8 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels in 2024

You would do anything to give your furry friend the best life possible. Your dog loves you unconditionally, and they deserve the best possible care in return. While toys and long walks are common ways to care for dogs, one vital area that often gets neglected is the food they eat. As easy as it is just to grab the first bag you see and feed it to your dog, you could be doing them quite a disservice.

Cheap name brands may be convenient; it’s true. But they often have harmful additives and ingredients. When you pay for cheap food, you get cheap results—and your dog’s health can suffer as a result. By investing a few more dollars, you invest in your best friend’s health and happiness as well. Feeding your dog high-quality food is one of the best ways to care for them.

But there is no single perfect bag of dog food that will be right for every breed of dog. Different dogs have different nutritional needs, and Cocker Spaniels are certainly no exceptions. Friendly, docile people-pleasers, they make wonderful pets. But they also have a wide array of medical needs, many of which can be either treated or exacerbated based on the food they eat.

There are a considerable number of factors to consider to find the perfect dog food for your Cocker Spaniel, and the sheer number of options available can be a bit overwhelming. The stakes are high; how do you make sure your dog food is the right choice for your best friend?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Just follow along with this handy guide, and we’ll break down all your dog’s nutritional needs, what to look for in dog food, and we’ll even provide our pick for the eight best Cocker Spaniel dog foods for 2024.

If you have the time, we definitely recommend reading the rest of the article, which will provide you with the information you need to make the most informed decision possible. But if you’re in a rush, let’s get right to it. Here are the eight best Cocker Spaniel dog foods:

What to Look For in a Good Cocker Spaniel Dog Food?

It’s easy to just buy the first dog food you find without putting too much thought into it. Even if you’ve decided you want to give your dog a healthy meal, there are countless brands that market themselves as “healthy” dog foods, and your Cocker Spaniel will likely be willing to eat any of them. It’s imperative, though, that you take the time to research your dog food and make sure you have the right food for them.

Here are some of the most important things to look for in a good Cocker Spaniel dog food:

• Whole protein as the first ingredient – this should be the first thing you look for in any dog food. Real meat is the basis of your dog’s diet, and it should be the primary ingredient—not lagging behind starches or fillers. Cocker Spaniels were initially sporting dogs and can have considerable muscle despite their small statures. If your dog is very active, it will need a high-protein diet. If they’re more relaxed, though, a moderate protein diet will suffice. But whole protein should always be the first ingredient.
• Glucosamine, chondroitin, and calcium – Cocker Spaniels are particularly vulnerable to joint and skeletal issues. Not just hip dysplasia, but also patellar luxation and ill-fitting leg bones. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural compounds that support healthy joints and cartilage growth. Calcium, of course, strengthens bones and teeth. These are available as supplements as well, but it’s best if your dog gets them with their natural diet.
• Novel proteins – this simply refers to less common proteins that your dog has never had before. Cocker Spaniels often have a range of hereditary or developed protein allergies. The most frequent is chicken, in addition to other common ingredients like turkey or beef. If you’ve noticed your dog have a negative reaction to these ingredients, try a novel ingredient like salmon or duck.
• Omega fatty acids – irritable skin issues like seborrhea are widespread among Cocker Spaniels. Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids—common in ingredients like flaxseed and fish oil—are great for addressing these issues. They can help soothe dry skin and promote a more lustrous, healthy coat.
• Low-glycemic carbohydrates – like many dogs, Cocker Spaniels respond poorly to sugar. Cheap dog foods will often have carbohydrates that are higher on the glycemic index. Instead, you should look for complex carbs like brown rice or sweet potato. That will help your dog maintain a regular weight and build sustainable energy.
• Fiber – Cocker Spaniels are known for their sensitive stomachs and digestive issues. Some dog foods will contain real fruits and vegetables, which are rich sources of fiber. Fiber can be one of the best solutions for digestive problems, helping your dog’s digestion stay healthy and consistent. It is also great for weight control.

Shopping for dog food can be intimidating. Once you realize how vital dog food is to the health of your Cocker Spaniel, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of brands and varieties available. That’s why we’ve done the work for you. We’ve narrowed it down to the best eight Cocker Spaniel dog foods available in 2024.

