Published on: 03/31/2020, updated on: 10/12/2021

Top 9 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels

This post contains affiliate links, and we may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on our links, at no additional cost to you.

Cocker Spaniels are firm favorites as family companions and many love them because of their fluffy ears, brown eyes, and adorable nature. Cocker Spaniels were originally developed as a sporting breed, but they have grown to become wonderful pets, especially for homes with kids.

This dog breed is susceptible to several health issues that can have an impact on their longevity. To help maximize the lifespan of your dog and minimize the chances of health issues, it is important that you feed it with the best dog food for Cocker Spaniel.

With so many good foods in the market, picking the right one for your Cocker Spaniel can be hard. Fortunately, we are here to help you pick the right dog food for your Cocker Spaniel. In this guide, we have reviewed some of the best dog foods that will help your pup live a healthy, happy, and long life.

Our top pick is the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient. This dog food will provide your Cocker Spaniel with all the protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals it needs to keep up its active lifestyle. It is free of grain, gluten, and other common allergens, making it the best dog food for Cocker Spaniel with allergies.

The Best Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniels Are:

1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula — Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels with Allergies

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain Free Formula 2

The basic limited ingredient diet from Blue Buffalo is a great contender for the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels. If your Cocker Spaniel has skin allergies, we highly recommend this limited ingredient diet.

This food contains only one protein source, and it is an animal-based protein. The top five ingredients of this food are deboned turkey, potatoes, turkey meal, pea starch, and peas.

Turkey is considered a novel protein, and it is one of the best protein sources for dogs with sensitivities and allergies. The turkey meal in this diet is a great source of glucosamine, which helps to support healthy bones and mobility.

This food also contains great sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids such as fish oil, flaxseed, and canola oil. These two fatty acids work together to provide your pup with healthier skin and a shinier coat.

It also features a powerful mix of amino acids, barley grass, cranberries, and blueberries to provide your pup with a healthy and strong immune system. This formula is completely free of grains and gluten.

It does not contain wheat, corn, soy, artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which is what makes it a great choice for Cocker Spaniels with sensitive skin and stomachs.

It does not contain chicken and eggs, which are common allergens for some dogs. This formula also contains Blue’s LifeSource Bits, which is a blend of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a healthy oxidative balance and the immune health of your dog.

The protein content of this diet is 20 percent while the minimum crude fat is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 6 percent with a caloric content of 352 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Limited ingredient diet, grain-free, sensitive digestion, no corn, wheat, or soy

Pros

  • A single protein source
  • Limited ingredient diet
  • Grain-free
  • Ideal for Cocker Spaniels with allergies

Cons

  • It does not contain chondroitin

2. Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Dry Dog Food

The Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Adult Dry Dog Food is breed-specific dog food for Cocker Spaniels. This food is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of this dog breed. The number one advantage of breed-specific diets is that all the ingredients it contains are added for a purpose.

This means all the ingredients in this diet are highly beneficial to this dog breed, as it was made with the unique requirements of this dog breed in mind.

The top ingredients of this diet are brewer’s rice, brown rice, chicken by-product meal, oat groats, and chicken fat. Adult Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to weight gain, and this formula features adequate levels of fiber, fat, protein, and carbohydrate to help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Your Cocker Spaniel must be 12 months or older to consume this food.

The kibble is well-shaped and it also promotes oral health. This food contains fish oil, which is a natural source of DHA, EPA, and omega fatty acids. It helps to promote healthy skin and a shiny coat.

It also contains taurine, which promotes a healthy heart. It also features an exclusive complex of nutrients, which also helps in maintaining skin and coat health.

The protein content of this food is 23 percent while the crude fat content is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 3.3 percent with a caloric content of 304 kilocalories per cup. This food also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy bones, joints, and mobility.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Healthy weight

Pros

  • Easy to pick and chew
  • Easily digestible
  • Specifically made for Cocker Spaniels
  • Supports a healthy weight management

Cons

  • Some dogs may not like the smell

3. Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

merrick

If you are looking for an alternative to chicken that is also tasty and full of proteins, you should consider the Merrick Grain-Free Texas Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food.

Related  Fromm Dog Food Reviews | Best Options for Puppies and Adults

This is one of the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels, as it comes with the right nutrients that this dog breed needs. The top five ingredients of this diet are deboned beef, lamb meal, salmon meal, peas, and sweet potatoes.

This food is super rich in protein, thanks to its blend of high-quality protein sources. It is also highly palatable, as it features great taste and aroma. This food is ideal for Cocker Spaniels with allergies and sensitivities, as it is completely free of grains and gluten. It is also free of other common dog allergens such as corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, and other fillers.

