6 Best Dog Foods For Poodles That Even The Pickiest of Them Will Love
As one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world, Poodles deserve nothing but the best when it comes to their diet. With so many options available on the market, finding the perfect dog food for your furry companion can be overwhelming. However, after extensive research and analysis, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the best dog food for standard & toy Poodles, taking into consideration their unique nutritional needs and preferences. Whether you have a standard, miniature, or toy Poodle, these top-rated dog foods will keep your pup healthy and happy.
Here’s a quick rundown of our top six picks before we dive in.
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Best Dog Foods for Poodles
| Brand | Grain? | First 5 Ingredients | Price |
 Best Raw: We Feed Raw | Grain-free | 1. Beef Heart 2. Beef Liver 3. Beef Kidney 4. Beef Necks (with bone) 5. WFR vitamin + mineral mix | $ |
 Best Air-Dried: Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe | Grain-inclusive | 1. Beef 2. Beef Heart 3. Beef Liver 4. Beef Bone 5. Quinoa | $ |
 Best Freeze-Dried: Primal | Grain-free | 1. Beef Hearts 2. Beef Livers 3. Ground Beef Bones 4. Organic Carrots 5. Organic Squash | $$ |
Best Fresh-Frozen: Farmer’s Dog  | Grain-free | 1. USDA Beef 2. Sweet Potato, 3. Lentils, 4. Carrot 5. USDA Beef Liver | $$$ |
 Best Healthy Kibble: Spot & Tango | Grain-free | 1. Cod 2. Salmon 3. Sweet Potato 4. Pumpkin 5. Sunflower Seeds | $$ |
 Best Canned: Blue Buffalo | Grain-inclusive | 1. Beef 2. Beef Broth 3. Water 4. Chicken Liver 5. Carrots | $$ |
Poodle Nutritional Needs
Don’t let the small stature of the Poodle d fool you—these little dogs need the same basic nutrition as Great Danes, Pitbulls, and Golden Retrievers. One of the most neglected, abused, and abandoned breeds, Poodle s are often the victims of poor nutrition. This is in part due to the fact that Poodles can be a little picky.
But, like any other dog breed, the Poodle needs to have protein, fat, and fiber to live a long, happy, and healthy life. Facultative carnivores like all other dog breeds, Poodles do best when their diet contains animal protein and fat mixed with small amounts of fruits and vegetables.
Poodle Health
In later life, Poodles are prone to a number of health conditions, but these can typically be managed with food, lifestyle, and veterinary intervention.
Some common health issues Poodles may be prone to include:
- Dental disease
- Addison’s Disease
- Epilepsy
- Bloat (Gastric Torsion)
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
- Thyroid problems
- Skin allergies
Dental disease is particularly prevalent in Poodles, who may need veterinary tooth cleanings and extractions later in life. Dental disease isn’t just uncomfortable—it can fuel heart disease, cause systemic infections and inflammation, and shorten your Poodle’s lifespan.
Preventing dental disease isn’t so much about what you feed your dog and more about what you don’t feed your dog. There are a number of opinions on what foods fuel dental disease, with some vets adamantly recommending high-carb kibbles despite their higher glycemic index.
Key Nutrients for Poodles
It’s not possible to prevent or cure illness or disease in your Poodle with diet alone, but you can give your pup the best chance of a healthy life. Part of ensuring your dog’s diet is balanced is making sure they are getting the right micronutrients for their needs. To address some of the common health problems Poodles have, we recommend finding foods that are high in the following vitamins and minerals.
