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8 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

cocker spaniel eating

Despite being the smallest dog in the sporting dog family, Cocker Spaniels make a big impact on dog lovers and owners with their adorable appearance and sweet disposition. When it comes to feeding your Cocker Spaniel, you’ll want dog food that best supports keeping your dog’s silky coat vibrant and provides balanced nutrients for your dog’s active lifestyle.

We understand the importance of finding the best dog food to help your beloved Cocker Spaniel stay strong, fit, and well. That’s why we specifically selected the top dog food choices with their unique needs in mind.

We ranked our list of dog foods and provided reviews to help you make the best choice for your dog. We’ve also added quick-reference pros and cons lists and a buyer’s guide for more tips on purchasing high-quality dog food for your Cocker Spaniel.

Divider 5A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Ollie Baked Dog Food Subscription Ollie Baked Dog Food Subscription
  • Made in the USA
  • AAFCO-approved recipes
  • High in protein
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Taste of The Wild Dry Dog Food Taste of The Wild Dry Dog Food
  • High-quality ingredients
  • Dogs like the flavor
  • Includes probiotics
  • Third place
    ORIJEN Dry Dog Food ORIJEN Dry Dog Food
  • Biologically appropriate formula
  • Protein-rich meal
  • Most dogs like the taste
  • Castor & Pollux Puppy Dry Food Castor & Pollux Puppy Dry Food
  • Certified organic
  • Affordable
  • Blend of superfoods
  • Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Breed Dog Food Royal Canin Cocker Spaniel Breed Dog Food
  • Specially designed kibble shape
  • Taurine, EPA, and DHA
  • Hard texture
  • The 8 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels

    1. Ollie Baked Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

    Ollie gently baked chicken and carrot recipe dog food bag

    Ollie is another start-up company that has found a following with pet parents who enjoy the convenience of a delivery subscription. The website walks you through the process of selecting a recipe based on some questions about your dog. They offer two lines, fresh and baked. Overall, the Baked Chicken Recipe is our choice for the best dog food for Cocker Spaniels.

    This dog food ticks off many boxes we like to see in these products. It is AAFCO-approved, which means you’re giving your Cocker Spaniel a complete and balanced diet. It also contains added taurine, which is significant since this breed is susceptible to canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) associated with a deficiency in this chemical compound.

    However, there are a few red flags. The food is grain-free, which might be a risk factor for DCM. That also applies to the peas and pea flour in the top six ingredients in the recipe. It’s worth noting that “human-grade” is not an official term for pet food. On the positive side, it is high in protein and exceeds the AAFCO’s recommendations for the minimum intake of 18% for adult dogs.

    Remember that Cocker Spaniels are prone to weight gain. We suggest carefully monitoring your pet’s diet and body condition, given its fat content and calories. You should also discuss changing your pup’s food with your veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s DCM risk.

    Pros
    • Made in the USA
    • AAFCO-approved nutrition
    • Added taurine
    • Generally clean ingredients
    Cons
    • Grain-free isn’t ideal for some dogs
    • Peas are a questionable ingredient

    2. Taste of The Wild Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Taste of The Wild

    Taste of The Wild grain-free dry dog food is a good budget option for your Cocker Spaniel. At an affordable price, this dog food provides balanced nutrition best suited for small breeds such as Cocker Spaniels and high-quality ingredients from trusted, sustainable sources.

    Taste of the Wild lives up to its name, with real venison as the first ingredient. Not only do most dogs like the flavor, but it also supplies optimal protein and amino acids. Plus, this dry dog food contains essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants provided through superfoods, as well as a fatty acid blend for improved skin and coat.

    Taste of the Wild also provides for your dog’s digestive tract by including species-specific probiotics. It’s made grain-free, with no corn, wheat, fillers, or artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Be aware, however, that the FDA is investigating a link between canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and grain-free dog food.

