Spoodles, also known as Cockapoos, are a beloved crossbreed between Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. This winning mix gives them not only their irresistibly cute curls but also a lively temperament and a sharp mind. But behind those playful eyes lies a potential predisposition to food allergies and joint conditions. With their unique mix of genetics, Spoodles need a thoughtfully balanced diet to keep them happy and healthy. 

In this guide, we tap into expert insight to break down what your Spoodle really needs in their bowl — from optimal protein sources to nutritious superfoods. Whether you’ve just welcomed a Spoodle into your home or you’re looking to improve your current feeding routine, this will help you make more confident, informed choices about the best food for your Spoodle. 

Read more: Spoodle breed insights: care, personality & expert tips 

How nutrition can help common Spoodle health concerns 

Allergies and sensitive skin 

Spoodles can often experience skin sensitivities or food allergies, which can lead to itchy skin, hair loss or chronic ear infections. Environmental allergens may play a role, but diet is a key area to consider. 

Look for fresh, real food diets without common allergens like wheat, soy, dairy and unnecessary synthetic additives. A novel protein diet, such as goat or kangaroo, can reduce allergic responses in sensitive dogs. Plus, ingredients like omega-3s from fish and chia seeds support skin health. 

Try this: 
Lyka’s Hypoallergenic Pro meals are made with goat and don’t contain common allergens, making them ideal for Spoodles with sensitive skin.

Read more: Dog skin allergies: triggers, symptoms and itch relief treatment (with photos) 

Joint health 

Spoodles can be prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia. Over time, this can lead to arthritis and mobility issues, especially in senior dogs. Proper nutrition can play a pivotal role in supporting joint health and reducing inflammation. 

Try this: 
Although you can’t change your pup’s genes, you can support their joint health with dietary ingredients containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties like turmeric, ginger and omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil.  

Read more: Hip dysplasia: how can your dog’s diet help? 

How to choose the best food for your Spoodle 

Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin? 

1. Complete and balanced   

Spoodles, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions. 

Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines. 

Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages. 

Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms 

2. Optimal nutrition for your Spoodle   

Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food. 

Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues. 

Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides. 

Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but it's time-consuming and making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance. 

Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs. 

Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Spoodle? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice. 

Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?  
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?

How much food does a Spoodle need? 

Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture. 

That’s why Lyka calculates your Spoodle’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight. 

It may help to establish a consistent feeding routine with your Spoodle to support their digestion. 

Do Spoodle puppies and senior dogs need special food? 

Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years. 

Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs 
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development

New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together 

Parenting a Spoodle comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important. 

Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs. 

Spoodles across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next. 

Join our pack of proud Spoodle parents today.