Feeding · Sporting group
Cocker Spaniel Feeding Chart: Portions by Age and Weight
Cockers are obesity-prone and allergy-prone (often ear-related). Here's the portion chart with breed-specific feeding.
Cockers are obesity-prone and notoriously prone to recurrent ear infections — often the surface symptom of underlying food allergies. Feeding rules center on lean body, allergy management, and ear-health-via-diet.
Daily portion guide (adult)
| Adult weight | Low activity | Moderate activity |
|---|---|---|
| 22 lb (10 kg) | 1 cup | 1 ¼ cups |
| 26 lb (12 kg) | 1 ¼ cups | 1 ½ cups |
| 30 lb (14 kg) | 1 ½ cups | 1 ¾ cups |
Split into 2 meals. Reduce 10% for neutered.
Puppy (8 weeks - 12 months)
Standard puppy formula. 3-4 meals until 4 months, then 2-3.
Senior (8+ years)
Adult -10%. Joint support; ear and eye care critical.
What makes feeding a Cocker different
Recurrent ear infections = often food allergy. Cockers’ floppy ears trap moisture; food allergies cause inflammation that compounds the problem. If your Cocker has ear infections more than 1-2x per year, vet conversation about elimination diet.
Obesity gateway. Cockers love food and gain weight easily. Lean body condition reduces ear infection severity (less skin-fold inflammation), joint stress, and hypothyroidism risk.
Hypothyroidism. Common in the breed. Slow weight gain despite normal feeding is a tell — vet bloodwork.
Eye health. Cockers are eye-disease-prone (glaucoma, cataracts). Diet doesn’t directly affect, but lean body reduces overall systemic stress.
Common breed concerns and feeding
- Allergies / ear infections: elimination diet for chronic recurrence.
- Obesity: portion control + treats counted.
- Hypothyroidism: vet bloodwork for unexplained weight gain.
- Eye disease: monitor; standard diet adequate.
Sample daily routine
Adult Cocker, 26 lb:
- 7am: ⅔ cup breakfast (slow feeder)
- 7:30am: 30-min walk
- 5pm: 30-min walk / play
- 6pm: ⅔ cup dinner
- Daily ear check (clean weekly per vet routine)
What to track in Flok
- Ear infection events (date, side, treatment, what worked).
- Skin / paw flares (allergy pattern).
- Weight monthly.
- Energy / appetite changes (hypothyroid signs).
FAQ
My Cocker has chronic ear infections — what diet helps?
Elimination diet (8-12 weeks novel protein or hydrolyzed) is the diagnostic. Many Cockers stay on limited-ingredient or hydrolyzed diets long-term once trigger is identified.
Are Cockers obesity-prone?
Yes — high tendency. Match portion to actual activity, count treats rigorously.
What about omega-3 for skin / ears?
Often beneficial as supportive treatment. Talk to your vet about EPA/DHA dosing — typically 75-100 mg/kg combined daily.
Sources
Related
- Cocker Spaniel Vaccination Schedule
- English Springer Spaniel Feeding
- Golden Retriever Feeding
- Dog Scratching Ears
- Dog Itching and Scratching
This is a general guide. Caloric needs vary by individual. Consult your vet for personalized portions. Last reviewed: 2026-04-28.
All breed feeding guides Dog daily routine pillar First-year puppy guide
