Poodle Dietary Requirements

Poodle dietary requirements depend on several factors. The poodle diet for a regular poodle will be very different from that of a toy or a miniature poodle. While the constituents can largely remain the same, the calorie intake and the quantity of food will vary.

A balanced and healthy diet will ensure that your poodle has strong teeth and bones, a well-maintained skeletal muscle system, a shiny coat, a strong immunity, good digestion, and a perfect sleep cycle. In this article, we will help you prepare a perfect poodle feeding chart for your dog.

Poodle Dietary Needs 

Poodles need a diet that is rich in proteins, but their diet also needs to have grains, vegetables, and fruits which are good sources of fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Depending on the age and weight of the poodle, it will need 18 to 22 percent of proteins, around 5 to 8 percent fat, and Vitamins A, B1, E, and D. They also need an adequate quantity of minerals and water. 

You may be looking for a poodle puppy feeding chart, but there is no single chart per se. Puppies’ dietary needs change over time. As they grow, their dietary requirements keep coming closer and closer to those of adult poodles. 

Secondly, a standard poodle can weigh anywhere between 40 to 70 pounds, but a miniature poodle will weigh 14-17 pounds, a toy poodle might weigh only 5-9 pounds, and teacups weigh just  2-4 pounds!  Obviously, if you are making a toy poodle feeding chart, you will need to calibrate the advice we give below in our standard poodle feeding chart basis the toy poodle’s weight.

Protein 

Proteins are one of the essential components of a poodle’s diet. In pups, proteins are essential because they help build muscles and form new hair, skin, and nails. In puppies and adult poodles, proteins help keep them energetic, maintain immunological health, and strengthen the musculoskeletal systems. 

When you are preparing a diet for your poodle puppy, make sure to include at least 22-23 percent of proteins (on a dry matter basis). An adult poodle will need around 18 percent. Between different sizes of adult poodles, a good thumb rule is that you should give at least 2g of protein per pound of the poodle’s weight.

Since poodles are omnivores, you can choose from a range of animal-based and plant-based proteins. You can include protein sources like chicken, lamb, beef, pork, eggs, fish, legumes, and grains. Moreover, fats and essential fatty acids are necessary for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin, and the addition of fat can also make your poodle’s food tasty. 

Fat 

Fats are a source of energy for dogs, and they absorb most fats from proteins themselves. Essential fatty acids are also necessary for maintaining a shiny coat and healthy skin, and what’s more, fats also make your poodle’s food tastier. 

For a standard poodle, you must include at least 5 percent fat in the diet. For growing pups, this requirement goes up to 8 percent. Its dog food will also need a minimum of 1.6 percent Omega-3 fatty acids and 3.15 percent  Omega-6 fatty acids. 

Make sure that you calibrate fat requirements based on your poodle’s weight. For example, a standard poodle’s meal size should be about 1 oz per pound weight. You can multiply the percentage requirements and your poodle’s pound weight to figure out exactly how many oz of fats and fatty acids you need to give your dog.

Fish oil is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids and is one of the best supplements for poodles and other breeds. Other sources could include flax oil, safflower oil, and coconut oil.

Carbohydrates

As a food group, carbohydrates have various functions. They provide energy and fiber for your dog. Besides nutritional value, carbohydrates in dry food increase the shelf life of the food. 

You don’t have to provide carbohydrates as a separate part of the diet for your poodle. Dogs do not have a separate requirement for carbs, but most commercial dog foods already have between 30 – 60 percent carbs. So, there is no need for additional supplementation. 

However, a growing poodle’s diet should include around 20 percent of carbohydrates, depending on its energy needs, exercise regimen, and overall health. Your poodle can get adequate carbs from grains in dog food like barley, whole wheat, oats, corn, and even potatoes. But these should not be given in huge quantities as that can lead to digestion problems. 

Vitamins 

Vitamins are crucial micronutrients for poodles (they are required in trace quantities). The following vitamins are very important for poodles: Vitamin A, B1, D, and E. Carrots and spinach are excellent sources of Vitamin A, which is essential for muscle and nerve function, skin and coat health, and strengthening the immune system. 

Thiamine or Vitamin B1 is important for preventing neurological problems and promoting cell growth; whole grains are good sources. You can include egg yolks and cottage cheese in your poodle’s diet as these are sources of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is necessary to maintain extraskeletal health or that of bones and teeth. 

Poodles also need Vitamin E, and leafy greens are the best sources of it. Vitamin E helps to stop retinal degeneration, reproductive problems, and neurological issues. 

Following are the adult minimum AAFCO recommendations for these essential vitamins in dog’s diets:

• Vitamin A: 5000 IU/kg
• Vitamin D: 500 IU/kg
• Vitamin E: 50 IU/kg
• Thiamine: 1 mg/kg.

You can easily incorporate vitamins into the diet through whole foods and different types of vegetables and fruits.

Minerals 

Poodles need minerals like calcium and phosphorus in their diet. These are necessary to ensure strong bones and teeth. Poodles also need magnesium, potassium, and sodium. These minerals are essential for muscle strength, the transmission of nerve impulses, and cell signaling. 

To provide these essential minerals, you can also add tofu, cauliflower, green beans, eggs, fish, meat, and grains to your poodle’s diet. However, excess of these minerals can lead to bone loss and skeletal anomalies, so be careful about how much you include in your poodle’s diet.

