Spaniel diet guide 2025

You want clear, practical, evidence-based advice to feed your spaniel for long-term health; this spaniel diet guide explains the best food for spaniels, practical portion sizes by age and weight, which treats to avoid, and how to recognise signs of food allergies so you can act quickly.

Spaniel Diet Guide for Beginners

Key Takeaways:

• Spaniel diet guide 2025: prioritise high-quality animal protein, balanced fats and Omega-3s for skin and coat health.
• Use age- and weight-based portion ranges and adjust for activity — puppies need more frequent meals than adults.
• For a typical adult cocker spaniel, aim for roughly 130–200 g dry food/day (brand-dependent); follow packet guidance and monitor weight.
• Common harmful treats: chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, onions/garlic, macadamia nuts and cooked bones — avoid these completely.
• Signs of food allergy include chronic itching, recurrent ear infections, persistent diarrhoea or vomiting, and paw chewing.
• If you suspect an allergy use an 8–12 week elimination diet or a vet-prescribed hydrolysed diet and get vet support for diagnosis.
• Use this as a practical dog feeding guide UK: check packaging (grams), local vet advice and adjust portions to keep your spaniel at a healthy weight.

Introduction
Spaniels (including cocker spaniels and related breeds) thrive on a balanced diet that supports active lives, healthy skin/ears and a shiny coat. This guide covers the best food types for spaniels, suggested portion ranges by age and weight, treats to avoid, and how to spot food allergies. SEO notes included naturally: best food for spaniels, cocker spaniel diet, dog feeding guide UK.

Best food types for spaniels
– Complete commercial diets: Choose a high-quality complete wet or dry diet formulated for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, senior). Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, fish).
– Protein and fat balance: Spaniels benefit from moderate-to-high animal protein and moderate fat to support muscle and energy. Active dogs need more calories; neutered or less active dogs often need lower-calorie formulas.
– Skin & ear support: Omega‑3 fatty acids (fish oil, EPA/DHA) help reduce inflammation and support oily or infection‑prone ears common in spaniels. Formulas with added EPA/DHA are a good pick.
– Joint support: Many spaniels are active; diets with glucosamine and chondroitin can be helpful as they age or if they have joint issues.
– Sensitive stomachs: For dogs with GI or skin issues, limited-ingredient diets, novel-protein diets (e.g., duck, venison) or hydrolysed-protein veterinary diets can reduce reactions.
– Wet vs dry: Dry kibble helps with dental abrasion and is convenient; wet food can be more palatable and hydrating. Mixing is fine if total calories are managed.

Portion sizes by age and weight (practical ranges)
Kibble energy densities differ between brands — these are typical adult dry food gram ranges for dogs of moderate activity. Always check the specific product’s feeding guide and adjust to keep body condition ideal.

Feeding frequency
– Puppies: 3–4 meals/day until ~4 months, then 2–3 meals/day until ~12 months (depending on breed and growth).
– Adults: 2 meals/day is common to help stable blood sugar and reduce begging.
– Seniors: 1–2 smaller meals/day depending on appetite and health.

Example dry food portion guide (adult, moderate activity)
– 5 kg: 70–100 g/day
– 7 kg: 95–130 g/day
– 10 kg: 130–170 g/day
– 12 kg: 150–200 g/day (typical cocker spaniel range) — fits the cocker spaniel diet needs
– 15 kg: 180–240 g/day
– 20 kg: 240–320 g/day

Notes:
– Puppies require relative increases for growth — follow puppy food packet instructions and your vet.
– Obesity is common; weigh your dog regularly and aim for a visible waist and palpable ribs under a light fat layer.
– Use a kitchen scale to measure food rather than scoops for accuracy.