    Pros
    • Best value
    • Balanced nutrition
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Dogs like the flavor
    • Optimal protein and amino acids
    • Contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids
    • Includes probiotics for better digestion
    • No corn, wheat, fillers, or artificial additives
    Cons
    • Grain free may be linked to certain heart issues, according to the FDA

    3. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food

    ORIJEN High-Protein

    We chose Orijen high-protein dry dog food for its superior ingredients and biologically appropriate formula. Although you will pay a significantly higher price for this dry dog food, your Cocker Spaniel will be treated to fresh, raw, whole animal ingredients that match your dog’s natural nutritional needs.

    Ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, grass-fed lamb, Yorkshire pork, and wild-caught mackerel are delivered fresh and raw to Orijen’s kitchen in Kentucky, where they are minimally processed to contain meat, organs, cartilage, and bone in the dog food. The result is a protein-rich meal that provides a natural source of nutrients and a taste most dogs love.

    While two-thirds of this dog food is animal-based, the remaining third comes from vegetables and fruit sourced from Kentucky farms and orchards and delivered fresh and whole. Keep in mind that this dog food is grain-free, which may be linked to certain health issues.

    Pros
    • Biologically appropriate formula
    • Superior quality ingredients
    • Fresh, raw, whole animal ingredients for a protein-rich meal
    • Naturally supplies nutrients
    • Fresh, whole, locally sourced fruits, and vegetables
    • Most dogs like the taste
    Cons
    • Very expensive
    • Grain free may be linked to certain heart issues, according to the FDA

    4. Castor & Pollux Puppy Dry Food

    Castor & Pollux Puppy Dry Food

    If you’re looking to feed your Cocker Spaniel puppy a certified organic option offered at an affordable price, then you may to consider Castor & Pollux Organix. This grain-free puppy dry dog food has the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that your growing puppy craves, without the extra additives and preservatives that your puppy doesn’t need.

    Castor & Pollux Organix lists its first ingredient as organic, free-range chicken. The remaining ingredients include a blend of superfoods loaded with important nutrients. Also, this dry dog food is made with DHA to ensure the healthy development of your puppy.

    We found that while most puppies seem to like and can easily eat the small, round shapes of this dry dog food, other puppies don’t care for the flavor. Also, this dog food has grain-free alternative ingredients, which may be linked to health issues.

    Pros
    • Certified organic
    • Affordable price
    • First ingredient: organic, free-range chicken
    • Blend of superfoods
    • Supplies essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
    • Formulated for your puppy’s dietary needs
    • Made with DHA
    • Kibble size and shape ideal for puppies
    Cons
    • Some puppies do not like the flavor
    • Grain-free may be linked to certain heart issues, according to the FDA

    5. Royal Canin Breed Dog Food

    Royal Canin 418130

    Another great selection of the best overall dog food for your Cocker Spaniel goes to Royal Canin. This dry dog food is specifically and uniquely formulated to meet the nutritional needs of adult Cocker Spaniels over one year old.

    While you will pay more for this high-quality dry dog food, Royal Canin addresses specific issues for your Cocker Spaniel, right down to the structure of the kibble. Each piece of kibble has a shape and a texture designed with your Cocker Spaniel’s broad muzzle and square jaw in mind, making it easier to pick up and to chew. We did find that older dogs may be challenged by the hardness of the kibble, however.

    Many Cocker Spaniels tend to put on weight, which is why this dog food provides a balanced formula to prevent this issue. Royal Canin includes taurine, as well as EPA and DHA from fish oil, to promote healthy heart function. It also incorporates essential nutrients to support skin and coat health.

    Pros
    • Specifically formulated for Cocker Spaniels
    • Specially designed kibble shape
    • Balanced nutrition to prevent weight gain
    • Taurine, EPA, and DHA to promote heart health
    • Essential nutrients for skin and coat health
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Older dogs may have difficulty with hard texture

    6. Merrick Salmon & Sweet Potato Grain-Free Dog Food

    Merrick 38380

    Made with your dog’s whole health in mind, Merrick dog food offers your dog balanced nutrition and high-quality ingredients. With deboned fish, poultry, or meat as its first ingredient, your dog will receive the protein needed to support their active lifestyle.

