Do you have a beautiful Cavalier by your side and want to ensure they eat the best food possible? Look no further; this is the ultimate guide to finding the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are no exception! We’ve researched and tested the top dog food options so your Cavalier can thrive. From nutritional requirements to ingredient quality, we’ve hand-picked the best brands for the specific needs of this breed. Get ready to take your Cavalier’s diet to the next level!
In This Article:
In This Article:
Best Dog Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — At A Glance
Best Overall
Ollie
Made with fresh, human-grade ingredients to offer the most optimal nutrition for your Cavalier.
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What Is The Best Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels?
As a small and gentle breed, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have distinct nutritional needs that require careful consideration. The best food for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is balanced and appropriate for their life stage, health, activity levels (energy needs) and weight (size). This will ensure your Cavalier is healthy, develops appropriately, and can sustain daily activities and bodily functions.
When deciding the best diet for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it’s essential also to consider individual preferences such as taste or food type. Some Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may thrive on high-quality commercial kibble, while others may do better on a human-grade fresh diet or a professionally formulated home-cooked diet.
How to Pick The Best Dog Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
1. Consider The Cavalier’s Nutritional Requirements
The optimal Cavalier King Charles Spaniel diet for nutrition typically includes a combination of the six nutrients they need to thrive: High-quality protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats (fatty acids and omegas), vitamins, minerals, and water.
Protein plays a vital role in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s diet, providing essential amino acids necessary for bodily processes, including the creation of blood glucose for energy. Protein also helps build and repair muscles and other body tissues. It’s needed to make new skin cells and grow hair, hormones, and enzymes. The proteins in your dog’s diet must have a balanced amino acid profile and be provided in appropriate amounts.
Protein dietary recommendations for Cavalier King Charles Spanielfood:
Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 18% dry matter protein (45.0g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. 22.5% dry matter protein (56.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Protein sources for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel food include:
Fats play a crucial, multifaceted role in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s diet. Fats come in two forms: saturated and unsaturated. Both are important in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s diet, but it’s essential to maintain the right balance. Saturated fats, derived from animal sources, enhance the palatability, flavor and texture of your dog’s food and facilitate the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. On the other hand, essential fatty acids, which are unsaturated fats, include Omega-3 (EPA, DHA, and ALA) and Omega-6+9 (LA and AA). These fats are crucial for the development, structure, and function of the body’s cells.
When balanced correctly, they promote healthy skin and coat, support eye health and the nervous system function, regulate hormones, fuel the brain and learning processes, help reduce inflammation, offer insulation and organ protection, support reproductive health, and serve as a reserve for energy storage. Fats are a dense energy source.
Fat dietary recommendations for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel food:
Adult Cavaliers. 5.5% dry matter fat (13.8g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Puppies & Pregnant or Lactating Cavaliers. 8.5% dry matter fat (21.3g for every 1,000 kcal ME).
Fat sources for Cavalier food include:
Meats fats
Fish oils
Olive
Sunflower oil
Canola oils
Dogs need energy for daily activities, growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise. This energy, measured in calories, comes from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Omnivorous animals, including dogs, derive some energy from carbohydrates. Carbohydrates supply glucose needed by the brain, nervous system, and other critical organs for normal function in dogs. Carbohydrates should also include 2.5-4.5% fiber. You can use our dog calorie calculator to find the exact caloric needs of your dog based on his weight. Ensure you follow the 10% rule if feeding treats to your dog. Food would equal 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%.
Carbohydrate sources for Cavalier King Charles Spanielfood include:
Oats
Brown rice
Potatoes
Quinoa
Sweet potatoes
Whole wheat
Minerals in a dog’s diet are indispensable for bone and dental health, nerve function, enzymatic reactions, fluid balance, oxygen transport, and maintaining the body’s pH level, making them essential for overall health and metabolic processes. Proper mineral balance is crucial and should be carefully managed to avoid deficiencies or excesses.
