How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Cockapoo Puppies
Cockapoo puppies are charming little balls of fluff. A dog produced by breeding the American Cocker Spaniel to the Poodle, Cockapoo puppies are available in several different size variations with something sure to suit every family’s needs.
The Cockapoo puppy is a happy ball of energy. Though during its puppy years this pooch is highly active, once fully grown this breed requires only moderate daily activity to remain physically and mentally well.
Considered to be the first of many hybrids later to come, the Cockapoo has retained its intense popularity and is one of the top choices for family companions today. Though most breeds were founded to fulfil a specific job for their families, the delightful Cockapoo was always intended to serve only one purpose: its family’s most faithful and devoted canine friend.
Each Cockapoo puppy requires a diet that is formulated to meet its unique nutritional needs. The breed reaches physical maturity at approximately 18 months; however, this dog breed should be fed an exceptional quality puppy food to meet the needs of small or medium-sized breeds until the pup reaches 12 months of age. At this time, the Cockapoo puppy should be transitioned to an appropriate adult diet.
Since rapid bone growth can lead to permanent structural damage in puppies, it is important to select a diet that contains the proper proportion of calcium to phosphorus. The best dog foods for Cockapoo puppies include 1.2 parts of calcium for each unit of phosphorus.
The Cockapoo puppy enjoys eating, and thus, should never be free fed lest overeating occur which could lead to weight gain. It is recommended that all food be measured and all intake monitored to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Cockapoo Puppies
Since the Cockapoo is a hybrid of two purebreds and is also available in several size variations, it can be very difficult to determine precisely how much of the best dog foods for Cockapoo puppies to feed a dog. AAFCO requires all commercially prepared diets to list suggested servings sizes on their product. This will serve as an excellent starting point to determine how much of a food to feed the Cockapoo puppy.
The Cockapoo puppy’s activity level, size, and appetite will all play a role in the correct portion size. Adjustments should be made until the proper meal size is found.
The ideal food for a Cockapoo puppy should contain a minimum of 22 percent protein and 8 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Cockapoo Puppy Foods
Balance is extremely important in any diet suited to the needs of the growing Cockapoo puppy. The foundation of any high quality puppy food should be a lean meat protein. Whole proteins are the best choice, but many of the best dog foods for Cockapoo puppies utilize meat meals which are also an excellent option.
By-products are made up of inferior portions of animal-based proteins and can trigger food sensitivities in many dogs, particularly Cockapoo puppies that can be prone to allergies. These are best avoided along with plant-based proteins such as corn, wheat, and soy.
Healthy fats play an important role in a puppy’s diet. These are best obtained from animal sources and include such items as oily fish and chicken fat. These foods contribute essential fatty acids that are responsible for many things including brain and vision development, healthy coat and skin, and sufficient reserves of energy.
No healthy diet is complete without the inclusion of complex carbohydrates. These can be derived from whole grains, fruits, or vegetables. Of primary importance in any carbohydrate included in a diet for Cockapoo puppies is its of ease of digestibility and its rich antioxidant profile to support healthy immunity and good digestion.
It is also an excellent idea to look for a diet that is rich in beneficial supplements. These items can help a diet to work more effectively. Among the most helpful supplements to look for are prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Cockapoo Puppies
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best dog food for a Cockapoo puppy:
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Whole proteins heading up the ingredients list
A lean meat protein should be the foundation for any exceptional quality diet for the Cockapoo puppy. Whole proteins are preferred, but meat meals are also acceptable.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
Chemicals, flavorings, fillers, and mystery ingredients add no nutritional value to a puppy food; in fact, they can be harmful. Avoid foods whose ingredients list contain items that are unrecognizable as food sources, minerals, nutrients, or supplements.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements go a long way towards helping a diet to be its most beneficial for Cockapoo puppies. Among the most effective supplements for puppies are prebiotics, probiotics, glucsosamine, and chondroitin.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
All puppy foods for a Cockapoo pup should be stamped with the AAFCO seal of approval, indicating the food is complete and balanced to meet the needs of a growing puppy.
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Focuses on limited ingredients
Since Cockapoo puppies can be prone to skin conditions including allergies, a focus on a diet with limited, high-quality ingredients can be helpful.