Feeding & Watering
Nutrition Guide for Your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle
Bringing a new Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle puppy into your family is a joyous event, and knowing how to provide the right nutrition and hydration is essential for their overall health and wellbeing. This guide will help you understand your dog's unique dietary needs and establish an effective feeding and watering routine tailored to their size and breed.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Dog
With a wide range of pet food choices available, finding the right one can seem daunting. However, taking into account the following factors can help guide your selection:
Dog's age: Nutritional requirements differ between life stages. Puppies need to be fed two to three times a day due to their growth needs, while feeding once a day is sufficient for adult dogs.
Activity level: Dogs with a high level of physical activity need a higher calorie intake.
Breed specifics: Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles may have breed-specific health predispositions that can influence food choices.
Allergies: Dogs with food sensitivities may require a hypoallergenic diet.
Based on these factors, we recommend Purina Pro Plan Puppy Food for most puppies. Another best value alternative is the puppy food from Costco. For adult dogs, you can choose between dry food, which is cost-effective and easy to store, wet food, which provides additional moisture and flavor, or a balanced homemade diet for specific dietary needs. Again, we recommend the Purina Pro Plan Dog Food and Kirkland (Costco) lines of dog food for most adult dogs.
Feeding Schedule and Portions
Feeding should be timed and quantity-controlled to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight. Here's a guideline for daily feeding quantities based on your dog's size:
Large (90-65 lbs.): 2 - 3 cups
Medium (65-45 lbs.): 1 - 2 cups
Small (45-25 lbs.): 0.5 - 1 cups
Toy (less than 25 lbs.): 0.25 - 0.5 cups
Online dog food calculators can also assist in figuring out the correct portions.
Hydration and Your Dog
Your dog should have access to clean, fresh water throughout the day. Typically, a dog needs about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day. However, factors like an active lifestyle, hot weather, or illness may necessitate more water. Exceptions can be made for traveling and crating at nighttime.
Nutritional Care for Your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle Puppy
A new puppy requires a structured routine that includes set times for meals, playtime, and rest. This not only helps create a calm environment but also aids in successful potty training.
As your puppy grows and undergoes various physical and emotional changes, understanding these stages can guide you in providing appropriate care. When crate training, ensure your puppy is properly fed and hydrated before and after their time in the crate. Limiting water access a couple of hours before bedtime can help prevent overnight accidents.
Treats and Transitioning Foods
While treats should be given in moderation, dental chews like C.E.T. Hextra are beneficial for adult dogs. When transitioning your dog to a new food, do so gradually to avoid upsetting their stomach.
In conclusion, feeding and hydrating your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle involves more than just filling their bowls. By understanding your dog's unique needs and providing the right nutrition, you can help them grow into a healthy, happy adult dog.