodle puppies will need higher caloric intake to help them fully develop into young adults. 

The tables below show how much to feed a Poodle puppy, depending on size:

Toy Poodle Puppy

Miniature Poodle Puppy

Standard Poodle Puppy

Compared to the Mini and Standard Poodle sizes, the Toy variant has the smallest food quantity needed because of their tiny bellies. They are also full of energy at this age, so it’s best they get a balanced diet.

Miniature Poodles are slightly bigger than Toy pups and smaller than the Standard Poodle. Hence, their diet is usually in between. That said, all Poodles, regardless of size, should have 22% protein and 8% good fats in their diet. 

Adult Poodle Feeding Chart (1 to 7 years)

Generally, Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodle pups reach their full size at 12 to 18 months. At these ages, their calorie intake increases and may require a change in the amount of food they eat. 

Here is a chart showing the daily feeding requirement for an adult Poodle:

Toy Poodle

Miniature Poodle

Standard Poodle

Always remember that the figures above are just estimates, and the diet of your Poodles will be affected by several factors, such as weight and activity level. That said, it is best to consult your vet for the best results.

Another vital factor to consider is that various adult dog food has different caloric content per cup. To have a more accurate calculation, you can consult your pet nutritionist or use a pet calorie calculator.

Senior Poodle Feeding Chart (8 years and above)

When it comes to old Poodles, it is best to decrease their caloric intake in consideration of their aging bodies. They become less active and more fragile as they age, so ensure that you give them the proper feeding regimen.

Aside from their decreased activity and energy, senior Poodles also tend to have a much slower metabolism. Hence, it’s best to cut down on unnecessary treats and focus on giving them a much healthier diet.

As a guide in feeding senior Poodles, you can refer to the table below:

Toy Poodle

Miniature Poodle

Standard Poodle

Generally, a senior Toy, Mini, or Standard Poodle will need a low-fat but high-protein diet. Since senior dogs are prone to muscle loss and deterioration, the additional protein will help retain their figure.

Moreover, healthy fats or essential fatty acids are a must to keep them an overall healthy dog with shiny coats. You can also reduce their carbohydrate intake since they won’t be much active anymore.

For a much more senior-specific diet, it is best to consult a professional.

Poodle Feeding Frequency: How Often Should You Feed Your Poodle?

When it comes to Poodle feeding frequency, the rule of thumb is that puppies need to be fed at least three times daily. Meanwhile, adult Poodles do well with two meals per day, and seniors can eat once daily.

When raising a Poodle puppy, it’s essential to provide them with the right amount of food and the right serving size. This will keep their energy levels steady throughout the day and will prevent overeating.

The table below is a summary of how often you should feed a Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodle for all age groups:

Poodle puppies have high metabolisms, so they need to eat frequently. A Poodle puppy under three months old should be fed four times daily. This will keep blood sugar levels regular and allow the puppy to grow optimally.

Starting at three months, you should feed your Poodle puppies three meals daily. At one to seven years of age and older, reduce the number of meals to two or three to keep them full and energized.

You can feed your Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodle twice daily during adulthood, depending on its weight and current health condition. 

Meanwhile, for senior dogs of any Poodle variant, feeding them once daily is enough due to their lower caloric need and rate of metabolism.

Most pet owners will tell you that their Poodle puppy always craves more food.

However, it is vital to stick to your Poodle’s regular feeding schedule to help keep it at its ideal body weight.

Optimal Feeding Times for Poodles

Poodle puppies are typically fed once in the morning, once at noon, and once at night. Meanwhile, adult Poodles only need breakfast and dinner. Seniors, on the other hand, can be fed once in the morning or once at night.

Aside from the amount and frequency of feeding your Poodle, another important aspect is when to feed your dog. 

Your Poodles need to have a firm daily feeding schedule as growing puppies. This means setting the alarm for your pet’s feeding time — an action that should not be taken lightly, especially if you’re busy or forgetful.

Like other dogs, a Poodle can often be a picky eater. If your pet Poodle knows that you will be leaving food with them and it is always available, expect your Poodle puppy to be more selective. 

However, if you give your pet Poodle food at specific times during the day, it will be motivated to eat on schedule. 

Here is a suggested chart for the feeding times of your Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle:

Generally, you can adjust the feeding schedule above based on your preferences and lifestyle. However, you should keep the intervals between meals similar. 

Best Dog Foods for Poodles

To keep your dog healthy and happy, choose the right food. A feeding guide should include the best food to feed your dog, whether raising a puppy or caring for an older companion.

Poodle owners have several choices when it comes to feeding their pets. They can buy commercial dog food, prepare a homemade diet of raw food or raw meat, or opt for a combination of the two as the best food for their pup.

As added information, here’s a list of dog food options you might want to consider for your Toy, Mini, or Standard Poodle pup:

• Dry Dog Food: Dry food is commercial dog food available in pet stores and at dog food manufacturers, which produce both puppy and adult food. It’s affordable, easy to store, and does not spoil quickly. 
• Wet Food or Canned Food: Another commercial dog food option is wet food, which contains 75% water. Wet food can be mixed with dry kibble to add variety to your Poodle’s diet. However, wet food spoils more quickly than dry food, so it’s not the most practical option and the best dog food on the market.
• Poodle Homemade Food: A homemade diet can provide your dog with all the nutrients it needs, as long as you know what to include in a balanced meal. You can consider giving ingredients like grain-free foods for those with a sensitive stomach. You may also feed a Poodle puppy sweet potato or add cooked meats to their diet.
• Biologically Appropriate Raw Food Diet (BARF): BARF, also known as raw diet or raw feeding, is a type of diet that mainly consists of raw meats, eggs, crushed bones, fruits, vegetables, probiotics, and other natural ingredients. If feeding raw food is done correctly, it can be very healthy for your puppies and adult dogs since it is free from preservatives.