All of these are high-quality dog foods. Depending on the needs of your Cocker Spaniel, you can’t go wrong with any of the options on our list. But we’ll start out with the best of the best:

Overall Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Salmon, Salmon Meal, Peas, Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes
Key Features :

• Great for sensitive stomachs
• Helps with skin discomfort
• Good for pets with food allergies
• Just nine ingredients

A dog food that addresses nearly every medical need common in Cocker Spaniels, Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food is, for our money, the best Cocker Spaniel dog food available in 2024. Cocker Spaniels are very vulnerable to upset stomach and skin discomfort over food allergies; if this describes your pup, a limited ingredient diet might be the perfect way to move forward.

Fresh-caught, deboned salmon is the first ingredient. Salmon is high in lean protein, and was a relatively uncommon dog food ingredient until recently, meaning your Cocker Spaniel is unlikely to have inherited an allergy to it. The full recipe is made with just nine key ingredients, primarily salmon and complex carbohydrate sweet potatoes.

But the limited ingredient diet isn’t the only benefit for Cocker Spaniels in this dog food. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health and cartilage support, which is particularly important for Cocker Spaniels, given the wide array of joint problems that they face. Merrick Limited Ingredient also includes Omega fatty acids to prevent skin discomfort and promote a healthy coat.

No dog food is perfect. Merrick Limited Ingredient includes russet potatoes, which are higher on the glycemic index than many of the other carbs included in most dog foods. It also has a relatively higher price by volume than some competitors. But if your dog has a sensitive stomach and sensitive skin, Merrick Limited Ingredient dog food is definitely worth the price.

7 More Highly Rated Dog Foods

Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Lamb, Menhaden Fish Meal, Oatmeal, Barley
Key Features :

• No corn, soy, or fillers
• Free-range, grass-fed lamb
• Fosters healthy skin
• Promotes lean muscle development

One of the most unique dog foods on our list, Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food takes an outside-the-box approach to getting your Cocker Spaniel the nutrients they need. The free-range, grass-fed whole lamb base helps support lean muscle. And as a less-common protein, this is perfect for Cocker Spaniels with poultry allergies.

Each piece is freeze-dried with a raw lamb coating. That creates a more natural form of nutrition and is more fragrant and flavorful for picky eaters without the mess or expense of wet food. There are never any fillers, corn, soy, or poultry by-product, so most sensitive dogs can gobble this food right up. Carbohydrates come from whole-grain barley and oatmeal.

Instinct Be Natural is high in flaxseed, so that means it’s loaded with Omega fatty acids to fight seborrhea and foster healthy, comfortable skin. Real fruits and veggies like carrots, blueberries, and cranberries help provide strong fiber. They are also a source of vitamins and antioxidants for general health and immune support. Ingredients are naturally-sourced from around the world, and the food is manufactured in the U.S.A.

Unfortunately, this food does not contain joint or cartilage support, which is very important for Cocker Spaniels. You may need to get joint-support supplements. But it has appropriate ingredients for dogs with chicken allergies, and the added flavor is perfect for picky eaters. It is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Chewy, and 92% of users would recommend it.

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Deboned Lamb, Brown Rice, Oatmeal
Key Features :

• Lamb as the main protein source
• Low-sugar carbohydrate sources
• Super 7 blend
• Supports healthy, shiny coat

Balancing simplicity with well-rounded nutrition, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food is designed for comprehensive canine wellness. Distilled down to the basics, Blue Buffalo dog foods are simply made with whole meats, whole grains, real fruits and veggies, and a proprietary Super 7 package of vitamins and minerals.

The first ingredient is grass-fed deboned lamb. Once again, lamb is an ideal protein for Cocker Spaniels. It builds lean muscle and is one of the less-common protein allergies. Brown rice and whole-grain barley are low-sugar carbs that foster even, sustainable energy. Those ingredients form the foundation of an excellent diet for your Cocker Spaniel.

The real calling card of Blue Buffalo Life Protection, however, is the Super 7 blend. These key ingredients are designed to holistically boost your dog’s health in a variety of key areas. Calcium and phosphorus help foster healthy bones and teeth, while Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids soothe your spaniel’s skin and create a lustrous coat.

