Although originally bred as gun dogs, English Cocker Spaniels have become popular family pets. Cockers are very people-oriented dogs who love to have company with them all day. Understanding their diet is key to their health and quality of life, so I’ve compiled a review of the 5 best dog foods for Cocker Spaniels in 2024, comparing everything from ingredients and fat content to calorie count and affordability.
Our Best Dog Food
- Calories
- 550 kcal/100g
- Protein
- 38%
- Fat
- 30%
- Fiber
- 2%
- Our Score
Compare Our Recommended Dog Foods
All of our dog food suggestions are carefully selected by professionals. We extensively research the products to check if they’ve been approved by governing bodies before making recommendations. You can read more about our stringent review standards here. And remember, always consult your veterinarian first, before changing your dog’s food.
- Top 5 Ingredients
- Type
- Lifestage
- Calories
- Protein
- Fat
- Fiber
- Cost
- Our score
-
-
- Chicken
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Kidney
- Chicken Heart
- Chicken Tripe
- Dry Food
- Adult
- 550 kcal/100g
-
38%
38%
-
30%
30%
-
2%
2%
-
Buy now
-
-
-
- Boneless Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Chicken Liver
- Herring
- Boneless Turkey
- Dry Food
- Adult
- 391.7 kcal/100g
-
38%
38%
-
18%
18%
-
5%
5%
-
Buy now
-
-
-
- Turkey Meal
- Brown Rice
- White Rice
- Naked Oats
- Whole Linseed
- Dry Food
- Adult
- 340 kcal/100g
-
23.5%
23.5%
-
10.5%
10.5%
-
3.2%
3.2%
-
Buy now
-
-
-
- Dried Ocean Fish
- Sweet Potato
- Beet Pulp
- Chicken Oil
- Peas
- Dry Food
- All life stages
- 360 kcal/100g
-
34%
34%
-
11%
11%
-
3%
3%
-
Buy now
-
-
-
- Wheat
- Poultry Meal
- Maize
- Vegetables
- Chicken Gravy
- Dry Food
- Adult
- Not listed
-
18%
18%
-
6%
6%
-
2.5%
2.5%
-
Buy now
-
In-Depth English Cocker Spaniel Dog Food Reviews
Ziwipeak Air Dried Dog Food review
At a Glance
- Top 5 Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Chicken Liver
- Chicken Kidney
- Chicken Heart
- Chicken Tripe
- Type: Dry Food
- Lifestage: Adult
- Calories: 550 kcal/100g
- Protein: 38%
- Fat: 30%
- Fiber: 2%
Ziwipeak Air Dried Cuisine is a premium tier food formulation that has been designed to support the nutritional needs of active breeds like the English Cocker Spaniel. A diet that includes a singular, meat-based protein in its recipe, chicken is the main ingredient of this formula, a protein included in both meat and organ form.
The emphasis on a limited ingredients list based on exceptional quality foods ensures this diet is well suited to the needs of all dogs, but particularly those that suffer from allergies. Green lipped mussels play a starring role in this diet to ensure a vital support for optimal joint functionality through their naturally occurring amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin.
One of the best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels available for purchase today, Ziwipeak Air Dried Cuisine is completely grain-free, utilizing fibre and antioxidant-dense fruits and vegetables for its carbohydrate base. Each ingredient, including the meat, is subjected to a proprietary air drying process, ensuring the nutritional value remains primed while all harmful bacteria is eliminated.
Pros:
- The singular protein source (chicken) is included in both meat and organ form, showing a well-rounded approach to nutrition.
- Green lipped mussels have been included to support joint functionality in the active English Cocker Spaniel.
- Ziwipeak’s air drying process ensures no nutrients are lost during processing while all harmful bacteria is killed.
Cons:
- Ziwipeak is a very expensive food, particularly for medium to large breed dogs.
- Some dogs may do better on a diet that includes some grains in its formulation.
- Though filled with foods rich in dietary fibre to promote good digestion, Ziwipeak does not contain any prebiotics or probiotics.
