Feeding Your Doodle: The Best Food for Goldendoodle Puppy Health and Bernedoodle Wellness from the Bowl Up
As an ethical, holistic breeder of Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles in the Denver, Colorado area, I believe that a healthy dog starts with a healthy gut, and that starts with what goes in the bowl. At the heart of our feeding philosophy is a commitment to gut health, whole-food nutrition, and natural diversity from day one. Whether you’re new to raw feeding or just looking for smarter ways to supplement your Doodle’s diet, you’re in the right place.
How We Start Our Puppies Right
Our puppies are raised with intention from the very beginning. We do not wean them onto processed kibble. Instead, our doodle puppies are started on a carefully balanced raw, organic, and fermented diet. This includes raw meats, bone broth, fermented goat’s milk, and superfood supplements. We also introduce a wide variety of tastes and textures early on, like bananas, pumpkin purée, organic blueberries, kefir and other healthy foods. Why?
Because a puppy’s gut is only open for a short time. During the early weeks, before the gut wall fully closes, it is more permeable, making it the perfect window to colonize the gut with beneficial microbes that can last a lifetime. A strong gut microbiome lays the foundation for your puppy’s immune system, skin health, digestion, and even behavior.
Why Gut Health Matters
Did you know that up to 80% of your dog’s immune system is housed in the gut? When your dog’s gut is thriving, the rest of the body follows. That’s why we put so much emphasis on fermented foods, pre- and probiotics, and feeding clean, unprocessed meals whenever possible.
Feeding high-quality food saves money in the long run: fewer vet visits, less gas, smaller and less stinky poops, fresher breath, shinier coats, and better overall behavior. When dogs feel well, they behave better, and it’s much more enjoyable to share your life with them.
Convenient, Balanced Nutrition with PawTree & Gussy’s Gut
For families who want to give their dogs optimal nutrition without the mess of raw, there are incredible solutions available. Two brands we trust and recommend are PawTree and Gussy’s Gut.
PawTree
PawTree offers customized nutrition with options like freeze-dried raw food, grain-free kibble, and tailored supplements. Their line of superfood seasonings makes it easy to boost your dog’s meals with immune and gut-supportive ingredients.
Gussy’s Gut
Gussy’s Gut provides organic, fermented whole food toppers designed to restore and support the microbiome. These blends are packed with raw greens, fermented vegetables, and prebiotic-rich ingredients. They’re a game-changer, especially for doodles with sensitive tummies.
These products make it simple -even for busy families- to feed their dogs the right way. With freeze-dried options and scoopable toppers, there’s no excuse not to provide the kind of nutrition that keeps your doodle vibrant and healthy.
Raw Feeding & Easy Daily Supplements
We understand that raw feeding isn’t for everyone, but there’s simply too much evidence that kibble alone just isn’t cutting it anymore. That’s why daily supplementation is vital, and easier than most people think.
Here are a few simple toppers that can make a big difference:
- A raw or lightly cooked egg
- A handful of fresh blueberries
- A squirt of wild-caught salmon oil
- A dollop of plain, unsweetened yogurt or kefir
- Finely grated carrots or pumpkin puree
These can be added right on top of your dog’s kibble. Not only do they improve the taste, but they also add enzymes, probiotics, healthy fats, and vitamins that support your doodle’s overall health.
How to Introduce New Foods
When introducing new foods or supplements, go slow:
- Introduce one food at a time so you can watch for any sensitivities.
- Start with very small amounts—a teaspoon or less.
- Watch for digestive upset (loose stool, gas, vomiting) and adjust as needed.
Once tolerated, you can gradually increase the quantity.
Our Favorite Treats & Bonus Essentials for a Healthy, Happy Doodle
- Gastro Pro Plus– Gastro Pro Plus natural soft chews are a complete combination of probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and gut-soothing herbs that help maintain a healthy intestinal flora, support the immune system, digestion, nutrient absorption, and deter pets from eating stool.The chews are soft which is nice because if the puppy does not want to eat them, they can be crumbled up easily and placed on top of their food.
- Dog immune boosting supplement– Whether you choose this, or any other supplement for your dog, the most important thing, in my opinion, is feeding them high-quality dog food. Most dogs will do well on just that. High-quality food will minimize vet visits, won’t get your dog overweight, and will require less food for the same amount of calories. That being said, most commercial kibble (even the best ones!) lack a LOT in healthy, natural ingredients that actually benefit the dogs. I recommend this one for especially during stressful times.
- Wild Alaskan Salmon and Pollock Oil– Providing essential fatty acids that are critically important to your dog and cat’s overall health, pawTree’s nutrient-rich Wild Alaskan Salmon & Pollock Oil contains a superior ratio over 15 Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids. Not all salmon and salmon and pollock oil is the same, trust us. You’ll love your pet’s huggable coat.
- Canned food– While we do not recommend feeding canned food all of the time, we do recommend having some on hand when you bring your new puppy home. Puppies can lose their appetite when going to new environments. Adding some canned food to their dry food helps stimulate their appetite. Here’s another one we like.
- Zuke’s mini treats– The reason I prefer these treats over others is that they’re small, healthy, and there is no mess. Also, even very young puppies can quickly eat them because they are soft, so we can get on with our training.
- Canned pumpkin– This is one of our favorite pantry staples. This all-natural plant is fantastic for upset stomachs. We recommend giving canned pumpkin as a daily supplement.
- Doc Roy’s Forti Cal– A nutritional supplement for puppies that need to gain weight, picky eaters, and for any other time a dog may need some added nutrition. The puppies love the taste, so it’s also a great way to mix in medications that do not taste good on their own. We recommend the liquid or the gel for young pups.
Resources We Love
Want to learn more about gut health and natural feeding? These two resources are invaluable:
- Book Recommendation: The Forever Dog Life by Rodney Habib and Dr. Karen Becker is a must-read for anyone who wants their dog to live longer and healthier.
- Website: DogFoodAdvisor.com is a fantastic tool for checking the quality of your dog’s food and finding better alternatives.
The Tail End: What Matters Most
Feeding your Goldendoodle or Bernedoodle the right way doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you go all-in with raw feeding or just want to level up your kibble game with powerful supplements and whole food toppers, every small step makes a big difference. We’re here to support you on that journey because healthy dogs start with healthy choices.
If you’re one of our puppy families or thinking about adopting a doodle from us, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Your doodle deserves to thrive, and it all starts in the bowl.