These 12 minerals are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
Iodine
Chlorine
Iron
Copper
Selenium
Manganese
Zinc
Phosphorus
Mineral sources for CavalierKing Charles Spanielfood include:
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin (Magnesium)
Fish (Iodine)
Beef, eggs, and liver (Zinc)
Poultry, nuts, and legumes (Copper)
Bananas and carrots (Potassium)
Chicken and duck (Iron)
Vitamins in a dog’s diet are integral for maintaining overall health and bodily functions. They support vision, immune health, aid in energy metabolism and nervous system function, provide antioxidant benefits, reduce inflammation, prevent diseases and ailments and more. Dogs require vitamins, but only in small amounts, and excessive doses of specific vitamins, like vitamin D, can harm them.
These 12 vitamins are known to be essential nutrients for dogs:
Vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, D, E & K
Riboflavin
Niacin
Folic Acid
Pantothenic Acid
Choline
Vitamin sources for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel food include:
Sweet potatoes and spinach (Vitamin A)
Eggs, chicken, and beef (Vitamin B)
Broccoli (Vitamin C)
Kale and parsley (Vitamin K)
Vegetables (Vitamin E)
Meats and fish (Vitamin D)
Water is vital in a dog’s diet to maintain hydration, support body functions such as digestion, nutrient absorption, and waste excretion, lubricate joints, regulate body temperature, ensure proper organ function, and facilitate metabolic processes. Continuous access to clean water is as crucial as providing nutritious food for overall health and well-being. Generally, Cavaliers should drink 2 to 3 times the amount of their dry food intake daily. However, if water is readily available from various sources, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can naturally regulate water consumption daily.
2. Consider Your Cavalier’s Health Conditions
Nutrition is crucial in managing and preventing common health issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Talk to a veterinarian if your Cavalier is dealing with a health condition. They can recommend the most suitable diet for them. Below are some general dietary tips to help you choose the best dog food or supplement for addressing the most common Cavalier health problems.
Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Cavaliers. This occurs when a dog’s immune system identifies a specific protein, carbohydrate, or other ingredients in their diet as foreign and reacts to it as if it were a harmful substance. Food allergies in Cavaliers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. It’s important to note that food intolerances can also occur. However, intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
To manage or prevent food allergies in Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
Avoid common allergens such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef.
Conducting a dog food allergy test or at-home dog food allergy tests like the 5Strands kit (test for up to 255 ingredients) may help determine food allergies or intolerance in your dog. Use the results to avoid food formulas that contain potential allergens.
Sensitive stomach
Cavaliers can have sensitive digestive systems, a condition where a dog has difficulty digesting certain foods or experiences frequent digestive upset. This can manifest in various symptoms and may be caused by various factors.
To manage or prevent sensitive stomachs in Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
This is a common condition in Cavaliers, which occurs when the joints don’t develop properly and the hip ball does not fit squarely within the socket, resulting in the rubbing of bone against bone, causing pain and lameness.
To manage or prevent hip dysplasia in Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
Glucosamine
Chondroitin
Omega-3 fatty
Food must have the right balance of calcium and phosphorus
Maintain a healthy weight, as excess weight puts additional stress on the joints
Mitral valve disease
This is the most common health condition in Cavaliers. It is a chronic, degenerative heart condition that affects the mitral valve, which separates the heart’s left atrium and left ventricle.
To manage or prevent mitral valve disease in Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
Low sodium diet
L-Carnitine
Taurine
Syringomyelia
This is a neurological condition where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord. It can cause pain, weakness, and loss of coordination.
To manage syringomyeliain Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
Weight management
Glucosamine
Chondroitin
Patellar luxation
This is a common orthopedic condition in which the kneecap dislocates or moves out of its normal position. It can cause lameness, pain, and arthritis.
