Cocker Spaniels have a very simple diet. Their diet should include a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as meat.
Their calorie requirements, however, vary according to their activity level. An average Cocker Spaniel should consume 250 calories per day. Do you feed your Cocker Spaniel the right amount? Let’s take a look.
How much should a Cocker Spaniel eat?
Due to their smaller size, Cocker Spaniels require less food than other large dog breeds. It is recommended to feed a Cocker Spaniel approximately 2-3 cups or 180-350 grams per day. You may divide this volume into smaller meals throughout the day or you may consume one large meal at lunch.
Table of Contents
You should always feed your Cocker Spaniel fresh, healthy food. More information about what to feed your dog can be found in our full list of recommended dog foods.
Size and activity level are important factors in determining a Cocker Spaniel’s calorie needs.
When kept mostly indoors, a Cocker Spaniel should consume between 250 calories per day. This includes their regular diet as well as any additional snacks they might enjoy.
Typically, a Cocker Spaniel who spends a lot of time running around or playing fetch will need 300 calories a day.
They need to eat at least 200 grams of food a day to burn calories. However, the amount of food they consume may vary depending on their age, weight, and activity level. The following are some examples.
2 to 3 week old Cocker Spaniel:
Cocker Spaniels are still developing their diet at around 2 to 3 weeks of age. They should weigh between 2 and 2.5 pounds at 2 to 3 weeks old. Your Cocker Spaniel will need 125 calories a day if they are medium active.
Therefore, a 2 to 3 week old Cocker Spaniel needs at least 150 grams of food a day. You can divide your food into two meals a day. In addition, they should drink plenty of water.
4 to 5 week old Cocker Spaniel:
A Cocker Spaniel’s diet becomes more developed between four and five weeks of age. Their weight should be between 3 and 4 pounds and their level of activity should be medium.
Cocker Spaniels between 4 and 5 weeks of age require 180 calories a day. You can give them one large meal in the morning and two smaller snacks in the afternoon and late at night if they need at least 175 grams of food daily.
It is also important for them to drink enough water.
6 to 7 week old Cocker Spaniel:
A 6- to 7-week-old Cocker Spaniel will weigh roughly 4.5 to 5 pounds. With medium-level activity, they will require 190 calories a day.
Therefore, they will need at least 210 grams of food split into three meals, or you can give them one large meal in the morning and two smaller ones in the afternoon and late at night.
8 to 9 week old Cocker Spaniel:
An 8 to 9 week old Cocker Spaniel will weigh between 5.5 and 6 pounds. It is estimated they will require 200 calories per day since they are now medium-highly active.
Thus, they will need to consume at least 240 grams of food every three hours, including breakfast and two afternoon snacks.
10 to 11 week old Cocker Spaniel:
In the first 10 to 11 weeks of their lives, the Cocker Spaniel will weigh between 6.5 and 7 pounds and be at a high level of activity. Approximately 200 calories are required per day for them.
Therefore, they should eat at least 280 grams of food spread over three meals or one big breakfast and two smaller snacks during the afternoon and night.
The size and activity of Cocker Spaniels are increasing at this age, so some owners choose to give them less food.
3 month old Cocker Spaniel:
At 3 months old, the Cocker Spaniel will weigh between 10 and 12 pounds and be medium-low active.
Their daily calorie requirement will be 210. Therefore, they must consume at least 300 grams of food every day, divided into three meals or one large meal. Furthermore, they must consume around 30 grams of protein every day.
The Cocker Spaniels are growing and becoming more active at this age, so some owners choose to give them less food at this stage.
4 month old Cocker Spaniel:
Upon reaching 4 months of age, the Cocker Spaniel will weigh between 12 and 14 pounds and be medium-highly active. A daily caloric intake of 220-230 calories is required.
That means they will need at least 330 grams of food divided into three meals or one big meal in the morning and two smaller snacks in the afternoon and late at night.
As your Cocker Spaniel becomes more active, he or she will need more calories and food. Ensure that the list includes enough vegetables and water.
5 month old Cocker Spaniel:
Cocker Spaniels weigh around 14 to 16 pounds at 5 months of age, and they are very active. Each day, they will need about 230 calories. Therefore, they will need at least 350 grams of the food.
Make sure they get enough water and protein as well. At this age, most Cocker Spaniels require around 40 grams of protein per day.
6 month old Cocker Spaniel:
At 6 months old, the Cocker Spaniel weighs around 16 to 18 pounds and is very active. Each day, they need 240 calories.
Therefore, they will need at least 360 grams of food spread over three meals or one big meal in the morning and two smaller snacks in the afternoon and late at night.
If your dog is more active, you may need to increase the food. Feed your dog less if he is not active.