Orijen Adult Original Dry Dog Food review
At a Glance
- Top 5 Ingredients:
- Boneless Chicken
- Chicken Meal
- Chicken Liver
- Herring
- Boneless Turkey
- Type: Dry Food
- Lifestage: Adult
- Calories: 391.7 kcal/100g
- Protein: 38%
- Fat: 18%
- Fiber: 5%
For exceptional quality nutrition that well supports the needs of active breed dogs, it’s hard to go wrong with Orijen Adult Original. One of the best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels on the market today, Orijen Adult Original is a high protein diet, listing chicken, herring, and turkey among its primary ingredients. The meats included in this powerhouse food formulation are air-dried to preserve all nutritional quality.
A grain-free food, Orijen Adult Original utilizes fibre and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables in its carbohydrate base to boost digestion and promote a healthy immune system.
Pros:
- The air drying process utilized for each protein source ensures optimal nutritional quality from each included meat.
- The absence of grains makes it well-suited to dogs suffering from skin and stomach sensitivities to these ingredients.
- The high protein content ensures a bountiful supply of the amino acids active dogs need for a healthy body.
Cons:
- Orijen is an expensive dog food.
- Though the high protein content is typically good for athletic dog breeds, it may be too rich for some English Cockers, and as a result, may lead to tear staining.
- Some dogs do better on a diet that contains some high quality whole grains to assist with their digestion.
James Wellbeloved Complete Dry Dog Food review
At a Glance
- Top 5 Ingredients:
- Turkey Meal
- Brown Rice
- White Rice
- Naked Oats
- Whole Linseed
- Type: Dry Food
- Lifestage: Adult
- Calories: 340 kcal/100g
- Protein: 23.5%
- Fat: 10.5%
- Fiber: 3.2%
James Wellbeloved Complete Adult is a top quality diet that provides English Cocker Spaniel owners with premium nutrition at an affordable price point. A recipe that prioritizes the use of all natural ingredients as much as possible, turkey is the foundational ingredient of this food, a lean meat that is easy for dogs to digest and chock full of exceptional flavour.
Whole grains are included in this diet to promote fluid digestive processing in the English Cocker Spaniel. Both alfalfa and seaweed have been added to boost the overall antioxidant content contained in this diet. Yucca and chicory play starring roles, providing a boost for digestion.
James Wellbeloved Complete Adult is often ranked among the best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels available for purchase today.
Pros:
- The main ingredient in this diet is turkey, a meat of exceptional flavour and high nutritional value.
- Whole grains are included alongside fruits and vegetables to promote a well-rounded approach to digestion.
- This diet is available at a reasonable price point, providing excellent nutrition and value for families on a budget.
Cons:
- Pea fibre is included in this diet, a plant that functions as a protein and that has been linked to lowered fertility rates in breeding dogs.
- The inclusion of whole grains in this recipe may mean it is unsuited to the needs of English Cockers with allergies.
- This diet is very grain heavy and could benefit from the addition of more fruits and vegetables to provide a more varied carbohydrate content.
Walker & Drake Dry Dog Food review
At a Glance
- Top 5 Ingredients:
- Dried Ocean Fish
- Sweet Potato
- Beet Pulp
- Chicken Oil
- Peas
- Type: Dry Food
- Lifestage: All life stages
- Calories: 360 kcal/100g
- Protein: 34%
- Fat: 11%
- Fiber: 3%
Walker & Drake Cold Pressed is a top shelf food formulation that provides the powerhouse punch of nutrition active breeds like the English Cocker Spaniel need to enjoy excellent health. This diet places a high emphasis on antioxidant and fibre-rich fruits and vegetables to ensure a vital support for optimal digestion and a thriving immune system.
The cold pressing technique allows no nutritional content to be lost during processing. A diet that is rich in protein, ocean fish is the basis of this recipe. The ocean fish sampling is included in dried form and adds a vast amount of essential fatty acids to assist with coat and skin health.