Treats: what’s safe and what to avoid
Safe options (in moderation)
– Small pieces of cooked lean chicken or turkey (no bones, no skin)
– Carrot sticks, apple slices (no pips), green beans
– Commercial low-calorie training treats or single-ingredient freeze-dried meats
– Vet-approved hypoallergenic treats for sensitive dogs

Treats to avoid (do NOT feed)
– Chocolate and cocoa products
– Grapes and raisins
– Xylitol-containing sweets or peanut butter (xylitol is highly toxic)
– Onions, garlic, chives and related foods
– Macadamia nuts
– Cooked bones (can splinter and cause obstructions)
– High-fat table scraps (risk of pancreatitis)
– Alcohol, caffeine and yeast dough

Signs of food allergies and next steps
Common signs
– Persistent itching, especially around the face, paws and groin
– Recurrent ear infections (red, smelly ears)
– Chronic diarrhoea, vomiting or soft stool
– Excessive licking of paws, hotspots or hair loss
– Recurrent skin infections or redness

What to do
– See your vet: they will rule out parasites, fleas or environmental allergies first.
– Elimination diet trial: an 8–12 week trial on a novel single-protein diet or hydrolysed diet is the standard way to test for food allergy — do not give other treats or table scraps during the trial.
– Diagnostic testing: your vet may recommend skin testing or blood tests, but an elimination diet is the most reliable for food allergy.
– Reintroduction: if symptoms resolve, controlled reintroduction of old foods helps identify the specific trigger.

Practical tips and UK considerations
– In the dog feeding guide UK context, look for FEDIAF-compliant labels and follow grams/day guidance on British packaging. Many UK brands provide clear portion tables.
– Transition diets over 7–10 days to reduce GI upset: start with 25% new food and increase gradually.
– Adjust calories for neutered dogs, very active working spaniels or overweight dogs.
– If you shop in the UK, local vets and reputable pet nutritionists can recommend brands balanced for the cocker spaniel diet and other spaniel types.

When to contact your vet immediately
– Severe vomiting or diarrhoea, collapse, difficulty breathing, or suspected ingestion of a toxic food (xylitol, large amounts of chocolate, grapes/raisins) — these require urgent care.

Closing
Choosing the best food for spaniels means matching life stage, activity level and health status with a high-quality diet, measuring portions carefully, and watching for allergy signs. Use the packet guidelines as a starting point, track body condition, and consult your vet for tailored advice — especially for puppies, seniors or dogs with skin/GI problems. If you want, tell me your spaniel’s age, weight and activity level and I can suggest a more exact daily feeding range and meal schedule.

The Ideal Diet for Your Spaniel: Key Components

Nutritional Needs of Spaniels

Adult cocker spaniels (11–14 kg) typically need about 700–900 kcal/day depending on activity, while puppies can require roughly 2× kcal per kg and higher protein. Target dry-matter protein of 18–25% and fat of 8–15% by life stage, with 2–4% fibre for gut health. You should increase calories for working springer spaniels (1,000–1,400 kcal/day) and reduce portions after neutering to avoid weight gain.

• Protein: muscle maintenance—named meats like chicken, lamb, salmon.
• Fat: energy and skin health—omega‑3s from fish oil are helpful.
• Carbohydrates & fibre: sustained energy and stool quality—sweet potato, oats.
• Micronutrients: calcium for growth, vitamin E and zinc for coat and ears.
• Recognizing early weight gain lets you adjust portions before joint issues develop.

Protein (meat-first)	Supports muscle, recovery and energy; 18–25% typical target
Fat (omega‑3/6)	Concentrated energy, coat and skin support; 8–15% typical
Carbohydrate & Fibre	Provides steady energy and gut transit; 2–4% fibre aids stool quality
Vitamins & Minerals	Bone growth (Ca:P), antioxidants for immune health, joint support
Water & Moisture	Maintains hydration and urinary tract health; wet food helps fussy drinkers

Best Food Types for Spaniels

High-quality, meat-first dry kibble often ranks as the best food for spaniels for convenience and nutritional balance; select 22–25% protein for growing dogs and 18–22% for adults. You can mix in wet food to increase moisture or offer occasional cooked fish for omega‑3s. Use guidance from a cocker spaniel diet approach and check UK feeding recommendations in any reputable dog feeding guide UK resource.

Prioritise formulas that list specific animal proteins first, include an omega‑3 source (salmon, fish oil) for skin and ear health, and moderate complex carbs such as brown rice or sweet potato for steady energy. If you consider raw or home-cooked options, consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure correct calcium:phosphorus ratios and micronutrient coverage to avoid deficiencies.

