14 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels in 2023

The updated guide lists the best dog foods for Cocker Spaniels this year.

As a proud owner of a Cocker Spaniel, you know that these charming dogs are not just pets; they’re cherished members of the family. To ensure your Cocker Spaniel leads a long, happy, and healthy life, one crucial aspect to consider is their diet.

With so many food options, it’s hard to figure out the one you should choose for your Cocker Spaniel. To help you pick the best food, we’ve generated a list of the top products based on our 40-point inspection list.

Not only will these foods make your Cocker’s coat shine, but they also offer significant health benefits. At the end of our list, we’ve included other information about the care and feeding of your Cocker Spaniel. So be sure to read till the end. 

Let’s dive in. 

The Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels Reviewed

#1. American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Chicken, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Turkey Meal, 4. Peas, 5. Sweet Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,710 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

We all want the best for our pets. And because Cocker Spaniels are prone to allergies and sensitivities, this recipe from American Journey is free of wheat, corn, soy, and other common allergens. It has a healthy blend of meats, fruits, and vegetables to nourish your dog.

This gluten-free and grain-free recipe energizes your dog and provides antioxidants, phytonutrients, and fibers. DHA and Omega-3 fatty acids are also a significant part of this formula. Additionally, chickpeas and sweet potatoes mixed in with blueberries, carrots, and dried kelp enhance the taste of the deboned chicken. This American Journey dog food is one of the best for Cocker Spaniels.

#2. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Turkey & Potato Puppy Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Oatmeal, 4. Peas, 5. Brown Rice

• Life Stage: Puppy
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,649 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Fine-tuned for growing puppies with a sensitive stomach, Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Puppy Food is an excellent match for Cocker Spaniels. Its nutritious ingredients like turkey, potatoes, brown rice, and pumpkin ensure that your pup can build strong muscles and stay active without suffering from diarrhea or indigestion.

It also features all the essential micro ingredients puppies need for proper development, including DHA and ARA for brain and cognitive development, antioxidants for immunity, and other crucial vitamins and minerals. Omega fatty acids allow your Cocker’s coat to shine. This recipe excludes chicken, beef, corn, wheat, dairy, soy, or artificial additives so your sensitive puppy can chow down confidently.

#3. Now Fresh Grain-Free Senior Weight Management Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. De-Boned Turkey, 2. Peas, 3. Potatoes, 4. Whole Dried Egg, 5. Apples

• Life Stage: Senior
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,321 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 11% | Fiber (max.) 7% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Now Fresh Senior Weight Management Dog Food is a good choice for the senior spaniel that needs to watch its weight. The premium-quality diet is grain-free and contains wholesome ingredients like deboned turkey, salmon, potatoes, and multiple fruits and vegetables.

It helps senior dogs maintain a steady weight and contains L-carnitine to metabolize extra fat and promote a lean physique, a vital consideration for Cockers prone to obesity with age. 

The recipe also contains chondroitin, which reduces the risk of cocker spaniels suffering from patellar luxation and hip dysplasia. It also tastes delicious and is suitable for sensitive dogs.

#4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Beef & Chicken Grill Grain-Free Canned Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Beef, 2. Chicken, 3. Chicken Broth, 4. Chicken Liver, 5. Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 1,477 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 10% | Fat (min.) 9% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 78%
• Form: Wet

Dog foods with more than one meat are usually pet favorites because of the taste. They are also full of diverse proteins that our pets need. This recipe from Blue Buffalo is pea-free, grain-free, and easily digestible. Since there is no corn, wheat, or soy in the recipe, Cocker Spaniels are at less risk of digestive problems. 

This wet food provides better hydration for your dog and contains the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy immune system. It is a well-balanced diet for your Cocker Spaniel.

#5. Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Brewers Rice, 2. Brown Rice, 3. Chicken By-Product Meal, 4. Oat Groats, 5. Chicken Fat

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Medium breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,661 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 23% | Fat (min.) 12% | Fiber (max.) 3.3% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Royal Canin has formulated this diet specifically for Cocker Spaniels. It contains the right caloric content for maintaining the perfect body weight for adult Cocker Spaniels.

It has a specially shaped kibble that allows Cockers to pick up and chew their food easily. It includes taurine plus EPA and DHA from fish oil for a healthy heart. Because it’s made specifically for the Cocker Spaniel, it’s hard to argue against choosing this for your dog. 

#6. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Lamb, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Egg Product, 5. Lentils

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,611 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 25% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Do you know what’s better than lamb? Roasted lamb. This recipe from Taste of the Wild is an excellent choice if you own a picky eater. Natural lamb is perfect for dogs who need to build some muscles. The additional K9 strain probiotic blend supports your dog’s digestive system.

It is grain-free but does contain egg products. Although this isn’t harmful, it can cause allergies in some dogs. If your pet doesn’t have this issue, then this formula is a safe option. The Sierra mountain Taste of the Wild dog food is among the best dog foods for Cocker Spaniels.

#7. ORIJEN Original Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Turkey, 3. Flounder, 4. Whole Mackerel, 5. Chicken Liver

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,940 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 18% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 12%
• Form: Dry

This biologically-appropriate Orijen Original Grain-Free Dog Food is perfect for pups who need to pack a few pounds. It models the natural diet of wolves and consists of 85% whole animal meat/organs like chicken, turkey giblets, and whole mackerel. It also contains easily-digestible carbs like lentils, beans, and chickpeas, making it easier for sensitive dogs to digest.

The protein-dense meat and whole foods promote the growth of lean muscle mass and encourage high energy levels. The meaty taste of the kibble with 38% protein and freeze-dried coating will entice the most snobbish spaniel. Moreover, the absence of grains, wheat, corn, and soy will prevent sensitive spaniels from experiencing diarrhea or bloating.

#8. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Reduced Fat Turkey & Chicken Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Chicken Meal, 4. Lentils, 5. Peas

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,300 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 34% | Fat (min.) 15% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Cocker spaniels are known for being big eaters, putting them at risk of obesity and other health complications. Luckily, a low-fat diet like Wellness Core Turkey & Chicken Recipe can help them maintain a healthy weight while getting their fill. 

It’s designed with high-protein and low-fat levels, which allows your dog to gain muscle and shed extra fat. The ingredients used in the recipe are of premium quality, and the formula balances essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

It also contains omega fatty acids for a healthy coat and skin and glucosamine to keep your dog’s joints healthy and pain-free. Sensitive or allergic cocker spaniels can also digest the food easily as it’s free from grains, wheat, corn, soy, fillers, and artificial preservatives. 

#9. Natural Balance L.I.D. Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Menhaden Fish Meal, 3. Sweet Potatoes, 4. Cassava Flour, 5. Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,450 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 24% | Fat (min.) 10% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

This recipe from Natural Balance is a limited ingredient diet with reduced carbs to suit sensitive dogs. The formula aids digestion using sweet potatoes to provide proper amounts of fiber.

Flaxseeds and salmon are a source of Omega Fatty Acids, providing a healthy coat and skin. Moreover, since there is only one meat, there is a minimal chance of a digestive issue without compromising protein content.

#10. Blue Buffalo Basics Skin & Stomach Care Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Duck, 2. Potatoes, 3. Pea Starch, 4. Peas, 5. Pea Protein

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,523 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 20% | Fat (min.) 13% | Fiber (max.) 6% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Here’s another alternative for chicken. Deboned duck is a delicious and fulfilling protein source. This recipe is a fantastic option for dogs who need support to grow. From lean muscles to healthy bones, this formula boosts all kinds of growth in your dog. Glucosamine, calcium, and phosphorus work together to strengthen the bones, joints, and teeth.

It is an antioxidant-rich recipe providing for a robust immune system. The omega fatty acids also play an essential role in maintaining the skin and coat. There is one downside, though. If your dog has ear infections, this carbohydrate-rich formula may not be suitable.

