Best Dry Dog Food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The food you feed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should be one of your top priorities when it comes to dog care.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are considered small-breed dogs since they stand 12 to 13 inches (30-33cm) in height and weigh 13 to 18 pounds (6-8k.g).

Their genetic make-up and size also predispose them to genetic disorders that worsen with age, such as MVD (Mitral Valve Disease) and Syringomyelia.

To sustain their quick metabolism, they must be fed a strict diet of high-quality natural food free of additives, with the right fat and protein balance.

Your dog could suffer from a variety of health problems, not to mention malnourishment if he is not fed a high-quality, nutrient-dense diet.

So, what is the Best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Food?

It could be challenging to navigate the huge world of dog food.

With so many brands and meals to choose from, it may appear that making the best option is practically difficult.

However, with some guidance and research, you will be able to make the best, most informed choice for your dog’s nutrition.

Top 5 Dry Dog Foods on Amazon

Let us try to assist you in making your decision.

Best DRY Dog Food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

1. Nature’s Recipe Grain Free Easy to Digest Dry Dog Food with Real Meat, Sweet Potato & Pumpkin

Key Features:

• Features added kelp, fruits, and vegetables that provide added nutrients
• Contains real Meat
• Sweet potatoes and chickpeas provide fiber and slow-release energy

The Nature’s Recipe with Real and Sweet Potato dog food is a grain-free choice that contains kelp for further immune support and a better coat.

Chickpeas, carrots, blueberries, and sweet potatoes, for example, provide essential nutrients, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and slow-release energy for a complete meal.

This meal provides high-quality protein for lean muscle development as well as DHA for brain development and eye health in King Charles Spaniels.

The first component is deboned salmon, which contains omega fatty acids that improve skin and coat health.

This food is suitable for all ages of King Charles Spaniels, as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, and the kibble pieces are small enough to chew comfortably.

Pros:

• Suitable for small breed dogs like the King Charles Spaniel
• Free from ingredients that can upset a sensitive stomach
• Grain-free and high protein formula

Cons:

• Not the best option for very sensitive stomachs

2. Nom Nom Fresh Packaged Meals

Key Features:

• Meals formulated by a top board-certified veterinary nutritionist
• Real meat is the first ingredient
• Comes in a variety pack so you can find the best recipe

Nom Nom is a valuable service for dog owners who want to feed their King Charles Spaniels the best food possible but don’t have the time to prepare it themselves.

You may establish a personalized profile and indicate any dietary restrictions with this premium food delivery service.

The dog food is sent to your door in pre-portioned containers with high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Nom Nom food also contains vitamins, which will benefit your dog’s health and, hopefully, prevent chronic illness.

Each dish has potatoes, sweet potatoes, eggs, veggies, taurine, and vitamins, to name a few of the ingredients, and you can get a variety pack to determine which one your dog prefers.

Pros:

• A two-week trial period where you can try out the service
• Get fresh, premium dog food delivered to your door
• Contains all of the essential vitamins, minerals, and supplements your dog needs

Cons:

• Delivered meals have a shelf life

3. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• Features a Super 7 package of ingredients rich in antioxidants
• The first ingredient is real deboned chicken
• Suitable for small breeds and is free from corn, soy, or wheat that could upset stomachs

The first ingredient in Blue Buffalo Life Protection dog food is real chicken, and it is suitable for small and medium breed dogs of all ages.

This food also contains omega fatty acids, essential vitamins, and chelated minerals, all of which help King Charles Spaniels’ immune systems.

This meal’s high-quality protein promotes lean muscle mass development and provides your dog with the nutrition he needs to sustain his high energy levels.

This food also includes Lifesource pieces, which are vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants recommended by holistic veterinarians and animal nutritionists.

The kibble is especially created for the smaller jaws of the King Charles Spaniel, so chewing should be easy, and the life pieces are a smaller size and a different color.

The Blue Buffalo formula also incorporates premium natural ingredients such as apples, blueberries, pumpkin, and spinach, which help to boost the kibble’s nutritional richness.

Pros:

• Added glucosamine supports good joint health and enhances mobility for all ages
• Chelated minerals absorb better and support a healthy immune system
• Free from poultry by-product meals and manufactured in the USA

Cons:

• Can cause digestive issues in pups with sensitive digestive tracts

4. American Journey Active Life Formula Salmon, Brown Rice & Vegetables Recipe Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• Formulated for an active dog like the King Charles Spaniel
• Features a blend of nutrients that support overall health and the immune system
• Includes vegetables and fruits for fiber and enhanced digestibility

The first ingredient of American Journey Active Life dog food is animal protein, and the second ingredient is brown rice, which provides consistent energy levels.

Sweet potatoes, carrots, and peas provide vitamins and minerals found naturally in these vegetables, and phytonutrients assist strengthen the King Charles Spaniel’s frequently fragile immune system.

This food is also rich in fiber, which aids digestion, and it includes omega fatty acids, which promote a glossy coat and good skin.

This food delivers balanced nutrition that is free of byproducts, corn, soy, and wheat for an active dog breed like the King Charles Spaniel.

To avoid hypersensitivity, this recipe is also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.