• Dry kibble: balanced nutrition and good dental abrasion when sized appropriately.
• Wet food: useful for added moisture and palatability in fussy spaniels.
• Cooked/home diets: viable with vet-formulated recipes to meet micronutrients.
• Raw feeding: requires strict hygiene and professional formulation to be safe.
• Recognizing individual taste and sensitivity will help you choose and rotate diets without upsetting digestion.

Age Matters: Portion Sizes for Every Stage

Puppy Nutrition: What New Spaniel Owners Need to Know

Feed your spaniel puppy 3–4 times daily until about 12 weeks, then drop to 3 meals until six months and 2 meals by 12 months. An 8–12‑week cocker spaniel puppy (roughly 2–5 kg) will often need about 100–220 g/day of high‑energy puppy kibble (≈330–380 kcal/100 g), split across meals; follow the manufacturer’s chart for the specific product and check growth against expected weight curves for the best food for spaniels.

Adult Spaniel Feeding Guidelines

Offer two measured meals per day; most adult cocker spaniels (12–15 kg) require roughly 700–850 kcal/day, which corresponds to about 200–250 g of typical kibble at 350 kcal/100 g. Adjust portions by activity — working or very active dogs need more energy, sedentary pets less — and use the cocker spaniel diet guidance on packaging or a trusted dog feeding guide UK chart to fine‑tune amounts.

Track body condition weekly: a visible waist and easily felt ribs (with a thin fat cover) indicate right sizing. Increase daily intake by 10–20% for dogs that swim, hunt or exercise intensely; reduce by 10–15% after neutering or if weight creeps up. Count treats within the daily calorie allowance — a 10 g training treat at 4 kcal/g adds up quickly — and reweigh your dog monthly to recalibrate portions.

Senior Spaniel Dietary Adjustments

Shift to a senior formula around 8–10 years for many spaniels, focusing on lower calories, higher fibre and joint‑support nutrients like glucosamine; a 14 kg older spaniel often needs about 600–700 kcal/day, roughly 170–200 g of senior kibble at 350 kcal/100 g. Monitor appetite, mobility and body condition to adapt the cocker spaniel diet as health changes.

Alter texture if dental wear or tartar limits chewing — moistening kibble or offering wet senior food can help maintain intake. Reduce sodium and manage protein quality if your vet flags kidney or liver issues; supplements such as omega‑3s at veterinarian‑recommended doses support joint and coat health. Use a dog feeding guide UK resource or your vet to create a phased plan rather than making abrupt diet changes.

The Cocker Spaniel Diet: Special Considerations

Unique Nutritional Requirements of Cocker Spaniels

Your Cocker Spaniel typically weighs between 11–18 kg (24–40 lb) and benefits from a diet with moderate-to-high quality protein and controlled fat to avoid obesity; aim for roughly 22–26% crude protein and 10–15% fat for adults, with puppies needing around 25–30% protein and 14–20% fat. Skin and ear-prone dogs respond well to added omega‑3 (EPA/DHA) and joint support like 400–800 mg glucosamine per day for larger individuals. Pay attention to fibre and limited‑ingredient options if you’ve seen digestive upsets.

Recommended Cocker Spaniel Food Brands

You can try breed‑specific or sensitive formulas such as Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel, Arden Grange Sensitive, James Wellbeloved Adult, Orijen Adult Small Breed, or Lily’s Kitchen; these cover options from breed‑targeted kibble and hypoallergenic diets to higher‑protein, grain‑free recipes. Look for transparent ingredient lists and formulations suited to your dog’s activity level and any skin or stomach issues when choosing the best food for spaniels.

When testing brands, feed single‑ingredient or limited‑ingredient diets for 6–8 weeks to assess tolerance and monitor weight — a typical adult cocker (12–15 kg) needs roughly 700–1,000 kcal/day depending on activity, so compare pack calorie density and adjust portions. In the UK, check AAFCO‑equivalent standards and local vets for product availability in this dog feeding guide UK; switching gradually over 7–10 days reduces digestive upset and helps you find the right long‑term fit for your cocker spaniel diet.

Treat Wisely: What to Avoid and What to Embrace

Harmful Treats: Foods that Can Cause Trouble

Keep chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol-containing sweets, onion, garlic and macadamia nuts well out of reach—these have caused seizures, kidney failure and acute toxicity in dogs. Cooked bones can splinter and cause internal injury, while fatty table scraps and leftover grease often trigger pancreatitis, especially in compact breeds like a cocker spaniel. Avoid alcohol, raw dough and large, hard chews that can choke or fracture teeth.

Healthy Alternatives: Safe Treats for Training and Reward

Opt for low-calorie, high-value bites such as small cubes of cooked plain chicken, freeze-dried liver (use sparingly), carrot sticks, and apple slices without cores or seeds; aim for treats to be no more than 10% of daily calories. Use pea-sized training treats for repeated rewards and choose veterinary-approved dental chews occasionally. Following a dog feeding guide UK will help you balance treats with the best food for spaniels and your overall cocker spaniel diet.

For practical portioning, break commercial treats into tiny pieces during sessions: a 1–2kg equivalent of tiny training bites equates to roughly 5–10 kcal each, so a 12kg cocker spaniel receiving 10% of daily calories as treats might get 40–60 kcal of training rewards spread across a session. You can also make simple homemade treats—boiled chicken, pumpkin puree in silicone molds, or frozen low-fat yogurt pops—so you control calories and ingredients while keeping your dog motivated and healthy.

Recognizing Food Allergies: Signs and Symptoms

Common Food Allergies in Spaniels

Beef, dairy, wheat and chicken tend to show up most often as triggers for spaniels, with soy and eggs also common. You may notice persistent scratching, recurring ear infections or red, scabby hot spots—cocker spaniels in particular often present with chronic otitis externa linked to diet. Gastrointestinal signs like vomiting or loose stools can occur alongside skin problems, so track any pattern between meals and flare-ups to narrow down suspects in your cocker spaniel diet.

Allergy Testing and Consultation with Your Vet

An elimination diet for 8–12 weeks remains the diagnostic gold standard; hydrolyzed or novel-protein prescription diets are frequently used and you should avoid treats or flavored medications during testing. Blood tests for food-specific IgE are prone to false positives and negatives, so rely on controlled dietary trials guided by your vet or a veterinary dermatologist when searching for the best food for spaniels.

Plan a strict elimination trial: pick a single novel protein (e.g., venison or duck) or a hydrolyzed formula, feed only that product for 8–12 weeks, and keep a daily log of skin, ear and stool changes. Expect some improvement within 2–4 weeks but allow the full period before declaring success; after that, reintroduce one ingredient at a time for 1–2 weeks to confirm the trigger. Discuss prescription options, potential need for allergy referral, and local recommendations from a dog feeding guide UK resource so you can choose brands and feeding strategies that suit your spaniel’s lifestyle and sensitivity profile.

The Dog Feeding Guide UK: Tailoring to Local Concerns

Popular Commercial Foods and Brands in the UK

You’ll find trusted options from Lily’s Kitchen, James Wellbeloved, Arden Grange, Burns, Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Plan across pet shops and online; look for dry or wet formulas with 25–30% protein and 12–18% fat, added omega‑3s and joint support for active spaniels. For the best food for spaniels pick grain‑inclusive or grain‑free based on tolerance, and compare kcal/100g to match portion guidance in this dog feeding guide UK for your cocker spaniel diet.

Homemade Diet Options for Spaniels

You can prepare balanced cooked meals using roughly 40% lean protein, 30% vegetables and 30% slow carbs: for example, 150–200 g cooked chicken, 80–120 g cooked brown rice and 80 g mixed veg daily for a 10–12 kg adult cocker; adults generally eat ~2–3% of bodyweight per day (a 12 kg dog ≈ 240–360 g/day), while puppies often need 4–6% depending on age.

Supplementation matters: add a vet‑recommended calcium source and a canine multivitamin plus an omega‑3 fish oil to meet micro‑nutrient needs, avoid feeding uncooked bones or raw liver in excess, and keep a feeding diary for 2–4 weeks to check coat condition, stool quality and weight changes so you can fine‑tune your homemade cocker spaniel diet safely.

