Cocker Spaniels are sweet, eager-to-please, playful companions. They’re also incredibly beautiful with big, dark eyes and that glorious coat.
To keep them happy and healthy, they need the right dog food.
So what is the best food for Cocker Spaniels? This article will help you pick the right one for your special friend.
Table of Contents
Top 4 Picks for Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels in 2021
| Dog Food Recipes | Our Rating | |
| Best for Cocker Spaniel puppies | CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Limited Ingredient Chicken, Lentil & Whole Egg Recipe Dry Dog Food
|
5 |
| Best for Adult Cocker Spaniels | Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Food
|
5 |
| Best for Senior Cocker Spaniels | Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Senior
|
5 |
| Best Budget Food for Cocker Spaniels | Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
|
4.5 |
The best dog food brands for Cocker Spaniels by stage
Manufacturers make different foods for adult dogs and puppies because they have different nutrition needs. Puppies need more calories and higher levels of protein and fat than adults.
They also need Omega fatty acids, which are a nutrient found in the milk of the mother. Before we dig in, check out these adorable 5-week old Cockers diving into their food. Pretty cute, right?
Best puppy foods for Cocker Spaniels
When picking puppy food, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. The most important thing is to read the labels.
Check the ingredients to make sure they’re high quality and meat-based. Also, check to see where the ingredients are sourced.
A puppy needs nearly twice the number of calories of an adult, so that means they need nutrient-dense food that gives them lots of calories in each bite.
Back in the day, people fed both adults and puppies the same food. Today, we know that dogs are healthier if they get the right nutrients when they’re young.
For that reason, you should be sure to select food made for puppies rather than using adult food for your baby.
1. CANIDAE Grain-Free PURE Puppy Limited Ingredient Chicken, Lentil & Whole Egg Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Menhaden Fish Meal, Lentils
Type: Dry
This excellent food has lots of protein and whole ingredients and features just nine ingredients.
Pros:
- Contains probiotics and antioxidants
- High-quality ingredients
Cons:
- Salt features high on the list of ingredients
- May be too high in protein for some dogs
2. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe High Protein, Natural Puppy Dry Dog Food, Red Meat
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Deboned Beef, Beef Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Tapioca Starch
Type: Dry
Blue Buffalo makes their food to be as close as possible to a wolf’s diet but adjusted for modern dogs’ nutritional needs.
This food is rich in proteins and both probiotics and prebiotics and is grain-free.
Pros:
- Contains DHA and ARA
- High protein with a blend of red meats
- Created by dog nutritionists and veterinarians
Cons:
- Contains tapioca and pea starch (cheap fillers)
- Contains alfalfa
3. Wellness Complete Small Breed Puppy
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Chicken Meal, Salmon Meal (a source of DHA- Docosahexaenoic Acid), Oatmeal, Ground Barley
Type: Dry
Wellness makes their puppy food to support your growing dog with the nutrients they need.
Pros:
- Contains blueberries, apples, carrots, and sweet potatoes
- Probiotics and prebiotics for a healthy digestive system
- Healthy fibers for digestion
Cons:
- Contains a high level of fillers like rice, barley, oatmeal, and rye
- Contains tomato pomace, which is a controversial ingredient
4. Instinct Raw Boost Puppy Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken & Freeze-Dried Raw Pieces Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas, Egg Product, Tapioca
Type: Dry and Raw
Raw boost contains both dry and freeze-dried raw food to help your dog stay healthy. Their chicken is cage-free and contains a balance of meat and fish.
Pros:
- Contains healthy salmon oil
- Contains organ meat
- Contains DHA for brain and organ development
Cons:
- Contains tomato pomace
- May be too high in fat for some dogs
Best dog food for Cocker Spaniel adults
When picking food, you have lots of help to narrow things down. Talk to your vet, check online reviews, and look at DogFoodAdviser for tips.
Then, check the label and look for food that meets the Association of American Feed Control Officials standards for nutrition.
Once your dog is a year old, they’re ready for adult food. Depending on your dog’s size and activity level, they need about 1 to 2 cups of food per day, split between two meals.
