What to feed a poodle
Poodles come in toy, miniature and standard sizes, and what suits one size does not necessarily suit another, so the honest starting point for what to feed a poodle is knowing which size you actually have. Beyond size, this is a generally healthy, active breed without many breed-specific dietary quirks, though dental health is worth some attention at the smaller end.
Match the food to the size
A toy or miniature poodle needs a small-breed formula, sized correctly for a small mouth and calorie-dense enough to meet a smaller, faster metabolism's needs without needing to eat a huge volume of food. A standard poodle, being a genuinely medium-to-large dog, does better on a food formulated for that size category instead.
Puppies of any poodle size benefit from a puppy formula matched to their eventual adult size — a standard poodle puppy in particular should be on a medium or large-breed puppy food that manages growth rate, rather than a generic or small-breed puppy formula.
Dental health at the smaller end
Toy and miniature poodles, like many small breeds, can be prone to dental crowding, since a full set of adult teeth sits in a comparatively small jaw. A kibble texture that supports chewing, or a dedicated dental chew alongside regular brushing, is worth building into a routine from an early age for smaller poodles specifically.
Standard poodles, being a larger dog, are somewhat less prone to this specific issue, though dental care remains worthwhile for any dog regardless of size.
Coat and general condition
The poodle's dense, curly, low-shedding coat is one of the breed's most recognisable features, and a diet that includes omega fatty acids for skin and coat support helps maintain coat condition alongside the regular clipping and grooming this coat type needs.
Poodles are an active, intelligent breed across all three sizes, so matching food to actual activity level — a working or very active standard poodle needs more than a sedentary toy poodle relative to their size — is worth considering alongside the size-based recommendations above.
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.
Long-Handled Silicone Pet Toothbrush
A food-grade silicone toothbrush with fine soft bristles on a long, paw-shaped handle that reaches back teeth comfortably. Gentle on gums and helps keep your pet's mouth fresh and clean.
£7.99
NanoSanitas Advanced No-Brush Dental Gel for Dogs & Cats
A brush-free dental gel for dogs and cats, formulated with silver nanoparticles and papaya extract to help reduce plaque and freshen breath.
£14.99
Forthglade Dental Calming Sticks
Dental chew sticks for dogs with added calming botanicals for evening routines
£2.99
Pet Dental Cleaning Wipes (50 Pack)
A tub of 50 textured finger wipes that lift plaque and freshen breath for dogs and cats without a toothbrush. Slip one over your finger and wipe teeth clean for easy daily dental care.
£9.99
Pet Oral Spray for Dogs & Cats
A 100ml pet oral spray for dogs and cats that helps promote fresh breath and cleaner teeth. Simply spray onto teeth and gums - no brushing needed for daily oral care.
£8.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Salmon
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for dogs, built on fresh and dried salmon
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Duck
Cold-pressed grain-free duck food with fruit and botanicals, in two bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Turkey
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% turkey, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
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
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 toy, miniature and standard poodles need different food?
- Yes, largely because of the size difference. A toy or miniature poodle needs a small-breed formula sized for a smaller mouth, while a standard poodle, being a genuinely larger dog, suits a medium or large-breed food better.
- Are poodles prone to dental problems?
- Toy and miniature poodles can be, since a full set of teeth sits in a comparatively small jaw, which raises the risk of crowding and plaque build-up. Standard poodles are less prone to this specific issue given their larger size.
- What should I feed a standard poodle puppy?
- A medium or large-breed puppy formula that manages growth rate is the sensible choice for a standard poodle puppy, given their eventual larger adult size, rather than a generic or small-breed puppy food.
- Does a poodle's coat need a specific diet?
- Not a specific diet as such, but a food including omega fatty acids for skin and coat support helps maintain the condition of this breed's distinctive curly, low-shedding coat alongside regular grooming and clipping.
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.