As an English Springer Spaniel owner, knowing the right amount of food to give your dog is crucial. This changes as they grow, moving through puppyhood to adulthood and into their senior years.
For English Springer Spaniel puppies, the general guideline is to feed them 2 to 3 ½ cups of puppy food daily. As they mature into adults, the amount shifts to about 2 ¼ to 3 ¼ cups of adult dog food each day. Senior dogs typically require slightly less, needing around 2 to 2 ½ cups of dog food daily.
We’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you understand the feeding requirements of your English Springer Spaniel. Continue reading to learn more.
What Factors Impact How Much to Feed an English Springer Spaniel?
Figuring out the correct food amount for an English Springer Spaniel is key for their health. Here are the main factors influencing how much to feed an English Springer Spaniel:
- Age: Puppies need a lot of nutrients to support their fast growth. Adult dogs, on the other hand, need a balanced diet to maintain their health, and seniors often require a special diet to cater to their aging needs.
- Weight: The weight of your dog plays a big role in determining how much to feed them. Overweight dogs might need less calorie-dense food, while underweight dogs require more calories.
- Activity Level: A high-energy dog will need more food than a less active one. It’s important to match their food intake with how active they are to maintain a healthy weight.
- Health Considerations: Any specific health issues or dietary sensitivities can affect your dog’s diet. Regular vet visits are important to ensure their diet suits their health needs.
Feeding an English Springer Spaniel requires a thoughtful balance of several factors. Understanding and balancing these factors is essential for feeding your dog the right way, ensuring they stay healthy and happy.
How Much to Feed Your English Springer Spaniel
While their ideal daily caloric intake will vary depending on age, activity level, and weight, most English Springer Spaniels need between 1,100 and 1,500 calories per day. This is also the case for many Springer Spaniel mixes.
To help you make sure your English Springer Spaniel is getting the nutrition they need, we’ve put together feeding charts based on age.
Just keep in mind that this is only a general guide. As always, your veterinarian will be the best resource when it comes to your dog’s specific needs.
English Springer Spaniel Puppies (2 to 12 months)
Puppyhood is a critical time for nutrition as your Springer Spaniel is growing rapidly.
Puppies typically require more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs. It’s important to feed them a balanced diet formulated for puppies to support their growth and development.
To help you out, refer to the English Springer Spaniel puppy feeding chart below:
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 2 – 3 Months | 2 – 2 ½ | 904 – 1,091 |
| 4 – 6 Months | 1 ¼ – 2 ½ | 602 – 1,172 |
| 7 – 9 Months | 2 – 3 | 931 – 1,324 |
| 10 – 12 Months | 2 ½ – 3 ½ | 1,094 – 1,565 |
Keep in mind that these are approximate amounts and should be adjusted based on your puppy’s growth and activity level. Regular vet checkups are important to ensure they are on the right track.
Adult English Springer Spaniels (1 to 7 years)
As your English Springer Spaniel reaches adulthood, their caloric needs will change.
Adult dogs need a well-balanced diet that maintains their health without leading to weight gain. The amount of food will depend on their activity level and weight.
The table below shows how much to feed an adult English Springer Spaniel:
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 1 – 7 years | 2 ¼ – 3 ¼ | 938 – 1,252 |
These amounts are based on an average-sized English Springer Spaniel. Adjust the amount of food if your dog is more active or tends to gain weight easily. Regular exercise and health checkups are important at this stage.
Meanwhile, take note that these dogs are excellent hunters, too, especially with their high energy levels. In fact, this is one of my uncle’s favorite breeds to bring when he is out to hunt game. His favorite is Julius, a five-year-old English Springer.
Whenever my uncle has a scheduled hunting trip, we feed Julius an additional cup of nutrient-dense kibbles to cover the extra energy he needs for this exhausting task.
Senior English Springer Spaniels (7 years and above)
English Springer Spaniels typically live between 12 and 14 years. Once they reach 7 or 8 years of age, they’re considered senior dogs.
As your English Springer Spaniel ages, its metabolism will slow and become less active. For that reason, most senior English Springer Spaniels need fewer calories than adult Spaniels.
The following chart provides a recommended portion size for senior English Springer Spaniels:
| Age | Daily Food Quantity (Cups) | Caloric Intake (Per day) |
| 7 years and above | 2 – 2 ½ | 750 – 1,002 |
As dogs age, their metabolism slows down, and they may develop health issues that require dietary adjustments.
In all stages, ensure your English Springer Spaniel has access to fresh water and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity. Treats should be given in moderation and included in the total daily calorie count.
Always consult with a veterinarian for the most accurate and personalized feeding advice.
How Often Should You Feed Your English Springer Spaniel?
