Feeding · Sporting group
English Springer Spaniel Feeding Chart: Portions by Age and Weight
Springers are sporting dogs with moderate activity needs and allergy tendencies. Here's the portion chart.
Springers are versatile sporting dogs — historically flushers, often pet companions or working hunters. Active, allergy-prone, and prone to floppy-ear infections like other spaniels.
Daily portion guide (adult)
| Adult weight | Low activity (pet) | Moderate | Working / sport |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 lb (18 kg) | 1 ¾ cups | 2 cups | 2 ½ cups |
| 45 lb (20 kg) | 2 cups | 2 ¼ cups | 2 ¾ cups |
| 50 lb (23 kg) | 2 ¼ cups | 2 ½ cups | 3 cups |
Split into 2 meals. Reduce 10% for neutered.
Puppy (8 weeks - 12 months)
Standard or large-breed puppy formula. 3-4 meals until 4 months, then 2-3.
Senior (8+ years)
Adult -10%. Joint support; ear and eye care.
What makes feeding a Springer different
Floppy-ear allergy pattern. Like Cockers and Goldens, recurrent ear infections often signal underlying food allergy. Vet conversation about elimination diet for chronic recurrence.
Match calories to activity. Working / hunting Springers eat substantially more than pet Springers. Same dog, vastly different fueling.
Genetic conditions. Some Springer lines carry PFK deficiency (causes exercise intolerance) and fucosidosis (neurodegenerative). Genetic testing available — relevant for breeding lines, less directly diet-related.
Common breed concerns and feeding
- Allergies / ear infections: elimination diet for chronic recurrence.
- Hip dysplasia: lean weight + appropriate puppy formula.
- Genetic conditions: testing for breeding stock; pet dogs not directly diet-affected.
Sample daily routine
Active pet Springer, 45 lb:
- 7am: 1 cup breakfast (slow feeder)
- 7:30am: 45-min run / fetch
- 12pm: training session (treats counted)
- 5pm: 30-min walk
- 6pm: 1 cup dinner
What to track in Flok
- Ear infection events.
- Skin / paw flares.
- Weight monthly.
- Activity level vs portion match.
FAQ
My Springer has chronic ear infections — diet?
Likely allergy-driven. Elimination diet (8-12 weeks) is the diagnostic.
How much food for a working Springer?
Up to 50-100% more than a pet Springer of same weight. Match to actual workload.
Should I do genetic testing?
Recommended for breeding stock. Pet dogs — talk to your vet about whether testing fits your situation.
Sources
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Guidelines
- AKC — English Springer Spaniel
- English Springer Spaniel Field Trial Association
Related
- English Springer Spaniel Vaccination Schedule
- Cocker Spaniel Feeding
- German Shorthaired Pointer Feeding
- Golden Retriever Feeding
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