1. Orijen Regional Red Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top ingredients: Deboned Beef, Deboned Wild Boar, Deboned Goat, Deboned Lamb, Lamb Liver, Beef Liver
Type: Dry
Orijen is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, including grass-fed beef and lamb. The kibble contains 85% meat-based protein, so dogs love the taste and it’s healthy for them.
Pros:
- The first 16 ingredients are real meat or fish
- Includes lots of cartilage and organs
- Contains probiotics
Cons:
- 38% protein is higher than many dogs require
- Large number of ingredients could cause allergies in sensitive dogs
2. Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Whitefish Meal, Sweet Potatoes
Type: Dry
Merrick sources their deboned salmon wild when possible or from farms in the Pacific Northwest. 74% of the protein in this food comes from animal sources.
Pros:
- Salmon and whitefish are the first three ingredients
- Contains probiotics
- Has a high level of fatty acids
Cons:
- Contains pea and potato protein (cheap fillers)
3. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
Type: Dry
Taste of the Wild contains prebiotics and probiotics along with chondroitin for joint health. They use high-quality protein sources.
Pros:
- Venison is the first ingredient
- Contains a good mix of protein, fat, and fiber
- Ingredients come from sustainable sources
Cons:
- Pea protein and flour filler is high on the list
4. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Rabbit Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Rabbit, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fish Meal, Chickpeas, Canola Oil
Type: Dry and Freeze-dried
Farm-raised rabbit is the first ingredient, followed by lots of healthy fish protein to make up this quality dog food. It contains high levels of calcium for healthy bones.
Pros:
- Contains whole fruits and veggies
- Contains rabbit organs
Cons:
- Non-US meat sources not specified
- Contains tomato pomace (a controversial ingredient)
5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Deboned Lamb, Menhaden Fish Meal (Source of Omega 3 Fatty Acids), Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Barley
Type: Dry
This food is made with whole ingredients like meat, veggies, and healthy carbohydrates. It also has antioxidants and vitamins to help keep your dog healthy.
Pros:
- Contains healthy flaxseed
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- No by-product meats
Cons:
- Oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and pea make up a high portion of ingredients
6. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Canned Dog Food
Our Rating: 5
Top ingredients: Whitefish, Fish Broth, Turkey Broth, Water, Turkey, Turkey Liver
Type: Wet
Fish is the first ingredient in this canned food, along with turkey, salmon, and eggs.
Pros:
- Omega fatty acids support healthy skin and coat
- No wheat, corn, or soy
- Good for dogs with sensitive stomachs
Cons:
- Guar gum and potato starch
Best dog food for Cocker Spaniel seniors
As your dog ages, they need fewer calories but they still need lots of nutrients to support their health. Look for food that is labeled specifically for seniors.
So what is the best food for a senior Cocker Spaniel? These options are all good, with the right mix of vitamins, minerals, nutrients, and calories.
1. Nutro Ultra Senior Recipe
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran
Type: Dry
This recipe contains whole, dried fruits, and veggies, along with chicken meal as the first ingredient.
Pros:
- Contains healthy flaxseed and chia seed
- Has lots of dried fruits and veggies
- Protein is farm-raised and pasture-fed
Cons:
- Rice and oatmeal make up a large portion of ingredients
- Contains beet pulp, a cheap filler
- Contains tomato pomace
2. Nulo Senior Grain-Free Trout and Sweet Potato
Our Rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Trout, Turkey Meal, Salmon Meal, Yellow Peas, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas
Type: Dry
This grain-free dog food is made just for seniors, with reduced calories and supplements to help improve your senior dog’s metabolism. Calcium and phosphorus help support strong bones.
Pros:
- Contains apples, carrots, blueberries, and sweet potatoes
- No chicken or eggs which are common allergens
- Contains probiotics
Cons:
- Low level of Omega fatty acids
- Excessive carbs
3. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Senior
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Peas, Pea Protein, Pea Starch
Type: Dry
Formulated to support your senior dog’s bones and immune system, this food contains antioxidants and lots of Omega fatty acids from flaxseed and fish.
Fats help keep your Cocker’s coat health in good shape.