Other notable ingredients in this diet are beef stock, beef liver, blueberries, and apples. It also contains sunflower oil and pork fat, which are great sources of omega fatty acids to leave the skin and coat of your pup healthy and shiny.

The protein content of this food is a whopping 38 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. It has a maximum crude fat content of 3.5 percent with a caloric content of 380 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Grain-free, gluten-free

Pros

  • Grain-free, gluten-free
  • High-quality animal proteins
  • Protein-rich
  • Aids healthy hip and joint function

Cons

  • It is a bit pricey

4. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

American Journey Grain Free Dry Dog Food 1

The American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is another great pick for Cocker Spaniels. This food does not contain any ingredient that will upset the tummy of your Cocker Spaniel, as it is free of common allergic ingredients such as corn, wheat, and soy. This food contains highly digestible ingredients, with support for the digestive system of your dog.

The top five ingredients of this diet are deboned chicken, chicken meal, turkey meal, peas, and sweet potatoes. This recipe does not contain grains or gluten, but it contains other great carb sources that ensure your Cocker Spaniel remains energized.

This food also contains salmon oil, flaxseed, menhaden fish meal, and chicken fat to provide your pup with sufficient omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to maintain healthy skin and a glossy coat.

It also contains plenty of healthy fruits and veggies including carrots and blueberries. This food contains DHA, with a great mix of fibers, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. This high-protein formula is not only tasty but also helps maintain lean muscle mass.

It supports a healthy immune system and it is suitable for Cocker Spaniels with food sensitivity. The protein content of this diet is 34 percent while the minimum crude fat content is 15 percent. It features a maximum crude fiber of 5 percent, with a caloric content of 390 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Grain-free, gluten-free, no corn, wheat, or soy

Pros

  • Ideal for Cocker Spaniels with food sensitivity
  • Loads of fruits and veggies
  • Supports a healthy immune system
  • Great protein sources

Cons

  • It may lead to weight gain in some dogs
American Journey Dog Food | Chewy

5. Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain Free Dry Dog Food 1

The Taste of the Wild Sierra Mountain Grain-Free Dry Dog Food contains one of the best protein sources your Cocker Spaniel could ever ask for. The palatability of this diet is top-notch, and even the fussiest of eaters cannot resist it. The top five ingredients of this food are lamb, lamb meal, sweet potatoes, egg product, and lentils.

The number one protein of this meal, which is real lamb, helps to build and maintain healthy muscles. This food also comes with a blend of K9 strain probiotics to boost the digestive system of your dog.

It is completely free of grains, which makes it a great option for Cocker Spaniels that are sensitive to grains. However, this food contains egg products, which might not really go well with some dogs.

Nevertheless, if your Cocker Spaniel does not have any issues with egg products, then this is a safe option. It is not artificially colored, flavored, or preserved, as it is made with only high-quality ingredients. This is one of the best-priced dog foods on our list. It also contains dried yeast, roasted lamb, tomatoes, raspberries, blueberries, canola oil, and salmon oil (which is a great source of DHA).

It also contains adequate levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to maintain the skin and coat health of your dog. The protein content of this food is 25 percent while the minimum crude fat is 15 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 5 percent with a caloric content of 338 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Grain-free

Pros

  • Grain-free
  • Supports healthy skin and coat
  • No additive and artificial ingredients
  • Great protein sources

Cons

  • It contains egg products, which can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs.

6. The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Dehydrated Dog Food

The Honest Kitchen Grain Free Dehydrated Dog Food

This is another great dog food for Cocker Spaniels with novel protein. If you are looking for the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels and you have the budget for it, we recommend you go for The Honest Kitchen Grain-Free Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food. Rather than being cooked, this recipe is dehydrated. As such, it still holds more of the original nutritional integrity of the raw ingredients.

Related  The 7 Best Puppy Food for Labs

The top five ingredients of this diet are dehydrated turkey, organic flaxseed, dehydrated potatoes, dehydrated spinach, and dehydrated carrots. It also contains some dehydrated fruits and veggies such as cranberries, bananas, and apples. The turkey used in this food is cage-free and it is highly digestible.

It is a grain-free formula with no corn, soy, wheat, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. This food is ideal for both puppies and adults. The protein content of this diet is 29 percent while the fat content is 18 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 9.6 percent with a caloric content of 488 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dehydrated Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: For healthy digestion

Pros

  • No additives
  • Free-range turkey
  • Highly-digestible ingredients
  • Grain-free, non-GMO ingredients

Cons

  • It does not contain glucosamine and chondroitin

7. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain Free Dry Dog Food 1

The Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon & Potato Formula Dry Dog Food does not come cheap, but it is sure to meet the nutritional requirements of your Cocker Spaniel.