One of the best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels available for purchase today, Walker & Drake Cold Pressed is free from grains and gluten, making it an excellent choice for dogs with allergies.
Pros:
- The cold press processing of food ensures maximum nutritional benefit for the English Cocker Spaniel.
- Antioxidant and high fibre fruits and vegetables are included to boost immunity and digestion.
- Chicken fat has been added to ensure support for optimal coat and skin health.
Cons:
- It is an all stages food formulation, meaning it is not designed to support the nutritional needs of each unique phase of a dog’s life.
- The fibre content is a little low for optimal digestion.
- Peas are included in this recipe, a vegetable that can potentially lower fertility rates in breeding dogs.
Gilbertson & Page Dr Johns Silver Complete Dry Dog Food review
At a Glance
- Top 5 Ingredients:
- Wheat
- Poultry Meal
- Maize
- Vegetables
- Chicken Gravy
- Type: Dry Food
- Lifestage: Adult
- Calories: Not listed
- Protein: 18%
- Fat: 6%
- Fiber: 2.5%
Gilbertson & Page Dr Johns Silver Complete is often recommended as one of the best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels available for purchase today. The main ingredient in this recipe is chicken, a meat that is included in meal form to offer a concentrated amount of protein. This meat meal is easily digestible and rich in amino acids to support healthy muscles.
Yucca extract has been added to this recipe to reduce gas in the English Cocker Spaniel. Also found in this formula are textured kibble pieces to promote optimal oral health, and the needed essential fatty acids for coat and skin health.
Gilbertson & Page Dr Johns Silver Complete has proudly been manufactured in the UK for over 140 years.
Pros:
- Chicken is the main ingredient, a lean meat that is nutritionally viable and power packed with nutrients to assist the English Cocker Spaniel with achieving excellent health.
- The carbohydrate profile in this food contains grains, fruits, and vegetables to ensure ample amounts of dietary fibre and antioxidants.
- The company has a long tradition of producing high quality dog foods in the UK.
Cons:
- Wheat is the first ingredient in this food, a low quality plant-based protein.
- Corn has been added to this diet, a second plant-based protein source.
- The included vegetables are not itemized, leaving it up to speculation which ingredients have been added and how beneficial they are to the English Cocker Spaniel.
How to Select the Best Dog Food for English Cocker Spaniels
The sweet and shy English Cocker Spaniel is a sporting breed renowned for its immense heart and awe-inspiring good looks. Until the 1930s, the English and the American Cocker Spaniel were classified as one breed. However, since the American Cocker Spaniel looks dramatically different from its English counterpart, the breed was divided into two variations with two different breed standards.
The English Cocker Spaniel is built bigger than its American cousin and also has different conformation. The English Cocker Spaniel is more closely related to the Field Spaniel, and the English and Welsh Springer Spaniel, dog types this pooch often works alongside on hunts with its owner.
There are several characteristics that well define the pretty English Cocker Spaniel. The breed is always amiable and takes great pleasure in lavishing its family and friends with love and affection. A dog with a coat of medium-length, the English Cocker does require regular grooming to keep its coat from becoming tangled or matted.
As a proud member of the sporting group, the English Cocker Spaniel is an active dog, possessing great endurance and a vast amount of energy. A dog renowned for its natural curiosity, the English Cocker loves to explore. As a hunter, this breed excels at retrieving work. They are highly prized for their ability to seize game with a soft mouth, ensuring no damage to the quarry.
The English Cocker’s conformation makes this dog able to traverse even the most challenging terrain with ease. Both athletic and active, the English Cocker Spaniel requires regular vigorous exercise on a daily basis to achieve optimal health and wellness and to maintain a good body condition.
The English Cocker Spaniel is a smart dog, but it isn’t always interested in learning new skills. To help the English Cocker see the value in training sessions, positive reinforcement techniques and creativity are key.