Pros:
- Contains blueberries, cranberries, sweet potatoes, and carrots
- Contains DHA and plenty of vitamins
- Has probiotics
Cons:
- Pea protein and starch is high on the ingredient list
4. Canidae Pure Limited Ingredient Senior
Our Rating: 5
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Garbanzo Beans, Peas
Type: Dry
This food is made with just nine natural ingredients, so dogs with sensitive stomachs or allergies are less likely to have issues. It’s also formulated with fewer calories to prevent weight gain in aging dogs.
Pros:
- Contains taurine to support heart health
- Poultry is the first three ingredients
- Has probiotics
Cons:
- Contains alfalfa, which isn’t a good source of protein
5. Nutro Natural Choice Small Breed Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Grain Barley, Split Peas, Brewers Rice
Type: Dry
This food is made for all life stages, but it’s particularly good for seniors. It has supplements to maintain lean muscle and crunchy bits to help prevent tooth plaque from building up.
Pros:
- Non-GMO and no meat by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Designed for small dogs
Cons:
- Rice and peas make up a high portion of this food
Best dog food for Cocker Spaniels with health issues
If your dog suffers from health issues like allergies, choosing the right food can make a huge difference.
Cocker spaniels are prone to obesity, so if your dog is struggling with its weight, there are several food options out there to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Choosing a dog food for Cocker Spaniels with health problems
Choosing the best dog food for your Cocker Spaniel may be able to help prevent illnesses such as cancer, heart problems, and allergies.
Here are some common health issues that Cockers suffer from:
- Obesity
- Ear Infections
- Food Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Primary Seborrhea
- Eye Disorders
- Epilepsy
- Patellar Luxation
- Cataracts
Of course, food can prevent or cure all of these issues, but it may be able to help prevent or ease the symptoms of many of them.
For instance, some ingredients included in dog food have been shown to contribute to cancer. Both BHA and BHT are suspected carcinogens that you’ll find in food. Avoid any food that has these.
Some nutrients, like glucosamine, may help prevent joint issues. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids can help with arthritis or kidney disease, as well as helps brain development in puppies.
Foods with the right number of calories for your dog can help them maintain their weight and energy.
Some Cockers are sensitive to wheat, gluten, or other grains. Foods that contain these ingredients may cause or exacerbate allergies.
According to the AKC, the top allergy-inducing ingredients are beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, and eggs.
Speaking of allergies, you may be wondering, “how do I know if my Cocker Spaniel is allergic to certain foods?”
You’ll likely see dry skin, especially on the ears and their back or rear. They may also have an itchy face or paws and may sneeze or cough.
Best Dog Food for Weight Management
Cocker Spaniels are prone to obesity, and while you can always reduce the amount of food they eat to help control their weight, sometimes it’s better to give them low-calorie food to help them manage their weight.
That way, they still get lots of yummy food so they don’t feel deprived.
These foods will help your dog stay trim.
Wellness Core Natural Reduced Fat Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal,, Chicken Meal, Lentils
Type: Dry
This grain-free food has lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega fatty acids to help your dog stay healthy while keeping them at their right weight.
Pros:
- Contains probiotics
- Lots of whole fruits and veggies
Cons:
- Contains pea fiber and tomato pomace
Nutro Ultra Weight Management Adult Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4
Top ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Whole Brown Rice, Brewers Rice, Rice Bran, Whole Grain Oatmeal
Type: Dry
This food is made with chicken, rice, and salmon to help your dog stay trim. No artificial colors or preservatives.
Pros:
- Contains chia seeds
- Has healthy salmon
- Lots of healthy fruits and veggies
Cons:
- Contains beet pulp filler
Best for Sensitive Skin & Stomach
Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Dry Dog Food
Our Rating: 4.5
Top ingredients: Salmon, Barley, Rice, Oatmeal, Canola Meal, Fish Meal
Type: Dry
With lots of vitamins, including vitamin E, D-3, B-2, and B-12, this food is made to support your dog’s health. It contains limited ingredients that are easier on your dog’s stomach.
Pros:
- Contains healthy fish oil
- High protein
- Doesn’t contain common allergens
Cons:
- Barley, rice, and oats feature high on the ingredient list
Dog food for Cocker Spaniels buyers guide
It’s important to pick high-quality food for your Cocker Spaniel. A food that contains low-quality ingredients provides bulk but not much nutrition.
Poor quality ingredients can also make them sick (or make you sick if you touch the food and then accidentally get the food in your mouth).
Keep in mind that while we’re talking about the American Cocker Spaniel in this guide, these foods would also be ideal for an English Cocker Spaniel, so long as they aren’t a working dog.
Working dogs need more nutrition to support their active lifestyle.
Signs of a Superior Dog Food: Separating the Good from the Bad
So what factors should you look for good, high-quality food? First, whole meat should be listed as the first ingredient.
It should also be sourced and manufactured in a country that has high safety and quality-control standards.
It shouldn’t feature vague meats, like “meat by-products” or “meat meal.” Each ingredient should be listed by name.
You should also look for foods that contain antioxidant-rich fruits and veggies, along with superfoods like quinoa or flaxseed.
You might also want to pick a food with probiotics, but make sure they’re added after the food is cooked or it won’t help your dog’s health.
Not to get too graphic here, but look at your dog’s poop. Good food will give them firm, medium-brown feces. If their poops are runny, hard, or strange color, consider talking to your vet and switching foods.
There are a few other things to consider when buying dog food for your Cocker Spaniel.
A high-energy dog or one that is working or doing something like agility should get a more nutrient-dense food than a low-energy or older dog.
You should also choose a food that can help with digestion if your dog suffers from tummy issues. Some foods are made just for dogs with poor digestion.
Finally, pick something that can improve your dog’s skin and coat. These kinds of foods contain healthy fats and oils.
No doubt you’re wondering if you should go for a big-name brand. There’s nothing wrong with a big-name brand, so long as it fits all the requirements listed above.
Big-name brands have more money to put into research and sourcing, which is a bonus.
But they can also cut corners and use fillers to bulk up their food. In other words, just be careful and do your research.
Cocker Spaniel nutritional requirement: What kind of diet is best for a Cocker Spaniel?
Dogs are omnivores and need a balance of animal proteins, carbohydrates, and fat. They also need vitamins and minerals to keep them healthy. Cockers are no different.
Cockers need more food when they are puppies and less food as they age from adults to seniors. That’s because they have less energy and their bodies are using fewer calories.
When looking for good food, animal protein should be the first source. That can be red meat, white meat, or fish. Also look for whole ingredients like vegetables, fruits, and grains.
It should also contain pre and probiotics, Omega fatty acids, healthy fats, healthy oils, and vitamins.
Ingredients to avoid when feeding your Cocker Spaniel
Never feed your Cocker spaniel food that contains melamine, meat meal or meat by-products, carrageenan, food dyes, artificial preservatives, MSG, or sugar.
What are the different types of Cocker Spaniel dog food?
There are a wealth of choices for your Cocker pal out there when it comes to feeding. Most people give their dogs dry kibble because it’s convenient lasts long, and contains a complete meal.
But you can also feed a raw diet, freeze-dried raw food, a homemade fresh food diet, or wet or semi-wet food.
Is grain-free diet options preferable for Cocker Spaniels?
There is some controversy right now about whether or not to feed your dog a grain-free diet. Unless they have an allergy, all dogs can eat grains and they can be a good source of nutrition.
Unless your dog has a specific health issue, there is no reason to avoid feeding them grains. In fact, the FDA is investigating whether or not a grain-free diet can cause serious and even fatal heart issues in dogs.
They have warned dog owners to use caution feeding a grain-free diet until more research can be done.
If you do decide to go grain-free, here are some brands to check out:
- Newman’s Own
- Open Farm
- Simple Food
- Taste of the Wild
- Tender and True
- Go!
- Nulo
Should you give your Cocker Spaniel dry kibbles, wet food, raw diet, or homemade?
Whether you choose wet or dry food is a matter of preference. Both can provide your dog with the nutrition it needs.
Wet food tends to cost a lot more and is primarily made up of water, so you need to feed your dog more.
Wet food is usually tastier for dogs, though getting a Cocker spaniel to eat is rarely a problem. Wet food is good for a dog that doesn’t drink enough water or has urinary or kidney issues.