And, of course, Blue Buffalo features glucosamine and chondroitin for essential joint support. Blue Buffalo Life Support isn’t right for dogs on grain-free or low ingredient diets. But it does account for many of the most significant medical needs of Cocker Spaniels, offering joint support, oils for healthy skin, and avoiding common allergens like chicken and corn. Customers on Chewy rate it 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 96% would recommend it.

Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon and Potato Formula Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Salmon, Salmon Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
Key Features :

• Great for dogs with allergies
• Salmon as main protein source
• Probiotics for digestive health
• Great pet owner reviews

One of the best limited ingredient diet dog foods available, Wellness Simple L.I.D. Grain-Free Salmon and Potato Dry Dog Food is a great combination of simple and effective. The entire recipe is essentially salmon, peas and potatoes, fruits and vegetables, and a few added vitamins and minerals.

Limited ingredient diets are all about avoiding allergies by reducing ingredients and, accordingly, the number of potential allergens in the recipe. Cocker Spaniels are very vulnerable to food allergies, so limited ingredient diets can be a perfect fit for the breed. Salmon is the main ingredient in this particular recipe, which is also a great fit as Cocker Spaniels are unlikely to have a hereditary allergy to it.

The recipe is all the more perfect for Cocker Spaniels because it includes glucosamine and chondroitin for cartilage growth and joint support. Probiotics are included for digestive health, along with prebiotics to help nurture them. For Cocker Spaniels with sensitive tummies, that can be an extremely valuable inclusion. And of course, omega fatty acids help foster skin health.

The short list of ingredients is carefully curated to create the right balance of macronutrients to provide lean muscle and lasting energy. It’s on the pricier side, but if your Cocker Spaniel has significant food allergies, it is likely worth the investment. Chewy customers rate it 4.7 out of 5 stars, and 96% say they would recommend it.

The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Dehydrated Turkey, Organic Oats, Dehydrated Potatoes, Organic Flaxseed
Key Features :

• Free-range turkey
• Zero meat by-products
• Well-rounded nutrition
• Boosts immune system

The only non-dry food on our list, The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food is perfect for picky pets with sensitive stomachs. Having a sensitive stomach doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice holistic nutrition, and The Honest Kitchen embraces that philosophy fully.

The primary ingredient is 12 lbs of dehydrated, free-range turkey, and it contains zero meat by-products. The recipe is moderate in protein and moderate in fat, so it’s ideal for older dogs who get a moderate amount of physical activity. If you take your Cocker Spaniel out hunting, they will likely need a higher-protein diet, and this might not be the right food for you.

The bulk of the recipe is filled out by organic, whole-grain oats, dehydrated potatoes, and a wide variety of dehydrated fruits and vegetables including carrots, cabbage, and apples. The produce is garden-grown, with no preservatives or G.M.O. activity. That collection of ingredients is curated to provide well-rounded nutritional value. In addition, the formula includes added taurine, calcium, and other vitamin supplements.

That provides a significant boost to general health and the immune system. The biggest drawback is the fact that it is a dehydrated formula, which is more effort to prepare (you mix the food with water and wait several more minutes before serving) and a bigger mess. But if you’re willing to deal with that, it is an excellent product.

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Buffalo, Lamb Meal, Chicken Meal, Sweet Potatoes, Peas
Key Features :

• Grain-free
• Amino acids for overall health
• Prebiotic chicory root
• Great for soothing irritated skin

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is a solid, all-around dog food designed to promote holistic nutrition. Buffalo is the first ingredient; high in protein this is great for maintaining lean muscle in active Cocker Spaniels. It also includes lamb meal, venison, and beef.

A grain-free recipe, the carbohydrates come from sweet potatoes, peas, and potatoes. Chicken fat helps provide sustainable energy to complement the protein and complex carbs. Meanwhile, egg products includes a heavy dose of essential amino acids, which are great for overall health. Fruits and veggies pack this recipe full of fiber and other vitamins.

An interesting aspect of Taste of the Wild High Prairie is the inclusion of dried chicory root. That is a powerful prebiotic supplement, ideal for gut and digestive health. For Cocker Spaniels, this can be invaluable as it can ease their sensitive stomachs. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are great for soothing irritated skin and creating a shiny, lustrous coat.