If your Cocker Spaniel has food sensitivity or allergies, then this is a great option to consider. This kibble is made with a high-quality protein source with no trace of grains in it. It contains other great carb sources besides grains.

The top five ingredients of this limited ingredient diet are salmon, salmon meal, potatoes, peas, dried ground potatoes, and tomato pomace. It contains a single protein source, which is great for dogs with allergies.

It is also rich in essential minerals and vitamins, with sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to leave your pup with a shiny coat and healthy skin. Salmon, which is a great protein source, is also a great source of omega fatty acids that help boost brain function.

The carb sources in this diet are peas and potatoes, and they provide your pup with all the energy, fiber, and nutrients it needs. The blend of antioxidants, chelated minerals, and vitamins in the diet support optimal nutrient absorption. This food also supports a healthy digestive system, thanks to the probiotics blend.

The protein content of this diet is 25 percent while the minimum crude fat is 12 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 5 percent with a caloric content of 446 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Limited ingredient diet, sensitive digestion, gluten-free, grain-free

Pros

  • Limited ingredient diet
  • A single protein source
  • Grain-free carbs
  • Highly digestible

Cons

  • The calorie content might be too much for some dogs
Wellness Simple Dog Food | Chewy

8. Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food

Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain Free Natural Dry Dog Food 1

The next on our list is the Earthborn Holistic Great Plains Feast Grain-Free Natural Dry Dog Food. If you are worried about the quality of your dog’s diet, you cannot go wrong with this option. This food is formulated to nourish the body of your Cocker Spaniel from the inside out.

The top five ingredients of this diet are bison meal, peas, pea protein, tapioca, and dried egg. Other sources of protein in this diet are beef meal, pacific whiting meal, and Pollock meal.

It is loaded with fruits and veggies such as blueberries, spinach, carrots, apples, and cranberries. It also features grain-free carb sources with a blend of probiotics, chelated minerals, and vitamins to boost the digestive and immune health of your dog.

It is also free of gluten and other common dog allergens. The protein content of this food is 32 percent while the minimum crude fat is 18 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 4 percent with a caloric content of 400 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Dry Food
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Grain-free, gluten-free

Pros

  • It helps with fat metabolism
  • Real bison for lean muscle development
  • Gluten-free, grain-free
  • Supports a healthy digestive system

Cons

  • No glucosamine and chondroitin

9. Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe Dry Dog Food

Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Dry Dog Food

The last on our list is the Instinct Original Grain-Free Recipe with Real Chicken Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food. This food features real chicken as the number one protein source. The top five ingredients of this diet are chicken, chicken meal, peas, chicken fat, and tapioca. This is a high protein formula based on solely natural ingredients.

This food comes with plenty of fruits and vegetables to provide your pup with all the vitamins and minerals it needs. It also contains probiotics, which help to boost the digestive health of your dog. The omega fatty acids in this diet support healthy skin and coat.

It is completely grain-free, with no soy, corn, meat by-product, or other artificial ingredients. It consists of 70 percent real animal ingredients and 30 percent wholesome veggies and fruits. The protein content of this food is 37 percent while the crude fat content is 20 percent. It contains a maximum crude fiber of 3 percent while the caloric content is 518 kilocalories per cup.

Specs

  • Form: Freeze-dried, raw-coated
  • Life Stage: Adult
  • Special Diet: Gluten-free, grain-free, no corn, no soy, no wheat

Pros

  • It consists of 70 percent real animal ingredient and 30 percent wholesome veggies and fruits
  • Cage-free chicken
  • No artificial ingredients
  • Supports a healthy immune and digestive system

Cons

  • It is a bit pricey
Nature’s Variety Instinct Original Dog Food | Chewy

Best Dog Food For Cocker Spaniels Buying Guide

Finding the best dog food for your Cocker Spaniel can sometimes be challenging, especially when you do not know what to look for.

Related  The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Dog Food (Plus 11 Easy & Healthy Recipes)

However, this process can be a lot easier when you know what to look for. Here are some vital things you need to consider when looking for dog food for your Cocker Spaniel:

Energy

Cocker Spaniels are a very active, happy, and agile dog. As such, it is crucial that you pick a diet that will provide your pup with all the energy it needs to keep up with its active lifestyle.

Protein is the major source of energy, so you want to make sure that the food (whether wet or dry) contains great sources of protein. The best protein sources are quality meat, which is what we refer to as an animal protein.

Whether you have a puppy, adult, or senior Cocker Spaniel, you should make sure the food contains adequate levels of protein from high-quality protein sources, as they all need protein to thrive. Some of the best quality protein sources you should look for include turkey, lamb, chicken, duck, venison, bison, beef, and salmon.