| Nutrient | Uses | Sources |
| B Vitamins | – Anti-inflammatory- Supports muscle and joint health | – Eggs- Fish- Goat milk- Liver- Red meat |
| Chondroitin | – Supports tracheal health- Supports joint health | – Fish- Poultry and bird cartilage – Pork cartilage |
| Glucosamine | – Supports tracheal health- Supports joint health | – Beef trachea- Green lipped mussels |
| Leucine | – Supports muscle and bone health- Supports heart health | – Beef- Sardines- Eggs |
| Magnesium | – Supports heart health | – Bones- Beef- Fish- Beef organs- Spinach- Kale- Potatoes |
| Potassium | – Supports muscle function- Supports heart health | – Salmon- Potatoes- Sweet potatoes- Spinach |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | – Supports cartilage health (spine and joint health) | – Flaxseed- Mackerel- Pumpkin seed oil- Salmon- Sardines |
| Vitamin C | – Anti-inflammatory- Supports muscle and joint health | – Blueberries- Carrots- Kale- Pumpkin- Kelp- Sweet potatoes |
| Vitamin E | – Anti-inflammatory- Supports muscle and joint health- Supports heart health | – Beef- Beef organs- Eggs- Salmon- Spinach |
In some cases, your vet might suggest adding extra meal toppers or nutrients to your Poodle s food. For example, many people like to add green-lipped mussels or extra omega-3 oils. These can be purchased at most pet stores, online, and at some veterinary offices.
6 Best Dog Foods For Poodles
This list includes only high-quality dog foods formulated by vets and canine nutritionists. Made from whole ingredients with zero filler, each of these foods is high-protein with a perfect balance of fat, fiber, moisture, and micronutrients.
Whether you want to feed your Poodle raw food, they like crunchy kibbles, or you want the convenience of canned wet food, you’ll find an option on this list. Also these are the best dog foods for miniature, toy and standard poodles.
1. Best Raw: We Feed Raw Beef Patty
We Feed Raw has a handful of amazing raw formulas made from different proteins. The beef recipe is one of our favorites for Poodles since beef contains many of the nutrients your Poodle’s needs. High in leucine, magnesium, and vitamin E, beef is especially good for maintaining healthy muscles and joints. We Feed Raw also includes a healthy portion of bone and organ meats.
If your Poodle already has tender teeth or missing teeth, raw diets are a nice option since they won’t need to chew. Completely free of complex carbohydrates, We Feed Raw’s blends also won’t contribute to dental decay.
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| First 5 Ingredients | Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Kidney, Beef Necks (with bone), WFR vitamin + mineral mix (contains Flaxseed, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin E Supplement, and more) |
| Food Type | Raw, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 12.2 % Protein – 10% Fat – 1% Fiber – 68.8% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 4.8 oz per day or 2.4 oz per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $0.98 per meal* – $32.99 for 5 lbs |
What Reviewers Say:
2. Best Air-Dried: Sundays For Dogs Beef Recipe
If you struggle to get your Poodle to eat their food, but they love treats, they’ll probably love Sundays For Dogs. Air-dried in small pieces that look, taste, and feel like jerky, Sundays For Dogs can also be used as training treats if you’re working on teaching your Poodle new tricks, or they just deserve an extra snack at the end of a long hard day of naps.
Other than the delicious recipe, we think Sundays For Dogs deserves consideration for best food for Poodles thanks to the turmeric to reduce inflammation, blueberries for antioxidant and immune support, and tart cherries to protect the joints.
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| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Beef Heart, Beef Liver, Beef Bone, Quinoa |
| Food Type | Air-dried, grain-inclusive without wheat, peas, corn, or legumes |
| Guaranteed Analysis | 30% Protein – 20% Fat – 3% Fiber – 15% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed ½ cup (2.2 oz.) per day or ¼ cup (1.1 oz.) per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.92 per meal* – $69 for 72 oz. (best option for savings) |
What Reviewers Say:
3. Best Freeze-Fried: Primal Raw Beef Nuggets
Primal makes freeze-dried raw food, which is basically just raw dog food with the moisture removed. To serve, simply break up the nuggets and rehydrate them with a few tablespoons of warm water. It takes just a few minutes, and choosing raw in this format eliminates the need for you to keep your dog’s food frozen.
For Poodles , we love that Primal’s beef formula contains beef hearts and livers, B vitamins, magnesium, and vitamin E. This recipe also includes carrots for vitamin C, fish oil for omega-3s, and a plethora of other healthy veggies.