#11. Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Great Plains Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Deboned Beef, 2. Lamb Meal, 3. Salmon Meal, 4. Sweet Potatoes, 5. Potatoes

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,704 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 38% | Fat (min.) 17% | Fiber (max.) 3.5% | Moisture (max.) 11%
• Form: Dry

Freeze-drying food allows the manufacturer to extract the maximum nutrients from ingredients without excess moisture. This recipe includes freeze-dried red meat, which has a mouth-watering texture and flavor, while vegetables and fruit boost the flavor even more.

It is gluten-free and without artificial ingredients. Moreover, the Omega Fatty Acids from the salmon meal ensure healthier skin. Glucosamine and chondroitin support healthy joints and bones and minimize bone disorders risk as your Cocker ages.

#12. Go! SENSITIVITIES Limited Ingredient Turkey Grain-Free Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. De-Boned Turkey, 2. Turkey Meal, 3. Tapioca, 4. Peas, 5. Lentils

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 4,098 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 4% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Fuel your active cocker spaniel with the sensitive-stomach-friendly Go Sensitivities LID Turkey Dog Food. It uses turkey, which is non-allergenic and full of muscle-building amino acids, and peas, lentils, and chickpeas provide carbs without causing digestive upset.

We found the recipe perfect even for the most sensitive cocker spaniels, as it only contains a single protein source and is free from grains, gluten, potatoes, by-product meals, wheat, corn, and soy. It further boosts digestive health with chicory root and makes your dog’s coat healthier with omega-3 fatty acids. 

#13. The Farmer’s Dog

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Chicken, 2. Brussels Sprouts, 3. Chicken Liver, 4. Bok‐Choy Cabbage, 5. Broccoli

• Life Stage: All
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per lb): 721 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 11% | Fat (min.) 8% | Fiber (max.) 1.5% | Moisture (max.) 72%
• Form: Frozen

The Farmer’s Dog is an excellent option for owners that don’t mind spending top dollar to feed their dog a top-notch diet. You can get started by providing the company with your dog’s age, breed, weight, and health history. Then, veterinarians design a customized diet according to your dog’s needs offering complete nutrition, optimum digestion, and spectacular taste.

Each meal is made from human-grade ingredients and cooked in USDA-approved kitchens under the highest quality standards. For cocker spaniels, we recommend Turkey as the choice of protein as it’s unlikely to cause allergy and is perfect for muscle repair and growth. You also have the convenience of getting meals delivered fresh to your doorstep.

#14. Rachael Ray Nutrish Zero Grain Natural Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Ratings:

Top 5 Ingredients: 1. Salmon, 2. Chicken Meal, 3. Sweet Potato, 4. Turkey Meal, 5. Pea Starch

• Life Stage: Adult
• Suitable for: Small, medium, large breeds
• Caloric content (per kg): 3,475 kcal
• Analysis: Protein (min.) 26% | Fat (min.) 14% | Fiber (max.) 5% | Moisture (max.) 10%
• Form: Dry

Salmon is an ideal protein source for Cocker Spaniels, encouraging a shiny coat, nourishing the skin, and is easily digestible. Salmon is a highly recommended protein source for dogs with sensitive stomachs. 

This recipe is grain-free and gluten-free with no fillers, by-products, or artificial colors. The added vitamins and minerals enhance digestion while also keeping the dog energized. It is manufactured under the safety and quality standards of the USA.

How to Switch Dog Food Without Getting Your Pup Sick

Related:

1. Wet Dog Food Buyer’s Guide
2. Guide to best small breed dog foods
3. List of the top-rated dry dog foods

The Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels – A Buyer’s Guide

I can never choose anything less than the best for my little furballs. I’m sure you share the same feelings. But can be pretty challenging. There is a lot of research and time that goes into making the ‘right’ decision. We all know that a dozen qualities have to be checked to ensure what we put in our dog’s bowl at the end of the day is of the highest quality.

So without further ado, let’s dive into all that you need to consider while purchasing dog food for your Cocker Spaniel. Bear in mind that not all of these may apply to your scenario. Your dog may have different preferences, and so, you’ll have to make a decision accordingly.

Breed Profile

The English Cocker Spaniel is a gun dog breed. They were bred to retrieve game. Although they may still retain some of those qualities, Cocker Spaniels are mostly house pets now. American Cocker Spaniels are developed from English Cocker Spaniels. The American breed is generally shorter, but other than that, they share pretty much the same traits.

Its shiny coat and long ears are hallmarks of the breed. When you think of a Cocker Spaniel, usually a golden-orange color comes to mind, but in reality, these dogs also come in many other colors, including black, blue roan, tri-color, and more. As for their physical appearance, they are medium-sized. Similarly, males weigh a couple of kilograms more than a female of the same age. An average Cocker Spaniel’s weight is between 12kg and 16kg.

You’ll hardly ever find a dog of this breed in an unfriendly mood. Although cockers are known to attach to only one person, they are very loving and affectionate. Expect your buddy to be very active and energized at all times. Their calm nature makes them ideal pets for people who own more than one pet. Moreover, they are also very good with kids and the elderly.

Feeding Chart

I always emphasize on feeding charts for one sole reason:

Feeding right can change your dog’s entire life. The correct amount of calories, balanced nutrients, and varying requirements with age all need to be kept in mind. Overfeeding and underfeeding both can result in serious consequences that no loving pet parent wants to go through.

Puppies

Let’s start with Cocker Spaniel puppies. As soon as they are weaned, they should be gradually introduced to dog food. Now, like most puppies, this breed requires a hefty amount of proteins too. Proteins are broken down by the digestive system into amino acids which are the building blocks of muscles.

Puppies grow rapidly, and so, it is vital to keep the protein content high. Only then will your dog be able to develop strong muscles. Your puppy will be growing in every aspect.

Always feed your pup in small amounts. During the first four months, there should be four meals per day. Time these meals evenly. From four to six months, feed three meals per day. After your puppy is six months old, two meals a day are enough. As for the exact amount of food, you should consult a vet. A professional will guide you according to your dog’s age, weight, and activity level. Since every puppy is different, there is no average amount I can suggest.

Adults

As your dog hits the one year mark, it’s time for you to switch to an age-appropriate food. It’s at this stage where many health risks can potentially kick in. At the same time, your dog will be the most active in this stage of life. The caloric requirement for Cocker Spaniels is generally lesser than other dog breeds. An active dog needs 740 calories per day. In case your dog is less active and doesn’t move around as much, 600 calories should suffice. On the contrary, if your dog is extremely active, up to 1100 calories a day are fine.

An adult dog should be given two meals a day: once in the morning and the other in the evening. Keep the meal size moderate. Overeating may lead to digestive issues. Adults need more calcium and a little less protein with an uptick in the amount of fats and carbohydrates.

Seniors

Just like us, senior dogs aren’t as active as they were in their youth. The majority of the day is spent lounging or napping. At this stage of life, your cocker won’t need as much food as they did. The growing process has also stopped. All that needs to be done is to offer enough food to keep them healthy without putting on extra pounds that can be detrimental.

Seniors should do fine on no more than 600 to 700 calories per day. However, these calories should contain prebiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants. More than proteins and carbohydrates, your dog will need ingredients that strengthen the immune system. Also, at this stage, your dog will have a harder time digesting food, so it is best to keep the meal sizes small. Offer no more than two meals per day.

Must-have Ingredients

it’s essential to focus on the nutritional value rather than specific ingredients. Each dog may have slightly different dietary needs, so understanding the qualities and nutritional benefits of ingredients can help you make an informed choice that caters to your furry friend’s health and preferences.

• Animal-based protein: The first ingredient in your dog’s food should always be whole meat. It can be chicken, turkey, salmon, or anything else that your dog likes.
• Antioxidants: Usually, fruits are a great source of antioxidants. It is mandatory to include these in your dog’s diet to boost the immune system. Go for whichever fruits your dog finds tasty.
• Calcium: Cocker Spaniel’s are at risk of many bone problems. Calcium is mandatory to prevent bone dislocation and other joint issues. Since most dogs are allergic to dairy, I wouldn’t recommend that. But, there are plenty of other calcium sources.
• Omega fatty acids: I think the catchiest thing about Cocker Spaniels is their shiny coat. To maintain that, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids are vital. Usually, fish or oils are an excellent source of these.

Ingredients to Avoid

Here’s what an average Cocker Spaniel is allergic to:

• Dairy
• Chicken by-products
• Eggs
• Artificial ingredients, colorants, and preservatives

It is obvious that if your dog is allergic, avoid these ingredients. Moreover, any other ingredient that has previously triggered a health issue should be eliminated from your dog’s diet. But that’s not all. There are a few more ingredients that seem to be harmless, but in the longer run, they are not suitable for Cocker Spaniels.

• Additives: Artificial colors, preservatives, flavors, and anything of the sort is a definite no. Avoid as many additives and artificial ingredients as possible. Some of these additives are included to make your dog’s stool less stinky, but you’d rather bear the stink than a serious health risk later on.
• Excess carbohydrates: Carbs are a part of a balanced meal; don’t get me wrong. Nevertheless, excess carbs can increase the risk of allergies in Cocker Spaniels.
• Fillers: Sadly, a lot of brands use fillers in their recipes. It is less common is more prestigious and reputed brands. These fillers have little nutritional value and are useless. Things like corn starch, straw, rice hulls, cereal by-products, etc. are all filler ingredients.

Health Risks and Allergies

The following are the health issues that are affected by the diet that can be avoided or treated with a specialized diet.

Obesity

There’s hardly a dog breed that does not overeat. The more food you put in front of your dog, the more it will eat. There is no rocket science in this. The real concern here is the risk of obesity. Obesity leads to liver and kidney diseases. Moreover, there is a higher chance of bone dislocation in overweight dogs.

What can you do to prevent this? Do not overfeed your dog. Keep the calories in check and increase the fiber content in the diet. No matter how much you love your dog, you may shorten its life by providing more food than it needs.

Ear Infections

Ear disorders are common in Cocker Spaniels. Keep an eye out for the symptoms to be able to treat it in the early stages. In the case of ear infections, you should minimize the carbohydrates in your dog’s food. Other than that, visit a vet for professional help.

Primary Seborrhea

Primary Seborrhea is a skin infection that leads to smelly and itchy skin. Although it is an autoimmune allergy, you can treat it. Make sure to groom your dog frequently. Keep the diet balanced with a higher amount of omega fatty acids. Your vet may also suggest a shampoo to treat this issue.

Patellar Luxation and Hip Dysplasia

Cockers are susceptible to loose knees and dislocated hips and have the 3^rd highest rate of patellar luxation. Weak bones and obesity are contributing factors. Calcium and vitamin D in your dog’s meals can prevent such issues. If you don’t think the dog food alone is doing enough, you can add in supplements after consulting your vet.

Wet or Dry?

One of the most common questions I always get from dog owners is about the pros and cons of wet vs. dry food. Let me break it down for you in detail today.

The only difference between wet and dry food is moisture content. While dry food has no more than 12% moisture, wet food contains up to 85% water.

As there is more water content in wet food, its shelf life is shorter than dry food. So, once you have bought canned food, you’ll have to use it within a short period. Now, the presence of water also affects the amount of food your dog will consume. The caloric content is not very different. But, the additional water fills up your dog’s stomach quicker. There is a higher chance of a dog overeating kibble than wet food.

Wet food is also not as healthy for your dog’s teeth, and it doesn’t provide any cleaning action. It is harder to brush off, but it tastes better—dogs like the texture of wet food over kibbles. The aroma is another way of encouraging the dog to eat. With the high water content, the dog needs to drink less to stay hydrated. Since the majority of the wet food is water, dogs can eat it in larger quantities without exceeding the caloric limit.