To manage or prevent patellar luxationin Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
Maintain a healthy weight
Low-impact exercise
Glucosamine
Otitis
Cavaliers are prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears that can trap moisture and debris. Symptoms include itching, discharge, and odor from the ears. While diet alone cannot prevent or cure otitis, a healthy diet can support overall health and potentially reduce the risk of ear infections.
Obesity
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to obesity, leading to joint problems, diabetes, and other health issues.
To manage or prevent obesityin Cavaliers, consider these diet tips:
Portion control
Limit treats
Low-calorie options
Epilepsy
Seizures are common in this breed. The most frequent type of seizure is “Fly Catcher’s Syndrome,” when the dog lunges at imaginary flies.
To manage epilepsyin Cavalier, consider these diet tips:
ketogenic diet
Avoid certain food ingredients (artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors)
Antioxidant-rich foods
3. Consider Your Cavalier’s Activity Level
Provide a diet that suits your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s activity level. This is crucial in maintaining overall health, energy levels, and quality of life.
Inactive
Inactive Cavaliers may be older, have mobility issues, or have a naturally low energy level. They require a diet lower in fat and calories to avoid weight gain. Excess weight can lead to health issues such as diabetes, joint problems, and more.
Moderate Activity
These Cavaliers enjoy daily walks, regular playtime and occasional vigorous activities. They need a balanced proportion of calories, proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. Recipes for “adult maintenance” are usually appropriate.
High Activity
These are working dogs (herding), sports dogs (competition), or those with high energy engaging in strenuous daily activities. They require higher calories and a diet higher in proteins, fats & carbs for muscle recovery & sustained energy.
4. Consider Your Cavalier’s Life Stage
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have specific nutritional needs at different stages of their life. Provide a diet that meets their life stage.
Puppy
Cavalier puppies require a diet higher in calories and nutrients and a high protein count of at least 22% to 32% to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced ratio of calcium and phosphorus in their diet for proper bone growth.
Senior
Senior Cavaliers are less active and have slower metabolisms, requiring fewer calories to maintain a healthy weight. As digestion becomes less efficient with age, easily digestible protein sources and fiber become necessary. Their diet should contain supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to manage or prevent joint problems common in seniors. Protein requirements are about 25-30%.
Adult
Adult Cavaliers require a moderate-calorie and protein diet to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. Adult dog food should typically have a protein content of around 18-25%, depending on their needs and activity level. Caloric and nutrient intake should match their activity level.
Pregnant
Pregnant Cavaliers need more calories, particularly in the last few weeks of pregnancy, to support fetal growth and, later, milk production. Like puppies, lactating Cavaliers need around 22-32% protein content. Protein supports fetal development and later, milk production for nursing.
Why we picked and recommended it:Ollie fresh dog food recipes win the spot for the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This brand uses human-grade ingredients to craft pre-portion recipes delivered directly to your doorstep. Feeding your dog Ollie comes with numerous scientifically-supported health benefits of fresh dog food, including longer lifespans, better digestibility, higher energy levels, and more. Fresh recipes are also ideal for dogs with food allergies, sensitive stomachs, or other dietary concerns because they avoid cheap fillers, additives, and harmful chemicals. Unlike traditional kibble, Ollie is gently cooked from scratch, ensuring all nutritional integrity is retained — this means that your Cavalier will receive the healthiest and most nutritious meal with every serving.
What sets it apart from competitors: Ollie stands out from other dog food brands by taking a personalized approach to nutrition. Many dog food brands offer one-size-fits-all recipes, but Ollie takes the time to create a custom formula for each dog, considering factors like age, health, weight, and activity level to ensure your dog gets the perfect balance of nutrients for their unique needs.
Key Features
Caters to health-specific. Recipes are formulated to address your dog’s health concerns, such as food allergies, tear stains, bad breath, joint issues and more.
Vet-designed. Formulated by board-certified veterinary nutritionists that comply with AAFCO standards.
