How much to feed a Goldendoodle
There's no single correct amount to feed a Goldendoodle, because it depends on that individual dog's weight, age, activity level and metabolism, not just its breed. The reliable method is to start from the feeding guideline printed on your food's packaging for your dog's current weight, split across two meals, then adjust gradually over a couple of weeks based on how your dog's body condition actually looks and feels, ideally checked with your vet.
Start with the pack guideline, not a fixed number
Every complete dog food has a feeding guide on the packaging, usually a table matching a weight range to a daily amount, and that's the right starting point rather than any generic figure quoted online — different foods have different calorie densities, so the same weight of two different foods can mean very different actual calorie intake. Weighing food out, rather than eyeballing a scoop, makes it much easier to stick to that guideline consistently.
Splitting the daily total into two meals rather than one large one is generally easier on digestion and helps avoid the dog feeling overly hungry between feeds, which matters for a breed as food-motivated as many Goldendoodles are.
Adjusting by body condition, not a scale reading alone
A body condition check is simple: you should be able to feel your dog's ribs with gentle pressure but not see them clearly, and there should be a visible waist when looking down from above. If your Goldendoodle's waist is disappearing or ribs are getting harder to feel, that's the signal to reduce the daily amount slightly; if ribs are very easy to feel and there's no waist at all, a small increase may be needed instead.
Any change should be gradual — a small adjustment over a week or two, then reassessing, rather than a sudden jump. A vet or vet nurse can check body condition properly at a routine visit and is the best person to confirm whether your individual dog's weight is on track.
Treats and extras count too
Treats, training rewards and anything added to a meal all count towards a Goldendoodle's daily intake, and a common general guideline vets use is keeping treats to a small proportion of total daily calories rather than a significant chunk of the day's food. It's easy to under-count how much a handful of training treats across a walk adds up to, especially for a breed that responds so well to food-based training.
If you're using a slow feeder or puzzle feeder, that's a good way to make a portion last longer and slow down a dog that eats quickly, without needing to feed any more than the same measured amount.
Feeding kit
Things we stock that owners commonly reach for here. Nothing on this page depends on you buying one.
Tarhong Concentric Circle Slow Feeder Bowl for Dogs & Cats
A stylish slow-feeder bowl that encourages healthier, calmer mealtimes — available in blue, grey, or white.
£14.99
Tarhong Medallion Slow Feeder Puzzle Dog Bowl
A stylish BPA-free puzzle bowl that slows down greedy eaters — available in three sizes and a choice of colours.
From£10.99
LickiMat Wobble & Splash Enrichment Bowls for Dogs
Wobbling rubber enrichment bowls that add movement and challenge to treat time, encouraging slower eating and longer-lasting fun.
£16.99
Alpha Sensitive Salmon & Rice
A salmon and rice dry food for adult dogs with sensitive digestions, made without wheat gluten, soya or dairy.
£49.00
Common questions
- How do I know if I'm feeding my Goldendoodle the right amount?
- The clearest sign is body condition rather than the scale alone: you should be able to feel the ribs with gentle pressure and see a waist from above. If either of those signs is missing, adjust the amount gradually over a week or two and check again, or ask your vet to assess body condition at a routine visit.
- Should I feed my Goldendoodle once or twice a day?
- Two meals a day is generally easier on digestion than one large meal and tends to suit food-motivated breeds like the Goldendoodle better, since it avoids a long stretch of hunger between feeds. Puppies usually need more frequent, smaller meals, moving to two as they mature into adulthood.
- Do Goldendoodles need a large breed food?
- It depends on the individual dog's expected adult size, since Goldendoodles range from miniature to standard. A vet can advise on the right size and life-stage formula based on your specific dog's parentage and expected weight, rather than assuming based on the name alone.
- Why is my Goldendoodle always begging for food?
- Goldendoodles are generally food-motivated dogs, so wanting more isn't necessarily a sign they're underfed. Checking body condition rather than behaviour is the more reliable way to judge whether the amount is right, and a vet can help rule out anything else if the behaviour seems unusually intense.
Related
Sources
Written against guidance published by UK veterinary and welfare organisations. Always confirm specifics with your own vet.
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.