The Best Diet for Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Maltipoo Puppies: Keeping Them Fit

Diet plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of your Golden Doodle, Bernedoodle, and Maltipoo puppies. These breeds are active and energetic, requiring a balanced diet to fuel their bodies and support healthy growth. In this article, we’ll explore the best dietary practices for each breed, from choosing the right food to maintaining a healthy weight.

1. Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Each Breed

Golden Doodles, Bernedoodles, and Maltipoos all have unique nutritional needs based on their size, activity level, and genetic background. Ensuring they receive the right balance of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins is key to promoting healthy growth, strong muscles, and a shiny coat.

• Golden Doodles: As a mix between Golden Retrievers and Poodles, Golden Doodles are medium to large-sized dogs with moderate to high energy levels. They require a high-quality dog food that contains a good amount of animal-based protein (such as chicken, lamb, or turkey), healthy fats, and omega fatty acids to support their skin, coat, and joints.
• Bernedoodles: Bernedoodles are a mix of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles, and they are medium-sized dogs that require a high-protein diet to maintain their muscle mass and energy levels. Their diet should include healthy fats (like omega-3 and omega-6) to support heart health and coat condition.
• Maltipoos: Maltipoos are smaller dogs that don’t require as much food as their larger counterparts, but their diet must still be well-balanced. Small breed puppies need higher levels of protein to support their active lifestyle, and their food should contain healthy fats and fiber for optimal digestion.

2. Choosing the Right Puppy Food

When selecting food for your Golden Doodle, Bernedoodle, or Maltipoo puppy, choose food specifically formulated for puppies or small breeds (for Maltipoos). Puppy food contains the appropriate levels of protein, fat, and nutrients that puppies need for growth and development. Look for foods that list high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn, soy, or artificial preservatives. We recommend Health Extension and TLC.

3. Portion Control and Feeding Frequency

Puppies require more food than adult dogs due to their rapid growth. However, it’s essential to monitor portion sizes to avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity and joint problems. Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles, being larger breeds, typically need 2-3 meals per day, while Maltipoos, as smaller dogs, often do well with 2 meals per day.

Make sure to follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging or your veterinarian’s recommendations based on your puppy’s weight, age, and activity level.

4. Supplements for a Healthy Coat and Joints

Both Golden Doodles and Bernedoodles can benefit from supplements that promote healthy joints, as these breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and other joint issues. Omega-3 fatty acids (from fish oil) can help keep their coat shiny and reduce inflammation in their joints. Additionally, glucosamine and chondroitin supplements can provide extra support for healthy cartilage and joint function.

Maltipoos, with their smaller frame, benefit from the same supplements, particularly omega fatty acids for coat health.

5. Managing Weight and Preventing Obesity

Obesity is a common problem in dogs, and it can lead to a variety of health issues, including joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease. To prevent obesity, monitor your puppy’s weight regularly and adjust food portions as needed. Provide plenty of exercise, and avoid feeding them excessive treats.

Conclusion

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential to ensuring the health and happiness of your Golden Doodle, Bernedoodle, or Maltipoo puppy. By choosing the right food, managing portions, and providing supplements for joint and coat health, you can ensure your puppy grows into a strong, healthy adult dog.