Cocker Spaniels, with their endearing personalities and beautiful coats, make wonderful companions. However, like all breeds, they have specific dietary and nutritional needs that owners must understand to ensure their pets lead healthy and happy lives. Feeding your Cocker Spaniel well isn’t just about filling their bowl; it’s about fueling their body, supporting their health, and giving them the best chance to thrive. This article provides a detailed guide to Cocker Spaniel nutrition, covering various aspects such as food types, portion sizes, and specific health considerations.
Understanding the Nutritional Needs of Cocker Spaniels
When it comes to nutrition, most dogs, regardless of breed, have surprisingly universal needs. Dogs are classified as facultative carnivores. That means meat is their biological staple, but they can survive by scavenging and eating other food types, including some plant matter. Modern dogs may appear different from their wild ancestors, but biologically, they remain remarkably close to wolves. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
The Problem with Commercial Dog Food
Dogs have little requirement for carbohydrates, especially refined ones. However, most commercial dry dog foods are loaded with them, often making up more than 50% of the recipe. Why? Because carbs like grains, legumes and starchy fillers are cheap to bulk out food, not because they benefit your dog. Contrast that with ultra-processed commercial dog food. While convenient, it’s the exact opposite of raw. The high-heat manufacturing process depletes nutrients, denatures proteins, and creates inflammatory compounds. Worse still, the added carbs, synthetic vitamins, and often rancid heated fats can contribute to a long list of chronic health issues that are now on the rise - not just in dogs, but in humans too.
The Benefits of a Good Diet
Better digestion. More vitality. Shinier coats. Healthier teeth. Because when your dog eats better, they live better.
Types of Dog Food: Choosing the Right Option
With so many choices, from canned dog food and kibble to grain-free formulas and the increasingly popular raw diet, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are various diet types you can consider for your Cocker Spaniel, including kibble, wet dog food, and raw food. The quantity of food varies with each diet type.
Read also: Optimal Diet for Brittany Spaniels
Kibble (Dry Food)
Kibble, which are small or bite-sized dry biscuits, are a complete meal. The biscuits are available in various flavours: lamb, salmon, rabbit or chicken, and the kibble will probably contain rice or oatmeal, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals. Dry food doesn't smell; it's easy to use and clean. An open bag of kibble won't go off in a hurry. Kibble is better for your Cocker Spaniel's teeth as the rough, crunchy texture can help remove plaque before it can build up and harden. A dry food diet may seem more expensive than other dog food, but it can be excellent value for money because it's a complete meal and there's no waste. Puppies sometimes find it challenging to crunch kibble and refuse to eat it, preferring the softer, smellier, wet dog food. If your puppy isn't keen on kibble, simply moisten it with a little warm water 5 or 10 minutes before dinner time.
Wet Food (Canned Food)
Many owners prefer to feed their pets on wet dog food. Tinned dog food is not always as nutritious as we're led to believe. In addition, certain tinned dog foods are meant to be mixed with biscuits to add extra nutrition to bring the food up to a 'complete' meal. Always check the ingredients label to ensure that it contains the correct level of nutrition your pet needs. Tinned dog food can be messy, can sometimes smell (although it may smell delicious to your dog!) and often needs to be refrigerated after opening. If your dog doesn't eat all of his meal, whatever's left in the bowl will quickly dry out and become inedible (not to mention getting the bowl clean again!), and it can also attract flies!
Raw Food Diet (BARF)
Raw dog food is whole food served in their most natural state with no heat processing. It’s the most biologically aligned option for dogs. It delivers nutrients in their most digestible and usable forms, with no need for synthetic additives, preservatives or mystery fillers. Let’s be honest: you don’t see wolves in the wild rummaging in wheat fields or sniffing out dried biscuits. A raw, species-appropriate diet, also referred to as BARF diet for dogs (biologically appropriate raw food diet), includes muscle meat, organ meat, bone, raw fats, and a small amount of vegetables or berries.
Grain-Free Dog Food
That’s why more and more dog owners are turning to grain-free dog food or making the transition to feeding their dogs a fresh diet.
Portion Sizes: How Much to Feed Your Cocker Spaniel
When it comes to portion sizes, there’s no universal answer. Just like people, every dog is different with their own metabolism, energy levels, and health goals. The average food intake for an adult Cocker Spaniel ranges from 1.5 to 2.5 cups of food per day. However, this amount can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and activity level. It's also important to note that the amount of food required can vary between individual dogs, even within the same breed. The factors mentioned above, as well as the dogs overall health can all influence how much your Cocker Spaniel should eat. For example, a more active dog will require more calories than a less active one. Similarly, puppies and younger dogs generally require more calories than older dogs due to their high energy levels and growth requirements.
Read also: The Hoxsey Diet
Feeding Guidelines for Puppies
As puppy parents who may be used to commercial dog food or dry dog food, switching to a fresh feeding approach can feel like a significant change. Raw feeding offers significant advantages in terms of nutrient absorption and overall health. For safe growth, it’s important to feed a raw puppy-specific formula. ProDog’s raw puppy food meals are formulated to FEDIAF nutritional standards and expertly portioned for convenience. Not sure how much to feed? Puppy feeding guidelines are different from adult dogs and change as your young dog grows.