If joint health is a priority, this might not be the right food for your Cocker Spaniel, as it doesn’t have glucosamine or chondroitin. It also isn’t a fit for dogs on a limited ingredient diet. But otherwise, this is an ideal dog food that provides holistic nutrition at a relatively affordable price point. Chewy customers give it an average of 4.7 stars out of 5, and 96% say they would recommend it.

Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, and Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Whole Grain Sorghum, Brown Rice
Key Features :

• Great for joint support
• Actively improves mobility
• Supports immune system and overall health
• No artificial colors or flavors

Here’s a product that offers one significant benefit in exchange for one significant drawback. Depending on your dog’s needs this could be near the top of your list, or at the very bottom. Let’s start with the benefit: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, and Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food is one of the best dog foods available for joint support.

The recipe was curated to create maximum joint support. With natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin and optimal levels of fish oil, the recipe is designed not only to stave off deterioration but, hopefully, to actively improve mobility within 30 days. These ingredients build cartilage and address joint pain while also contributing to healthier skin.

If your dog is dealing with common Cocker Spaniel joint issues, this is a perfect recipe. The actual substance of the meal is based on chicken meal and a variety of whole grains. It is also infused with a wide variety of vitamin supplements to support your dog’s immune system and general health. There are also no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

The biggest issue, obviously, is that it is a chicken-based recipe. That is the biggest protein allergen for most Cocker Spaniels. If your dog has adverse reactions to chicken, this formula is off the table. It is also not viable for dogs on grain-free diets. But if your dog isn’t sensitive to these issues, it could be perfect for helping preserve and promote their mobility.

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Healthy Ingredients : Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils
Key Features :

• Great for active dogs
• Novel proteins
• No common allergen proteins
• Promotes digestive health

A multi-protein formula, Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is great for active Cocker Spaniels that need to maintain strength and energy. The first ingredient is whole venison, and that is complemented by lamb, duck, egg, and ocean fish. That combination serves a two-fold purpose.

First of all, it helps fuel active dogs and keeps your Cocker Spaniel maintain lean muscle. If you take your Cocker Spaniel out hunting, this could be a perfect food for you. Plus, despite the wide variety, they are all novel proteins. Cocker Spaniels are prone to hereditary food allergies, but this avoids most of the most common allergen proteins.

The grain-free recipe derives carbohydrates from garbanzo beans, peas, and lentils. These are unconventional carbohydrates, but they help pack your Cocker Spaniel full of energy. Real fruits and vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Taste of the Wild also includes a branded proprietary blend of probiotics to promote digestive health.

The ingredients are all sustainably-acquired from trusted sources. Egg contains amino acids and Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids to help foster healthy skin. Unfortunately, it has nothing for joint support, and it isn’t suitable for Cocker Spaniels on a limited ingredient diet. But users on Chewy rated it 4.6 out of 5 stars on average, and 94% said they would recommend it.

What are the Nutritional Needs of Cocker Spaniels?

For years, Cocker Spaniels were the most popular breed in America. Originally bred as hunting dogs, they are the smallest breed classified as a sporting dog by the A.K.C. Today they are less known for their athleticism and more for their playful, obedient personality. But like many historic purebreds, they are vulnerable to a wealth of health problems. In the Cocker Spaniel’s case, those are primarily skin and ear irritation.

One of the most common ailments in Cocker Spaniels is seborrhea, a skin condition that causes dryness, irritation, dandruff, and sometimes, an unpleasant odor. Seborrhea, in particular, can be eased or aggravated by the food you choose. They are also highly vulnerable to a variety of degenerative joint conditions, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and ill-fitting hip and leg bones.

Cocker Spaniels are also extremely vulnerable to ear infections thanks to their long, floppy ears, which limit ventilation. Dog food cannot sufficiently prevent this in and of itself, but avoiding inflammation-causing allergens can be a great first step.

Indeed, Cocker Spaniels are vulnerable to a considerable number of food allergies, particularly common ingredients like chicken, corn, and meat by-product. Pay attention to the way your dog reacts to certain types of food and avoid these ingredients when you can. Cocker Spaniel owners should also avoid foods that include added sugars, artificial colors, flavors, or additives.