    Formulated with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, Merrick dog food maintains the health of your dog’s skin and coat. It’s made with glucosamine and chondroitin, which helps your dog’s hip and joint function. This dry dog food is also made with whole fruits and vegetables for natural nutrition. Most dogs like the flavor.

    Merrick dog food is grain-free and does not contain preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or gluten. Be aware that there may be a link between grain-free food and certain health issues.

    Pros
    • Balanced nutrition
    • Wholesome, high-quality ingredients
    • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat
    • Contains glucosamine and chondroitin for hips and joints
    • Made with whole fruits and vegetables
    • Most dogs like the flavor
    • No preservatives, fillers, corn, wheat, soy, or gluten
    Cons
    • Grain free may be linked to certain heart issues, according to the FDA

    7. Zignature Trout & Salmon Meal Dog Food

    Zignature 31020

    Formulated with your dog’s natural biological dietary needs in mind, Zignature dry dog food supplies your Cocker Spaniel with a meal high in protein and rich in nutrients. It also contains essential omega fatty acids, powerful antioxidants, and wholesome low glycemic carbohydrates.

    With a meat-first philosophy, Zignature always makes its first ingredient a fish or animal source. It offers your Cocker Spaniel a dry dog formula that is hypoallergenic, with no corn, wheat gluten, soy, or dairy. Zignature insists on being 100% chicken-free, which includes all types and forms of chicken products.

    Interestingly, we found that a large number of dog owners report that their dog’s frequent ear infections are reduced or eliminated by eating this dog food. It also has a flavor most dogs enjoy, though it is rather expensive.

    Zignature is a grain-free product. Be aware of the potential health issues linked to grain-free dog food.

    Pros
    • Naturally formulated for your dog’s biological dietary needs
    • High in protein and rich in nutrients
    • Contains fatty acids, antioxidants, and low-glycemic carbohydrates
    • First ingredient is a fish or animal source
    • Hypoallergenic with no corn, wheat gluten, soy, dairy, or chicken
    • May help if your dog suffers from ear infections
    • Most dogs like the flavor
    Cons
    • Rather expensive
    • Grain-free may be linked to certain heart issues, according to the FDA

    8. Natural Balance Diets Dry Dog Food

    Natural Balance 42037

    The limited ingredients in Natural Balance dry food help dogs with sensitivities avoid unpleasant reactions. Made with high-quality protein to support strong muscles, Natural Balance also includes natural fiber to promote healthy digestion, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

    With its limited ingredient list that only includes the finest protein and carbohydrate sources, Natural Balance has no fillers, no poultry by-products, and no artificial flavors or colors. However, it does contain preservatives.

    Despite being higher in price, this dog food does not contain certain helpful ingredients found in other dog foods, such as fatty acids, glucosamine, chondroitin, and DHA. Also, this dog food’s first ingredient is sweet potatoes rather than a source of protein. It is grain-free, which is possibly linked to certain health issues.

    Pros
    • Limited ingredients help dogs with food sensitivities
    • High-quality protein source
    • Provides natural fiber to promote healthy digestion
    • Contains essential vitamins and minerals
    • No fillers, poultry by-products, or artificial additives
    Cons
    • Contains preservatives
    • Higher in price
    • Does not contain certain helpful ingredients
    • Lists sweet potato as its first ingredient
    • Grain-free may be linked to certain heart issues, according to the FDA

    Divider 2Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels

    After reading through our reviews, you may still have questions about which dog food is best for your Cocker Spaniel. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll go over important health issues related specifically to Cocker Spaniels and their diets. Hopefully, we can help you find the best dog food to keep your Cocker Spaniel healthy, active, and well.

    Cocker Spaniel
    Image credit: Katrina_S, Pixabay

    Nourish Your Cocker Spaniel

    Every Cocker Spaniel’s diet needs a nutritional balance of protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Your dog food should supply an optimum amount of ingredients from each of these categories in order for your dog to gain a variety of benefits.

    Protein for Strength

    Protein builds muscle, keeps bones strong, and promotes a fit body weight. Sources of protein should only include high-quality fish and meats and never any by-products.

