Cavapoos are a mixed breed with a reputation for having sensitive stomachs.
They’re a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
The mix is commonly called a Cavapoo or a Cavoodle but they can go by a number of different names.
Cavapoos embody traits from both their Cavalier and Poodle parent, although it’s impossible to predict which traits they’ll inherit.
Like any dog, this “designer dog” requires a complete and balanced diet to ensure they get all the necessary minerals and vitamins.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best dog food for Cavapoos.
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Best Dog Food For Cavapoos
Cavapoo puppy (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Cavapoos are companion dogs that love to be active with their pet parents or just snuggle up on the sofa next to their humans,
Whether your Cavapoo is active or chill, your four-legged friend still requires a healthy diet to maintain their wellbeing.
Cavapoo have a reputation for having sensitive stomachs and being picky eaters, which means getting their diet right is really important.
I’m no stranger to dealing with picky eaters. My two Alaskan Klee Kai used to turn their nose up at traditional dog food, such as kibble.
This led to persistent stomach issues, including nausea and lack of appetite. I was taking my dogs to the vet at least once a month.
However, I was introduced to the dog food delivery concept and I decided to make the switch. We haven’t looked back since we made the change.
My dogs are motivated at mealtime and we haven’t been to the vet since we made the transition to these fresh dog meals delivered to my doorstep.
Having looked at the best dog food delivery companies on the market, I’ve compiled a review of the leading options for pet parents. My top picks are Nom Nom and Ollie in the USA.
RELATED: The eight best dog food delivery companies
I’ve also reviewed the best dog food delivery options in the UK, listing my top selections for pet parents.
RELATED: The five leading dog food delivery companies in the UK
Sample subscription plan
So you’re intrigued by this fresh approach but you want to learn more.
In order to give pet parents a quick idea how such a subscriptions service works, I’ve signed up Betty my imaginary Cavapoo to receive their dog meals.
Betty is a three-year old female Cavapoo who weighs eight kilos. She has no allergies and I’ve selected two recipes for her. Based upon the above information, feeding Betty would cost me $18.33 a week.
Are There Coupon Codes Or Discount?
Most dog food delivery companies will offer around 20 per cent off your first order.
Nom Nom have a special offer for helloBARK! readers so if you want to try Nom Nom for your Cavapoo you can avail of a 50 per cent discount off your first order by clicking this link.
Our readers can get 50% off their first order from Ollie when using the coupon code “HELLOBARK” at checkout. To avail of this offer, click this link and use the “HELLOBARK” discount code.
In the UK, Butternut Box will give Cavapoo owners who want to try their service a huge discount off their first order. New customers can get 50% off their first and their second Butternut Box order by clicking here.
What Cavapoo customers say
Cavapoos, like Cockapoos, have a reputation for being a breed susceptible to sensitive stomachs and stomach issues.
Coffee the Cavoodle told hellobark.com:
This is common in Cavoodles so you may have to be mindful of what they eat. In some cases vet prescribed food can become their main source of food.
That all sounds great but what do other pet parents have to say about these meals? Well let’s hear from a Cockapoo owner called Barrie whose four-legged Jordy suffered with tummy issues.
[I bought] expensive dog food, which was supposed to be good for her stomach. But it wouldn’t sustain her. She wouldn’t always like it.
Barrie switched Jordy onto Nom Nom’s meals and noticed an immediate difference.
She eats it and loves it. I thought she’d get bored, but she hasn’t. Her bowl is licked clean—not a morsel left. She loves the chicken and I am going to try the variety pack next. She hasn’t had any stomach issues. No throwing up or diarrhea. She goes on these marathon walks, 3-hour puppy playdates. She’s got the energy now.
Dog Food Delivery Companies
Nom Nom offer four different recipes (Photo: Nom Nom)
Dog food delivery companies are looking to get pet parents to rethink the way they feed their Cavapoos. After all, we go to such great efforts to maintain a balanced and healthy diet, so why shouldn’t we show the same duty of care to our canine companions?
They only use fresh ingredients that are responsibly sourced. So we’re talking about fresh fruit and vegetables as well as USDA-approved meat to provide sufficient protein.
Most of these dog food delivery companies have their human-grade kitchen facilities to cook their meals. The recipes are formulated by experts in veterinarian nutrition.
Pet parents have to play their part – too. You need to truthfully fill in a questionnaire about your dog, including key facts such as age, breed, weight, activity level, body type and more. This allow these companies to calculate your dog’s portions.
Although I was initially sceptical about these meals due to the cost, they’ve had a tremendous impact on the life of my dogs. We don’t have our monthly trips to the vet (or emergency vet).
I was staggered to see my dogs motivated at mealtime. They’re quick to devour their meals which is extremely rewarding to see as a concerned pet parent.