Expert Tips for Transitioning Between Diets

Start a structured plan that keeps calories steady while you change formulas so your spaniel doesn’t gain or lose weight unexpectedly; many owners find the 7–10 day mix works for average adults, while sensitive dogs (or puppies) do better over 10–21 days. Target high-quality options from lists of the best food for spaniels and keep notes aligned with any cocker spaniel diet recommendations from your dog feeding guide UK sources.

• Days 1–3: 25% new food, 75% old; weigh each portion using a kitchen scale.
• Days 4–6: 50/50 split; continue the same total daily calories.
• Days 7–9: 75% new, 25% old; watch stool consistency closely.
• Day 10+: 100% new if no adverse signs; extend each phase by 3–7 days for sensitive dogs or pups.
• Keep feeding times consistent and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories during transition.

How to Introduce New Foods Gradually

Mix by weight rather than volume: if your adult spaniel eats 300g/day, start with 75g new + 225g old. Check appetite and stool every 24–48 hours; reduce mixing speed if you see loose stool for more than one meal. For puppies or geriatrics, stretch the plan to 2–3 weeks and consult your vet about calorie needs specific to age and activity.

Monitoring for Reactions During the Transition

Watch for changes in stool (softness, frequency, blood), repeated vomiting, increased scratching, or sudden lethargy; common GI upset shows up within 24–72 hours, while food intolerances or allergies may take 2–6 weeks to become evident. Log portion sizes, treats, and any symptoms so you can compare patterns and report them to your vet if needed.

Track severity with simple markers: normal firm stool, mild loose stool (1–2 days), persistent diarrhea (>48 hours), and any blood or repeated vomiting warrant immediate veterinary advice. Consider an elimination trial of 6–12 weeks using a novel or hydrolysed protein if allergic signs appear; examples used in practice include salmon, venison or kangaroo formulas tailored to cocker spaniel diet issues. If your dog is on medications or has pancreatitis, adjust pacing and food type only under veterinary guidance to avoid triggering metabolic problems.

After 10–14 days at the final mix, if your spaniel shows steady stools, normal appetite and energy, complete the switch to the new diet.Spaniel Diet Guide for Beginners

Intro
Spaniels are active, friendly dogs with specific nutritional needs — especially cocker spaniels, which can be prone to weight gain and ear problems. This guide covers the best food for spaniels, portioning by age and weight, treats to avoid, and signs of food allergies. Use this as a practical dog feeding guide UK owners can follow, and check packaging and your vet for tailored advice.

Best food types for spaniels
– Complete dry kibble (high-quality): Look for named animal proteins (chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient, balanced fats, and added omega-3s for skin and coat. A complete kibble that meets FEDIAF/AAFCO standards is a reliable base.
– Wet food: Good for palatability and hydration; combine with kibble or use on its own if it’s a nutritionally complete product.
– Puppy formulations: Formulated for growth with higher calories, calcium and controlled phosphorus — vital for growing spaniels.
– Senior and weight-management diets: Lower calories, joint support (glucosamine/chondroitin), and controlled fat for older or less active spaniels.
– Raw/cooked homemade diets: These can work if they are balanced and prepared under vet or veterinary nutritionist guidance. Homemade meals often require supplementation to be complete.
– Functional ingredients: Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA/DHA) for coat and inflammation, joint supplements for active dogs, probiotics or prebiotics for gut health.

What makes the best food for spaniels
– High-quality animal protein (supports muscle and energy)
– Moderate fat (spaniels can gain weight)
– Essential fatty acids for coat/skin health
– Controlled calories and portion guidance on the pack
– Traceable ingredients and veterinary nutritional compliance

Portion sizes by age and weight (practical method)
Portions depend on the calorie density of the food you choose. A simple approach is to calculate daily calories using kcal per kg and then convert to grams using your food’s kcal/100g value. As a rule of thumb many adult dog feeding plans use:
– Low activity: ~30 kcal/kg/day
– Moderate activity: ~40 kcal/kg/day
– Active working dog: ~50 kcal/kg/day

Example estimates using an average dry kibble with ≈350 kcal/100 g (adjust if your food is more/less calorie-dense):

