Best dog food for Cocker Spaniel (2024)

Pets Can Smile – 29 April 2024

The best dog food for Cocker Spaniel in 2024 is The Farmer’s Dog.

But check our below top picks to find the best food for your Cocker Spaniel specifically.

Because when buying dog food for your Cocker Spaniel, you need to consider your dog’s:

• Age
• Activity level
• Health 

But worry not. 

Our top picks will quickly help you find the right dog food for your Cocker Spaniel.

This article will also tell you everything you need to know about: 

• What to consider when buying dog food for a Cocker Spaniel
• What are the specific food qualities of Cocker Spaniels?
• What ingredients to avoid

Yes, choosing the right dog food for your Cocker Spaniel will give the dog a healthy and happy life!

Best dog food for Cocker Spaniels – QUICK PEEK

Here is a quick peek at our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels. 

Best dog food for Cocker Spaniels – FULL REVIEWS

Here are full reviews of our top 10 picks for the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels. 

• Best overall: The Farmers’s Dog
• Best for puppies: Open Farm
• Best for seniors: Orijen
• Best dry food: Spot & Tango
• Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
• Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
• Best for allergies: Royal Canin
• Best grain-free: Open Farm
• Best raw food: Instinct
• Best value: Blue Buffalo 

Every dog food review is based on:

• AAFCO nutrient guidelines
• Specific nutritional needs of Cocker Spaniels
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Life stage suitability
• Ingredients quality
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• And more

Best overall food for Cocker Spaniels

The Farmer’s Dog

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Fresh & human-grade meat and vegetables
• Cooked in human-grade kitchens
• Cooked gently to ensure retention of key nutrients  
• No additives, cheap fillers, or harmful chemicals
• No preservatives added to keep dog food shelf-stable for years
• Options for allergies, sensitive stomachs, and other dietary issues
• Two-week trial plan! 
• Edit your food subscription at any time
• Designed by vets to comply with AAFCO standards
• Unmatched level of customization (vet-designed)
• Pre-packaged meals as daily portions

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best dog food for Cocker Spaniel puppies

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Created especially for puppies to ensure optimal growth and development
• Special cooking process that removes bacteria while retaining the flavor
• Human-grade ingredients
• 100% animal welfare certified chicken and pork
• 100% traceable ingredients from certified family farms
• Wild-caught salmon
• Non-GMO vegetables and superfoods
• Free of hormones, antibiotics, and steroids
• Chicken broth for healthy joint development
• Prebiotic fiber for healthy digestion
• Complies with AAFCO standards
• Pre-portioned

CONS

• More expensive than some meals for puppies

Best dog food for senior Cocker Spaniels

Orijen

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Crafted specifically to help maintain healthy weight and joints in senior dogs
• Enhanced with Chondroitin and Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your doggy ages
• Fresh chicken, turkey, and fish provide a rich source of protein, vitamins, and minerals
• Uses the most succulent meat parts to ensure a nutrient-packed diet
• Freeze-dried coated to ensure optimal taste & flavor 
• Contains up to 85% animal ingredients
• No added soy, corn, wheat, or tapioca 

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best dry dog food for Cocker Spaniels

Spot & Tango

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Dried gently at a low temperature for optimal taste & flavor
• 100% human-grade
• Real meats only!
• No artificial colors, flavors, or additives
• Enhanced with super herbs for easy digestion
• Customized meals based on your dog’s breed, weight, and activity level
• Developed by vets to exceed industry standards
• Sold directly to ensure the best price
• Comes in personalized plans to avoid serving guesswork
• Cheaper than fresh dog food

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than traditional kibble

Best wet food for Cocker Spaniels

JustFoodForDogs

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• 100% human-grade ingredients!
• Cooked at low heat to ensure full taste, flavor, and nutrients
• Nutritionally balanced
• No preservatives
• Whole food ingredients
• Tetra Pak® packaging for convenient storage and travel
• Shelf-stable for up to 2 years