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef Hearts, Beef Livers, Ground Beef Bones, Organic Carrots, Organic Squash |
| Food Type | Freeze-dried raw, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 34% Protein – 36% Fat – 8% Fiber – 3% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 4 nuggets per day or 2 nuggets per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.35 per meal* – 14 oz bag contains approximately 48 nuggets and costs $32.28 |
What Reviewers Say:
4. Best Fresh-Frozen: The Farmer’s Dog Beef Recipe
For the Poodle who refuses to eat anything but human food there’s The Farmer’s Dog! Cooked fresh then flash frozen to lock in freshness, The Farmer’s recipes are made from whole ingredients. We love the beef recipe for Poodles since it contains ground beef with lots of key nutrients, potatoes for magnesium and potassium, and eggs for B vitamins, leucine, and vitamin E.
Even the pickiest dogs love their recipes (seriously, we’ve tested it!) and humans love that The Farmer’s Dog takes all the guesswork out of meal portions. Before you place your order, The Farmer’s Dog will ask you to fill out a brief survey on your dog, then share suggested recipes and a custom meal plan.
Save 60% when you buy From The Farmer’s Dog
| First 5 Ingredients | USDA Beef, Sweet Potato, Lentils, Carrot, USDA Beef Liver |
| Food Type | Fresh-frozen, grain-inclusive |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 11% Protein — 8% Fat — 1.5% Fiber — 72% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feeding instructions are customized based on your dog’s personal information |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.39 per meal — price estimate given by Farmer’s Dog* |
What Reviewers Say:
5. Best Healthy Kibble: Spot & Tango UnKibble
Unlike typical kibble, UnKibble from Spot & Tango is wheat, corn, and soy free! Less carb-heavy than classic kibble, UnKibble is much better for your Poodle’s teeth, and it tastes better, too. We love the cod and salmon recipe since salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids. This formula also includes sweet potatoes and pumpkin for extra potassium and vitamin C.
Spot & Tango will help you figure out your dog’s serving size, and will even send a custom scoop designed to perfectly portion out your Poodle’s food. Easily the best dry dog food for Poodles, Spot & Tango has two other delicious recipes for you to try.
| First 5 Ingredients | Cod, Salmon, Sweet Potatoes, Pumpkin, Sunflower Seeds |
| Food Type | Kibble, grain-free |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 29.67% Protein – 22.06% Fat – 1.15% Fiber – 3.82% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feeding instructions customized by Spot & Tango based on your dog’s specific information. |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.44 per meal* – $40.44 for two weeks of food |
What Reviewers Say:
6. Best Canned: Blue Buffalo Small Breed Prime Rib in Gravy Delights
When you have a dog as small as a Poodle, it can take a while to get through a whole can of dog food. To make life a little easier, Blue Buffalo has created a line of small-breed wet food in 3.5-ounce bowls that are just the right portion size for an itty-bitty dog.
Made from a beef base for a healthy dose of leucine, magnesium, and vitamin E, this wet dog food also features chicken liver, carrots, peas, and other healthy ingredients to round out the meal.
| First 5 Ingredients | Beef, Beef Broth, Water, Chicken Liver, Carrots |
| Food Type | Wet, grain-inclusive |
| Guaranteed Analysis (crude) | 8% Protein – 3% Fat – 1.5% Fiber – 82% Moisture |
| Feeding Instructions | Feed 2 bowls per day or 1 bowl per meal* |
| Cost Per Meal | $1.29 per meal* – $15.53 for (12) 3.5-ounce bowls |
What Reviewers Say:
*Feeding instructions and cost analysis based on calculations for a 5lb adult Poodle with an average activity level.
Best Food for Poodle FAQ
Do you have more questions about the best Poodle foods on the market? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Poodle owners like you.
What should I feed a picky Poodle?
If your Poodle is picky, they’re probably sick of eating dry, carb-heavy food. Brands like We Feed Raw, Primal, and Blue Buffalo are great for meat-obsessed dogs. NomNom basically tastes like human food, so it’s great for Poodles who have a taste for sandwiches. For Poodles who enjoy the crunch of kibble but not the taste, Spot and Tangos’s UnKibble is packed with flavor.
What should I not feed my Poodle?
Human food! The human diet is too high in saturated fat, salt, and seasonings, and it’s just not appropriate for a dog. Poodles are especially at risk for poor diets and are notoriously fed human food since they’re so small.
You should also avoid toxic foods for dogs like chocolate, garlic, onions, etc.
Do Poodle need a special diet?
No, Poodles don’t need a breed-specific diet, but they do need the right balance of nutrients. Small-breed dog food is sometimes recommended by vets, but most small breeds can eat regular dog food without an issue.
What is the best homemade food for Poodles ?
Here are some vet-approved recipes you can make at home 4 Vet-Approved Homemade Dog Food Recipes
What is the best food for Poodles with no teeth?
Soft dog foods that require little chewing are the best options for Poodles with no teeth. Raw foods like We Feed Raw and Primal are nice options, since they’re basically just mush. Blue Buffalo’s canned foods have a pate texture and are also easy to eat without teeth.
Should I put my Poodle on a diet plan?
Unless your Poodle is overweight, suffering from a specific health condition, or has allergies, they should not be put on a diet. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog requires a new diet, less or more food, or prescription dog food.
If your dog needs to lose weight, here are some tips you can try. How to Help a Dog Lose Weight
What is the best wet food for a Poodle puppy?
Blue Buffalo’s small breed dog food will work for a Poodle puppy, but it’s not specifically formulated for growing dogs. Sticking with Blue Buffalo, we think that their canned puppy food is a contender for the best dog food for Poodle puppies.
What should I look for in a dog food for my Poodle?
Look for a dog food that is high in protein, low in carbohydrates, and contains essential nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Avoid dog foods with artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors.
Should I choose wet or dry food for my Poodle?
Both wet and dry food can be suitable for Poodles. However, dry food may be better for dental health as it can help scrape off plaque and tartar.
Can I feed my Poodle a homemade diet?
Yes, you can feed your Poodle a homemade diet, here are some vet-approved recipes. We also recommend using a supplement in your dog’s homemade food so you are sure that it’s balanced. We like the supplement The One by Front of the Pack
Should I choose a dog food specifically for Poodles?
While dog food specifically formulated for Poodles may be beneficial, it is not necessary. Look for a high-quality dog food that meets your Poodle’s nutritional needs.
What is the best dog food for a Poodle with sensitive stomachs?
Look for a dog food that is made with easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or lamb. Avoid dog foods that contain artificial ingredients or fillers.
Can Poodles eat grain-free dog food?
Yes, Poodles can eat grain-free dog food, but it is important to make sure that the food still contains essential nutrients and is not lacking in any areas.
How much should I feed my Poodle?
The amount of food your Poodle needs depends on their size, age, and activity level. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your Poodle.
Should I choose a dog food that is high in fat?
No, it is important to choose a dog food that is balanced and does not contain excessive amounts of fat. Too much fat can lead to obesity and other health problems.
Is it necessary to feed my Poodle a dog food with added supplements?
We always recommend a supplement to ensure your dog’s food is balanced. Look for The One by Front of the Pack
What is the ideal protein percentage in a dog food for Poodles?
Look for a dog food that contains at least 25% protein, as Poodles require a high protein diet.
Can I feed my Poodle a vegetarian diet?
Maybe. Poodles require meat-based protein in their diet and typically cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet unless carefully prepared. Here are some vegetarian and vegan recipes and store-bought foods.
Should I avoid dog foods that contain by-products?
While by-products are often viewed negatively, they can provide essential nutrients for dogs but not when cooked in with kibble. By-products, such as chicken liver are healthy for dogs.
How often should I change my Poodle’s dog food?
It is not necessary to change your Poodle’s dog food unless recommended by a veterinarian. Consistency is important for their digestive health.
What is the best dog food for a senior Poodle?
Look for a dog food that is lower in calories and fat, higher in protein, and contains joint supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
Can I feed my Poodle a raw diet?
Yes, a raw diet is a great choice. We like We Feed Raw mentioned above
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