What to feed a Cockapoo
A Cockapoo is a Cocker Spaniel and Poodle cross, and what to feed one comes down to their individual size, age and activity level rather than anything specific to the crossbreed itself. Most Cockapoos sit in the small-to-medium range, so a complete food suited to that size, at the right life stage, is the starting point.
Sizing the food to the dog
Cockapoos vary more in size than many breeds, since they can take after either a toy, miniature or standard Poodle parent as well as the Cocker Spaniel side. A smaller Cockapoo does better on a small-breed formula with an appropriately sized kibble, while a larger one may suit a medium-breed food better — check where your dog actually sits rather than assuming from the name.
Activity level matters too. Cockapoos are typically energetic, playful dogs, and one who's out for long walks and plenty of play needs more from their food than a more sedate dog of the same size and age.
Puppy through to senior
A puppy formula supports the faster growth and development small-to-medium breed puppies go through, and most Cockapoos move onto an adult diet within their first year — check the specific food's guidance rather than a fixed age. As they get older, watch their weight and energy levels for the point where a senior or lighter formula might suit better.
Their curly, often allergy-friendly coat is a grooming feature rather than a dietary one, and doesn't on its own mean anything about what food they need.
Sensitivities worth knowing about
Ear problems are relatively common in Cockapoos because of their floppy, hairy ears, and while that's mainly a grooming and hygiene matter, persistent ear issues are sometimes linked to a food sensitivity in dogs generally. If your dog has ongoing ear or skin problems, a limited-ingredient diet is worth discussing with your vet as one possible piece of the picture, rather than assuming food is the cause.
As with any dog, a change in appetite, stools or coat condition that doesn't settle within a few days is worth a vet visit rather than working through different foods alone.
Foods that suit this breed
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
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
Alpha Working Dog Maintenance Chicken
An energy-controlled chicken dry food for working dogs with lower energy needs or a tendency to put on weight.
£29.00
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Senior Dry Dog Food Turkey & Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for senior dogs, with glucosamine and chondroitin for joints
£82.35
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Bakers Superfoods Chicken with Vegetables Dry Dog Food
Bakers Chicken with Vegetables dry dog food, 14kg, complete nutrition for adult dogs
£39.15
Harringtons Adult Dog Salmon & Potato
Complete salmon and potato dry dog food with 21% protein in a 1.7KG bag
£6.25
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
James Wellbeloved Grain Free Adult Dry Dog Food Turkey Veg
Grain-free turkey kibble for adult dogs, evenly balanced with potato in the mix
From£12.75
James Wellbeloved Adult Breed Dry Dog Food Turkey Rice
A hypoallergenic dry food for adult dogs, in small and large breed versions, built around single-source turkey protein
From£45.75
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Common questions
- Do Cockapoos need a specific diet?
- No, there's no diet unique to Cockapoos as a crossbreed. What matters is choosing a complete food matched to your individual dog's size, age and activity level, the same as for any dog.
- How much should I feed a Cockapoo puppy?
- Follow the feeding guide on the puppy food you're using, based on their current weight and expected adult size, and check in with your vet at routine visits to make sure they're growing at a healthy rate.
- Are Cockapoos prone to weight gain?
- They can be, like many food-motivated, moderately active small-to-medium breeds, especially if treats aren't accounted for alongside their main meals. Keeping an eye on body condition and adjusting portions accordingly helps more than switching foods.
- Is wet or dry food better for a Cockapoo?
- Both can form part of a complete diet, and it often comes down to preference. Dry food supports dental health better through the chewing action, while wet food can suit fussier eaters or dogs who need more moisture in their diet.
Related
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.