Here are the AAFCO recommendations for these essential minerals in your dog’s diet:

• Calcium: between 0.6 percent to 2.5 percent
• Phosphorus: between 0.5 percent to 1.6 percent
• Potassium: 0.6 percent
• Sodium: 0.3 percent
• Magnesium: 0.04 percent

Water 

Water carries nutrients in and out of your dog’s cells. It helps in absorbing these nutrients, thus unlocking their energy and health benefits. Water also helps to lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, aid brain functions, and form a protective cushion to the brain and spinal cord.

As a result, water is absolutely essential for any pet or human. How much water your poodle drinks depend on their weight. Most dogs drink an ounce of water per pound of body weight, and adult, standard poodles, do the same. This roughly translates to 6 cups a day. 

However, in a miniature poodle feeding chart, the need for water would be nearer to 1.5 cups a day, which you should increase to 3 cups a day during the summers. Some other factors also determine water consumption. For example, older dogs tend to drink less water. 

If your poodle loves to exercise and outdoor games, they are likely to drink a lot of water at once. Poodles may not drink too much water if they are already supplementing their diet with juicy fruits or vegetables with higher water content. 

Fiber 

Poodles need dietary fiber for better gut health and proper digestion. Fibre also works as a prebiotic in your poodle’s diet. Your poodle’s diet should contain at most 4.5 percent crude fiber. You should regulate the amount of fiber based on your dog’s weight.

Some great sources of fiber include oats and bran flakes. A spoonful of flakes is enough to supplement your poodle’s diet adequately. You can also give some cooked oatmeal or some pumpkin pulp. Poodles get some fiber from other food groups like fats and carbohydrates as well. 

How Much Food Should Poodles Eat?  

A simple thumb rule for the amount of food your pup needs is about 1 ounce per pound of body weight, but it varies on several factors. Your poodle’s diet depends on the type of breed, size, age, and most importantly, weight. Adult and active poodles usually have a higher intake.

The amount of food your poodle needs also depends on the type of food you are giving. You can easily calculate servings of poodle foods if you read the ingredients and feeding instructions given on packaged dog foods. 

But if you are preparing a home diet for your poodle, make sure you include all necessary food groups in the right quantities. Also, please consider possible allergic reactions or intolerance to certain food groups. 

Moreover, the following table will help you understand how many calories your poodle needs daily. However, it is always best to consult a veterinarian before preparing a poodle feeding chart or before introducing any new food. 

What Can You Add to Your Poodle’s Diet?

You can use several foods to supplement your poodle’s diet. It is best to add such foods if you are feeding your poodle dry or wet food only. 

You can use the following list as a standard poodle feeding guide, as these are some of the best additions to a poodle’s diet. 

Vegetables 

Add leafy greens like kale and spinach, celery, broccoli, and carrots to your poodle’s diet. These are nutritious and easily digestible. Vegetables such as pumpkins and green beans are sources of fiber as well. 

Fruits 

Apples, cranberries, coconuts, cantaloupe, blueberries, and bananas are great for poodles. You can easily give a few pieces as snacks (make sure not to give them the pits). Fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

Animal Protein 

You can give pieces of lamb, turkey breast, chicken, salmon, or eggs. Make sure to pick quality meat, fish, or poultry that you would choose for yourself. So, do not feed your dog meats that are stale or about to expire. 

Starchy Foods

Starchy foods like potatoes, brown rice, and oats can be included in a poodle’s diet as a source of glucose. However, give these in limited quantities because excess carbs are not good for dogs. Also, ensure that it doesn’t include wheat gluten. 

Healthy Fats

Wild salmon oil, flax oil, safflower oil, and coconut oil can increase your pup’s healthy fats. A few drops of these oils will supplement the quantity of essential fatty acids and essential fat-soluble vitamins. 

What to Avoid in a Poodle’s Diet 

There are certain human foods that are super nutritious for you but might be toxic for your poodle. Take a look at the list below to understand which foods you should avoid adding to your poodle’s diet and why. 

Chocolate 

Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains methylxanthines. These are stimulant toxins such as caffeine and theobromine. Dogs cannot metabolize these quickly, and could suffer side effects like seizures, muscle tremors, internal bleeding, and in lethal doses, death. 

Onions and Garlic 

Garlic and onion are alliums poisonous to poodles. Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a toxin for dogs that can cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. So, in certain quantities, it can trigger the rupturing of RBCs. Garlic can cause anemia in poodles. These human ingredients are not included in a poodle’s dietary requirements.

Avocado 

The avocado plant, fruit’s skin, and pits contain persin, which is a toxin for dogs. Giving your poodle avocado can also lead to vomiting and diarrhea. 

Grapes 

While many fruits can be good for poodles, grapes or raisins (when dried) should be avoided. In large quantities, grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs. 

Macadamia Nuts and Almonds 

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs and cause weakness in the hind legs, diarrhea, and vomiting. In most cases, the effects are not severe, but in some cases, you might need to take your dog to a vet.

Like all other dogs, poodles have specific dietary needs. If you have a poodle, it is important to consider their size, weight, age, lifestyle, and medical conditions (if any) before preparing a diet chart. Therefore, the poodle food recommendations above will help you create the best meal plans for your dog.