Pros:

• 25% of the protein comes from real deboned salmon
• Kibble size is suitable for small and medium-sized dogs
• Features flaxseed and fish oil that provides DHA

Cons:

• Smells strongly of fish

5. American Journey Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Key Features:

• Includes sweet potatoes and chickpeas for extended energy release
• Grain-free, gluten-free, and free from corn, soy, wheat, and other fillers
• Formulated for easy digestibility and to avoid common food sensitivities

If your dog is a picky eater, the Chicken & Sweet Potato flavor of American Journey dog food may appeal to them.

This smaller-sized kibble is made from chicken that was born, raised, and sourced in the United States, and it is manufactured in Kansas facilities.

This dog food also includes sweet potatoes, blueberries, kelp, and carrots, which give a well-balanced mix of antioxidants, DHA, omega, and fatty acids.

This kibble’s first ingredient is real deboned chicken, and it’s free of grains, maize, wheat, soy, and gluten.

This kibble’s size is suitable for small and medium-sized dogs, as well as the energy levels of the King Charles Spaniel.

The formula also includes nutrients that strengthen the immune system and promote healthy brain and eye development, which can help prevent common ailments that affect many King Charles Spaniels.

Pros:

• The high-protein formula features real chicken as the first ingredient
• Includes sweet potatoes and chickpeas for easy digestibility and extended energy
• Recipe encourages lean muscle mass and supports the immune system
• Recommended for picky eaters

Cons:

• Some owners have reported loose stools when feeding this kibble

Nutritional Needs of King Charles Spaniels

King Charles Spaniels can be sweet little lap dogs, but they are also very active and require frequent exercise.

Let’s go over the nutritional requirements of this small breed to make sure your cherished buddy stays healthy and gets the nutrition he or she needs to thrive.

Protein

Protein is essential for all dogs since it is the building block of healthy muscles.

A high-quality dog food will include plenty of animal protein for your pooch, such as meat, fish, or fowl.

Puppies require more protein than adult dogs, and puppy food should contain at least 22% protein.

Many high-quality adult dog diets contain protein levels of around 34%, which can help promote lean muscle mass and ensure your dog gets all of the amino acids it needs.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate-rich food can cause your King Charles Spaniel to gain weight, but some carbohydrates might be beneficial for energy because this breed has a fast metabolism and can burn calories quickly.

However, it’s important to remember that there aren’t any hard and fast carbohydrate recommendations for dogs.

Fats

A reasonable amount of fat in your dog’s food is essential for their health because it is a simple kind of energy to digest.

Look for omega fatty acid or DHA-containing substances, such as fish or natural oils.

Fruits and Vegetables

Canines can benefit from a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet, which provide additional nutrition and fiber.

Check that the food you’re giving your pet is on the list of things they can safely eat, wash it thoroughly, and cut it up as much as necessary.

Probiotics

Canine gut health is just as important as human gut health, which is why many foods contain dog-specific probiotics.

This component can help your dog digest their food more smoothly and absorb more nutrients.

Special Dietary and Nutritional Considerations of King Charles Spaniels

Though the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesn’t have specific needs for carbohydrates in his diet, these foods provide dietary fiber as well as essential nutrients.

Whole grains, starchy vegetables, beans, and legumes are some of the easiest carbohydrates for dogs to digest.

Your dog requires vitamins and minerals in addition to protein, fat, and carbohydrates, which can be obtained through synthetic supplements as well as fresh fruits and vegetables.

As a puppy, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires a high-energy food that contains at least 22% protein and 8% fat.

To guarantee that this ratio is met, look for a small-breed puppy formula.

When your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel matures, he will require a food that contains at least 18% protein and 5% fat, preferably from high-quality animal sources.

A small-breed adult recipe is a good approach to ensure that these requirements are met.

If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel becomes a senior around the age of 7 to 9 years old, you may need to transfer him to a senior recipe if his metabolism slows down.

Obesity is always hazardous, but it is more dangerous for older dogs.

Health Issues

The King Charles Spaniel is prone to a variety of health problems, many of which are inherited and cannot be considerably improved by diet alone.

If you have this affectionate and social breed as a pet, it is advisable to work closely with your veterinarian.

To better understand how a high-quality diet can improve your pets’ quality of life, check if they have any of the following health concerns.

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral Valve Disease eventually leads to heart failure in many King Charles Spaniels, and while this condition is inherited, it is another more reason to feed your dog a good and nutritious diet.

A balanced diet is unlikely to slow the progression of this disease, but it can prevent undue stress from excess weight gain, which can put further strain on your pup’s cardiovascular system.

Congenital Blood Disorders

Idiopathic Asymptomatic Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the blood has an abnormally low quantity of platelets.

Because these disk-shaped platelets aid in blood clotting, this ailment includes bleeding disorders or overly large platelets.

This condition does not appear to cause any specific health issues for the King Charles Spaniel, and while a balanced diet can ensure they obtain the finest nutrition possible, it is unlikely that it will modify the status of their disease.

Syringomyelia

Syringomyelia, sometimes known as SM, is a condition that affects the King Charles Spaniel’s brain and spine.