Excellent sourcing. Ingredients are sourced from reputable food suppliers, local farms, and other human food purveyors that meet USDA standards.
Pros
The level of customization is unmatched
Packaged as daily portions for easy serving
Never use feed-grade ingredients
Cooked in human-grade kitchens
Cons
It’s on the expensive side
Our readers get 50% off their first Ollie order with Canine Bible’s link.
Why we picked and recommended it:A Pup Above Food Cubies dog formula is our top pick for the best dry dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Unlike traditional dry dog food, Unkibble is less processed and has half the cost of fresh dog food. Think of Unkibble as freshly homemade dog food with the convince of kibble without the nasty preservatives, additives, and cheap fillers. It’s perfect for Cavaliers because it’s been formulated to surpass the specific nutritional requirements of most dry dog foods.
What sets it apart from competitors: UnKibble recipes are gently dried using our unique process, which gently dries out whole foods to preserve nutrients and flavor and maximize nutritional integrity. Some recipes use organ meats, one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can give your dog. In fact, entrails contain as many (or more) vitamins, minerals, and other valuable nutrients as lean muscle meat.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Use radically simple ingredients ideal for a picky eater or dog with food allergies.
Superherbs. Boosted with super herbs for join, immunity, digestive support and more.
Pros
Exceeds industry standards
Cheaper than fresh dog food
Crunchy texture
GMO and hormone-free
Custom plans and scoops
Cons
It’s a bit more expensive than traditional kibble. NUTRO Ultra dry dog food is another great alternative if you want a more traditional dry dog food that’s less expensive.
Our readers get 25% off their first order with the code CANINEBIBLE — Use this link to get started.
Why we picked and recommended it: The Gently Cooked Open Farm puppy recipe is the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This puppy-specific formula provides the necessary nutrients for the optimal growth and development of Cavalier puppies, including prebiotic fiber like pumpkin and chicory root, supports healthy digestion and calcium iodate as a source of energy production, and also promotes muscular and cognitive development in puppies.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula is designed specifically for Cavalier puppies and has a purposeful blend of three proteins to help prevent allergies. It also has added collagen for healthy joint development.
Key Features
Human-grade meats. High-quality meats are raised without antibiotics or added hormones.
Superfoods. Boosted with chia seeds, kale, flaxseed and other wholesome ingredients.
Why we picked and recommended it:Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Food has a slightly lower price than other brands. It’s formulated to provide your Cavalier pup with sustained healthy energy from high-quality animal-based proteins. This dog food helps build strong, lean muscles and maintain optimal body conditions. It is made with wholesome ingredients that are easily digestible and provide a balanced diet for adult dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Designed to meet the nutritional needs of purebred Cavaliers 10 months and older. The kibble is designed with a specific shape, size, and texture for the Cavalier’s facial and jaw structures and biting patterns to aid with chewing and digestion.
Key Features
Omega 3. Packed with vitamin A, as well as EPA and DHA (omega-3 fatty acids) from fish oil, to provide skin support and nourish a healthy skin and slky coat.
Cardiac support. Promotes heart health with taurine and L-carnitine for healthy cardiac function.
Bone and joint health. It also contains Glucosamine and chondroitin for strong bones and joint development.
Pros
Formulated for small breed, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive
Cons
It may not be suitable for dogs with severe food allergies or sensitivities, as it is not specifically designed for these conditions
The inclusion of brewer rice and chicken meal and fat may be higher in carbohydrates than some dogs need, which could be a concern for overweight or diabetic dogs
Best Food For Senior Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
4.6
★★★★★
Orijen
Who It’s For: Great senior Cavaliers who need the appropriate nutrients to support them through their older years.
Why we picked and recommended it: Most veterinarians consider a dog a senior once it reaches seven years old. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is in that stage of his life, it might be time to switch to a high-quality senior dog food diet. If you’re concerned about keeping your Cavalier healthy during his older years, Orijin Senior dog food will support long-life vitality. It’s crafted specifically for your senior Cavalier to help them stay healthy by supporting lean muscle mass and weight maintenance.