7 month old Cocker Spaniel:
A 7-month-old Cocker Spaniel will weigh between 18 and 20 pounds and be highly active. Each day, they will need 250 calories. Therefore, they will require at least 370 grams of food in three meals or two small snacks at midday and late at night.
8 month old Cocker Spaniel:
Cocker Spaniels weigh around 20 to 22 pounds at 8 months of age and are very active. They will need around 250 calories a day.
The amount of food they need is at least 380 grams. But be careful as they may become overweight if not kept under control. Living in a hot climate will also mean they require more food.
9 month old Cocker Spaniel:
A 9-month-old Cocker Spaniel should weigh between 22 and 24 pounds and be very active.
Each day, they will need 260 calories. Therefore, they will need at least 390 grams of the food. It is important to keep them under control, otherwise, they may become overweight.
10 month old Cocker Spaniel:
Cocker Spaniels weigh between 24 and 26 pounds at 10 months of age and are very active.
A daily calorie intake of 270-290 is necessary for them. They will need at least 400 grams of food divided into three meals or one big meal in the morning and two smaller snacks in the afternoon and late at night.
Cocker Spaniel feeding chart:
| Age | Expected dog Weight (pounds) | The recommended amount of food per day (gram & cups) | Daily calorie intake | Feeding frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks | 2 | 125g/1 cup | 150 | 2 |
| 3 weeks | 3.5 | 150g/1.25 cup | 160 | 2 |
| 4 weeks | 4 | 175g/1.5 cup | 170 | 2 |
| 5 weeks | 4.5 | 180g/1.5 cup | 175 | 2-3 |
| 6 weeks | 5 | 210g/1.75 cup | 180 | 2-3 |
| 7 weeks | 5.5 | 240g/1.75 cup | 190 | 3 |
| 8 week or 2 months | 6 | 250g/2 cups | 200 | 3 |
| 9 weeks | 7 | 260g/2 cups | 205 | 3 |
| 10 weeks | 8 | 270g/2 cups | 210 | 3 |
| 11 weeks | 9 | 280g/2.25 cups | 215 | 3 |
| 12 week or 3 months | 10 | 300g/2.25 cups | 220 | 3 |
| 4 months | 12 | 330g/2.5 cups | 230 | 3 |
| 5 months | 14 | 350g/2.5 cups | 230 | 3 |
| 6 months | 16 | 360g/2.5 cups | 240 | 3-4 |
| 7 months | 18 | 370g/2.5 cups | 250 | 3-4 |
| 8 months | 20 | 380g/2.75 cups | 250 | 3-4 |
| 9 months | 22 | 390g/3 cups | 260 | 3-4 |
| 10 months | 24 | 400g/3 cups | 270-290 | 3-4 |
Are you overfeeding your Cocker Spaniel or not feeding enough?
Your Cocker Spaniel’s weight is the best indicator of whether or not they are overfed or underfed.
You may be providing too much food to your dog if he is getting too fat. Conversely, if their weight stays constant and they don’t seem to be gaining any extra pounds, they may be eating enough.
Divide your dog’s daily caloric intake by 2-3 (depending on his size and activity level) to determine if he needs more calories.
His diet might need to be adjusted if he falls within this range but looks like he could use a bit more. You may need to feed your Cocker Spaniel more if he does not put on any extra pounds and his weight stays consistent.
To ensure he gets all the nutrients he needs, gradually increases his caloric intake over several weeks.
When your dog constantly loses weight or isn’t active despite eating enough, it may have health issues. You should contact a vet right away if your dog is consistently losing weight.
How frequently to feed your Cocker Spaniel?
For their energy levels and physical activity, Cocker Spaniels require a high-quality diet. It is recommended that they consume two or three large meals per day, along with snacks as needed.
You can, however, give your dog an additional meal every other day if they are constantly active.
Puppies need high-quality food with plenty of protein, fat, and vitamins to grow and develop. Feed your Cocker Spaniel 2-3 times per day. It will provide him with the nutrients he needs.
Overfeeding your dog can lead to obesity or other health problems. Ensure that his food contains all the essential vitamins and minerals.
Recommended feeding time:
You should feed your Cocker Spaniel between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cocker Spaniels usually eat two or three large meals a day along with snacks.
Depending on how active your dog is, you can give him one additional meal every other day if he requires more frequent feedings than this. Keep your dog’s water fresh and clean to maintain his health and well-being.
Final Thoughts
Cocker Spaniels require a high-quality diet to maintain their energy levels and physical activity level. Cocker Spaniels require 180 to 350 grams of quality food and water per day. You may give an additional meal every other day to dogs that are constantly active.