The Charm of Cavapoos
Adult Cavapoos can be very fussy when it comes to eating. My Cavapoo, Maple, certainly is and it took us a few weeks of trying various brands of puppy food before we got something that she likes. We had to return quite a few bags of food to our pet store and keep trying different options. After much research online and a few trial and errors, we now have found the right mix for her. She rejected Royal Canine, Hill’s Science Diet, and other well known brands, but has taken a liking towards Purina and Ziwi Peak. They both seem to be working well for her. Please note that each dog is different and your may take a liking towards Royal Canine, or Hill’s Science Diet or Proplan or something all together different.
Cavapoos, those snuggly blends of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, have an undeniable knack for making hearts melt. They’re adored thanks to their amiable personality, cuddly vibe, and little-to-no-sneeze factor, making them a hit among families, seniors, and folks living in the city.
Introducing the Cavapoo Breed
With their irresistibly cute looks and sweet nature, it’s no wonder Cavapoos are stealing the spotlight. These dogs often bring out the best in both parents—brains and charm. Their wavy or curly coats come in a mix of colors like cream, fawn, gold, chestnut, and even a splash of tri-color. Ours is light coloured almost light golden, perhaps like honey. But Maple Syrup suits better and hence, Maple the name!
Adult Cavapoos are the perfect-sized cuddle buddy, weighing 12 to 25 pounds and standing 9 to 14 inches tall. Their small stature and lovable spirit make them a match for anyone seeking a fun and fuss-free pet. Curious about their behaviors and how to keep them happy? Check out our how to care for cavapoos article.
| Cavapoo Trait | Description |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12 – 25 pounds |
| Height | 9 – 14 inches |
| Coat | Wavy or Curly |
| Temperament | Friendly and Affectionate |
Why Cavapoos Win Over Allergy Sufferers, Seniors, and Apartment Residents
Cavapoos are an absolute win for those with particular needs or living constraints. Here’s why.
Allergy Sufferers
Folks who are allergic to dog dander like me often fall head over heels for Cavapoos due to their hypoallergenic reputation. Their Poodle side typically means less shedding, which means fewer sniffles and a tidier home. There is no hair on our couches or car seats anymore and we don’t need to vacuum our home that often either. They’re an awesome option for those battling pet allergies. Want the full scoop? Head to our piece on cavapoos and allergies.
Seniors
Cavapoos get along famously with the older crowd. And believe me, I’m up there in age myself. I highly recommend a Cavapoo if you are an older person like me. They’re gentle, loving, and ace companions, providing both comfort and connection. Plus, they don’t demand too much when it comes to exercise, making them less of a hassle for seniors. Their small size means easy handling and less stress compared to larger and chunkier breeds. For more reasons seniors might fall for Cavapoos, take a look at cavapoos and senior citizens.
Apartment Dwellers
For people who live in apartments or town houses with little to no backyard, a Cavapoo is a pet dream come true. Compact and moderately energetic, they’re happy in cozier digs. Make sure they get their play and exercise, and they’ll thrive with less room. They’re also low on the barking meter, which is sweet for keeping the peace with neighbors. Discover how to make apartment life paw-some for Cavapoos in our cavapoos in apartments article.
With their ability to fit smoothly into various lifestyles and their warm personalities, Cavapoos are an endearing choice for dog lovers all around.
Understanding Adult Cavapoo Nutrition
Making sure your Cavapoo gets the right eats isn’t just important—it’s everything. It keeps them feeling spry and wagging their way into old age. Our vet recommended for us to stick to one brand and just one variety of food. But Cavapoo’s can be very fussy and choosy. Our little nugget wants variety and she can go on a hunger strike for a couple of days making sad faces. Many a times we succumb and try to give her canned fish, minced meat, or chicken. This is wrong. Don’t do that. We learned they get fussier when given choices. Now, we just tire her out with games and walks and when she’s hungry, she eats herself. Here, we’ll break down what your Cavapoo needs to chow down on and what to keep in mind when filling up that bowl.
Basic Nutritional Needs of Adult Cavapoos
Cavapoos, the adorable fluff nuggets sprung from Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Poodles, have their own menu of must-haves. Think of it as their foodie pyramid—proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, and minerals all need to be in that dish.
Proteins: Picture these as the building blocks for their muscles.
Fats: The secret sauce for energy, plus a boost for brainy and eyeball growth.
Carbohydrates: Your Cavapoo’s pep pills, giving them the spunk for zoomies.
Vitamins and Minerals: Tiny defenders for their immune powers and all things health.
Here’s a cheat sheet for what a grown Cavapoo, weighing around 12 to 25 pounds, might need each day:
| Nutrient | Amount per Day |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18-22% |
| Fat | 8-12% |
| Carbohydrates | 30-35% |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Balance it out with the good stuff in their grub |
Sniff around our piece on best food for Cavapoos for a deeper dive into deliciousness.