Feeding your English Springer Spaniel the right amount at the right times is crucial for their health. These lively dogs have a lot of energy and a strong appetite, so it’s important to establish a regular feeding routine.
Here’s a straightforward guideline for feeding frequencies based on your dog’s age:
| Age | Feeding Frequency |
| Less than two years old | Three to four times a day |
| 2 – 7 years | Two times a day |
| 7 years and above | Once or twice a day |
Remember, English Springer Spaniels are enthusiastic eaters, so monitoring their diet is key to preventing overeating.
The dietary needs can also vary between males and females, and some dogs may require more or less food.
How to Transition Your English Springer Spaniel to a New Food
Changing your English Springer Spaniel’s diet can be necessary for various reasons. Regardless if it’s due to dietary restrictions, cost savings, or other factors, your dog’s diet will eventually need to change.
To ensure a smooth transition and minimize digestive issues, follow a gradual approach:
| Day | Old Food | New Food |
| 1 – 2 | 75% | 25% |
| 3 – 4 | 50% | 50% |
| 5 – 6 | 25% | 75% |
| 7 | 0% | 100% |
If you notice your dog having any digestive problems during the transition process, go back a step and mix in more of the old food.
By following these steps, you’ll be sure to make the switch as smooth as possible for your English Springer Spaniel.
Tips on Feeding an Overweight English Springer Spaniel
It is vital to address weight issues in English Springer Spaniels for their health and well-being. The right dietary and lifestyle changes can greatly improve their condition.
Here are effective tips for managing an overweight Springer Spaniel’s diet:
- Control portions provided: By measuring meals and following veterinary recommended amounts, you can create structure around feedings. This consistency helps regulate your dog’s weight and prevent further gain.
- Switch to healthier treats: Choose low-calorie, nutrient-rich treats. Fresh vegetables like carrots and cucumbers make healthy substitutions. Remember, despite being enjoyable, treats should only make up a small part of daily intake.
- Exercise regularly: Incorporating more physical activity into your dog’s routine is key. Activities like walking, playing fetch, or swimming can raise calorie burn and fitness levels. Ensure exercises suit the age, health, and abilities of your dog.
- Provide a balanced diet: A diet high in fiber and low in fat aids weight management. Fiber contributes to feelings of fullness, decreasing tendencies to overeat.
Dedication to these strategies makes a big impact on an overweight Springer Spaniel’s health and quality of life.
Controlling portions, choosing better treats, exercising, and balanced nutrition, alongside vet checkups, can improve their well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My English Springer Spaniel Enough?
Determining whether your English Springer Spaniel is getting enough food involves observing a few key indicators.
Firstly, assess your dog’s weight regularly; maintaining a healthy weight is essential for their well-being. If they lose weight unexpectedly, it might be a sign they need more food.
Secondly, monitor their energy levels. A well-fed dog should be active and playful, not lethargic. If your dog constantly seems tired, a diet adjustment may be necessary.
Lastly, check their coat and skin. Healthy nutrition contributes to a shiny coat and supple skin. If you notice dullness or dryness, reconsider the diet you are providing your dog.
Why Is My English Springer Spaniel Not Eating?
If your English Springer Spaniel is not eating, there could be many potential causes. Some common reasons include lack of appetite, digestive issues, teeth problems, and stress.
If your dog is not interested in food or seems to be in pain when eating, it’s important to take them to the vet for a checkup. Once any underlying health issues are ruled out, you can work on addressing the other potential causes.
For example, if your dog is not eating because of stress, try providing them with a calm environment and plenty of love and care. You’ll likely get your pup back on track with patience and trial and error.
Can I Feed My English Springer Spaniel With Human Food?
Feeding your English Springer Spaniel human food can be tempting, but it’s essential to be cautious. While some human foods are safe and nutritious, others can be harmful.
Foods like lean meats, certain fruits, and vegetables can be beneficial, but chocolate, grapes, onions, and other toxic foods for dogs should be avoided.
Do English Springer Spaniels Eat a Lot?
In general, English Springer Spaniels may tend to overeat at times. This is especially true after a long day of playtime or a heavy exercise session.
Keep in mind that these dogs are very active. Hence, they burn a lot of calories. If left unattended with food, English Springer Spaniels may end up eating too much.
Can English Springer Spaniels Eat Bones?
English Springer Spaniels can chew on bones but not ingest them. Also, it is essential to ensure that the bones given to dogs are raw and not cooked, as cooked bones can splinter and cause serious health problems.
Raw bones are a great source of nutrition for your English Springer Spaniel and can help keep their teeth clean and healthy. However, you should keep an eye out on your dog when it is chewing on bones to avoid choking.
I hope this article has provided helpful information and guidelines on how much to feed your English Springer Spaniel. Please leave a comment below if you have any additional questions!
