The Best Food For Your Cocker Spaniel – A Guide

August 8th 2025

With their perpetually wagging tails and expressive eyes, Cocker Spaniels are some of the most endearing, intelligent, and affectionate pooches in existence. Known for their super soft, silky ears, impressive sniffing abilities and marvelous temperaments with children, this breed Cocker Spaniels really do have it all. So let’s get to know them:

Size: Medium (11–16 kg)
Lifespan: 10–14 years
Energy level: Moderate to High (especially working lines)
Common health concerns: Ear infections, eye conditions, skin allergies, joint issues
Known for: Friendly disposition, intelligence, loyalty, beautiful coat, hunting skills
Ideal diet: Skin & coat supportive, joint-friendly, easily digestible, moderate calories

Cocker Spaniels are cheerful, devoted, and adaptable dogs. But their distinctive long ears, sensitive skin, and predisposition to certain hereditary conditions, mean they thrive on high quality, well thought-out diets.

How Much Food Should a Cocker Spaniel Eat?

Originally being a working breed, Cocker Spaniels are naturally active dogs who require plenty of good nutrition to keep their minds and bodies sharp. But here’s the thing: giving them too much food can be just as harmful as not giving them enough. This is especially true when it comes to keeping their weight in check, with this breed being so prone to obesity.

As a general rule of thumb, adult Cocker Spaniels require:

30–40 calories per kg of bodyweight per day
For example, a 14 kg dog would need roughly 420–560 calories per day

Quick Feeding Tips for Cocker Spaniels:

Prioritise that glorious coat and sensitive skin: Choose foods rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to keep their signature feathered fur shiny and vibrant, and to help soothe their often-sensitive skin.
Always weigh or measure food precisely: These enthusiastic eaters love their meals, so even a small extra scoop of kibble here and there can quickly lead to unwanted weight gain.
Maintain a consistent feeding schedule: Sticking to regular meal times helps support their digestion and provides steady energy release to keep them going throughout the day.
Keep a close eye on their body shape: You should be able to see their waist when looking down, but no ribs should be poking out. This visual check is key to making sure they maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce meal portions to balance out treats: Remember, treats add calories! Be sure to factor them into their daily intake so you don’t accidentally overfeed them.
Avoid leaving food out all day: Free-feeding can easily lead to overeating and weight gain in Cocker Spaniels, putting unnecessary strain on their joints.

Common Cocker Spaniel Health Problems and How Diet Plays a Part

Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels are prone to several health issues. But a good, balanced diet can really help:

Ear Infections: Reducing allergens and providing a balanced diet can support overall immune health – no more itchy, smelly ears!
Skin Allergies: Opt for hypoallergenic ingredients and foods rich in omega fatty acids to soothe sensitive skin and keep them feeling their best.
Joint Issues (e.g. Hip Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation): Support joints with high-quality food containing glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3s.
Eye Conditions: Although diet isn’t a cure, antioxidant-rich foods can support eye health, helping to prevent conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Obesity: Manage calories and opt for high-fibre meals. As hard as those sad puppy eyes are to say no to, feeding them your scraps can actually do them more harm than good!

Can a Cocker Spaniel Eat a Vegan Diet?

Yes, they certainly can! Plant-based diets can be excellent for Cocker Spaniels, specifically, a carefully balanced, high quality food and treats. Vegan dog food is a really easy way to avoid common food allergens like beef and dairy, which can trigger uncomfortable skin irritations, pesky ear infections, upset tummies that many Cocker Spaniels are prone to. These diets also deliver tonnes of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and powerful antioxidants that support their smooth, shiny coats, help protect their joints and contribute to good eye health, too.

The Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels

Just like with humans, no two Cocker Spaniels are the same, so the best food for your pooch will depend on their specific sensitivities, health conditions and activity levels. However, many Cocker Spaniels do benefit from a diet that meets the following criteria:

Balanced kibble size suitable for their moderate mouths, ensuring comfortable chewing and proper digestion.
Hypoallergenic and free from common allergens, helping to manage sensitive skin and delicate tummies.
High in digestible protein to fuel their zoomies in the park or working days out on the field while maintaining their muscles.
Enriched with joint and skin & coat-supporting nutrients, vital for their overall well-being.
Grain-free if they have sensitivities, offering an alternative for digestive comfort.
Moist or easy to chew for older Cocker Spaniels or those with dental sensitivities.

Great Ingredients for Your Cocker Spaniel

Instead of feeding them food filled with artificial ingredients and low-quality animal-based products, look for options that feature:

Ingredient	Why It’s Good for Your Chihuahua
Hemp	A potent natural anti-inflammatory, hemp is incredibly beneficial in soothing inflammation, particularly in the joints, which is a common concern for active Cocker Spaniels. It also supports a healthy, gleaming coat.
Pumpkin	Packed with plenty of fibre and vitamins A, C, and E, Pumpkin helps support their often-sensitive stomachs, aiding healthy digestion and protecting their immune systems.
Sweet Potato	Bursting with vitamins A, C, and B6, and another fibre powerhouse, Sweet Potato offers fantastic support for your Cocker Spaniel’s immunity, eye health (important for the breed), and a smoothly running digestive tract.
Phytodroitin	An excellent plant-based alternative to chondroitin, Phytodroitin’s anti–inflammatory properties make it a perfect ingredient for active breeds like Cocker Spaniels, who can be prone to hip and knee issues.
Chia Seeds	Tiny, but mighty – Chia Seeds are rich in fibre, assisting with digestion, which can be especially helpful for the Cocker Spaniels out there who sneakily eat things they shouldn’t!
Papaya	Low in calories and high in fibre, Papaya is especially helpful for breeds prone to weight gain. Its many vitamins and minerals such as potassium also contribute to robust immune function and electrolyte balance, which is great for active Cocker Spaniels.
Turmeric	Fantastic for managing joint pain and stiffness, turmeric is a great, anti-inflammatory ingredient for high energy breeds.
Lentils	As well as being packed with fibre and protein, lentils are also low in fat and cholesterol, making a healthy, satisfying addition to any dog’s diet.
Coconut	Containing lauric acid, Coconut can help fight off infections and is fantastic for maintaining the Cocker Spanie’s signature glossy coat.

Which HOWND Food and Treats Are Best for Your Cocker Spaniel?

All HOWND dog food and treats are suitable for Cocker Spaniels, but these are our favourites for this breed:

Cocker Spaniel Feeding Tips

Transition to new foods slowly over 5–7 days.
Keep fresh water available at all times.
Factor in their energy levels, and adjust portion sizes accordingly.
Use raised bowls if your Cocker Spaniel tends to eat too fast.
Monitor stool consistency and body condition regularly.

Thoughts from HOWND’s Pet Nutritionist

“Cocker Spaniels are so sweet and energic, but their sensitive skin, ears prone to infection, and potential for joint issues mean they need strategic nutrition. That’s where our plant-powered meals come in. Complete, balanced, and packed with nutrients to help them thrive, maintain their beautiful coats and infectious energy.

Wrapping It Up

Cocker Spaniels bring so much joy to their owners’ lives, so let’s make sure we’re giving them all the things they need to live their happiest, healthiest lives, with high quality ingredients and suitable portion sizes.