How Much to Feed a Brittany Spaniel (Feeding Chart & Guide)

Feeding your Brittany Spaniel the proper amount is important for its health. As an active sporting breed, Brittanys need a balanced diet to fuel their high energy levels. 

While the exact amount to feed will vary based on your individual dog’s age, size, and activity level, there are some general guidelines to follow. 

This feeding guide will provide you with tips on how much to feed your Brittany Spaniel and answer some of the most-asked questions about their diets.

What Factors Impact How Much to Feed a Brittany Spaniel?

Several factors come into play when determining the appropriate quantity of food for a Brittany Spaniel dog. Understanding and considering these factors helps in tailoring a diet that suits their individual needs.

Here are some of the factors you should consider in planning your Britanny Spaniel diet:

• Age: Brittany Spaniels have different nutritional needs at each life stage. In general, puppies require more protein and calories for growth, adults need a balanced diet to maintain weight, and seniors might require fewer calories but more fiber and nutrients.
• Weight: Monitoring your Brittany Spaniel’s weight is essential. Overweight dogs may need a calorie-restricted diet, whereas underweight dogs might require more calories. Adjusting portion sizes accordingly helps in maintaining an ideal weight.
• Activity Level: Brittany Spaniels are energetic and active. Dogs with higher activity levels burn more calories and, therefore, need more food. Conversely, less active dogs require fewer calories to avoid weight gain.
• Health Considerations: Any existing health conditions can significantly influence dietary needs. Conditions like diabetes or allergies necessitate specialized diets. It’s crucial to consult a vet to tailor the diet to your dog’s specific health requirements.

When determining how much food to feed them, considering these factors is crucial. Each of these factors plays a significant role in maintaining the health and well-being of your Brittany Spaniel.

How Much to Feed Your Brittany Spaniel?

Refer to the feeding charts for each category included in this section for reference. 

Keep in mind that these are merely general guidelines that help in planning your dog’s meals. You may need to adjust the amount based on your individual dog’s size and activity level.

Brittany Spaniel Puppy Feeding Chart (2 to 12 months)

Brittany Spaniel puppies live off their first few weeks, feeding on their mother’s milk. By the time they’re 3 to 4 weeks old, you can start weaning the puppies, more so when their teeth start to erupt. 

Ideally, they transition to wet food when this happens, as the presence of their teeth can be discomforting to their mother. This can cause her to pull away too early during nursing. 

During the transitioning period, the ideal dog food to introduce should be balanced and complete in nutrition. Proper food helps support them throughout their growth spurt.

Check out the table below to have an idea of how much Brittany Spaniel puppies need to eat daily:

Aside from food, a bowl of fresh water is also essential for your dog’s growth. Water helps them in their digestion, breathing, blood flow, and brain activity.

Use vet-prescribed puppy supplements, too, to meet their entire diet requirements.

Adult Brittany Spaniel Feeding Chart (1 to 6 years)

A fully grown Brittany Spaniel should be fed adult commercial dog food specifically formulated for medium-sized breeds. This helps them properly reach their adult size at around 12 to 16 months.

Their nutritional needs start to change by then, especially considering their gender, activity level, and overall health.

On another note, some owners prefer home-cooked dog meals or the BARF diet over commercial ones. One reason is that they have more control over the quality of what their dogs eat. 

Refer to the feeding chart below for how much food adult Brittany Spaniels need to consume daily:

Notice that the older they get, the fewer calories they need compared to when they were puppies. This range is enough to get them going throughout the day. 

Also, keep an eye on their protein and fat intake. High-protein diets can quickly lead to weight gain, so you must keep everything at a recommended amount.

I once partnered with a colleague in terms of conditioning her Brittany Spaniel, Jonas, who performed really well in agility and flyball.

Every time a competition was nearing, Jonas’s intensive training required us to feed him with about an additional cup from his normal diet to cover the energy required for the task, being careful not to overfeed and slow his movement.

This said, being sporty is something expected of the breed. Hence, this boosted diet is something that may also be used for very active Brittanies.

Senior Brittany Spaniel Feeding Chart (7 years and above)

You can observe a change in your dog’s behavior once they reach its final years. Usually, senior dogs are no longer as vigorous as they once were and would prefer laying on their dog bed for hours during the day. 

The change in their activity level could make them put on more weight. A structured meal plan is required to prevent obesity in senior Brittany Spaniels. 

Check out the feeding chart below to find out how much senior Brittany Spaniels need to consume daily:

From the table above, you’ll notice that senior Brittany Spaniels need less food than puppies and adult dogs. They mainly need fewer calories during their senior years.

However, there’s a significant increase in their required protein intake. High protein delays muscle loss caused by osteoarthritis, which is often brought about by old age.

It’s also worth noting that dogs love to beg for food. It’s a behavior common to breeds that are highly food-motivated.

It is important not to give in to their whale puppy eyes and keep yourself from feeding them with food from your plate. Doing otherwise is not ideal for your pet’s diet. 

How Often Should You Feed Your Brittany Spaniel?