What sets it apart from competitors: With rich inclusions of a whole prey diet, ORIJEN dog food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition dogs need.
Key Features
Wholeprey diet inclusions. It uses fresh and raw animal ingredients, including meat, organs, cartilage, and bone, nourishing dogs according to their natural and biological needs. Note“ “r”w” in this context means that the ingredients are super-fresh when they arrive at the factory/kitchen. The kibble is cooked by the time it is in the bag. This is high-quality cooked pet food, not raw food.
Bones and joint support. Enhanced with Glucosamine to aid with cartilage wear and tear as your pet ages.
Pros
Protein, including poultry, fish and organs
Freeze-dried coated for a burst of raw flavor
85% quality animal ingredients
Great feedback from senior dog parent
Cons
A bit expensive
Raw Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
4.8
★★★★★
Instinct
Who It’s For: Good for those seeking to provide a more biologically appropriate, natural diet for dogs that offers several health benefits.
Why we picked and recommended it: As more dog parents opt to raw feed their dogs, it’s essential to understand the ins and outs of a raw diet for dogs. If you are in the market for raw dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Instinct Frozen Raw Bites Real Beef Recipe formula is one of our top picks for the best raw dog food delivery brands. This formula is protein-packed with 85% meat and organs and 15% wholesome non-GMO fruits, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals to give your Cavalier a complete BARF diet. It’s minimally processed, never cooked, pure, natural nutrition to keep your best friend strong.
What sets it apart from competitors: Raw dog food may benefit your dog with a shinier coat and skin, cleaner teeth, more energy, smaller stools and more. Instinct Raw states that raw dog nutrition can promote strong, lean muscles and energize your pup.
Pros
Helps with allergies and weight management
Ingredients are frozen to maintain the highest nutritional profile
Cold-pressure processing to keep the nutrients and taste intact
Cons
Needs to be kept frozen until it’s your pet’s mealtime
Not as convenient as feeding dry dog food. Open Farm freeze-dried raw dog food is an excellent alternative for a more convenient way to feed raw
It’s slightly more expensive than traditional kibble, but you can buy raw food budget
Best Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels With Sensitive Stomachs
4.7
★★★★★
Hill’s
Who It’s For: Ideas for those looking for the best food for Cavaliers with sensitive stomachs.
Why we picked and recommended it:Hill’s Science Diet For Sensitive Stomach & Skin is formulated to protect Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with sensitive tummies and skin. It’s made with easily digestible ingredients, including barley, beet pulp, and brown rice and contains no soy, wheat, or artificial that can cause upsets or skin flare-ups on your Cavalier.
What sets it apart from competitors: Specialized formula fortified with prebiotics fiber for healthy digestion, sensitive stomachs and immune health. Prebiotic fiber nourishes healthy intestinal bacteria.
Key Features
Omega-6. Excellent source of omega-6 fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and help maintain a healthy, shiny coat.
Highly digestible. The food is gentle on the stomach.
Pros
Supports a balanced gut microbiome in your grown dog
No artificially colored, flavored, or preserved
Cons
Not recommended for puppies and pregnant or nursing dogs
15% may still be sensitive to this diet. Another option is going fresh with a more premium option like JustFoodForDogs Balanced Remedy. Its plain composition of a single protein source, single starch source, and low-fat levels make it perfect for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Best Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels With Allergies
4.7
★★★★★
Royal Canin
Who It’s For: Excellent for Cavaliers suffering from skin allergies, food allergies, or food intolerance.
Why we picked and recommended it:Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed Protein is the best hypoallergenic dog formula you feed an allergic Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This vet-exclusive prescription formula helps dogs with itching, hair loss, skin allergies and digestive upset. It’s also highly digestible and supports gastrointestinal and dermatological health.