Dry food does have the ability to clean the teeth while also strengthening them. On top of that, dry food is cheaper, generally more environmentally friendly, and odorless.

Other Factors to Look for in Dog Food

A clean ingredient list, balanced nutritional value, and the correct caloric content still don’t guarantee high-quality dog food. Yes, I know you’re surprised. What else is left to look for? Well, here’s the list:

• Manufacturer: As I previously stated, a lot of brands add fillers to their recipes. But the more reputable brands steer clear of such things. You need to be wary of the manufacturer and brand. Yes, be brand conscious and only opt for those manufacturers who have good reviews.
• Low-quality meat: It’s great to have found a dog food with a lot of animal-based protein. But is that meat of good quality? Low-quality meat comes from sick animals, roadkill, etc.
• Quality control standard: Most products manufactured in the USA follow quality control standards. Make sure you double-check that the country where the dog food was produced follows these guidelines to guarantee that every batch of the product is the same and adheres to the label.

It’s pretty normal to own a sensitive dog, no matter which breed it is. Most dogs have some sort of allergy triggers. However, those who are sensitive to food are can be harder to feed.

Now:

You will have to eliminate the ingredients to which your dog is sensitive. But, in the process of figuring this out, you can try out one of the following seven options. They are all free of by-products, grains, and dairy. Since these are the main culprits, there is a high chance that they will suit your dog. Moreover, most of the options offer chicken alternatives, so if your furry friend reacts to chicken, you have several suitable options.

Frequently Asked Questions

For all these reasons and many more, I’ve answered some commonly asked questions about Cocker Spaniels. I hope that these will answer most of the questions you have.

Do Cocker Spaniels have a lot of health problems?

This breed is no different than any other dog breed. The common dog-related issues are equally likely in a Cocker Spaniel as in another dog. However, there are certain health risks to which this breed is more vulnerable. These include bone dislocation, urinary stones, heart failure, and eye problems. As long as you keep an eye out for the symptoms and offer the right environment along with a balanced diet, you shouldn’t be worried about these health problems.

How long do Cocker Spaniels usually live?

An average healthy Cocker Spaniel can live for 12 to 15 years. Of course, this is affected by a lot of factors, including diet, health, and other environmental conditions. But if you provide a guaranteed healthy lifestyle, expect your dog’s companionship for over a decade!

Do Cocker Spaniels sleep a lot?

No, they don’t sleep more than an average dog. Around 12 to 15 hours of sleep is mandatory but other than that, your dog should remain active for the most part. If this isn’t the case, observe your dog carefully, as lethargy can be a sign of a more severe problem. Also, these dogs tend to snuggle and cuddle with their owner a lot.

Are Cocker Spaniels good family pets?

It depends on what you consider a good family dog. As for Cocker Spaniels, they are among the top 15 registered breeds because they are loved. Their loving nature and calm temperament make them excellent companions. On top of that, they are good with children. If these are the qualities you are looking for, then they are an option for you.

Are Cocker Spaniels intelligent?

Yes, this breed is one of the smartest in the category of small and medium-sized dogs. Originally bred as hunters, they possess the quality of outsmarting whoever or whatever they consider the game. However, they are easy to train even for novice pet owners.

Are male or female Cocker Spaniels better?

The personality traits of this breed vary according to their gender. Females are more sensitive, whereas the males are on the independent side of the scales. Females also get more attached to their owners. On the other hand, a male can do better if left alone. Therefore, which one is better for you depends on your requirements. Whichever one you opt for, do consider spaying or neutering since that improves the dog’s disposition.

Conclusion

As you can see, each food option has its advantages and disadvantages. What matters is your dog’s preference and needs. If your pet is likely to overfeed, wet food will be a safer option. However, if your dog’s teeth aren’t in the best shape, kibble is the best.

All in all, a balanced diet is what they need to thrive. I believe you have all the information in hand to make the right choice. Good luck!