Factors to Consider When Feeding Your Adult Cavapoo
When it comes to mealtime, you’ve got to consider a few things to keep your adult Cavapoo bouncing with life.
Age and Weight: Young pups, grown-ups, and golden oldies each have their own dietary dance. It’s all about tweaking their portions to suit their life stage. For older groovers, check out our piece on feeding tips for senior Cavapoos. Usually, you will find the portions described in detail on the side of the food bags. The recommendations on the side of the food bags are pretty accurate and can be relied upon.
Activity Level: If your Cavapoo’s an energetic explorer, they’ll need more fuel than one who takes life slow. Keep track of those calories to ensure they stay fit, not chubby.
Health Conditions: Some Cavapoos have touchy tummies thanks to food sensitivities. Spotting allergies early can save them from a doggy crisis. Peek at our guide on common food allergens in Cavapoos for the lowdown.
Living Environment: Apartment-bound Cavapoos may need different diet and exercise strategies. Think space-saving feeding hacks and creative playtime. Explore our article on feeding Cavapoos in small spaces for inspiration.
Hydration: Keep the water bowl topped up. Hydration isn’t just good manners—it’s a health essential. And ensure the water is replaced with fresh water after a few hours.
With a little know-how about what your Cavapoo needs, you’ll be the top chef in their life. For more paw-some advice, mosey over to our full guide on how to care for Cavapoos.
Best Food Choices for Adult Cavapoos
Picking the right chow for your Cavapoo can be a game-changer in keeping them sprightly and healthy. These lovable pups have their own set of dietary needs that you can meet with top-notch kibble, scrumptious wet food, or even meals from your own kitchen. Let’s break these down a bit.
High-Quality Kibble
Kibble’s the go-to for many pet parents—easy-peasy and packed with nutrients. It usually serves up a good mix of protein, fats, and carbs, all the essentials your fluffy buddy needs.
When you’re choosing kibble, make sure meat’s the star ingredient, not all those filler culprits like corn and soy. Quality kibble should also be jazzed up with vitamins and minerals for your Cavapoo’s well-being. We give our Cavapoo Purina for puppies during the day and Ziwi Peak Chicken or Lamb from New Zealand for dinner.
| Nutrient | Content (per cup) |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 – 30 grams |
| Fats | 10 – 15 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40 – 60 grams |
| Fiber | 3 – 5 grams |
Portion sizes matter! You don’t want to overfill their belly. Need help with this? Check this out: feeding schedule for Cavapoo.
Wet Food Options
Wet food’s a delight, especially for Cavapoos who might be a bit fussy or have lunch-box mouths, if you catch my drift. It packs a lot more water, helping keep your furball hydrated. But try not to make wet food a standard daily habit. Use wet food only occasionally and rarely. Else, these little nuggets will go on a hunger strike demanding for wet food and you will find it hard to resist their sad face.
With its stronger aroma and flavors, it’s a hit with picky eaters. Again, that meat-first rule stands—steer clear of the artificial stuff and fillers.
| Nutrient | Content (per can) |
|---|---|
| Protein | 7 – 12 grams |
| Fats | 3 – 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 5 – 10 grams |
| Moisture | 75 – 85% |
Dental health still matters—keep up with regular brushing and dental treats. For more on keeping those chompers clean, head over to cavapoo dental care.
Homemade Diets for Cavapoos
Cooking up a storm for your Cavapoo? Well, if you have the time to do so, that’s fantastic. You’re the master chef here, and it helps if they’re dealing with allergies or tummy troubles. Balance is the spice of life—a bit of this, a bit of that for proteins, fats, and carbs.
| Food Type | Approximate Proportion |
|---|---|
| Protein (chicken, beef, fish) | 40% |
| Vegetables (carrots, peas, spinach) | 30% |
| Carbohydrates (rice, sweet potatoes) | 20% |
| Fats (olive oil, fish oil) | 10% |
Chat with your vet before diving into homemade meals to make sure you’re ticking all the boxes. All human foods are not necessarily ideal for pups. Curious about more tips for spoiling your pet just right? Peek at how to care for Cavapoos and Cavapoo grooming.
Choosing what to feed your Cavapoo can be a blend of heart and health. Whether you stick with kibble, wet food, or go Chef Cavapoo in the kitchen, aim for balanced meals that keep your tail-wagging companion feeling their best. If you’re hungry for more advice, check out best food for Cavapoos.
Feeding Schedule for Your Cavapoo
Setting up the right chowtime routine is vital for your Cavapoo’s health and happiness. Knowing when and how much to fill their bowl will keep you both in sync and make feeding your fuzzy buddy a breeze.