We haven’t experienced any stomach issues, vomiting or diarrhea since making the transition. So although these meals come at a premium price, I’ve saved money in terms of trips to the vet, medication and vet-recommended dog food.
Reasons to try dog food delivery companies
Freshly cooked dog meals delivered to your door (Photo: Nom Nom)
So you’re thinking about making the change to a dog food delivery company but you’re not convinced. Let’s take a look at some of reasons to give this service a try.
• Freshly prepared meals – The biggest attraction could the fresh meals. These companies cook your dog’s food using fresh and quality ingredients. They’re frozen to lock in all the benefits before you reheat for your precious pooch.
• Customised to your dog – These meals are tailored to meet your dog’s specific needs. So whether you’ve rescued a dog that needs to put on a few pounds or you’ve got an obese pup that needs to lose some weight, they’ve got you covered.
• Variety of recipes – If you’ve got picky eaters like me, you’ll understand the importance of having some recipe variety. This allows us to keep even the pickiest of eaters guessing.
• Formulated by experts – You can relax with peace of mind knowing that these companies employ vet nutritionists to ensure their meals are balanced and complete. You won’t find any additives or nasties.
• Portion control – Dog food delivery companies usually remove the stress of preparing your pup’s meals by using pre portioned meal pouches or a customised scooper.
• Motivated dogs at meal time – If you’re used to your dog turning their nose up at their meals, it’ll be a rewarding experience to see them motivated at dinnertime. This isn’t a temporary change, my dogs continue to be excited about their food months down the line.
• Efficient and reliable deliveries – We rely on these companies to deliver the meals in tiptop shape and on time. That’s one of the perks of opting for a dog food delivery company.
• Flexible subscription plans – Worried that you’ll be tied into a long-term subscription plan? These companies usually operate on a month to month basis so you can cancel at any time.
Any negatives?
Seeing as this is an impartial review, I’ll touch upon some of the negatives to this service.
Dog food delivery companies provide a premium service so you can expect to pay a little more than you would for traditional types of dog food. So you’ll have to budget for these meals and perhaps dig a little deeper into your pockets. In my case, I’ve saved money in the long run with less trips to the vet and the emergency vet.
Another consideration is fridge and freezer space. Your Cavapoo’s fresh meals will need to be stored away to ensure they retain their nutritional integrity. You can place a couple of day’s worth of meals in the fridge. The rest will have to go in the freezer. You may find your freezer space is at a premium but it could trigger you to adopt a more fresh approach to your own diet!
Cavapoos
Cavapoo puppy (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Cavapoos are a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Poodle.
They’re a mix that have become popular since the 1990s. There is a high density of Cavoodles in Australia, where the mixed breed is thought to have originated.
Cavapoos aren’t recognised by the American Kennel Club, United Kennel Club or the Kennel Club in the UK.
They’re considered hypoallergenic dogs, although no dog is completely hypoallergenic. Their Poodle parent is a low shedding dog so Cavapoos can inherit this trait. However, there’s no guarantee a puppy will get these desired Poodle genes.
Cavapoos appearance and size
Breeders will usually use a miniature or toy Poodle crossed with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to ensure Cavapoos are relatively small dogs.
Cavapoos have a height range of between nine and 14 inches, while they can weigh between eight and 20 pounds.
Cavapoos exercise requirements
Cavapoos can have different exercise requirements depending on whether they inherit the active Poodle genes or laidback Cavalier genes. Wag Walking recommend around 60 minutes of exercise a day.
Cavapoos health
Cavapoos are a relatively healthy mix but they can be prone to some health issues. These include luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, a heart condition called mitral valve disease and epilepsy.
Anything else to consider?
You should consult with your vet before you decide to make a change in your Cavapoo’s diet. If you make the transition too quickly, your dog could suffer from health problems, such as diarrhea or vomiting. This would be counter productive if you’ve made the switch to a dog food delivery company to avoid such issues.
These dog food companies will usually provide a guide to follow in order to gradually make the complete switch to their meals over the period of two weeks or so.
This article does not constitute expert advice and we recommend contacting your vet if you have any concerns or issues. You can also reach out to the company you’re thinking about subscribing to as they’ll usually have experts on hand to offer advice.
In conclusion
So we’ve reached the end of our article on the best dog food for Cavapoos.
If you’ve decided you want to change your dog’s diet because they’re picky eaters, prone to sensitive stomachs or you’ve decided you want a fresh and healthy approach to your canine’s food, dog food delivery companies could be a great option for you.
I can say without doubt that their meals have transformed the lives of my dogs for the better. They’re happier, more energetic, free of stomach issues, motivated at mealtime and we haven’t been to the vet since making the change.
If your dog has struggled with tummy issues or picks at their food, this could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
As always, we recommend speaking to your vet before you make the switch.