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than traditional wet dog food

Best food for Cocker Spaniels with sensitive stomach

Hill’s

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Created specifically for sensitive stomachs & skins
• Easily digestible ingredients, including beet pulp, brown rice, and barley
• No artificially preserved, colored, or flavored
• Contains no wheat or soy that could upset your dog’s stomach 
• Crafted with natural ingredients and real chicken
• Prebiotic fiber to support a balanced microbiome for easy digestion
• Contains Vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat

CONS

• Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
• Up to 15% of dogs may still be sensitive to this food

Best food for Cocker Spaniels with allergies

Royal Canin

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Crafted specifically for adult dogs with skin allergies & food sensitivities 
• Comes with highly digestible hydrolyzed soy protein for optimal gastrointestinal and dermatological health
• Provides your Cocker Spaniel’s skin with a natural protective barrier
• Enhanced with EPA and DHA fatty acids for perfect skin and easy digestion 
• Helps regulate the intestinal passage
• Supports a balanced digestive flora   

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors
• Requires vet authorization

Best grain-free dry food for Cocker Spaniels

Open Farm

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Formulated specifically for dogs with allergies and sensitivity to grain
• No grain, corn, soy, or wheat
• Packed with superfoods (non-GMO pumpkin, leafy greens, coconut oil, and carrot)
• Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
• No added antibiotics, hormones, or artificial preservatives
• Sourced locally with 100% traceable ingredients
• Only uses humanely raised & ethnically sourced meats

CONS

• Slightly more expensive than some competitors

Best raw food for Cocker Spaniels

Instinct 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• The ingredients are frozen (never cooked) in their prime to retain all nutrients
• Cold-pressured to create a raw meal full of taste & flavor
• Minimally processed and never cooked to ensure real nutrition quality
• 85% meat and organs
• 15% of non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and wholesome ingredients 
• No fillers such as grain, wheat, corn, and soy
• No artificial colors or preservatives 

CONS

• Needs to be kept frozen until it’s used
• Less convenient than feeding your dog dry dog food

Best cheapest food for Cocker Spaniels

Blue Buffalo 

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

• Amazing value for money!
• All formulas start with real meat, whole grains, garden veggies, and fruits
• Comes with calcium, phosphorus, and essential vitamins for strong bones & teeth
• Added glucosamine for healthy joints & mobility support
• Supports the immune system with added vitamins, chelated minerals, and antioxidants
• No added wheat, soy, corn, or chicken byproducts
• L-carnitine that burns fat while preserving lean and healthy muscles 
• Added omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids for healthy skin and perfect coat

CONS

• It may not be suitable for dogs with serious food sensitivities or allergies 
• The added brown rice and sweet potatoes are not ideal for overweight or diabetic dogs

Why you should trust us

Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet’s health and happiness. But with so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to know which dog food is the best for your pet. This is where we come in. To help you find the best dog food for your pet, we follow a strict set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and extensive personal experience.

Specifically, we examine all the following when reviewing dog food:

• Nutritional balance
• Ingredients quality
• Absence of fillers and artificial additives
• Meat meal vs fresh meat
• Digestibility
• Allergens consideration
• Life stage suitability
• Transparency and sourcing
• Health benefits and special considerations
• Customer feedback and reviews
• Price and value
• Recall history and safety

VIDEO: Everything you need to know about Cocker Spaniels

What to consider when buying dog food for Cocker Spaniel

Feeding your Cocker Spaniel the right type of dog food is critical to your dog’s health and happiness. 

And yes, as a small-medium breed, Cocker Spaniel has very specific nutritional needs. 

Here are the most important factors you should consider when buying dog food for your Cocker Spaniel: 

• Age
• Activity level
• Health 

A Cocker Spaniel has very specific nutritional needs at different stages of its life. 

Puppy 

Puppyhood is the most critical stage in your dog’s life. 