Consulting an experienced vet is strongly recommended when looking for the best diet for your Poodle.

On this note, here’s a quick and informational video on how a Poodle mom makes homemade foods for her Poodles:

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Poodle

Poodles have quite an appetite, especially Standard Poodles. Sometimes, they get curious too. That’s why we should be mindful of what we’re feeding them and puppy-proof our kitchen to avoid food-related accidents.

Aside from how much food we should feed them, knowing what’s dangerous to them is vital in giving your pet a healthy life.

One ingredient that’s toxic to dogs is coffee. If you love coffee, keep it out of reach of your Poodle. It contains caffeine, which may cause high blood pressure, stomach upset, and heart problems.

Another human food that should not be a part of your puppy food is chocolate. Theobromine, found in chocolate, can cause abnormal heartbeats, seizures, and even death in your puppy or adult dog if consumed.

Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles can also be harmed by gum, peanut butter, and candy containing xylitol. This can cause disorientation, hypoglycemia, seizures, and collapse.

Most kinds of toothpaste also contain xylitol, so make sure not to drop any on the floor when you brush your teeth. A small amount can be fatal to your Poodle.

Moreover, it is not advised to feed your Poodle avocado or cherries. The pits, skins, and leaves of avocados contain a toxin called persin. Meanwhile, cherries contain cyanide, which can harm your dog’s health.

It is essential to always check the food label on any treats or ingredients to avoid giving toxic foods to your pets. Additionally, do not feed your puppy too fast and too much as it can result in bloating.

You should also consult a vet if you have questions about safe human and puppy foods to ensure they live a long life.

READ NEXT: Can Dogs Eat Crackers? Answers for 45+ Types of Crackers

How to Transition Your Poodle to a New Food

As your Toy, Miniature, or Standard Poodle go through different stages in their lives, you may need to change their dog food or diet. 

Switching your Poodle’s diet abruptly can cause digestive problems, so it’s best to transition gradually over 5 to 7 days, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

Start by adding more of the new food and eliminating some old food at each meal until your pet eats only the new food. This also applies when you switch from puppy to adult food.

Here’s an excellent chart that you can use as a guide to switching your Poodle’s puppy food effectively:

Switching your dog’s diet can be a tricky process because it can cause discomfort and even vomiting or diarrhea. If this happens, slow down the transition or consult your vet directly.

Furthermore, if you’re keen to change your Poodle puppy’s food intake to a raw diet or raw feeding to preserve your dog’s skin and dental health, ensure you are equipped with a lot of research and vet recommendations.

Feeding an Overweight Poodle

If you’re having trouble keeping your Poodle’s weight down, you can try feeding it healthier snacks and low-calorie food. Raw fruits, vegetables, and low-calorie kibble are great alternatives.

Moreover, you could also cut out giving treats altogether. Your dog might not like this idea, but it could make a difference in the long run.

Maintaining a schedule with proper feeding amounts can help your obese puppy lose weight. It limits the amount of food your Poodle consumes per meal, which helps reduce its overall caloric intake, resulting in weight loss.

Lastly, you may also consult your vet about a diet plan that will not compromise your dog’s immune system. Your vet can suggest types of Poodle food and even how much exercise is needed for your dog’s weight reduction. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Is My Poodle Not Eating?

If your Toy, Mini, or Standard Poodle puppy stops eating, it might be because they’re sick or have dental problems. They may also refuse food if they have recently been vaccinated and feel scared or anxious.

 A change in their environment or feeding situation can also be a factor. Additionally, it could be that they are picky eaters. It’s vital to note that if your dog refuses food for 24 hours, take them to the vet immediately.

Do Poodles Eat a Lot?

Poodles are food-motivated like other dogs. Poodles eat when they are hungry and stop eating when they feel full. However, compared to other dog breeds, Poodles are considered moderate eaters.

Can Poodles Eat Bones?

Bones help satisfy your Poodle’s appetite, and chewing on bones helps keep its teeth and gums clean. That said, you should not feed your Poodle any kind of bone. You can let it chew the bone but not ingest it.

When you give your Poodle raw bones, ensure they are big enough so that your dog will not be able to swallow them. Also, make sure you’re only giving raw bones, not cooked ones.

Can Poodles Be Vegetarians?

Many people believe that Poodles cannot survive on a vegan diet. While it is true that dogs need certain nutrients found in meat and other animal products, it’s also possible to create balanced meals using plant sources.

As long as you are willing to put a bit of time and effort into the process, there should be no issues.

Final Thoughts

An essential aspect of owning a Toy, Mini, or Standard Poodle puppy is knowing how much, how frequent, and what you should feed your dog. 

The main takeaway here is that a dog’s diet can make or break its health. Hence, you should always proceed with caution when it comes to feeding your pet.

So, now that you know the nitty-gritty of Poodle feeding, it’s time to put your new skills to practice. If you’re getting a Poodle soon, check out our round-up of the best Poodle breeders and rescues!

Do you already have a pet Poodle? How do you feed it? Let us know your thoughts about the topic of Poodle feeding in the comments below!