Worried your new Goldendoodle puppy might get an upset stomach from the wrong food? There’s a lot of conflicting advice out there—here’s what makes the biggest difference.
Bringing home a Goldendoodle puppy is a joyful (and busy!) time. One of the questions I get the most from new owners is what’s the best food for my puppy? With so many brands, types, and buzzwords on the shelves, making a decision can feel overwhelming—especially when you want to make sure you’re not giving your puppy something that’ll upset their stomach.
Whether you’re choosing your very first Goldendoodle or have had dogs before, here’s my honest, simple advice from years of raising happy, healthy doodles.
What type of food works best for Goldendoodle puppies?
Almost any type—kibble, some wet food, raw, or even homemade—can work IF it’s high quality. Personally, I recommend sticking with kibble or a high-quality raw or homemade diet. Wet food can be helpful if your puppy doesn’t want to eat their kibble, or when they’re transitioning to a new home and need a little encouragement to eat.
For everyday feeding though, I stick with kibble (that’s what I feed my pups) simply because it’s easy, nutritionally balanced, and less messy. If your dog is picky, it’s totally fine to mix in a bit of wet food to make it more palatable.
My top recommended dog food brands
After trying a lot of different brands, these two have impressed me most:
- Purina Pro Plan: Time-tested, widely available, and consistently reliable. This is a solid choice for anyone who wants easy access to good nutrition.
- Royal Canin: I trust their quality and care, especially with the control they have over their ingredient sourcing.
Should Goldendoodle puppies have grain-free food?
I recommend sticking with regular food that contains grain, unless your puppy absolutely requires a grain-free option for allergy reasons. Grain-free diets have been linked to heart disease in dogs, and in my experience, dogs on grain-free food often just don’t look as healthy. If you must feed grain-free for allergy reasons, Great Lakes is the only one I’d recommend.
What should you look for on a dog food label?
This is the part that trips most people up. Here’s what to look for:
- Avoid artificial preservatives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin
- Skip artificial colors and sweeteners (like corn syrup, food dyes)
- Stay away from vague or mystery ingredients like “rendered fat” or unspecified meat meals
- Watch for white flour, corn gluten meal, and brewers rice—these are fillers with little to no nutritional value
Also, avoid foods with onions and garlic (they’re toxic to dogs), and be wary of legumes like peas and lentils, since they’ve been linked to heart issues.
Look for natural preservatives (vitamin C, vitamin E, rosemary) instead. If you ever see by-products or ingredients like “chicken by-product meal,” do some research on the specific brand—some trusted brands handle by-products responsibly, but with cheaper foods it can be a red flag.
Bottom line: If a food is cheap, the ingredient quality usually matches. You don’t need to buy the most expensive bag in the store, but avoid “budget” options.
Is there a difference in food for mini vs standard Goldendoodles?
The main difference is the amount you feed. Some dog food brands do have specific formulas for small or large breeds. If you have a standard size Goldendoodle, large breed puppy food is great because it supports healthy bone growth through their fast-growing first year.
How to switch your puppy to a new food
After you bring your puppy home, I suggest keeping them on the same food for at least two months. Puppies are already adjusting to a new place, and changing food too soon can upset their stomach.
If you do need to switch, do it slowly—mix in the new food a little at a time over several days. The only exception is if you’re moving to a homemade or “fresh” style food; those transitions are typically easier on a puppy’s system.
Feeding schedule & how much to give
I recommend feeding Goldendoodle puppies twice a day. Some people do three meals, which is fine, but in my experience two is enough.
As for how much: it all depends on your puppy’s size, age, and activity level, plus the quality of the food. A big standard Goldendoodle might eat 1.5 to 2 cups per meal, twice a day. Better quality food is denser, so you may actually end up feeding less than the label says—don’t be afraid to adjust based on how your puppy is looking and acting.
Sensitive stomachs & food allergies
Goldendoodles are known for having sensitive stomachs. If your pup is struggling, here’s what I suggest:
- Try a fish-based or lamb-based food—these are easier on the stomach than chicken
- Avoid foods with high fat, dairy, corn, wheat, soy, artificial additives, and low-quality byproducts
- Watch for signs your puppy isn’t tolerating their food: persistent diarrhea, vomiting, or a puppy that’s just not acting themselves (lethargic, not playful)
Don’t panic about one-off diarrhea—it’s super common with a new puppy, especially after a move. But ongoing tummy trouble or a puppy who’s clearly feeling off is a sign to talk with your vet or reassess the food you’re using.
My personal routines
Right now, I’m feeding my Goldendoodle puppies Royal Canin’s puppy formula. I like that it’s made to high standards, with balanced nutrition designed specifically for growing dogs, and the puppies seem to love it! For my adult dogs, I use Purina Pro Plan, which I’ve fed for years and still think is a great choice—especially since it’s easy to find and consistently high quality.
No matter what, the most important thing is that you make sure you’re giving your puppy a food with real, healthy ingredients from a reputable source. Cheap food may look fine on the outside, but it’s not worth the risk for your puppy’s long-term health.
If you’re overwhelmed with choices…
Do some research. Look at the ingredients, not just the label claims. If the list is vague or you see lots of mystery ingredients, look for something else. You don’t have to buy the most expensive food around—but don’t grab the cheapest bag, either.
In closing
Ready to feed your Goldendoodle puppy with confidence? Choose a quality brand like Purina Pro Plan, or Royal Canin, keep an eye on the ingredient list, and don’t rush to switch foods after bringing your puppy home.