This illness is caused by a deformity of the rear of the skull, which puts pressure on the brain, and while many dogs show no changes in behavior, others scratch in pain.

If you notice your dog scratching, it may not be due to a food sensitivity, and you should consult your veterinarian to rule out other diseases such as allergies, fleas, or ear mites.

Hip and Knee Issues

Hip dysplasia and luxating patella are more common in this breed, therefore providing them dog food with chondroitin, glucosamine, and other substances that promote optimal joint health.

Some dog owners report that glucosamine and chondroitin make a visible difference in their dogs and may help relieve arthritis symptoms.

Eye and Ear Issues

King Charles Spaniels are prone to eye and ear issues, which can result in dry eyes or gradual hearing.

Many varieties of dog food have elements that promote neurological development, and eating nutritional food provides your pup a better chance of keeping their eye and ear healthy.

Daily Calorie Intake

Treats should be given to this breed in moderation because it is prone to obesity if overfed.

To minimize malnutrition and overfeeding, this breed should be fed high-quality dog food in amounts appropriate for their weight, age, and activity level.

Activity Level

King Charles Spaniels are often characterized as sweet tiny lap dogs, yet they are descended from sporting dogs and require at least moderate outdoor exercise.

Walks and canine-related sports are excellent options, although this breed will happily spend their days on the couch if allowed.

This breed is particularly interested in odors and has kept some of its hunting instincts, thus it must be exercised on a leash.

When pursuing a fascinating scent trail or chasing after a tiny animal, they are easily distracted and may not come when called.

Allergies

This breed, like many others, is prone to allergies, which can be triggered by popular dog diets or airborne allergens.

When exposed to allergenic foods, King Charles Spaniels may not show obvious symptoms, but they frequently itch, bite, or scratch at their skin.

They may also have food intolerances, which make it difficult for them to digest their food and absorb the nutrients it provides. Food intolerance symptoms include loose stools, gas, and stomach distress or pain.

Dietary Restrictions

You should never offer your King Charles Spaniel grapes, raisins, chocolate, alcohol, coffee, citrus, macadamia nuts, or dairy items, as you would any other dog breed.

Many of these foods induce severe gastrointestinal irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, liver failure, bloating, trouble breathing, panting, and neurological symptoms.

Skin Conditions

Some skin conditions in King Charles Spaniels are the result of auto-immune illnesses, which can cause inflammatory reactions and serious tissue damage.

Lupus is a well-known auto-immune system illness that can affect King Charles Spaniels.

It has varied symptoms that affect the bones, kidneys, skin, and blood.

Many skin disorders that affect this breed have successful treatments, and dietary adjustments can frequently dramatically reduce symptoms.

King Charles Spaniels Feeding Schedule

Most King Charles Spaniels weigh between 13 and 18 pounds and require about 1-1.5 cups of food each day.

Ideally, you should feed your dog twice a day and divide the quantity in half; however, some dogs prefer to eat only once per day.

There are feeding charts on the bag of dog food that prescribe food measurements based on your dog’s weight.

However, it’s a good idea to check with your vet to confirm your dog’s calorie needs based on other criteria such as age and activity level.

Our Thoughts

Following the guidelines provided here will keep your dog happy and healthy in the future.

Keep an eye out for any changes in your dog’s appearance, feeding habits, or activity levels.

Finding the best nutrition plan for your dog may require some trial and error, but every minor modification is worth its weight in gold.

If you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s food or diet, please contact your veterinarian.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should senior dogs eat wet or dry food?

As your dog gets older, his teeth may become more sensitive, which can make chewing kibble more difficult and even uncomfortable for him.

Switching to a soft food will help to alleviate his oral discomfort when eating.

What is better for dogs dry or wet food?

Many dogs prefer wet food as it tends to be more flavorful and more closely resembles meat and meat by products.

Wet dogs foods contain a significantly higher moisture content than dry kibbles, which can be important for dogs with urinary tract conditions, or dogs who don’t tend to drink enough water on their own.

What is a good inexpensive canned dog food?

• Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon Wet Canned Dog Food
• Hill’s Science Diet Canned Dog Food
• Tuffy’S Pet Food 131300 Tuffy Nutrisource Canned Food For Dogs
• Royal Canin Canine Health Nutrition Canned Dog Food

Is too much chicken bad for dogs?

Considering how many dog foods contain chicken as an ingredient, it’s a safe bet that you can feed your dog chicken.

In fact, it’s a good source of protein, and cooked chicken can even be substituted for or added to his regular meal.

What meat should dogs avoid?

Bacon And Fatty Meat

High fat foods like bacon, ham, or meat trimmings can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

And since these meats are often high in salt content, too, they can cause upset stomachs and, in extreme cases, can cause dogs to drink too much water, leading to bloat, which can be fatal.

Can I feed my dog raw meat from the grocery store?

You can feed your dog raw meat from the grocery store, as a dog’s diet consists of 70-80% muscle meat like chicken, lamb, or venison.

Be sure to dedicate another 5% to animal kidneys, brains, and hearts.

To achieve a well-balanced raw diet, dogs also need liver, vegetables, and raw edible bone.