Want to feed dry? These brands make some good options:
- Wainwrights Dry Food
- James Wellbeloved Dog Food
- Royal Canin Cocker Dog Food
- Arkwrights Working Dog Complete Food
Prefer wet? Check these foods out:
- Wainwright’s range of adult wet food
- Royal Canin wet food for adult dogs
- James Wellbeloved adult dog grain-free wet food
Many people opt to feed their dogs a raw food diet. If you decide to go this route, you can buy pre-made freeze-dried raw food. Or you can make your own.
Fruits and vegetables your Cocker Spaniel can and cannot eat
Dogs are often thought of as carnivores, but they are actually omnivores. They need carbohydrates from fruit and veggies.
Some good fruits and veggies are beans, carrots, broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, blueberries, apples, sweet potatoes, peas, and strawberries.
Avoid onions, garlic, avocado, cabbage, grapes, and currants.
A homemade recipe you can try for your Cocker Spaniel
You may decide to make a homemade recipe for your Cocker. That way, you can be sure that they’re getting healthy, whole ingredients that you know are sourced well.
Be sure to talk to your vet, however, since it can be hard to make sure your dog is getting all the nutrients they need.
Here’s a good recipe to try:
2 cups water
1.5 pounds ground chicken
.5 cups ground beef
.5 cups brown rice
2 cups chopped vegetables like carrots, broccoli, peas, and sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons cooked quinoa
Cook in a large pot for 20 minutes at a simmer. Cool and add 2 tablespoons of yogurt. Store in the refrigerator.
Cocker Spaniel Feeding Chart
Cocker spaniels are infamous for getting a bit chunky. They love to eat. That’s why portion control is absolutely essential.
This isn’t a dog breed that you can leave the food out all day for. You want to feed them twice a day and measure out the amount each time.
Puppies need more food than adults, but of course, this varies depending on size and energy level. Puppies need about 200-250 calories per day when they are young.
Slowly increase that each month until they are eating about 750 calories per day when they are a year old.
Adults above one year need about 750 to 950 calories per day depending on size and their level of energy.
Seniors above 8 years old need about 550 to 750 calories per day.
So what is the usual serving size for Cocker Spaniels? That depends on the calorie density of the food. Wet food will require a bigger portion than dry food.
But typically, a cup of dry food contains about 400 calories, so you’d need to feed about a cup and a half per day. Check the label to know for sure.
You’ll know your dog is eating enough if they have the right amount of energy and you can just feel their last rib.
If you can see multiple ribs, they need more food. If you can’t feel any ribs, they need less.
Transition: How to switch from puppy to adult dog food?
You should switch from puppy food to adult food at about a year of age. At that point, switch out ¼ of their old food with their new food for a week.
Then switch out ½ of their old food for their new food for the next week. In the last week, feed ¾ new food to ¼ old food.
In the fourth week, they should be completely eating new food. You can use this formula when switching to different food, as well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Cocker Spaniels picky eaters?
Of course, all dogs are different, but Cocker Spaniels are not considered picky eaters. In fact, they’re more likely to eat anything and everything they get their teeth on than to reject food.
I had a cocker once who would pull the tomatoes off the vine, would chew through squash growing on the vine.
Would devour my strawberries once they ripened. I had to fence off my garden to keep her out!
Do Cocker Spaniels need supplements?
If you are feeding your dog one of these high-quality foods, then they don’t likely need any supplements.
Dogs who have a health issue, or dogs who are fed a homemade diet, may need supplements. Talk to your vet.
Best dog treats for Cocker Spaniels
Just like needing to find healthy food for your dog, you should find treats made out of high-quality ingredients, too.
Follow the same guidelines for what ingredients to avoid and what to look for as you would for food.
American Journey, Dream Bone, Grandma Lucy, and Zukes all make quality treats.
What makes dog food good for Cocker Spaniels?
The best dog food contains high-quality ingredients and is sourced from reliable sources.
It contains all the nutrients your dog needs to support a healthy immune system, healthy skin, keep their joints healthy, and give them the energy they need.
You should always chat with your vet to make sure that your dog’s diet is adequate. They’ll be able to guide you if it looks like your pupper needs something different.
Any of the dog foods listed above is a great place to start feeding your pooch.
