How Much Should We Feed Our Cocker Spaniel?

by Stefan
(London, England)

How Much Should I Feed My Cocker Spaniel?

How Much Should I Feed My Cocker Spaniel?

We have a 13 months old cocker spaniel, called Macy. We feed her twice a day, approximately 150-200 grams each meal.

Now we are wondering if maybe we are not feeding her enough because she is very often licking her bowl as if she is hungry and always looks for and picks up scrap of food in the street when we take her for walks.

Are we under-feeding her?

Reply from Pauline (Web Owner)

Hi Stefan,

Cocker Spaniels are always hungry - no matter what time of day it is!

We need to be careful not to overfeed them because cockers can easily become obese, especially as the grow older. Overweight dogs are more unhealthy and suffer more illnesses and once those extra pounds are on, they're difficult to move.

The amount you should be feeding your Cocker Spaniel will depend on her age and the stage she's at in her life.

For example, an older dog won't need as much food as a younger dog because its lifestyle will not be as active and therefore will be unable to burn off the equivalent calories.

It also depends upon the type of food you intend to feed your dog and whether or not she's been spayed. (Neutered dogs don't need to eat as much as intact dogs).

If you're feeding your puppy a good quality kibble she will probably need less of it, especially if it's not loaded with fillers such as corn.

Whatever food you feed your cocker, I recommend you follow the advice given on the food manufacturer's packaging. It will advise you how much to feed your puppy depending upon age and/or weight.

I think you're doing the right thing by feeding her twice a day rather than just once - I think it's much better this way.

If you're still not sure, why not ask your veterinarian's practice nurse? I'm sure she'll be only too pleased to advise.

You can read more about feeding your puppy here.

Good luck!

PS: If your puppy is scavenging outdoors, don't forget to worm her regularly.

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starstarstarstarstar 		Lost Her Girly Figure
by: Pauline

Hi Susan,

Cockers tend to gain a little weight as they get older, plus because they're so gorgeous, it too easy to spoil them with titbits and treats. We all do it!

It doesn't sound like you're over-feeding Bella, but my recommendations would be as follows:

Check your dog's food packaging to see what they recommend for her age and weight, and then reduce that slightly. (This is because manufacturers' recommendations are often over-generous - after all, they want to sell more food, more often).

I'd also try to reduce her daily treats and space them out more.

You could try increasing her exercise a little, which will also help get rid of any excess weight.

If you don't see any change within a couple of weeks, you could try speaking to the local veterinary nurse. They may be able to offer you supplementary advice and support.

Good luck to you both!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Bella has Lost her Girly Figure
by: Susan


I have a 1-year-old female spayed cocker spaniel.

In the last few months, she has put on more
weight. In September, she weighed 21 lbs. Now in mid-January, she's 27 lbs.

She eats 1/2 cup of dry kibble twice a day. She has about
5 mini milk bone cookies in a day, along with a
chew bone that takes her about 3 days to chew.

Of course, she'll do anything for food or treats,
which is typical of cockers. She is on Blue buffalo adult
food now.

Should I switch to something else?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Feeding Your Cocker Spaniel
by: Jake

Ha! My cocker spaniel is always hungry, no matter what time of day it is. He's really motivated by food; he'll do anything for a piece of meat or cheese.

He licks his food bowl for what seems like forever after he's finished his dinner. Good job there's not a pattern on his bowl! :)

How much you should be feeding him will be shown on the dog food tin or package. Stick to that and you can't go wrong. I also give my spaniel a dental stick once or twice a week, a biscuit or two during each day (only after he's behaved well) and my wife is always slipping him an extra morsel or two when my back is turned.

He's not overweight so I guess we're doing okay.

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