A Cocker Spaniel puppy requires a diet:

• Higher in calories and protein (for healthy growth and development)
• A balanced amount of calcium and phosphorus (for healthy bone growth)
• DHA (a component in omega-3 fatty acid) for healthy brain development

A puppy grows and develops way faster than an adult dog.

This is why a puppy needs more of the good stuff.   

But don’t overdo it!

Make sure your puppy doesn’t get too much of certain ingredients (especially calcium), as these can cause problems when consumed in excess. 

We recommend that you feed your puppy food that is specifically formulated for puppies. This will ensure your Cocker Spaniel puppy receives all the necessary nutrients it needs at this critical stage. 

Adult 

An adult Cocker Spaniel requires a diet:

• Lower in calories and protein (for healthy weight)
• A balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins (for optimal health and energy)

Senior 

A senior Cocker Spaniel requires a diet:

• Lower in calories and fat (for healthy weight)
• More fiber (to support digestive health)
• Joint supplements (to support mobility and joint health)

Cocker Spaniels are well known for their energetic nature. 

We certainly agree with this statement. Our Cocker Spaniel never seems to stay still!  

Yes, your Cocker Spaniel needs plenty of play and exercise too. 

Such high activity levels require a diet that will provide your Cocker Spaniel with all the energy the dog needs. 

But make sure not to overfeed your lively doggy!

Also, remember that the activity level of your Cocker Spaniel may differ from other Cocker Spaniels. This is all based on your dog’s personality, health, and exact age.   

Cocker Spaniels are healthy dogs in general. 

Still, Cocker Spaniels are prone to certain health issues. 

Some of these health issues are beyond our control. 

Luckily, some health risks can be minimized by feeding your Cocker Spaniel the right food.

Food allergies & intolerances

Certain food ingredients can trigger allergies or food intolerances in Cocker Spaniels. 

These conditions can manifest as dry and itchy skin, ears, or paws. 

Unfortunately, just about any protein can trigger food allergy in your Cocker Spaniel. 

Here are some of the most common allergens: beef, lamb, chicken, pork, rabbit, fish, dairy, wheat, egg, and soy. 

Ear infections

The large, floppy, and furry ears of our Cocker Spaniel easily trap dirt and moisture. We’re sure the ears of your Cocker Spaniel have the same problem.  

Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels’ ears can easily become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria that can cause ear infections.

Those large ears can also develop yeast infections. Yeast infections can be treated with topical medications. 

Also, if your Cocker Spaniel suffers from recurring ear infections, your vet may recommend grain-free hypoallergenic food. The diet is grain-free because grains are a common allergen for dogs.

Hypothyroidism

Cocker Spaniels are also at a relatively high risk of developing hypothyroidism. 

The thyroid of a dog that suffers from hypothyroidism produces insufficient amounts of the hormones involved in metabolism. This can result in lethargy, hair loss, and weight gain. 

Unfortunately, a Cocker Spaniel with hypothyroidism will need medication for the rest of its life. 

But note that your vet can recommend specific foods to help treat hypothyroidism symptoms.

For example, a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can prevent coat problems and dry skin that commonly occur in dogs suffering from hypothyroidism. 

Hip Dysplasia

Cocker Spaniels are also at a relatively high risk of developing hip dysplasia. 

In a dog with hip dysplasia, the hip joints don’t fit properly. They rub and grind instead of sliding smoothly. This usually results in further deterioration and an eventual loss of function of the joints. 

Luckily, there are ways to treat (and even prevent) hip dysplasia. For our Cocker Spaniel, we use dietary supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine. But as always, consult your vet for advice tailored to your dog. 

Seborrhea

Seborrhea is a skin disorder in which certain skin glands produce an excessive amount of sebum, causing flaky, scaly, itchy, and red skin.

Seborrhea can be primary or secondary. 

Primary seborrhea is inherited in dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels. 

Secondary seborrhea is more common. But the exact cause can’t always be determined. 

Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for seborrhea.

Still, treatments that help manage seborrhea include omega-3 fatty acid supplements. 

Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)

Pancreatitis is a common condition in dogs. Unfortunately, it’s more common in certain breeds, including Cocker Spaniels.   

What causes pancreatitis remains unknown. 

Still, science suggests that obesity and eating food high in fat can increase the risk of pancreatitis. 

Note that if your dog has pancreatitis, the poor doggy will need to eat low-fat food for the rest of its life. 

Obesity 

Yes, Cocker Spaniels love to eat! This makes them susceptible to obesity. 

To ensure our Cocker Spaniel doesn’t put on weight, we feed it only high-quality dog food, as per our top dog food picks discussed in this article.

And yes, we avoid giving our adorable doggy too many treats.

Eye disorders

Unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels are prone to various eye problems, including cherry eye, dry eye, ectropion, and cataracts. 

Most of these eye disorders are hereditary, so there’s not much you can do to prevent them.

Fortunately, most of the eye disorders can be treated. 

But some are untreatable. For example, cataracts often result in blindness. 

Progressive retinal atrophy

In dogs with progressive retinal atrophy, the cells in the retina develop abnormally. This leads to gradual degeneration of the retina’s cells. 

Progressive retinal atrophy can lead to permanent blindness.

Chronic hepatitis

Middle-aged Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to chronic inflammation of the liver. 

This condition damages liver cells and causes the liver to swell.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy occurs in about 2% to 4% of dogs.

But some dog breeds, including Cocker Spaniels, suffer from epilepsy more commonly than others. 

Dogs with epilepsy suffer from seizures, which can vary from mild to severe.

Cancer

Yes, your Cocker Spaniel may develop cancer, including melanoma, fibrosarcomas, and basal cell tumors. 

Dental issues

To avoid dental issues, we regularly remove plaque from the teeth of our Cocker Spaniel. And we recommend that you do the same for your pup. 

This will help your doggy avoid nasty conditions such as gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and various infections. 

Specific food qualities for Cocker Spaniel

Here are the most important qualities of dog food for Cocker Spaniels. 

Avoid common allergens

Cocker Spaniels often develop allergies and food intolerances. 

So make sure you feed your Spaniel dog food that is free from common allergens, such as wheat, corn, beef, and chicken. 

Omega-3 fatty acids

We add omega-3 fatty acids (and omega-6) to the diet of our Cocker Spaniel. This helps to keep our dog’s skin supple and its fur soft.  

Omega-3 fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation. This can reduce the risk of developing eye issues, such as cherry eye and dry eye. 

Omega-3 fatty acids also support joint health. This can be especially useful if your dog suffers from hip dysplasia. 

Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods containing salmon (and other fatty fish), flaxseed, and some plant oils.

Joint care

Look for dog food containing glucosamine and chondroitin. 

Both glucosamine and chondroitin will support joint health and may even alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis and hip dysplasia.

Antioxidants

Food that’s packed with antioxidants will support the eye health of your Cocker Spaniel. 

We recommend that look for dog food containing carrots, spinach, and berries. 

Probiotics

Cocker Spaniels are known for their sensitive digestive systems. 

So look for dog food that contains probiotics. 

Probiotics will promote healthy digestive and immune systems.

Adding probiotics to your dog’s diet will also help reduce immunological attacks and inflammatory responses to allergens. 

So yes, talk to your vet to see if probiotic supplements can improve your pup’s digestive health. You can check here to see how long it takes for probiotics to work in dogs.

Immune support

Cocker Spaniels are prone to chronic hepatitis and cancer. 

So look for foods that will boost the immune system of your dog. 

We recommend that you include various fruits and vegetables in your pup’s diet. Their antioxidant properties will strengthen your dog’s immune system. 

And don’t forget to add probiotics, which will improve your dog’s gut health, which is closely linked to immune function.

Digestibility

As mentioned earlier, Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to digestive issues. 