What sets it apart from competitors: This formula uses hydrolyzed soy protein (non-animal protein). Hydrolyzed protein is made by a process known as hybridization, which breaks down proteins to a size less likely to be recognized by the immune system, effectively stopping allergic reactions.
Key Features
Limited ingredients. Its limited ingredients also make it great against allergies. They use one single source of carbohydrates.
Supports GI health. Contains a special blend of fibers and prebiotics.
Pros
Specially designed for canines with food intolerances or allergies
Helps to reduce skin and GI reactions caused by proteins
Support healthy skin and help reduce inflammation
Cons
A bit expensive
Requires vet authorization. While we recommend Royal Canine Veterinary for the best results, unfortunately, it requires a prescription. If you can’t wait to visit your vet or don’t have the budget to afford it, ACANA Lamb & Pumpkin Limited Ingredient Diet can also help with allergies and does not require a prescription.
Best Grain-Free Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
4.7
★★★★★
Open Farm
Who It’s For: Ideal for Cavaliers with grain allergies or sensitivities.
Why we picked and recommended it:Open Farm grain-free small breed dry dog food is your best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel grain-free kibble. We picked it because they skip the grain, corn, soy, and wheat in favor of science-backed superfoods like non-GMO pumpkin, carrot, leafy greens, and coconut oil for a balanced and complete diet that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to support Cavaliers nutritional needs.
What sets it apart from competitors: It’s made responsibly from ethically sourced, humanely raised meats and sustainable ingredients free from antibiotics, hormones, and artificial preservatives, making it one of the most sustainable dog food brands.
Key Features
Small breed-specific. Formulated for higher metabolic rates in smaller breeds
100% traceable ingredients. Instantly trace the origin of every ingredient in your bag via their website.
Premium ingredients. Locally sourced non-GMO fruits and veggies.
Why we picked and recommended it:JustFoodForDogs Pantry Fresh is our favorite wet food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. This food is a convenient and healthy option for dog owners who want to feed their dogs soft-textured meals and keep them hydrated, especially those in warmer climates. Unlike traditional canned wet dog food, JustFoodForDogs uses only ingredients fit for human consumption to ensure the highest quality nutrition. Additionally, they use a unique cooking process to make Pantry Fresh preserve the nutritional value and taste of the ingredients, making it a nutritious and tasty option for dogs.
What sets it apart from competitors: Aside from traditional flavors, they have specialized wet food for targeting health-specific problems, including joint, skin, sensitive stomach, renal, appetite loss, metabolism and liver function.
Key Features
Ready-to-serve nutrition. A team of veterinarians and canine specialists formulate every recipe.
Gently cooked. This process maximizes the nutritional value and promotes a healthy immune system.
Travel friendly. 2-year shelf life and transportable Tetra Pak® packaging make it easy to store and travel with.
Pros
USDA-certified meats
Organ meats
A convenient way for busy people to feed their dogs a fresh diet
A variety pack for picky eaters
Provides the benefits of fresh dog food
Cons
More expensive than traditional wet dog food
Other Best Dog Foods For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Best dehydrated dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.The Honest Kitchen Dehydrated Gourmet is our favorite dehydrated food. Dehydrated food is often easier for Cavalier to digest. Additionally, if your dog has dental problems or is missing teeth, dehydrated dog food can be easier for them to eat than traditional kibble.
Best food topper for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.Portland Pet Food Company Human offers a fantastic variety of tasty fresh dog food flavors you can add as a topper to your dog’s kibble meals.
Best health-specific custom diet food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.JustFoodForDogs makes creating a custom recipe for your fur baby easy. They work with your veterinarian to create a custom recipe if your Cavalier has a medical need for a restricted diet.
Best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog food to lose weight.Natural Balance Fat Dogs Low is excellent if your Cavalier needs to lose weight.
Best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog food to gain weight. With 484 calories per cup, Purina Pro Plan Performance is ideal for helping your Cavalier gain lean muscle mass.
How to Switch Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Food
Veterinarians recommend a gradual approach when changing your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s diet to a new formula.
Week 1: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 2: 50% new food and 50% old food
Week 3: 25% new food and 75% old food
Week 4: 100% new food
Increase your Cavalier’s new food portion weekly if they adjust well to each transition phase. Watch their reaction to the new diet carefully; discontinue the new food immediately if any negative responses are observed. Never change your dog’s food abruptly. It could cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Health-Based Food Changes In Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is struggling with the following health conditions, adopting a new diet or adding supplements can be beneficial to get these dog-related issues under control.
Condition
Dietary Needs & Adjustments
Coat Color Changes
Increase amino acids which can be found in protein (>75 grams per 1000 calories)
Concurrent GI Signs
Avoid foods with tryptamine and histamine, such as dairy, fermented vegetables, and meats (yes, this includes bacon); try a simple ingredient food trial.
Chronic Itching and Dermatitis
Fortify the diet with Vitamin E, B Vitamins, Zinc, omega-6, and the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil; add a dog probiotic; try a simple ingredient food trial.
Dull Coat and Scaling
Adjust EPA and DHA levels in the diet (added fish oil being the most common way); try food with added zinc.
Dandruff and Crustiness
Add Zinc and Vitamin A levels
Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do well with two meals per day—morning and evening. Puppies should be fed three to four times a day.
Cavaliers can eat a grain-free diet as long as your vet approves. The question of whether grain-free diets are good for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or any dog breed has been a topic of debate among pet owners, veterinarians, and nutrition experts. The best choice depends on the individual dog’s health, nutritional needs, and any specific allergies or sensitivities. The FDA has been investigating a potential link between grain-free diets and an increased risk of DCM, a serious heart condition, in dogs. While the research is ongoing and no direct causation has been established, the concern has led many pet owners and veterinarians to reconsider the use of grain-free diets, especially those high in legumes like peas and lentils, which are often used as replacements for grains.
Signs of food allergies include itching, excessive grooming, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your dog has a food allergy, consult your veterinarian. They may recommend an elimination diet to identify the allergen.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, like all dog breeds, have specific dietary needs and sensitivities. Certain foods that are harmless or even healthy for humans can be toxic or dangerous for dogs. Here is a list of foods that Cavaliers (and dogs in general) should not eat:
Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can lead to heart issues, seizures, and in severe cases, death.
Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
Onions and Garlic: All forms (raw, cooked, powder) can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Xylitol: A sweetener found in many sugar-free products, including gum and peanut butter, can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia.
Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol, including foods that contain alcohol, can be toxic to dogs.
Caffeine: Present in coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain soft drinks and energy drinks, caffeine can be dangerous, leading to restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.
Yeast Dough: Can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system, causing pain and potentially causing the intestines or stomach to rupture.
Bones (especially cooked bones): Can splinter and cause choking or serious damage to the dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines.
Fatty Foods: High-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.
Salty Foods: Excessive salt intake can cause excessive thirst, urination, and even sodium ion poisoning.
Dairy Products: Many dogs are lactose intolerant and can have trouble digesting milk and other dairy products, leading to digestive upset.
Corn on the Cob: The cob can cause a blockage in a dog’s intestine, which is a serious emergency and can be fatal.
Always monitor your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s diet closely and avoid feeding them these harmful foods. If you suspect your dog has ingested any toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital immediately. It’s also a good practice to consult with your vet about safe and healthy treats and foods that are appropriate for your specific pet.
Best Dog Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — Conclusion
In summary, selecting the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels is essential to ensure optimal health and longevity. This article has provided an in-depth analysis of various dog food options suitable for this particular breed. We have narrowed the choices by considering ingredients, nutritional content, and breed-specific needs to help you make an informed decision. We encourage you to thoroughly read this article and make the most appropriate selection for your Cavalier with your vet’s guidance.
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