Cocker 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 12 months)

Standard 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 10 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. Keep up ear and eye care.

What makes feeding a Cocker different

Recurrent ear infections can point to food allergy. VCA lists itchy skin, paws or ears among the usual signs. If ear infections keep coming back, ask your vet about an elimination diet.

Obesity gateway. Cockers love food and gain weight easily. A lean body condition eases the load on joints.

Hypothyroidism. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists the Cocker Spaniel among the breeds most commonly affected. Weight gain without a bigger appetite is a sign: ask for bloodwork.

Eye health. Diet does not directly affect the breed’s eye problems. Your vet checks the eyes at routine exams.

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 (12 kg):

• 7am: breakfast (slow feeder)
• 7:30am: 30-min walk
• 5pm: 30-min walk / play
• 6pm: dinner
• Daily ear check (clean weekly per vet routine)

What to keep track of

• Ear infection events (date, side, treatment, what worked).
• Skin / paw flares (allergy pattern).
• Weight monthly.
• Energy / appetite changes (hypothyroid signs).

Related

• Cocker Spaniel vaccination schedule
• English Springer Spaniel feeding
• Golden Retriever feeding
• Dog scratching ears
• Dog itching and scratching