Adult spaniel (daily total, split into 2 meals):
– 5 kg: low 150 kcal → ~43 g; moderate 200 kcal → ~57 g
– 8 kg: low 240 kcal → ~69 g; moderate 320 kcal → ~91 g
– 12 kg: low 360 kcal → ~103 g; moderate 480 kcal → ~137 g
– 15 kg: low 450 kcal → ~129 g; moderate 600 kcal → ~171 g
– 20 kg: low 600 kcal → ~171 g; moderate 800 kcal → ~229 g

Puppies
– Feed puppy-specific food, split into multiple meals: 8–12 weeks: 3–4 meals/day; 3–6 months: 3 meals/day; 6–12 months: 2 meals/day (some large breeds need longer).
– Puppies need more calories per kg than adults. Follow the food pack guide and check body condition weekly; adjust amounts as the puppy grows.

Notes:
– These are starting points. Always use the manufacturer’s guide on your chosen food, then adjust by watching body condition (ribs should be felt but not seen).
– If in the UK use grams on the pack and consult your vet or a local canine nutritionist for precise plans.

Treats and snacks — what to avoid
Avoid these for spaniels:
– Chocolate, xylitol-containing sweets, grapes/raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts (toxic)
– High-fat scraps (pancreatitis risk)
– Cooked bones (splintering risk)
– Unregulated rawhide or very hard chews that can cause dental fractures or choking
– Sugary or high-calorie treats that push calorie allowance over 10% of daily intake

Better treat options: small pieces of lean cooked meat, freeze-dried liver in tiny amounts, carrot slices, apple (no seeds), and training treats designed for low calories. Aim to keep treats <10% of daily calories. Signs of food allergies and what to do Common signs in spaniels: – Persistent itching, scratching, redness or hotspots – Recurrent ear infections (spaniels have floppy ears—watch closely) – Chronic diarrhoea, vomiting, or excessive gas – Recurrent paw-licking or hair loss If you suspect an allergy: 1. See your vet to rule out parasites or infections. 2. Consider an elimination (novel-protein or hydrolysed) diet trial for 8–12 weeks under veterinary supervision. 3. Avoid over-the-counter “quick fixes”; proper diagnosis and supervised trials give the best results. 4. After improvement, re-challenge under guidance to identify the offending ingredient. Practical feeding tips – Feed measured portions with a digital kitchen scale. – Two meals per day for most adult spaniels helps weight control and digestion. – Keep treats accounted for in the daily calorie allowance. – Weigh your dog monthly and use a body condition score rather than relying solely on weight. – Regularly clean ears and check for redness or odour — ear health is tied to diet and allergies. – If you’re in the UK, use dog feeding guide UK resources and consult your vet for country-specific product recommendations. When to get professional help Consult a vet or registered veterinary nutritionist if your spaniel is underweight, overweight, has chronic skin, ear or GI issues, or you want to switch to a homemade or raw diet. Professional input prevents nutrient shortfalls and keeps your spaniel healthy.

Final Words

Now you have a clear spaniel diet guide 2025 to start from: pick a balanced, species-appropriate food, measure portions based on activity and weight, avoid toxic or high-fat treats, and watch for allergy signs like itching or recurrent ear infections. Adjust with your vet’s advice so your spaniel stays fit, active and comfortable.

Spaniel Diet Guide for Beginners

Spaniels are active, affectionate dogs with specific nutritional needs to support energy, a healthy coat and joint health. This guide explains the best food types for spaniels, suggested portion sizes by age and weight, treats to avoid, and signs of food allergies. SEO keywords included: best food for spaniels, cocker spaniel diet, dog feeding guide UK.