    Important Fats and Fatty Acids

    Fats (including omega fatty acids), in the proper proportion, supply what your Cocker Spaniel needs for a shiny coat, as well as healthy skin and clear eyes. They protect against arthritis and keep hips and joints in top condition. The fatty acid DHA also supports brain development in puppies.

    Carbohydrates for Energy

    Good carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables — as well as certain grains, including rice, barley, or oatmeal — give your active Cocker Spaniel what they need to maintain their energy levels. Carbs also provide your dog with fiber, which aids digestion. However, for obvious reasons, avoid certain carbohydrates that produce gas.

    Vitamins and Minerals for Optimal Health

    Finally, essential vitamins and minerals, along with additional supplements, can boost your Cocker Spaniel’s immunity and support their overall health. Glucosamine and chondroitin help restore mobility in joints.

    Health Issues and Diet

    From puppies through advanced adulthood, your Cocker Spaniel’s dietary needs will grow and change. It’s important to be aware of the common health concerns that may occur with this dog breed. A diet tailored for your Cocker Spaniel’s health issues can make a big impact on their overall health.

    cocker spaniel dog eating
    Image Credit: O_Lypa, Shutterstock

    Puppy Food

    Puppies require food specifically formulated for their growing bodies. As mentioned, look for DHA in your puppy chow to ensure improved brain development.

    Keep Your Cocker Spaniel Fit

    Cocker Spaniels tend to put on excessive weight as they age, so you’ll need to give your Cocker Spaniel smaller portions. To make the most of the reduced amount of food, make sure you provide good quality dog food that’s highly nutritious.

    Avoiding Ear Infections

    Cocker spaniels also suffer from frequent ear infections. While not always the case, a food allergy could be to blame. Allergies vary from dog to dog, but some dog foods are specially formulated to reduce allergic reactions.

    Joint Health

    Finally, as your Cocker Spaniel ages, they may develop hip and joint issues. Look for dog foods that contain glucosamine. Chondroitin is another helpful ingredient for easing joint pain and improving lessened mobility.

    The Grain-Free Warning: What You Need to Know

    Cocker Spaniels have the predisposition to develop dilated cardiomyopathy, abbreviated as DCM. This canine heart disease weakens the heart muscle.

    In a July 2019 special report, the FDA issued a report that potentially links grain-free dog food to the development of DCM. It’s important to note that the FDA has no direct evidence.

    The FDA is continuing to research this potential health risk to dogs in close coordination with veterinary cardiologists and nutritionists. Recent research suggests that the link may be partially due to the unusual ingredients used to replace the grains in dog foods.

    Our best advice is to consult your veterinarian for the most recent findings and how to adapt your Cocker Spaniel’s diet to their specific needs.

    Divider 5

    Final Thoughts

    Our recommendation for the best overall dog food in quality and in price goes to Ollie Baked Dog Food since it is AAFCO approved, is an excellent option for all life stages, and is delivered straight to your door on a schedule of your choosing.

    The Taste of The Wild Grain Free Dry Dog Food earned our second-place pick for being the best value. For a great price, you won’t compromise on quality with balanced nutrition and top-notch ingredients. Taste of the Wild provides a natural source of protein and amino acids and has a flavor most dogs enjoy. It contains essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids, as well as probiotics for better digestion. It’s made with no corn, wheat, filler, or artificial additives.

    We selected ORIJEN High-Protein Dry Dog Food as our premium choice due to its biologically appropriate formula and superior quality ingredients. With this exceptionally high-quality dog food, your Cocker Spaniel will be treated to fresh, raw, whole animal ingredients for a protein-rich meal. Fresh, whole, and locally sourced fruits and vegetables naturally supply additional nutrients. Also, most dogs like the taste.

    Your Cocker Spaniel has specific needs when it comes to their choice of food. We hope that our thorough reviews of the best dog foods for Cocker Spaniels, quick-reference pros and cons lists, and informative buyer’s guide have helped you find the best dog food for your Cocker Spaniel. With the right diet, your Cocker Spaniel can lead a healthy and fit life for many years.


    Featured Image Credit: Switlana Sonyashna, Shutterstock

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