5 Best Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniels [2023 Reviews]

Adorable with their curly hair and a touch of noisiness, Cocker Spaniels make for incredibly lovable puppies. Their amiable and tender temperaments deem them perfect as pets for families as they usually get along well with kids and other animals.

To keep your Spaniel in good health and content, it is important to provide them with a high-quality diet that meets the specific nutritional requirements that are unique to the breed.

The Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels

Although there are numerous types of food that can supply your Cocker Spaniel with the necessary nourishment for a healthy and longer existence, the five mentioned below are undoubtedly the finest choices available.

1. Merrick Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato

Delicious grain-free, fish-based recipe

This kibble, which is suitable for spaniels, is abundant in meat proteins and consists of actual salmon as its primary element, as well as grain-free carbohydrates that are easy to digest.

The Merrick Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe is a delectable and wholesome meal, brimming with nourishing ingredients to promote optimal health and vitality for your dog. Manufactured in the USA and tailored for all phases of life, this food is an excellent choice for the majority of Cocker Spaniels.

A cup contains 354 calories.

One of the notable features of Merrick Grain-Free Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe that catches the attention of most owners is its impressive list of ingredients, which comprises premium proteins such as deboned salmon (listed as the primary ingredient), salmon meal, deboned whitefish, and whitefish meal.

In this food recipe that lacks grains, sweet potatoes and potatoes are the primary sources of carbohydrates while apples and blueberries add flavor and supply necessary nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

2. Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley: Small Breed Formula

Delicious venison-and-garbanzo-bean-based recipe

Containing a range of animal proteins such as venison, lamb meal, duck meal, and ocean fish meal, this kibble is both rich in protein and sized small. Furthermore, it has been enhanced with three probiotic strains designed specifically for individuals with sensitive stomachs.

Taste of the Wild produces high-protein dog food options that emulate the diet of your dog’s ancestors. Specifically, their Appalachian Valley Small Breed Formula is a great fit for Cocker Spaniels as they are likely to enjoy the venison and garbanzo bean ingredients in the recipe.

There are 370 calories in one cup.

The small breed formula of Taste of the Wild’s Appalachian Valley is a dog food that contains a variety of nutritious ingredients and is high in protein. Venison, lamb meal, duck meal, and ocean fish meal are among the healthy ingredients used.

Instead of using corn or wheat, this recipe sources its carbohydrate content mainly from garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils, making it a grain-free option.

The recipe includes a limited amount of fruits and vegetables, but incorporates blueberries, raspberries, and tomatoes, all of which are nutritious and enjoyable for most dogs due to their high antioxidant content. Additionally, it contains several vitamins, minerals, and three distinct probiotic strains.

3. Orijen Regional Red

This formula does not contain any grains but is instead rich in meat and raw ingredients, featuring an abundance of animal proteins.

Orijen Regional Red is a canine food that is biologically suitable and contains some of the finest ingredients available. It offers optimum nourishment with its high-protein and low-carbohydrate formula, while still being delicious to taste.

There are 453 calories in one cup.

Orijen Regional Red is packed with a variety of nutritious and delicious sources of protein, consisting of both fresh and dehydrated options. The main protein source is fresh Angus beef meat, and the recipe also incorporates fresh bison, boar, and lamb, as well as organ meats such as tripe and liver.

The formula for Orijen Regional Red doesn’t contain any grains, and the primary carbohydrate source – red lentils – is situated midway down the list of ingredients. Supplementary carbohydrates come from yellow lentils, chickpeas, other legumes, and vegetables.

The recipe incorporates herring oil to supply omega-3 fatty acids and includes a single probiotic strain to aid in the digestion and processing of the food for your dog.

4. Instinct Original Grain-Free With Rabbit

Instinct Original Grain-Free With Rabbit

Grain-free, rabbit-based recipe

Every bite of this kibble is infused with genuine freeze-dried raw meat and is concocted without any artificial flavors, colors, or additives.

Instinct Original is made from rabbit and is a grain-free formula that fulfills the nutritional needs pet owners desire while also being delicious for dogs. Along with an array of nourishing fruits, vegetables, and carbohydrates, every serving of Instinct Original contains real freeze-dried raw meats.

There are 524 calories per cup.

The ingredient list of Instinct Original is both impressive and well-planned. The list starts with farm-raised rabbit, which is a favored ingredient among most dogs. Additionally, there are supplemental protein content and omega-3 fatty acids provided by salmon meal and menhaden fish meal.

The main carbohydrates used in the food are chickpeas and tapioca, with the addition of carrots, apples, and cranberries to enhance the flavor and offer a plethora of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The ingredient list is completed by various organ meats, such as rabbit lungs, liver, and kidneys.

This recipe does not contain corn, wheat, or soy and is free from artificial flavors, colors, and additives. It contains one strain of probiotics to promote healthy digestion.

5. Blue Buffalo Life Protection

Affordable grain-inclusive kibble with plenty of meat

Crafted using high-quality meats such as lamb and turkey, this kibble is void of any artificial dyes, flavors, or preservatives.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula is a top-of-the-line dog food that fulfills almost every dietary need an owner could ask for. The Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe, like other Life Protection Formulas, contains Blue Buffalo’s exclusive LifeSource Bits, which are rich in antioxidants.

There are 379 calories in one cup.

The characteristics of Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula involve the usage of lamb as the main ingredient, but it is also supplemented with turkey meal as a protein source. The primary sources of carbohydrates are oatmeal, whole ground barley, and whole ground brown rice, which also contribute a considerable amount of fiber.

The recipe incorporates a plethora of fruits and vegetables that provide ample nutrition and antioxidants. Along with the usual suspects like carrots and blueberries, it also features uncommon ingredients like dried kelp and pomegranate.

Have an Appropriate Number of Calories

Because Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to weight gain, you’ll want to ensure that the food you give her is suitable for her body size and activity level. Although a variety of factors will determine the amount of energy your canine needs from her food, a 25-pound Cocker Spaniel requires about 780 Calories each day.

BONUS: Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?

As recall announcements and information on commercial dog food continue to change frequently, an increasing number of dog owners are choosing to cook their own meals for their furry friends. While dogs adore home-cooked delicacies, preparing homemade dog food requires more than just cooking a meal for yourself or your human family members. It is crucial to adhere to certain guidelines to ensure your dog’s well-being.

There are certain aspects to take into account prior to transitioning your dog to a homemade diet, as preparing your dog’s meals at home may not be suitable for every pet owner.

Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

Proper Nutrition for Dogs

Dogs, much like humans, have specific nutritional requirements that are vital for their well-being. However, it’s important to note that a dog’s dietary needs are not the same as a human’s, and therefore, you cannot simply feed them your leftovers. Providing an inadequate or unbalanced diet can result in deficiency of essential vitamins and nutrients in dogs.

To meet their energy needs, dogs require a sufficient number of calories that is dependent on their activity level and life stage. Consulting with a veterinarian can aid in calculating the number of calories your dog requires on a daily basis.

For a balanced homemade dog diet, it is essential to incorporate the right proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat, along with essential vitamins and minerals to guarantee completeness.

At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )

To commence preparing meals for your furry friend, it is advisable to consult with your veterinarian initially. Your vet could provide some recipes for you or direct you to a veterinary nutritionist or a specialist in canine nutrition.

What to Watch for When Feeding Homemade Dog Food

When switching to homemade food for your dog, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on their health. Keep your veterinarian informed of any changes you observe, both positive and negative. For optimal outcomes, document your dog’s weight and physical condition regularly. Weigh your dog at minimum once per week, and consult with your vet if you detect unwanted fluctuations in weight. Be vigilant for symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, which may indicate sensitivity to specific ingredients. Notify your vet immediately if you observe any indications of illness.

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

To ensure your dog’s diet at home is adequate, it is crucial to adhere to a complete and balanced recipe. After selecting a suitable recipe with your veterinarian, it’s time to commence the preparation process.

Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.

To save time and money, a lot of owners opt to make a large batch of food and store it in pre-measured containers in the freezer or fridge. However, starting with a smaller quantity could be advisable initially to monitor your dog’s reactions to the diet.