What and How Much to Feed a Labradoodle Puppy

Feeding a new puppy can feel confusing. There are hundreds of brands, feeding charts and opinions. Here's the simple approach I share with every family who takes home a Doodle's Kennel puppy.

Start with what they already eat

Your puppy has been eating a particular food at our home. For the first week, keep feeding the same food if you can. Sudden changes upset a puppy's stomach. If you want to switch brands, do it slowly over 7 to 10 days, mixing a little more of the new food each day.

Choose a quality puppy food

Look for a food made for puppies, ideally "large breed puppy" for Standards and regular puppy food for Minis. Check the label for:

• A named meat (like chicken or lamb) as the first ingredient
• A statement that it meets AAFCO standards for growth
• No mystery "meat by-product" as the main ingredient

Your vet can recommend a specific brand. The best food is one your puppy digests well and enjoys.

How often to feed

• 8 to 12 weeks: three to four small meals a day
• 3 to 6 months: three meals a day
• 6 to 12 months: two meals a day

Regular meal times make potty training easier, because what goes in on a schedule comes out on a schedule.

How much to feed

Start with the feeding chart on the food bag, then adjust to your puppy's body. A healthy puppy has a visible waist when viewed from above, and you can feel (but not see) the ribs. If your puppy is getting round, trim portions. If the ribs show, feed a little more. Your vet will weigh your puppy at each visit and can fine-tune the amount.

Treats and training

Treats are great for training, but they count toward the day's calories. Keep them small, and try using pieces of their regular kibble. Avoid giving table scraps, which can cause stomach upset and bad habits.

Foods that are dangerous for dogs

• Chocolate, xylitol (a sweetener in gum and some peanut butter), grapes and raisins
• Onions, garlic and macadamia nuts
• Cooked bones, which can splinter

If your puppy eats something dangerous, call your vet or an emergency vet right away.

Water

Always keep fresh water down, especially in Houston's heat. Wash the bowl daily. If your puppy is crate trained, take water up in the evening to help with overnight potty breaks.

Feeding and growth

Standard Labradoodles grow quickly and can be prone to joint issues, so avoid overfeeding. Slow, steady growth is healthier than rapid growth. Minis mature sooner, often by 9 to 12 months, while Standards may take up to 18 months.

Switching to adult food

Most Minis can switch to adult food around 10 to 12 months, and Standards around 12 to 18 months. Ask your vet when your own dog is ready.

Picky eater?

Puppies sometimes skip a meal when they're adjusting to a new home. Offer the food for 15 minutes, then take it up and try again at the next meal. If your puppy refuses food for more than a day, call your vet.

If you have feeding questions at any point, call or text me at 281-923-9266. You may also like our first-week guide.