A dog breed that is quite versatile, the English Cocker Spaniel takes part in many different activities with great success including agility, tracking, obedience, flyball, and conformation. This breed enjoys any opportunity to be with its family and particularly looks forward to active pursuits such as hiking, climbing, jogging, or walking.
The English Cocker Spaniel becomes very attached to its family and does not do well if left alone for long periods of time. This dog should be housed indoors. Because of its high activity levels, the breed does best in a home with a fully fenced yard; however, this dog type can adapt to life in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. To ensure a healthy body weight, regular daily exercise is a must, and free feeding should never be permitted.
The English Cocker Spaniel gets along well with other household pets. In addition to this, this dog type is affectionate, patient, and gentle with children, making it an excellent choice for families with kids.
Though most often a very healthy breed, there are a few genetic problems that can plague the friendly English Cocker Spaniel. These include eye issues, hip dysplasia, renal failure, congenital sensorineural deafness, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Diet alone is not sufficient to prevent potential disease; however, an appropriate dog food for this breed can help to lay an excellent foundation for wellness. The best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels include supplements in their recipe to provide support for eye, joint, and cardiac health.
The ideal diet for an adult English Cocker Spaniel is comprised of approximately 18 percent protein and 5 percent fat.
Choosing the Correct Calorie Count for English Cocker Spaniels
Determining how much food the English Cocker Spaniel should eat is an important part of achieving and maintaining optimal health and wellness. An active sporting breed, the English Cocker requires a well-balanced food formulation that bases its recipe on a lean, meat protein. The best dog foods for English Cocker Spaniels assist owners with finding the right portion size by providing suggested serving sizes based on age and weight on the side of their packaging. These amounts should then be adjusted incrementally using the dog’s weight, age, activity level, and appetite as guides until the correct portion per meal is found.
Since the English Cocker Spaniel can be predisposed to developing hip dysplasia, it is even more important that this dog type be kept at a healthy weight. To achieve this, owners should never allow the English Cocker to free feed. All meals should be measured and all intake monitored to ensure this breed does not become overweight.
Dog Food Dietary Requirements for English Cocker Spaniels
The active, elegant English Cocker Spaniel enjoys a busy lifestyle, and thus, requires a high performance diet that is based on a lean meat to thrive. The best dog foods for the English Cocker Spaniel take a whole meat or meat meal as their foundational ingredient. By-products are taken from cuts of an animal that are less likely to sell in supermarkets for human consumption. These protein sources can be difficult for dogs to digest, and thus, are not the ideal choice for the foundation of a diet for the English Cocker Spaniel.
Plant proteins such as soy, corn, and wheat are common food allergens for many dogs. Though the English Cocker Spaniel is not typically prone to developing allergies, these foods can also be difficult for many dogs to digest, and thus, diets containing them are best avoided. Other ingredients that offer no nutritional benefit to the English Cocker include chemicals, additives, derivatives, fillers, artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives.
Carbohydrates play a vital role in the English Cocker Spaniel’s diet, providing the antioxidants and dietary fibre needed for good digestion and a healthy immune system. These carbohydrates can come from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, or a combination of the three. Dogs with sensitivities to grains may do best on a grain-free diet.
Healthy fats lay the foundation for excellent coat and skin health in the English Cocker. These essential fatty acids are preferably sourced from animal ingredients such as chicken fat and oily fish. However, some plant-based oils offer an excellent alternative, contributing ample amounts of the omega 3 and 6 fatty acids the English Cocker needs.
All diets can benefit from the addition of helpful supplements to increase the efficacy of the nutrition contained the food formulation. The ideal supplements for the English Cocker Spaniel include taurine, prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Things to Look for in the Best Dog Foods for English Cocker Spaniels
In selecting the best dog food for the English Cocker Spaniel, here are some guiding principles to keep in mind:
- Meets APHA nutritional requirements for a complete and balanced food
- Free from chemicals, flavours, colours, or other difficult to identify ingredients
- Fortified with beneficial supplements
- Based on lean meat proteins