You should also ensure that real meat is listed as the number one protein source. Avoid dog foods with unidentified protein sources. It is even great if the first three ingredients of the food are real meats, except for a limited ingredient diet with only one source of protein.

Limited ingredient diets are ideal for dogs with sensitivities and allergies. If that is not the case for your dog, then multiple protein sources would do just fine.

If your Cocker Spaniel has food sensitivities, we recommend you go for protein sources such as turkey or lamb. These are considered novel proteins, and they are best for dogs with allergies.

Digestibility

This dog breed is usually susceptible to certain dietary restrictions and upset tummies, which is why you need to be careful about their diet. With the right diet, you can avoid some common issues such as diarrhea, loose stools, back arch, and frequent vomiting. To help your Cocker Spaniel avoid these issues, you should opt for dog food with easily digestible ingredients.

For protein, animal proteins are easily digestible, which is why they are the best. Also, you should look for food with prebiotics and probiotics, as they are great for digestion. They can also boost the metabolism of your dog to start functioning more effectively. This would also help your dog maintain a healthy weight.

Fiber

Fiber helps with the bowel regulation of your dog and it also helps with digestion. Carbohydrates can also serve as great fiber sources. Other good fiber sources include beetroot and pumpkin. In all, you should make sure that the diet of your Cocker Spaniel contains a proper amount of fiber.

Healthy Skin And Glossy Coat

Cocker Spaniels have curly hair, which needs adequate maintenance to keep looking gorgeous. The food your Cocker Spaniel consumes will have a direct impact on the look and feel of its coat.

As such, you want to make sure that the diet of your Cocker Spaniel contains a lot of antioxidants, minerals, and omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids.

For these vital elements, you should look for foods that contain flaxseed, chicken fat, salmon oil, menhaden fish meal, and canola oil. These ingredients provide enough nutrients to care for the coat and skin of your dog.

With sufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids in the diet of your dog, rest assured that its coat would continue to remain glossy and healthy.

Low Carbs

This dog breed does not need a high carb diet. However, the food needs to contain highly nutritious, easily digestible carbohydrates. Some great carb sources to look out for include sweet potatoes and peas.

Allergies

Cocker Spaniels are prone to certain health issues, and allergy is one of them. Allergies can result in digestive or skin issues. The last thing you want to see is your Cocker Spaniel scratching its skin or having an upset stomach after eating the food you just bought.

To avoid this, you should opt for foods that do not contain common dog allergens such as soy, corn, wheat, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

You should have known your dog by now to know the ingredients it is allergic to and avoid those ingredients when shopping for dog food.

Fats

Fats are also very important in the diet of a dog. They help in keeping the coat and skin of your dog shiny and healthy. The best dog food for Cocker Spaniels should contain healthy fat sources such as fish, flaxseed, and chicken fat.

Besides supporting healthy skin and coat, fats also help with healthy brain function, clear eyes, and strong bone. Nevertheless, you need to watch the fat intake of your dog in order to avoid overweight.

Final Thoughts

Picking the right diet for your Cocker Spaniel is very important, as it would help it overcome some of the health issues associated with this dog breed. We have done our findings and put several things into consideration to come up with the list above.

Our top pick for the best dog food for Cocker Spaniel is the Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Grain-Free Formula Turkey & Potato Recipe Adult Dry Dog Food because it is nutritionally balanced and complete for Cocker Spaniels. It comes with highly digestible ingredients, it is grain-free, and it will provide your pup with all the protein and nutrients it needs.

Related Posts
03/24/2024
Best Food for Your English Bulldog (2024 Edition)

If you're the proud owner of an English Bulldog, you know that these charming, wrinkly-faced companions have stolen your heart. But you might also know that they come with some unique challenges, especially when it comes to their diet. Bulldogs are notorious for their sensitive tummies, allergies, and propensity for weight gain, all of which […]

02/11/2020
Best Dog Food for German Shepherd Puppies and Adults

Known for their protective instincts and sharp intelligence, the German Shepherd is a popular choice for military and police applications. However, this dog makes an amazing family pet today. German Shepherds are a strong, large, and very active breed. These dogs have particular health and physical needs that are met through the use of specialized, […]

03/21/2024
4Health vs. Taste of the Wild: Which Should YOU Choose?

Deep dive into these top brands. We compare ingredients, expert advice, AND your budget to help you pick the best for your dog.

1 2 3 34
PetFashionWeek provides comprehensive resources for everything you need to know about your dog. We research and review the dog related products so you don’t have to. Let your furry friend be at their best with our professional tips. We may earn commission on eligible purchases you make using our links at no additional cost to you.
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram