The aristocratic looking and much-adored poodle was originally bred for water retrieving, though it is now classified as a non-sporting or companion dog. The breed eventually became known for their ability to perform and moved on to circus acts and dog show rings. The French enjoyed the way the dog’s coat could be shaped, and this moved them into a point of high interest among the dog show circuit. Nowadays, toy and miniature poodles are loved all over the world.
Life expectancy: 10–14 years for standards, up to 17 years for small and miniature
Coat: Long and curly, high grooming needs
Colors: White, black, gray, blue, silver, brown, & apricot
Temperament: Friendly, Excitable, Intelligent, Protective
Poodles come in three sizes, which offers great variety for almost any living situation. The standard poodle is over 15 inches in height and weighs between 45 and 70 lbs. The miniature stands 10 to 11 inches tall and weighs 12–20 lbs. The toy poodle is quite appropriately titled, standing less than 10 inches tall and weighing between 5 and 7 lbs.
With their intelligent yet curious nature, poodles are relatively easy to train. They are very people-oriented and make great companions with their active and fun-loving personalities, though they can develop an annoying habit of barking if they’re bored or being ignored.
With their unusual hair coat, they are an excellent match for people with allergies. Because they don’t actually have fur, nor do they shed, they’re considered hypoallergenic and work well in households that otherwise can’t have dogs due to allergies.
This breed works well as a service dog and, in fact, is one of the top three breeds chosen for this specialized line of work. Their ability to quickly pick up scent training also makes them perfect for diabetic alert dogs. They excel in mobility and psychiatric work. They also do well as police dogs or guide dogs for the blind.
The miniature varieties can be aggressive to strangers or newcomers to their environment. They’re notoriously protective of both their family and their home. It’s recommended to begin their socialization at an early age, so they’re used to these types of situations. Training definitely isn’t something to scrimp on just because they’re smaller in size.
When training your poodle, keep the treats to a reasonable level to ensure your dog’s health. This breed easily becomes overweight and with their longer lifespans, the extra weight can bring on many different health issues to deal with over that longer timeframe. Therefore, feeding treats to your little bundle of fun should be limited.
Common health problems include:
- Allergies (especially food allergies)
- Hip dysplasia
To keep your furry friend as fit and healthy as possible, make sure they get plenty of exercise. Since they are a very people-oriented breed, walking or jogging with your poodle is quite popular. You also need to maintain a proper diet to keep Fido or Fifi healthy into their golden doggy years. Because poodles come in different sizes, they have different dietary needs. Whether you are looking for the latest grain-free dry dog food, homemade dog food with fruits and vegetables, a raw diet, dry food, puppy food, food with reduced calories, or some other high-quality dog food, just what dog food brands for poodles is best to ensure a well-balanced diet? Read on to find out our best dog food reviews for your dog’s diet.
Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Puppy
If you’re starting out with a puppy, Wellness CORE Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Puppy is a great choice for your pet. Designed with puppies in mind, you can be sure you’re getting all the things your little friend needs to grow up healthy and strong. Formulated for optimal brain and eye development as well as healthy skin and coat.
This product uses real chicken and turkey and is loaded with broccoli, kale, and spinach for added nutrients. It’s also available for small breed puppies if you have a miniature or toy poodle pup.
Pros
- High in omega-3 & and omega-6 fatty acids
- Free of meat by-products, grains, artificial colors, flavors and preservatives
- Available in three sizes
Cons
Wellness Core Grain
Royal Canin Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food
For your toy or miniature poodle over ten months of age, look to Royal Canin Poodle Adult Dry Dog Food. Loaded with natural ingredients, this pet food is full of vitamins and minerals as well as biotin and other supplements that are designed to help keep bones and joints healthy and promote a shiny coat. Royal Canin also offers a variety for poodles over eight years old.
Pros
- High in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Packed with vitamins and minerals
- Kibble design that’s easier for small dogs to pick up
- Protein content for optimal hair growth
Cons
- Contains corn, which some dogs are allergic to
- Expensive
Royal Canine Poodle
Hill’s Science Diet Adult Advanced Fitness Dry Dog Food
Designed for active poodles from one to six years old, Hill’s Science Diet Adult Advanced Fitness Dry Dog Food is great for those dogs with a higher energy level. Specifically made for smaller breeds, it contains optimal levels of omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins, and other nutrients to help keep your pooch healthy and happy.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Small-sized kibble
- Designed for healthy weight maintenance
Cons
- Contains less meat than other brands
- Expensive
Hill Science Diet
Nutro WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS Best Adult Dry Dog Food
Perfect for larger poodles, Nutro WHOLESOME ESSENTIALS boasts a high meat content, no corn ingredient list that is great for dogs with allergies. Helping to promote strong muscles, this blend contains a healthy ratio of both carbs and fats, as well as antioxidants and vitamins designed to help keep the immune system healthy.
Nutro uses only real, recognizable ingredients in its food and has a full line of flavors to suit any dog’s desires. Each blend is made in kitchens located in the U.S.
Pros
- Perfect for keeping muscles toned
- Three sizes available
- Several flavor varieties to choose from
- Affordable
Cons
- Contains oatmeal grains that some dogs are allergic to
Nutro Wholesome Essentials
Orijen Original Dry Dog Food
Orijen Original Dry Dog Food offers a blend of rich and varied ingredients such as fresh and raw meats, fruits, and vegetables. Packed with practically any nutrients your furry friend could need, the company’s line of flavors means there is something for even the pickiest of eaters.
Pros
- Grain-, salt-, and yeast-free
- Perfect for older or less active dogs
- Several flavor varieties to choose from
- Made in the USA
Cons
Orijen Origonal Dry Food