Best food types for spaniels
– Complete, balanced dry kibble (high-quality): Choose a complete commercial kibble that lists a named meat (chicken, lamb, salmon) as the first ingredient. Look for formulas labelled for life stage (puppy, adult, senior). These provide vitamins, minerals and correct calcium:phosphorus for bone growth.
– Wet food and mixed feeding: Good for palatability and hydration. Mix wet with dry for variety, but adjust dry portions if you add wet food to avoid overfeeding.
– High-protein, moderate-fat: Spaniels benefit from diets with good-quality animal protein to support muscle and activity. Fat should be moderate—active working spaniels need more fat; less active or neutered dogs need lower-fat options to avoid weight gain.
– Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil (EPA/DHA) supports a shiny coat and reduces inflammation—helpful for ear health in spaniels.
– Joint support: Look for glucosamine and chondroitin in adult and senior diets, especially for larger spaniels or those with a history of hip problems.
– Special diets: For dogs with allergies, skin issues or gastrointestinal problems, hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient diets (novel protein or hydrolysed formulas) may be needed under veterinary guidance.
– Raw or home-cooked diets: These can be done safely but must be balanced. Consult a veterinary nutritionist to avoid deficiencies or excesses. If you choose raw, follow strict hygiene to reduce bacterial risk.

Portion sizes by age and weight (approximate)
Portions vary by product energy density, activity level, neuter status and individual metabolism. The ranges below assume typical dry kibble; check the packet feeding guide and adjust according to your dog’s body condition score. Feed puppies more frequently and gradually reduce meal frequency as they grow.

Weights used as examples: small cocker/mini spaniel ~8–12 kg, standard cocker ~12–15 kg, springer spaniel ~18–20 kg.

– 8 kg spaniel
– Puppy (8–16 weeks): 140–180 g/day, split into 3–4 meals
– Juvenile (4–12 months): 120–160 g/day, split into 3 meals
– Adult (1–7 years): 90–130 g/day, split into 2 meals
– Senior (>7 years): 80–120 g/day, split into 2 smaller meals

– 12 kg spaniel (typical cocker spaniel diet example)
– Puppy (8–16 weeks): 180–240 g/day, 3–4 meals
– Juvenile (4–12 months): 160–200 g/day, 2–3 meals
– Adult: 140–200 g/day, 2 meals
– Senior: 120–180 g/day, 2 meals

– 15 kg spaniel
– Puppy: 220–300 g/day, 3–4 meals
– Juvenile: 200–260 g/day, 2–3 meals
– Adult: 180–260 g/day, 2 meals
– Senior: 150–230 g/day, 2 meals

– 20 kg spaniel (springer)
– Puppy: 260–360 g/day, 3–4 meals
– Juvenile: 240–320 g/day, 2–3 meals
– Adult: 220–340 g/day, 2 meals
– Senior: 190–310 g/day, 2 meals

How to adjust portions
– Monitor weight and body condition: feel the ribs with light pressure—ribs should be palpable but not visible. Increase or decrease feed by 10–15% and reassess after 1–2 weeks.
– Activity level: increase portions for very active dogs or reduce for sedentary pets. Working spaniels may need higher-calorie formulas.
– Age and neuter status: puppies and intact adults typically need more calories; neutered adults often need less.

Feeding schedule and tips
– Puppies: 3–4 meals/day until about 4 months, then 2–3 meals until adult.
– Adults: 2 meals/day is common to prevent hunger and aid digestion.
– Always provide fresh water.
– Weigh food with scales for accuracy. Cup measures vary by product.
– Treat allowance: keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories.

Treats and foods to avoid
– Human foods that are toxic: chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, alcohol, xylitol (in sweets and some peanut butters), macadamia nuts, caffeine.
– High-fat foods: fatty scraps and processed human foods can cause pancreatitis.
– Cooked bones: can splinter and cause obstruction or perforation. Raw bones carry bacterial risks; consult your vet.
– Too many high-calorie commercial treats: these cause weight gain. Choose low-calorie, dental or training treats and adjust meal portions if you treat frequently.
– Dairy in large amounts: many dogs are lactose intolerant; limit milk or cheese.
– Foods that commonly cause GI upset: rich sauces, excessive dairy, spicy foods.

Signs of food allergies or intolerances
Food-related reactions can look like skin issues or digestive upset. Common signs:
– Itchy skin, especially around ears, face, paws and flanks
– Recurrent ear infections or head shaking (common in spaniels with floppy ears)
– Excessive licking of paws
– Recurrent diarrhoea or vomiting
– Chronic gas or loose stools
– Patchy hair loss or redness of the skin
If you suspect a food allergy, try a veterinary-guided elimination diet using a novel protein or hydrolysed diet for 8–12 weeks. Do not give treats or flavoured medications unless approved as part of the trial. Your vet may also recommend testing and management plans.

Special notes for cocker spaniel diet and breed tendencies
– Cocker spaniels are prone to ear infections; a balanced diet that supports skin and immune health helps reduce flare-ups.
– Weight gain is common in cocker and springer spaniels if activity drops. Monitor portions and exercise.
– For breeders or working dogs, use puppy or performance formulas as appropriate and consult a nutrition specialist for pregnancy/lactation feeding.

Buying food in the UK: dog feeding guide UK
– In the UK, look for established pet food brands and independent pet nutrition labels that meet AAFCO-equivalent standards or FEDIAF guidelines.
– Many UK shops and vets provide feeding charts on packaging; use these as a starting point and adapt for your dog.
– Consider local pet stores and veterinary practices for access to prescription diets or veterinary nutrition advice.

When to consult a vet or nutritionist
– If your spaniel is underweight or overweight despite portion adjustments
– Chronic skin or ear problems, recurrent GI signs
– If you plan a homemade, raw or specialised diet — professional formulation avoids nutrient imbalances
– Any sudden change in appetite or behaviour after food changes

Summary
The best food for spaniels is a balanced, life-stage-appropriate diet with good-quality animal protein, adequate Omega-3s and sensible fat levels. Use the portion ranges above as a starting point, adjust for activity and body condition, keep treats minimal, and watch for allergy signs. For a tailored cocker spaniel diet or if you live in the UK and want specific product recommendations, speak to your vet or a veterinary nutritionist.

FAQ

Q: What is the best food for spaniels in 2025?

A: The best food for spaniels in 2025 is a complete, life-stage-specific diet from a reputable brand that lists a named meat as the first ingredient, contains balanced vitamins and minerals, and includes omega-3 fats. Choose puppy formulas for growing dogs, adult maintenance for most pets, and joint-support or lower-calorie senior formulas for older spaniels. If your dog has skin or digestive issues, a limited-ingredient or veterinary-prescription diet may be needed under professional advice.

Q: How often should I feed a cocker spaniel puppy?

A: Feed cocker spaniel puppies 3–4 times a day up to around 4 months, then gradually reduce to 2–3 meals per day until maturity. Follow the puppy food feeding guide on the product packet, divide the daily total into equal meals, and monitor weight and stool quality to fine-tune amounts.

Q: How do I calculate the correct portion for my spaniel’s weight?

A: Use the feeding ranges in the guide as a starting point and refer to your food manufacturer’s chart, which accounts for calorie density. Adjust the amount up or down based on body condition—ribs should be felt but not visible. Active dogs need more; less active or neutered dogs need less. If uncertain, consult your vet for a personalised plan.

Q: Are grain-free diets better for spaniels?

A: Grain-free diets are not universally better. They can help dogs with diagnosed grain sensitivities, but many spaniels do well on grain-inclusive diets. Avoid switching to grain-free without veterinary advice, particularly because unnecessary changes can be more expensive and may not improve skin or digestive issues.

Q: Can I feed my spaniel a raw or homemade diet in 2025?

A: Yes, but these diets must be nutritionally complete and safely prepared. Raw feeding carries bacterial risks, and homemade meals can be deficient or unbalanced unless formulated by a qualified veterinary nutritionist. If you choose raw or homemade, work with a professional to ensure correct nutrient ratios and safe handling practices.

Q: What treats and human foods should I avoid giving my spaniel?

A: Avoid chocolate, grapes/raisins, xylitol, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol and caffeine. Also avoid fatty table scraps, cooked bones and too many high-calorie commercial treats. Limit dairy and rich foods that can cause diarrhoea. Keep treats to under 10% of daily calories and use low-calorie training treats where possible.

Q: How do I know if my spaniel has a food allergy and what should I do?

A: Signs include persistent itching (especially ears and paws), recurrent ear infections, chronic diarrhoea or vomiting, excessive paw licking and skin redness. If you suspect a food allergy, consult your vet for an elimination diet trial using a novel-protein or hydrolysed diet, typically for 8–12 weeks, and avoid giving other foods or treats during the trial.