(Adult Springer spaniels, on average, need to eat around 2 cups of food collectively each day, although puppies will need more like 4 cups and seniors will need about 1.5.
This can include both dry and wet food and should be reduced if they are being fed human food in addition, as it is essential to avoid overfeeding.)
Springer spaniels are beautiful, majestic dogs who are always athletic, so it’s no surprise that they need plenty of food to fuel their activity. However, springers are also prone to obesity due to overfeeding, so it is vital to watch their diet and look for symptoms.
So how much should a springer spaniel eat? Does this diet have to change depending on the stage of the springer’s life? And is there anything to avoid? Read on to find out more!
How much should a springer spaniel eat?
It’s recommended that you feed your springer spaniel around 1-2 cups of dry food per day, or 1 cup of biscuits and a half cup of meat, depending on the dog’s size, age, weight, rate of metabolism, and appetite.
For puppies, the recommended average is more like 4 cups because they are still growing, and senior dogs (9 and over) will need less than average because their activity has decreased.
When should I feed my springer spaniel?
Your spaniel will need feeding twice a day, so you can split the suggested food portion of 2 cups into two separate meals. It is up to you when your dog gets to eat, but it’s important that you keep a routine going as this can help with potty training.
When first finding a good balance, see when your dog starts to whine, and this can help choose when feeding time is – some springers like to have breakfast and lunch while others will prefer breakfast and dinner.
What type of food should my dog have?
A springer spaniel needs lots of fats, protein, and calcium for good bone growth and healthy muscles during puppyhood. Into adulthood, you will need to reduce your dog’s intake of fat and carbs, but the spaniel still needs lots of protein – you can increase the amount of tinned meat and decrease the dry food to help this.
As your pooch ages, the spaniel will need more soft foods, as his teeth may be starting to weaken. You’ll also need to decrease your spaniel’s consumption of fat as activity levels begin to drop.
If you’re looking for a specific food brand to buy from, then here is just a handful of the best quality dog food companies worth considering. Remember to speak to your vet about the possibility of allergies and whether the food your buying will be suitable for your dog:
- HARRINGTONS – this company produces dry food for dogs that are packed with protein and low in fat – additionally, some of their recipes are catered to specific breeds, one of which is springer spaniels, and they also have different allergy-friendly mixes (such as gluten-free)
- MERRICK CLASSIC – produces wet dog food that is made for different sizes and ages of dog – they come preportioned for small, medium or large dogs with recipes for puppies, adults, and seniors and they also offer lots of different flavors with good quality meat
- ROYAL CANIN – if you’re looking for a luxury dog food brand with very nutritious recipes, then this is for you – although they are expensive, this company offers good food for a springer who is in need of a diet
Anything to avoid when feeding?
Puppies
It is essential to avoid changing the type and brand of food you’re using suddenly with puppies. If you want to feed your puppy a different food, dry or wet, then you’ll need to transition slowly between the current food and the new one, mixing them together for about a week; otherwise, it may upset your springer’s stomach.
Amount
Don’t feed your dog just because the springer looks hungry – although puppy eyes are tempting, it’s kinder not to feed your dog in the long run by preventing obesity. It’s the same with giving titbits from your plate.
Adding extra human food from leftovers to the standing diet can lead to overfeeding and obesity – it’s ok to let your spaniel lick sauce from a plate, but if big hunks of food are leftover, then reduce the dry food in the next meal and incorporate your leftovers.
Toxic Foods
If you are feeding from your plate, there are several foods that humans can eat that you should try to avoid feeding a springer as they are bad for all dogs.
These include:
- THE ONION FAMILY, E.G., SCALLIONS, CHIVES,
- CHOCOLATE
- MUSHROOMS
- AVOCADO
- GRAPES AND RAISINS
- COOKED BONES FROM ROAST DINNERS, SALMON ETC.
- TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL
What are the consequences of overfeeding?
While it doesn’t seem like much of a problem, overfeeding can have many direct and indirect consequences on your dog’s health, the main one being obesity. Being overweight can have several impacts on a dog’s physical and mental state, such as:
- A shorter life expectancy
- Much higher chance of heart attacks and organ failure
- The extra strain put on muscles and joints, which increases the risk of hip dysplasia, a common problem in springer Spaniels
- Diabetes may mean your dog’s diet has to completely change to avoid sugar and foods that breakdown into glucose
- Breathing trouble and problems with lung capacity as organs are being squashed by fat
- Lack of bladder control – fat squeezes urine out
- Mental health problems – the dog can’t get as much exercise which can impact the brain
Final Thoughts
So how much should a springer spaniel eat? That depends on how old they are, how fast their metabolism is, and what kind of food they’re eating, so the best rule to follow is 2 cups per day.
However, if your dog is smaller or larger than the average size, this can be changed accordingly – make sure that you regularly check up on your dog’s weight and contact a vet if you are worried about anything.