Your Cocker Spaniel’s activity level will determine how much they need to eat. They are small dogs, and if they are only moderately active (hanging out around the house, getting consistent walks), they should eat between 700 and 800 calories a day. If they’re more active, they’ll need 1,100 to 1,200 calories. Be careful to avoid overfeeding, though, as Cocker Spaniels can be at risk for obesity.

What are the Different Types of Cocker Spaniel Dog Food?

Now you know what ingredients you’ll need to look for in your Cocker Spaniel dog food. But you’ll also need to decide what type of food to use. The main decisions you’ll need to make are whether to get dry, wet, or dehydrated food, and whether to look for a whole-grain or grain-free recipe. Finally, you’ll need to consider a limited ingredient diet.

Wet dog food is more flavorful and aromatic, which can be perfect for picky dogs who don’t like to eat. But it can also be expensive, messy, and sometimes contributes to dental issues. Dry dog food is by far the most common variety. It’s easy and effective to store, and the crunchiness helps satisfy your spaniel’s need to chew. Finally, dehydrated food is a middle ground—it’s dehydrated and, therefore, easy to store long-term, but you add warm water before serving, and it has all the flavor of canned wet food.

Grain-free diets for dogs have become particularly common in recent years. But ultimately, this is a matter of taste and preference. The issue with traditional dog foods wasn’t necessarily the presence of grains, but what specific grains were included. Avoid recipes that include wheat or corn, and instead choose between whole-grain varieties with brown rice or barley, and grain-free formulas with peas or sweet potatoes. You can give both a try, and stick with the one your dog likes best.

Limited ingredient diets, meanwhile, can be the best path forward for dogs who have adverse food allergies but don’t want a bland, expensive prescription food. While many dog foods will contain multiple proteins and a variety of carbs (increasing the odds that there will be something that bothers your dog), L.I.D. formulas contain just one each, along with just a few more select ingredients.

Overall Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniel Dog Food Comparison Table
Rank	Product	Price	Rating
Best Overall	Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$2.72/lb	A+
#1	Instinct Be Natural Real Lamb and Oatmeal Recipe Freeze-Dried Raw Coated Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$2.08/lb	A+
#2	Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Lamb and Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.76/lb	A
#3	Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Salmon and Potato Formula Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$2.57/lb	A+
#4	The Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Turkey Recipe Dehydrated Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$6.85/lb	A-
#5	Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.74/lb	A
#6	Hill’s Science Diet Adult Healthy Mobility Small Bites Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, and Barley Recipe Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.93/lb	B+
#6	Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Small Breed Grain-Free Dry Dog Food  Buy Online  Customer Reviews  Brand Review	$1.78/lb	B+

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve now covered most of what you need to know, but there are still a few more questions many dog owners want to know to make sure they are covering all their dogs nutritional needs. Let’s take a look at some of these frequently asked questions now.

How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

We’ve already mentioned that less active Cocker Spaniels should eat between 700 and 800 calories a day, while more active ones should eat up to 1,200. But how exactly should that be distributed?

There are two main rules of thumb to keep in mind here. The first is not to feed your dog all their food for the day at once. The second is to try to keep the timing consistent day in and day out. The most common approach is to feed your dog once in the morning and once in the evening. Try your best to feed them at the same time each day.

When Should I Switch from Puppy Food to Adult Food?

Just like people, dogs have different needs depending on how old they are. While there are senior dog foods available, the most significant styles are to start them off with puppy food and eventually transition to adult dog food.

There is no hard and fast rule here; each puppy is different. But on average, you can typically try switching to adult food around one year old.

What if They Don’t Like Their Food?

Cocker Spaniels naturally love to eat. If they’re avoiding their food, it’s likely because they are responding poorly to one of the ingredients in it. The best path forward here is to switch to food and be sure to pick a different protein. Eventually, you will find one that your dog loves.

The Bottom Line

Your dog deserves the best care you can provide. One of the most often overlooked, yet most important areas to focus on is the food that you give them. That is especially true of Cocker Spaniels, who have a significant number of major dietary needs.

You can’t go wrong with any of the foods on this list, depending on your dog’s needs. Our pick for the best overall is Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free Real Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food, but each and every one of these is a high-quality product.