How to Choose the Best Dog Food for Cockapoos
The lively Cockapoo is a charming little pooch, sharing rays of happiness wherever it goes. Considered to be the first dog that led the interest in the designer dog movement, the Cockapoo remains a highly popular breed amongst families looking for their ideal family companion.
The Cockapoo was created by breeding an American Cocker Spaniel to a Poodle. They are available in several different size variations, making them ideally suited to virtually any lifestyle including apartment living.
Because the Cockapoo is a mixture of several different breeds, its nutritional needs are a little more challenging to pinpoint since so many variables exist with hybrids. A dog with moderate activity requirements, the Cockapoo needs a high quality diet to thrive.
Though most dog breeds were created to fulfil a specific role, the Cockapoo’s original purpose was simply to be a cherished family companion, an important job this dog type excels at. A breed characterized by its intelligent, loving nature, the Cockapoo is a lover of all people; whether family, friends, or complete strangers. Its amiable nature also makes it well-suited to life in a multi-pet home.
Choosing the best dog food for a Cockapoo can be a bit of challenge. However, most adult Cockapoos thrive on a well-balanced diet that is based on exceptional quality meat-based proteins and highly digestible carbohydrates and healthy fats.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for Cockapoos
Since there are several different size variations in Cockapoos, it is important to use the dog’s weight, activity level, and size as a starting point to help determine how much of the best dog food for Cockapoos to feed a dog. Each bag of dog food will contain a list of suggested serving sizes. These measurements can be very helpful in determining correct portion sizes for the Cockapoo.
Since each dog is unique, it is a good idea to start with the suggested serving size and to adjust this amount to meet the dog’s appetite and activity needs. The dog’s body condition will also help in getting this quantity right.
The Cockapoo enjoys eating heartily. To prevent weight gain from occurring, it is a good idea to measure the Cockapoo’s food and carefully monitor all intake. Free feeding is strongly discouraged.
As a general rule of thumb, any diet suited to meet the needs of the Cockapoo should contain a minimum of 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Dietary Requirements for Cockapoo Dog Foods
The Cockapoo is a dog breed that thrives on a diet that is well-balanced and comprised of exceptional quality ingredients that are easy for dogs to digest well. The foundation of any diet suited to the nutritional needs of the Cockapoo is a meat-based protein.
Proteins are best in their whole form if possible. However, meat meals are an excellent concentrated source of amino acids to support the Cockapoo’s health and well-being. By-products are poor quality and can trigger allergic reactions in the sometimes sensitive Cockapoo, and thus, are best avoided entirely.
Plant-based proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are difficult for dogs to digest. In addition to this, they are common allergens for many dogs. These along with any artificial ingredients such as colors or flavors are best avoided.
All diets require complex carbohydrates to be well-rounded. Cockapoos can easily eat a diet that is grain-inclusive or grain-free. However, dogs that have shown a predisposition to allergies may do better on a grain-free food. Carbohydrates may come from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains; the primary importance is that the food included be rich in fiber and antioxidants to promote a healthy immune system and good digestion.
Healthy fats are an important element in any diet for a dog. It is from these fats that dogs achieve healthy skin and coat and also receive a boost of energy. These are best taken from animal sources such as oily fish or chicken fat.
Supplements help a diet to effectively provide additional nutrients to support the Cockapoo’s health and well-being. Among the most beneficial supplements to look for in the best dog foods for a Cockapoo are glucosamine, chondroitin, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Food for Cockapoos
Here is a basic list of the most important things to look for in the best food for a Cockapoo:
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Complete meat-based proteins listed at the beginning of the ingredients list
The best diets for a Cockapoo list a meat, preferably in its whole form, as the first ingredient in the food.
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Prepared without the addition of chemicals, flavorings, fillers, or mystery ingredients
The most nutritionally complete foods for Cockapoos are comprised of ingredients that are easily recognizable to most dog owners. The addition of chemicals, colors, or fillers provide no nutritional value to the Cockapoo and can trigger an allergic reaction.
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Enriched with probiotics and helpful supplements
Supplements can help a diet work more effectively. Prebiotics and probiotics are an excellent support for digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin encourage healthy joint function.
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Meets AAFCO nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
As a baseline measure of quality, any food selected for a Cockapoo should bear the AAFCO seal of approval as indication the food is properly balanced and appropriate to meet the dog’s basic nutritional needs.
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Focuses on limited ingredients
Cockapoos can be quite prone to allergies. As a result, it is best to stick to a food with a limited ingredients list. The foods utilized in the formulation should be easily recognizable and of the highest quality.