So look for dog food that is minimally processed. 

For example, we never feed our Cocker Spaniel lower-quality kibble, as this may contain cheap fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that a dog may struggle to digest. 

Note that highly-processed foods can also cause digestive upset in some dogs.

Low fat

Cocker Spaniels are also susceptible to obesity and liver disease. 

A diet low in fat will help your doggy maintain a healthy weight and will support liver function. 

Dental health

To help your Cocker Spaniel maintain perfect dental health, look for kibble specifically designed to reduce plaque and tartar. 

How to switch your Cocker Spaniel to new dog food

Never switch your dog to a new food too abruptly, as this can upset your pup’s stomach. Switching too fast can also cause diarrhea or vomiting.  

If you decide to switch your Cocker Spaniel to a new dog food, we recommend that you follow these steps. 

• Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
• Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
• Week 4: 100% new food

Only increase the recommended weekly food percentage if your Cocker Spaniel is doing well during each weekly transition. 

If you notice any adverse reaction to the new food, stop giving it to your dog.

What ingredients to avoid

Here are the ingredients you should avoid in the diet of your Cocker Spaniel.

Artificial preservatives & food colorings

The following artificial preservatives can cause allergic reactions in your Cocker Spaniel:

• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT)
• Ethoxyquin

These food colorings can cause cancer in dogs: 

• Red 3
• Red 40
• Yellow 5 and 6 

These food colorings can cause hypersensitivity reactions: 

• Blue 1
• Red 40
• Yellow 5 and 6 

So yes, consider replacing artificial additives with natural ingredients whenever possible. 

Meat byproducts

We never give low-quality meat byproducts to our Cocker Spaniel. 

Meat byproducts are usually used in low-quality dog food. 

Meat byproducts often come from slaughterhouse leftovers, which may include blood, brains, and chicken feet. 

Yes, such meat byproducts are a poor source of protein. They may even contain diseases. 

Still, meat byproducts are not always bad for your dog. 

For example, many meat byproducts are quality offal, which contains plenty of protein and vitamins. 

But remember that your dog’s diet shouldn’t contain more than 10% offal. This is because offal such as heart and liver are very rich.  

Fillers 

Avoid cheap fillers such as corn, wheat, and soy. 

These fillers will provide very little nutritional value to your Cocker Spaniel. 

Also, your doggy may struggle to process these fillers, which may lead to gastrointestinal issues and even bloat. 

But note that vets and dog nutritionists suggest that wheat, corn, and soy are fine in small amounts. 

Rendered fat

Dog food brands add rendered fat to their products to add flavor to dog food. 

Unfortunately, rendered fat is a source of heavy metal toxins and potentially harmful microorganisms. 

Rendered fat can also worsen certain issues. For example, dogs are prone to a dangerous copper buildup in the liver. Rendered fat can make it worse. 

Furthermore, rendered fat can contribute to the growth of bacteria and even mold in dog food. This can make your Cocker Spaniel very sick.

Toxic

Here are the foods that are toxic to your Cocker Spaniel:  

• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Onions
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Tropical fruits and nuts (Macadamia nuts, cashews, papayas, and mangoes)
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener used in sugar-free candy and gum)

Best dog food for Cocker Spaniel in 2024 – CONCLUSION

As shown in this article, the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels in 2024 is The Farmer’s Dog.

But this article also helped you find the best food for your Cocker Spaniel specifically.

Just check our below top picks to find the right food for your Cocker Spaniel:

• Best overall: The Farmers’s Dog
• Best for puppies: Open Farm
• Best for seniors: Orijen
• Best dry food: Spot & Tango
• Best wet food: JustFoodForDogs
• Best for sensitive stomach: Hill’s
• Best for allergies: Royal Canin
• Best grain-free: Open Farm
• Best raw food: Instinct
• Best value: Blue Buffalo 

Our team wishes your Cocker Spaniel a good appetite!