Best Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels
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Cocker Spaniels are becoming more popular and many families are now keen to have one around.
They are adorable and funny looking dogs. Their weight ranges from 26 to 34 pounds and they love to eat a lot.
As a result, this makes them prone to excessive weight gain. Also, a lack of proper diet can expose them to a lot of health challenges such as allergies, obesity and hip Dysplasia.
Quick Look At Our Top Picks For Best Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels:
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 | BEST FOR ALLERGIES
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 | BEST FOR WEIGHT LOSS
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 | Best for Seniors
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 | BEST FOR PUPPIES
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Key Considerations When Buying Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels
We try to follow the recommendations of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association when selecting the best dog foods for Labradoodles. We look for foods that meet the following criteria as much as possible:
- Foods that are AAFCO-approved, preferably with food trials.
- Nutritional research and testing is paramount.
- We prefer dog foods that are formulated by staffs of veterinary nutritionists.
- Good quality control is essential.
We also take into consideration the recent warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about a possible link between grain free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs. This investigation is ongoing. It has now been expanded to include exotic meats used in dog foods.
You can read the latest research in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
If your Cocker Spaniel is diagnosed with a specific health problem, such as a food allergy or food sensitivity, please work with your veterinarian to select the right food for your dog.
Best Rated Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels Reviewed
With so many dog food brands offering dog foods on the market, it can be tempting to choose the wrong recipe for your pet.
It has never been easy satisfying the dietary needs of a special breed like Cocker Spaniels.
But don’t you worry, our carefully selected formulas here will do the job for you, depending on your pet’s needs.
Nutritional info:
- Protein – 23.0% Min
- Fat – 12.0% Min
- Fiber – 3.0% Max
- Calories: – 304 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Keeps inactive Cocker Spaniels in ideal weight
- Great quality at a great price
- Helps solve war and eye problems common in this breed
- Perfect for healthy skin and coat
Cons:
- Not good for Cocker Spaniel that is allergic to wheat or corn
- It can easy get molded if not properly preserved
The Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Dog Food is especially for Cocker Spaniels over 12 months. It is a unique blend of chicken meal and brown rice together with other top quality ingredients. The kibble sizes are well carved to perfectly fit the jaw of a typical adult Cocker Spaniel.
This usually makes the kibbles a lot easier to grasp as well as encouraging chewing. In addition, this formula contains an exclusive complex of nutrients such as DHA, EPA and Vitamin A to maintain healthy skin and glossy coat.
Serving this meal to your pup is the best you can do to help her stay within an ideal weight. Overall, this recipe works in a way that helps maintain healthy heart muscle of your canine friend.
Nutritional info:
- Protein – 26.0% Min
- Fat – 15% Min
- Fiber – 4.0% Max
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
Pros:
- It is a quality product with 4.5 out of 5 Amazon rating
- Most finicky dogs will approve
- It is grain free and perfect for dogs with sensitivity
- Great for dogs who want to try new, exotic protein
Cons:
- Bags can be easily ripped open in transit
- Way too expensive
The Solid Gold Sensitive Stomach Dog Food is a grain and gluten free formula for adult dogs with sensitive stomachs. Fresh vegetables from the farm are in this recipe as a source of fiber to support healthy digestion.
Also, fresh salmon is the number one source of protein in this formula. It helps to provide a lean and easily digestible source of protein for pooches in need of unusual proteins. The salmon content is a rich source of omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. It also helps boost the immune system of your dog. Furthermore, the formula is enriched with prebiotics and probiotics to enhance gut health and absorption of nutrients.
Finally, it is perfect for your sensitive Cocker Spaniel because it contains no corn, wheat or soy that may trigger allergies.
Nutritional info:
- Protein – 32.0% Min
- Fat – 8.0% Min
- Fiber – 11.0% Max
- Calories: 360 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Excellent nutrition in a lower calorie version
- Good for older dogs that doesn’t need high calorie food
- Quality delivery and perfect customer service
- Small kibbles great for small breeds
Cons:
- Some quality control issues
- A few customers complained of poor packaging
The Merrick Grain Free Healthy Weight Recipe is formulated with no gluten source. It has real deboned beef as its number one ingredient and primary source of protein. The recipe is properly blended with farm-fresh fruits and vegetables such as sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries and a lot more.
It contains a leading level of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Furthermore, these help in maintaining healthy skin and coat for your dog. Also, it has a power level of glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy hips and joints. In addition, this formula offers optimal protein and fiber devoid of additional calories or fat for excellent weight management.
Overall, it is a natural grain free dog food prepared to support the complete health of your pup.
Nutritional info:
- Protein – 29.0% Min
- Fat – 16.0% Min
- Fiber – 3.0% Max
- Calories: 487 kcal/cup
Pros:
- Keeps older dogs alert and active
- A life changing dog food
- A high quality dog food with 4.5 out of 5 rating on Amazon
- Supports healthy joints and hips
Cons:
- Some dogs react negatively to this food
- It is not generally accepted
- Some quality assurance issues
The Purina Pro Plan Bright Mind Formula Adult 7+ Dry Dog Food targets the overall health of the senior small breed pooches. It has real chicken as its number ingredient. This formula also contains enhanced botanical oils for promoting alertness and mental agility in adult dogs.
In addition, it has EPA and glucosamine to help support your senior Cocker’s healthy joints and mobility. There are other micronutrients such as calcium and phosphorus that are good for maintaining sturdy bones and teeth.
Above all, this unique dog food comes in bite-sized kibbles suitable for your senior pooch to lead a healthy.
Nutritional info:
- Protein – 22.5% Min
- Fat – 11.0% Min
- Fiber – 4.0% Max
- Calories: 370 kcal/cup
Pros:
- This formula delivers almost immediate results
- Most finicky Cocker Spaniel will approve
- Helps to fix food allergy issues
- Affordable quality dog food
Cons:
- Low quality reported in some batches
- Some customers complained changed formula
The Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Dry Dog Food is a grain free puppy food. It is specifically formulated in small kibbles suitable for small jaws. This limited ingredient recipe will go a long way to minimize the number of ingredients puppies are exposed to. This means it will reduce the chance of allergies in these smaller young dogs.
The main source of protein is duck which is quite rare in dog foods. This makes it perfect for puppies who are sensitive to more common sources of proteins such as chicken or lamb.
In addition, it contains less amount of carbohydrates sources.
Its main source of carbs are potatoes which a highly digestible energy source. Also, to support the neural development of your pup, the blend includes DHA derived from salmon oil.
Overall, this is a perfect meal for your puppy Cocker Spaniel as it has high-quality ingredients and premium animal proteins.
Cocker Spaniel Dietary Needs
Most Cocker Spaniels should be able to eat a normal diet for dogs. Most dogs require similar nutrients in their diet.
While dogs are not obligate carnivores, like cats, they still require plenty of protein in their daily diet, and meat protein is preferable to plant protein.
Your adult Cocker Spaniel dog needs a minimum of 18 percent protein for daily maintenance.
Pregnant/nursing dogs and puppies need a minimum of 22 percent protein. Most dog foods today have higher protein percentages than these figures. This doesn’t mean that your dog needs enormous protein percentages.
Editor’s Note
Many grain free dog foods have huge protein percentages but much of the protein comes from plant sources such as peas, legumes, and lentils – the ingredients that the FDA is investigating because they may be linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs.
We recommend, instead, that you feed your Cocker Spaniel a food with a more moderate protein percentage that relies mostly on meat protein. Most dogs, such as Cocker Spaniel, will do well eating a food with a protein percentage between 22 and 26 percent.
Nutritional Requirements
Cocker Spaniels require complete and balanced nutritional foods for overall health. The following nutrients must be present in their meals in the right quality and quantity:
- Protein – Proteins are a major requirement in your pet’s food. A good source of protein is found in real meat or fish such as chicken, lamb, turkey, salmon or beef. Proteins are essential because they help dogs to build sturdy bones and lean muscles. Although proteins can also be found in vegetables, eggs, and some other plants, the best sources are still from meat and fish.
- Carbs – Carbohydrates are a great source of energy that powers your dog’s high activity level. A major source of healthy carbs exists in premium quality ingredients like sweet potatoes. Fruits and vegetables are also good sources of carbs. However, you should try as much as possible to exclude corn from your pet’s meal if he is already carrying overweight. And it is even better to feed him with grain-free formula if he’s kind of food allergic or sensitive.
- Fats – Fats are very essential in keeping the skin and coat of your Cocker healthy and shiny. A nutritious dog food should contain a healthy source of fats such as flaxseed or fish. In addition, fats help support strong bones and clear eyes. However, there is a need to keep Cocker Spaniels’ fat intake considerably low so as to avoid obesity.
- Fiber – Fiber helps keep your pet’s bowel regular and it aids in the digestion process. Moreover, carbs can serve as sources of fiber. Vegetables such as pumpkin and beetroot can also stand in as a source of fiber.
- Mineral and Vitamin – Vitamins and minerals are essential to your pet’s diet. Some brands even include extra vitamins in their formulas. However, it is always good to avoid an excess of these nutrients, because they can be harmful if not in proper proportion.
How Much Should You Feed Your Cocker Spaniel By Age?
How much you feed your Cocker Spaniel depends on his stage regarding his age. Although there may be no accurate measurement of the quantity you should feed your pet, the following are estimations:
- Puppy – Cocker Spaniel puppies will usually need about 210 calories in the first few months of being born. This quantity is expected to double as they get a month older. However, to maintain healthy body growth, they must be fed with the right level of protein, fats vitamins, and carbs.
- Adult – Adult Cockers are very energetic and active. Therefore, they will need about 750 to 1180 calories on a daily basis depending on their level of activity.
- Senior – The senior Cockers thrive well on low-fat dog foods. As they become older, they tend to be more docile and inactive. This makes them extremely prone to excess weight. Hence, there is a need to enrich their diet with extra omega 3 and 6 fatty acids for joints and hips health.
Cocker Spaniel Food Allergies And Food Related Health Issues
Cockers are prone to some food-related health conditions which may include the following:
- Food Allergies – There are certain ingredients that Cocker Spaniels may be allergic to in a food. Some of the most common are dairy, soy, corn, pork, and fish. Furthermore, once your pet has been diagnosed with having allergies, necessary steps should be taken to exclude the allergen from his recipe.
- Hip Dysplasia – Cocker Spaniels are of the dog breeds that are also prone to Hip Dysplasia. Improperly positioned hips and joints are extremely dangerous. It often consequently leads to agony and lack of mobility as well as obesity. However one of the best ways to prevent this condition is by feeding your pet with supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin.
- Obesity – Obesity is a common food-related health issue in Cockers because they love to eat a lot. Excess weight is not good for your dog as it can lead to diverse health challenges. Therefore, it is imperative to help these canine friends maintain a healthy body weight.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it can be fun having a Cocker Spaniel as a pet. But it is usually very tiring if she becomes sickly or obese due to improper dieting. As a result, to get the best quality and most suitable dog food formula for your pet may even be frustrating.
That is why we have come with this article to guide you on how to easily meet your Cocker dietary needs. Our recommended products here will definitely help you in buying the right recipe when next you are out shopping. Therefore, make sure to look through the list carefully.