Making a Routine
Having set chow-times gives your Cavapoo a sense of how things roll and helps keep unwanted antics at bay. Consistency in mealtime means smoother digestion and helps your pup learn when it’s time to chow down. We struggled for a week or two with the schedule when we first got our Cavapoo home. We were even concerned that she isn’t eating as well as she should. But now, we have a firm schedule. I wake up early morning and take her for a morning walk. I feed her as soon as return. Then there is the next feed around 5pm in the evening. And then we finish the day off with a smaller quantity supper at around 8pm. This schedule works fine for Maple, but every dog should have its own routine. Set one for yours.
| Age of Cavapoo | Meals per Day | When to Feed |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy (8-16 weeks) | 4 meals | 7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM |
| Puppy (4-6 months) | 3 meals | 7 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM |
| Adult (6+ months) | 2 meals | 8 AM, 6 PM |
To get the lowdown on all things Cavapoo care, peek at our article on how to care for cavapoos.
Portion Control and Frequency
Keeping your Cavapoo’s weight in check means getting their portions spot on. Messing with the amounts can mess with their health. Here’s a general idea of how much to feed depending on their size, though energy levels and metabolism can change things up.
| Cavapoo’s Weight | Daily Grub Amount (cups) | Meals per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 lbs | 1/2 – 3/4 | 2-4 |
| 5 – 10 lbs | 3/4 – 1 | 2-3 |
| 10 – 15 lbs | 1 – 1 1/4 | 2 |
Tweak portion sizes based on how lively your Cavapoo is and have a chat with your vet if things are unclear. Keep an eye on their weight and shift their diet accordingly—it’s a big deal for their well-being. For the juicy details on top-notch nutrition and food picks, swing by our article on best food for cavapoos.
Nailing down a balanced chowtime plan and getting portions right will help your Cavapoo enjoy a joyful and healthy life, whether you’re in a cozy loft or dealing with pesky allergies.
Handling Cavapoo Allergies
Keeping your Cavapoo in tip-top shape isn’t just about treat rewards and belly rubs; you gotta think about their chow too! Some doggie diets are like picky puzzle pieces, especially when it comes to those sneaky little food allergies. Knowing what could set off those allergies is your best bet to keep your four-legged buddy wagging and woofing happily.
Common Food Allergens in Cavapoos
Cavapoos, with their fluffy curls and puppy-dog eyes, can be quite sensitive to certain stuff in their kibble. Here are some usual suspects you gotta watch out for:
| Allergen | Description |
|---|---|
| Chicken | This popular meat can sometimes make your pup itch more than a mosquito bite. |
| Beef | As tasty as it sounds, some pooches just can’t handle it. |
| Dairy Products | Milk and cheese aren’t always a dog’s best friend and can give them tummy troubles. |
| Wheat | Found in a lot of dog food, it might make some pups go itchy-scratchy. |
| Soy | Not all smiles with this filler — some dogs have a hard ‘no’ reaction. |
| Corn | Often seen in cheaper dog foods but can cause some serious itching fits. |
Knowing what’s in your dog’s bowl can mean fewer vet visits and more fun fetch days.
Signs Your Cavapoo Might Have a Food Allergy
Spotting a food allergy in your Cavapoo early on can save you both from amess of trouble. Here’s what to keep your eyes peeled for:
- Itchy Skin: If your little buddy looks like they’re auditioning for a scratching post, particularly on their face, paws, or belly—it’s allergy alert time.
- Digestive Issues: Vomit is the last thing you want on your carpet; diarrhea and gassy pups might also suggest food isn’t sitting right.
- Ear Infections: If your pooch is shaking their head like a rockstar or has stinky, oozy ears, allergies might be lurking.
- Hot Spots: These angry red patches on the skin can turn your sweet pup into a cranky one.
- Changes in Coat Condition: Patches on their once lustrous coat or playing new levels of shedding might point to allergies.
Spotted any red flags? It’s time for a doggie diet inspection and a chat with your vet. They’ll help you sleuth out the problem food and suggest what might put the pep back in your pup’s step. For more on keeping your Cavapoo as healthy as a horse, check out our tips on cavapoo health issues and best food for cavapoos.
With a little know-how on what’s ticking off your Cavapoo’s body, you’ll have them living life in the doggy lane. For even more tips on how to keep those allergies at bay, wag your way to our other write-ups on how to care for cavapoos and cavapoos and allergies.
Feeding Tips for Senior Cavapoos
As your lovable Cavapoo gets up there in years, you might notice they aren’t the sprightly pup they used to be. Their diet plays a big part in keeping them full of joy and pep throughout their golden years, so let’s talk about sprucing up their menu.
Nutritional Needs of Senior Dogs
Your older Cavapoo needs a special culinary touch to keep them in tip-top shape. With age, they tend to slow down and aren’t as active, so you gotta tweak their diet to suit these golden days.
- Protein: It’s vital for keeping those muscles strong and healthy. Make sure they get top-notch, easily digestible protein.
- Fiber: This is like a best buddy for their tummy, keeping things running smoothly and helping them maintain their weight.
- Fats: Good fats, especially omega-3 and omega-6, work wonders for their joints and give their coat that picture-perfect shine.
- Vitamins and Minerals: These work like tiny warriors for their bones and immune system. Look out for vitamins E and C, plus calcium and phosphorus.
- Low Calories: As they’re not as bouncy as they once were, cutting down on calories can help them avoid packing on the pounds.
| Nutrient | Why it’s important |
|---|---|
| Protein | Keeps those muscles tip-top |
| Fiber | Smooth sailing in digestion |
| Fats (Omega-3, 6) | Supports joints & keeps coat gleaming |
| Vitamins (E, C) | Great for the immune system |
| Minerals (Calcium, P) | Backbone of good bone health |
| Low Calories | Steers clear of extra weight |
Adjusting Diets for Aging Cavapoos
It’s about more than swapping out kibble for a senior dog label. Here’s how you can tweak what they’re noshing on:
- Small, Frequent Meals: Ditch the old; two meals a day, and go for smaller, more often. Keeps their energy up and aids in digestion, so no growling tummy in sight.
- Moist or Soft Foods: With dental woes, softer foods or soaked kibble can be a godsend. Check out our tips on cavapoo dental care.
- Keep an Eye on Weight: Watch out for their figure! A little too much or too little can be a sign to adjust portions.
- Supplements: Chat with the vet about adding goodies like glucosamine for those knees and some fish oil to maintain that sleek coat.
- Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget the water bowl! Especially if they live off kibble, they need their H2O.
| Adjustment | Perks |
|---|---|
| Small, Frequent Meals | Easier on digestion, more consistent energy |
| Moist/Soft Foods | Kinder on the chompers |
| Monitor Weight | Keeps them from becoming chunky or scrawny |
| Supplements | Joint-friendly and coat-glossing |
| Hydration | Staves off dehydration |
For extra pointers on keeping your senior Cavapoo happy and healthy, check out our guides on how to care for cavapoos and cavapoos and senior citizens. With the right diet tweaks, your Cavapoo can savor every moment of their later years.
Feeding Cavapoos in Small Spaces
Trying to feed your Cavapoo when you’re living in a cozy apartment or a town house with little space can feel like doing a jigsaw puzzle. Don’t worry, though—there’s a way to keep your pup well-fed without turning your place into a clutter zone.
Space-Saving Feeding Solutions
Your living room doesn’t have to double as a dog cafe. Here’s how to handle your Cavapoo’s dining needs while keeping space in check:
- Tiny Diners: Look for feeding stations that combine kibble and water storage into one small setup. It’s a neat way to keep everything where it should be.
- Pop-Up Bowls: Ever heard of magic? These bowls collapse when done, saving room in cupboards and suitcases alike—perfect if your pup’s a little adventurer.
- Flip-Up Bowls: Stick these on the wall to free up some floor. They’re adjustable to make sure your Cavapoo eats comfortably.
| Space-Saving Solution | Why It’s Handy |
|---|---|
| Tiny Diners | Efficient and tidy |
| Pop-Up Bowls | Store easily and great for trips |
| Flip-Up Bowls | Floor stays open, easy on their neck |
Keeping Your Cavapoo Active and Healthy
In a tight spot, your Cavapoo might think it’s lounge-o-clock all day. But staying active is part of wagging a happy tail! Here’s how to keep them moving and munching right:
- Daily Strolls: Plan a walk or two—our fuzzballs need about 30 minutes of leg-stretching each day. It helps ‘em stay fit and keeps their tails wagging. Got more questions? Check our tips on Cavapoo exercising and toys.
- Brainy Toys: Meals become a game with puzzle feeders. Try and sneak in some brain work, and stop them from gobbling too fast.
- Food that Fits: Make sure their meals match their growth chart with a balanced diet. For tips on picking the chow, see best food for Cavapoos.
| Activity | When To Do It | Why It’ll Help |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Strolls | Every day, 30 minutes | Keeps them fit, bounces their mood |
| Brainy Toys | Meal times | Makes meals more fun, brain boost |
| Food that Fits | Every meal | Keeps them healthy and full of pep |
So, shuffle around these space-saving feeding ideas and keep your pup’s tail wagging with exercise and good grub—even in the smallest nook. For tips on keeping your Cavapoo in tip-top shape, peek at our articles on cavapoo health issues and cavapoo dental care.