Monitoring Your Dog's Weight
Keep a close eye on their body shape: You should be able to see their waist when looking down, but no ribs should be poking out. Reduce meal portions to balance out treats: Remember, treats add calories!
The Role of Treats in a Cocker Spaniel's Diet
Treats are an essential part of a Cocker Spaniel's diet, but they should be counted as part of the daily food intake. Treats can be high in calories, so it's important to give them in moderation to maintain a healthy weight. Treats can be a great way to reward your Cocker Spaniel during training sessions, but it's important to remember that they should form only a small part of their overall diet. Too many treats can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so it's important to give them in moderation. When giving treats, try to choose options that are low in fat and sugar, and high in protein. Also, remember to reduce the amount of food you give at meal times to account for the extra calories from the treats.
Common Health Issues in Cocker Spaniels and How Diet Can Help
Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels are prone to several health issues. Cocker Spaniels, like many purebred dogs, are susceptible to a variety of genetic and lifestyle-related health issues. Understanding these problems is crucial for selecting the best diet for your pet.
- Ear Infections: Cocker Spaniels are notoriously prone to ear infections thanks to their long, floppy ears, which reduce airflow and create a warm, moist environment. Food and environmental allergies can exacerbate the problem, but they’re not the only cause; canine yeast infections are another common culprit and can easily be mistaken for allergic reactions.
- Eye Conditions: Cockers are genetically predisposed to degenerative eye conditions that affect vision, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and glaucoma. Include omega-3 fats for cellular protection and inflammation control.
- Joint Issues: Feed the correct portion size to prevent overfeeding - excess weight puts significant strain on hips and elbows. Support joints with natural protectors, such as glucosamine, MSM, and green-lipped mussel. ProDog’s Flexx, joint supplement for dogs contains these ingredients and more; it’s ideal for both daily maintenance and dogs already showing signs of stiffness or discomfort. Hip dysplasia is a common genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit into the hip socket properly, leading to arthritis and pain. Osteoarthritis (OA), a form of chronic joint inflammation caused by the deterioration of joint cartilage, is also prevalent.
- Immune Imbalance: From autoimmune skin flare-ups to haemolytic anaemia (IMHA), chronic itching, tear staining, gut sensitivities, and unexplained inflammation, many Cocker Spaniels’ health issues are rooted in immune imbalance.
- Weight Gain: Cocker Spaniels have a tendency to gain weight easily, which can exacerbate other health issues like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and heart problems.
- Hypothyroidism: This endocrine disorder, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, can lead to obesity, lethargy, and skin problems.
- Allergies: Many Cocker Spaniels suffer from allergies, which can manifest as skin issues, ear infections, and gastrointestinal problems.
- Heart Problems: They are also prone to heart problems, including mitral valve disease and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Key Nutrients and Ingredients to Support Cocker Spaniel Health
Choosing the right food for your Cocker Spaniel involves looking for specific ingredients that support their health and help manage or prevent these common issues.
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- Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients:
- Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin’s ability to inhibit the production of inflammatory enzymes helps reduce joint inflammation, provide pain relief, and support overall joint health in dogs.
- Ginger: Possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it beneficial for reducing joint pain and improving mobility in dogs. Its active compounds, such as gingerols and shogaols, help inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body.
- Flaxseed: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and support healthy joints. The body converts ALA into other beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which are known for their anti-inflammatory effects.
- Cranberries: Packed with antioxidants, including anthocyanins, which help combat inflammation and oxidative stress. These compounds can reduce joint inflammation and promote joint health.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin: These compounds are naturally occurring in healthy cartilage. They support the maintenance of cartilage structure, reduce joint inflammation, and improve joint mobility.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane): A naturally occurring sulphur compound found in certain plants. It has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a natural analgesic, helping reduce joint pain and stiffness.
- Devil’s Claw: An herb native to southern Africa, known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
- Hemp: A potent natural anti-inflammatory, hemp is incredibly beneficial in soothing inflammation, particularly in the joints, which is a common concern for active Cocker Spaniels. It also supports a healthy, gleaming coat.
- Phytodroitin: An excellent plant-based alternative to chondroitin, Phytodroitin’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a perfect ingredient for active breeds like Cocker Spaniels, who can be prone to hip and knee issues.
- Skin and Immune Support:
- Vitamin E and Zinc: These nutrients are essential for maintaining healthy skin and immune function.
- Pumpkin: Packed with plenty of fibre and vitamins A, C, and E, Pumpkin helps support their often-sensitive stomachs, aiding healthy digestion and protecting their immune systems.
- Sweet Potato: Bursting with vitamins A, C, and B6, and another fibre powerhouse, Sweet Potato offers fantastic support for your Cocker Spaniel’s immunity, eye health (important for the breed), and a smoothly running digestive tract.
- Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E are antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress in joints. Oxidative stress can contribute to joint inflammation and damage. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen synthesis (1), supporting the formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissues in the joints.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Include omega-3 fats for cellular protection and inflammation control.