When feeding a dog, it’s best to stick with a fixed feeding frequency. This will not only keep your pet away from potential health risks, but it will also be beneficial to keep your dog’s energy level consistent throughout the day.

Here’s a table that will show you how often a Brittany Spaniel should be fed based on its age:

As highly active hunting dogs, you have to commit to providing them with food adequately. If you forgot to give them their dinner and just realized it the next day, expect your pooch to be extra hungry.

Provide them with the same amount of food at their next scheduled time instead of doubling the amount.

How to Transition Your Brittany Spaniel to a New Food

Transitioning your dog to a new food is essential at some points in their life. As easy as this may sound, changing your pup’s diet will take more than just abruptly switching from old food to new food.

They need time to adjust to the new components of the meal, and taking it slowly is essential to keep them from developing allergies or unwanted reactions.

If you introduce a new brand of food, incorporating a small amount and observing how their body reacts will help you determine if it’s an appropriate choice or not.

Summarized below is a guide on how to transition your Brittany Spaniel to a new food according to the American Kennel Club (AKC):

It only takes seven days to transition your dog’s food. However, those with digestive problems, food allergies, and delicate guts would take longer periods than that.

While most dogs do fine in switching their dog food, you still have to monitor their individual response to their new meals. 

If they show any signs of discomfort, change in appetite, or diarrhea, consult your local veterinarian immediately.

Tips on Feeding an Overweight Brittany Spaniel

Despite being physically active, Brittany Spaniels can be at risk of becoming obese dogs. 

Feeding an overweight Brittany Spaniel requires careful consideration and tailored approaches. Addressing the dog’s specific needs while incorporating regular exercise and a balanced diet is essential.

Here are some tips you can follow in feeding an overweight Brittany Spaniel:

• Assess healthy weight: First, you need to identify the ideal weight for your Brittany Spaniel based on established standards. Each dog varies, so personalized assessment is key. A vet can help establish a suitable weight target and diet.
• Control treats and scraps: Limit treats and human food provided to your dog, as these are unmonitored calories added to your dog’s diet. Also, opt for low-calorie treats and use alternatives like clickers for training.
• Measure and monitor food: Follow the vet’s feeding plan meticulously. Use measuring tools to avoid overfeeding. Consistent monitoring of food portions ensures balanced nutrition and prevents overfeeding.
• Consider a personalized diet: Choose a diet that addresses your dog’s specific needs. Each dog and breed is unique. Different dietary options cater to various issues like weight management and sensitivities.
• Maintain consistency: Consistency in diet is crucial. Stick to the successful regimen even after achieving the weight goal to prevent rebound weight gain. Also, do not give in to your dog’s begging, even if it gives you puppy eyes.

Feeding an overweight Brittany Spaniel involves a balance of proper diet, exercise, and consistent monitoring.

These tips, along with regular vet consultations, are crucial to fostering a healthier and more vibrant life for your pet.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Brittany Spaniel Enough?

To ensure you’re feeding your Brittany Spaniel adequately, monitor its weight and body condition regularly. A healthy Brittany Spaniel should have a noticeable waistline and ribs that are felt but not visibly protruding.

Observe your dog’s energy levels. Consider a diet review if it is lethargic or seems tired more than usual. Avoid equating begging with hunger; dogs often beg out of habit or desire for attention.

You should also compare your dog’s weight to the breed’s ideal weight based on age. If it is within the ideal range, it means you are on the right track regarding feeding.

Why Is My Brittany Spaniel Not Eating?

The usual causes of why your Brittany Spaniel is not eating are food, medical, or behavioral issues. Often, it could be that they dislike the taste or texture of their food or they’re adjusting to a new environment. 

If they continue not to touch their food, it is best to get them checked by a licensed vet so they can be diagnosed and treated properly. 

Can I Feed My Brittany Spaniel With Human Food?

Feeding Brittany Spaniels human food can be tricky, as not all foods that are safe for us are safe for them. Some human foods are healthy for dogs, like lean meats, certain fruits, vegetables, and grains.

However, many others, such as chocolate, grapes, onions, and garlic, can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided entirely.

To maintain your pet’s health, it’s best to stick to dog food specifically formulated to meet their nutritional needs. If you choose to give human food as a treat, ensure it’s safe, and keep it to less than 10% of their daily caloric intake.

Do Brittany Spaniels Eat a Lot?

The Brittany Spaniel is an energetic breed that consumes a lot of calories. They have to be refueled through their food, but their meals must be in the right amounts.

To keep them from becoming overweight, avoid free-feeding them. To prevent overeating, it’s best to stick with the suggested portions. 

Can Brittany Spaniels Eat Bones?

A Brittany Spaniel can be given bones to chew on. You can go for raw, meaty bones, such as lamb flaps or chicken wings. 

Adding these to their diet can help improve their digestive tract and oral health. To avoid internal injuries, never give them cooked bones.

If you find this Brittany Spaniel feeding guide helpful, let us know by leaving a comment below. Also, feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments.