Cavalier King Charles Spaniel feeding chart: portions by age and weight

Daily portion guide (adult)

These are the WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee’s calorie ranges for an average healthy adult dog in ideal body condition. They are starting points, not a prescription.

WSAVA gives these ranges for guidance only: dogs are individuals, and some need more or fewer calories to stay at an ideal, trim body condition. To turn calories into cups or grams, use the calories per cup or per 100 g printed on your food’s label: daily calories divided by calories per cup gives cups a day. The feeding guide on that label and your vet set the real amount, and your vet adjusts it by body condition: the WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines call for a feeding plan tailored to the individual dog.

Split into 2 meals. Energy needs drop after spaying or neutering (AAHA nutrition guidelines), so ask your vet how much to cut back.

Puppy (8 weeks to 10 months)

Small-breed puppy formula. Meals taper with age: 4 a day until 3 to 4 months old, 3 a day until 6 months, then 2 (Merck Veterinary Manual; Blue Cross). Switch to adult food at about 12 months, when the skeleton has finished growing, with your vet’s go-ahead (AAHA’s 2021 nutrition guidelines: a growth diet until skeletal maturity, about 1 year for small and medium-size dogs).

Senior (from about 9 years)

Senior age here is the last 25% of expected lifespan (AAHA 2019 Canine Life Stage Guidelines), counted from the breed’s median life expectancy in McMillan et al. 2024 (Scientific Reports). Older dogs do not automatically need less food or a senior formula: AAHA notes that energy needs may fall with age, but not consistently. Ask your vet to check weight, muscle and calories. Once MVD is diagnosed, your vet or cardiologist guides any diet change.

What makes feeding a Cavalier different

MVD reality. The ACVIM consensus guidelines treat every Cavalier as at high risk and advise a yearly heart check by the family vet. In the early stages (A and B1) they recommend no dietary treatment. From stage B2 (heart enlargement) they suggest mild sodium restriction with enough protein and calories to hold body condition. Do not switch on your own. Ask your vet.

Keep a lean body condition. Cornell notes that obesity affects nearly every major organ and body system.

Mild brachy. A slow-feeder helps with gulping. Wipe the face after meals.

SM (syringomyelia) considerations. The Kennel Club names syringomyelia among the three main health issues screened for in Cavaliers. Diet does not treat it. Your vet guides diagnosis and care.

Common breed concerns and feeding

• MVD: lean weight + cardiologist-guided diet at advanced stages.
• SM: a vet matter; diet is not specific.
• Obesity: rigorous portion control.
• Brachy-lite: slow-feeder.

Sample daily routine

Adult Cavalier, 16 lb (7 kg):

• 7am: breakfast (slow feeder)
• 7:30am: 20-min walk
• 5pm: 20-min walk
• 6pm: dinner

What to keep track of

• Cardiac symptoms (cough, tiring on walks, fainting).
• Weight monthly.
• Skin folds / eye discharge.
• Neurologic signs (scratching air, yelping: possible SM).

Related

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel vaccination schedule
• Cocker Spaniel feeding
• Havanese feeding
• Pug feeding