Plant-Based Diets
Yes, they certainly can! Plant-based diets can be excellent for Cocker Spaniels, specifically, a carefully balanced, high quality food and treats. Vegan dog food is a really easy way to avoid common food allergens like beef and dairy, which can trigger uncomfortable skin irritations, pesky ear infections, upset tummies that many Cocker Spaniels are prone to.
Feeding Schedules
The recommended feeding schedule for adult and senior Cocker Spaniels is twice a day, while puppies should be fed more frequently. It's important to stick to a daily schedule to ensure your pet gets the right amount of nutrition. Feeding your Cocker Spaniel at the same times each day can help to regulate their digestion and prevent overeating. Puppies should be fed more frequently - usually four times a day - and then gradually reduced to two meals a day as they grow. This frequent feeding supports their rapid growth and development, providing the necessary nutrients for healthy bones and a strong immune system. Remember, the quantity of food and the number of feedings will also depend on your pet's physical activity level. An active Cocker Spaniel may require more food or more frequent meals compared to a less active one. It's also crucial to consider the kibble size when feeding your Cocker Spaniel. Smaller kibble sizes are often more manageable for them and can help prevent dental issues. Lastly, always ensure that your Cocker Spaniel has access to plenty of fresh water. Keeping their water bowl clean and filled helps keep them hydrated, especially during warmer months or after physical activity.
How to Read Dog Food Labels
Forget the brand name of the food, ignore any marketing or packaging claims, it is all about the ingredients. People often want to just know “what brand should I feed” and the problem with just recommending a brand is that ingredients can change. The first three ingredients on the label is equal to eighty percent of what you are feeding your dog. What you want to look for in the first three ingredients is a WHOLE source of protein. For example, Lamb, Chicken, Turkey, Beef (and not “meal” or “by-products” added to the protein name). It is okay if a label says Lamb, Lamb meal - because at least it is one source of protein (the Lamb) followed by the diluted source of protein (the meal). But if there is no single source of pure protein on the label, don’t buy it. Another thing you want to avoid is any generic labeling of protein sources; you want to look for Chicken, not “Poultry”. And never ever feed your dog anything that has the words”animal protein” in it or “animal by-products”.
Now, what do you want to avoid in the first three to five ingredients of the food label? Anything with corn. No corn, no corn meal, no corn by-products, no corn, no way, no how. Corn is very cheap and a common filler used by a lot of commercial dog food manufacturers. The thing is, corn is not easy to digest, it makes the dogs poop a lot but they are not getting any source of nutrition from a corn based diet. What begins to happen is they will not only gain weight but they will lose energy and vitality, their coats will get dull and dry and they will definitely be more prone to skin problems than dogs on a grain-free food. Some dogs are allergic to white rice, some to brown rice, some to oats, some to barley, some to other grains.
What to Look For
- High-quality protein sources (e.g., lamb, chicken, turkey, beef).
- Named meat sources rather than generic terms like "poultry."
- Inclusion of beneficial ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and joint support compounds.
- Avoidance of corn, excessive fillers, and artificial additives.
Additional Tips for Feeding Your Cocker Spaniel
- Introduce Variety: Food isn’t just fuel, it’s nourishment. It affects everything from digestion to behaviour, immunity to energy. What goes in their bowl has a ripple effect on every part of their health. So don’t let it be an afterthought.
- Raw food arrives frozen, so ensure you have sufficient freezer space.
- Personalize the Bowl: Want to personalise the bowl? You can safely use most real foods in moderation, but there are a few ingredients to avoid. If you’re feeding ProDog’s complete meals (such as our Smart Chubs or Complete Recipe) no additional ingredients are needed. They’re expertly balanced and nutritionally complete.
- Address Picky Eaters: Got a picky eater? It might not be the food.
- Switching to Raw Food: Thinking about making the switch but not sure where to start? During the transition, keep an eye on your dog’s poo (yes, really), energy levels, and appetite. Digest, our dog gut health supplement, can help soothe the gut, reduce gas, and ease the shift to fresh food. Need help? Our team of canine nutritionists is here to support you every step of the way.
- Consider Supplements: So too are functional supplements, environmental enrichment, and a resilient gut microbiome.
- Fresh Vegetables and Fruits: No matter how your Cocker Spaniel's diet is made up, make sure he has plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits; carrots, broccoli, spinach, apples and blueberries because they're good for him.Don't give him citrus fruits as they contain citric acids and oils, which can cause sickness and diarrhoea problems. Even the smallest piece of orange, lemon or lime could give your dog a nasty tummy ache!
- Avoid Overfeeding: Like most dogs, Spaniels are always ready to eat (no matter what time of day it is!), making them prone to obesity. They're also at risk of getting a little chubby as they grow older and become more sedate, but if your pet's food is good quality and highly nutritious, he won't need to eat so much, which will help keep the weight down. We can help to keep our pets trim by being more aware of the tit-bits and treats we feed our pets between meals. They're so easy to overlook but can soon add up, calorie-wise, and before long, our dogs are beginning to show signs of obesity!