Dog food can be a little tricky to pick these days since there are so many vast recipes and brand options on the market. If you have a Cocker Spaniel, as any wonderful owner does, you are probably looking for the best choice for your pup to fit your budget and your beloved breed.

For your convenience, we have hand-picked 10 of the best dog food options for Cocker Spaniels based on their bodily needs. While many fabulous options exist, these reviews contain our personal favorites, and we think you’ll love them, too.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023

Image Product Details

Best Overall

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Turkey

Fresh USDA turkey is first ingredient

Gently cooked and full of vitamins and minerals

Convenient subscription

Click to Save 50%

  • Free Shipping!

Best Value

Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea & Brown Rice Recipe

Gluten-free with grain

Affordable

Easy to find in stores or online

Check Price

Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Cocker Spaniel

Completely breed specific

Professionally researched and formulated

Bonus nutrients for total body support

Check Price

Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy

Ideal kibble size

23 essential ingredients

Made with farm-raised chicken

Check Price

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food

High protein for ideal muscle mass

Replenishes energy

Live prebiotics and probiotics for gut health

Check Price

The 10 Best Dog Foods for Cocker Spaniels

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food Subscription – Best Overall

Click Here to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping with The Farmer’s Dog

Brand: The Farmer’s Dog

Flavor: Turkey

Type: All

Calories: 562/pound

Protein: 23%

Fat: 12%

Our favorite dog food for Cocker Spaniels overall is  The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Turkey. This company is unique because it offers fresh, gently cooked dog food full of whole ingredients. You won’t find any unhealthy grains or fillers, and all of the ingredients are human-grade. If you want your Cocker Spaniel to eat (almost) as well as you do, The Farmer’s Dog makes it easy!

One thing we love about this dog food is that the first ingredient is USDA turkey. Another great reason to try The Farmer’s Dog is how easy it is to order, store, and serve. The company ships the food frozen, and you can thaw the pre-portioned packets as needed. Plus, everything is customized to your dog’s individual needs!

The only negative is that you have to commit to a subscription, and it’s not cheap. But we think The Farmer’s Dog is well worth it since it offers excellent nutrition and convenience.

Pros

Fresh USDA turkey is first ingredient

Nutritious, balanced recipes

Gently cooked and full of vitamins and minerals

Convenient subscription

Customized to your dog

Cons

A little pricey

Requires a subscription

If you’re looking for savings while choosing a solid recipe for your Cocker Spaniel, we have to suggest Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea, and Brown Rice Recipe. We think it’s the best dog food for cocker spaniels for the money.

Fresh USDA turkey is first ingredient

Nutritious, balanced recipes

Gently cooked and full of vitamins and minerals

Convenient subscription

Customized to your dog

  • Fresh USDA turkey is first ingredient
  • Nutritious, balanced recipes
  • Gently cooked and full of vitamins and minerals
  • Convenient subscription
  • Customized to your dog

A little pricey

Requires a subscription

  • A little pricey
  • Requires a subscription

Brand: Rachael Ray Nutrish

Flavor: Beef, pea, and brown rice

Type: Adult

Calories: 326

Protein: 25%

Fat: 14%

Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

Check Price on Chewy

This particular recipe has a comprehensive list of ingredients, including two protein sources as the first additions. Interestingly, this recipe is gluten-free, but it contains easy-to-digest grains like brown rice, grain sorghum, and whole corn.

This recipe is flavored beef, pea, and brown rice with beef, beef meal, soybean, and whole corn as the first several ingredients. In one serving, there are 326 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 25% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

While we love this recipe, it does contain ingredients like corn, wheat, and soy—all of which are highly triggering to some canines.

Pros

Gluten-free with grain

Affordable

Easy to find in stores or online

Cons

Contains corn, wheat, and soy

If you don’t mind paying a little extra, Royal Canin Breed Health Nutrition Cocker Spaniel is an excellent choice to consider. It was specially formulated precisely for the breed by veterinary nutritionists that have studied extensively. So, if you want very targeted nutrition, check it out.

Gluten-free with grain

Affordable

Easy to find in stores or online

  • Gluten-free with grain
  • Affordable
  • Easy to find in stores or online

Contains corn, wheat, and soy

  • Contains corn, wheat, and soy

Brand: Royal Canin

Flavor: Chicken

Type: Adult

Calories: 304

Protein: 23%

Fat: 12%

Fiber: 3.3%

Moisture: 10%

The amounts per nutrient depend on exactly what the breed needs to thrive. This recipe contains a list of essential ingredients with added bonuses like DHA, EPA, glucosamine, and chondroitin—all of which nourish joints, bones, and organs for optimal health.

This recipe uses brewers rice and brown rice as the first two ingredients followed by chicken by-product meal. In one serving, there are 304 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 23% crude protein,12% crude fat, 3.3% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

It has the ideal amount of grain, protein, and antioxidants to promote total body support. While they made the kibble perfectly sized for your Cocker Spaniel’s mouth, it will likely be too hard for pups with dental issues.

Pros

Completely breed specific

Bonus nutrients for total body support

Professionally researched and formulated

Cons

Kibble might be too hard for sensitive teeth

Puppy nutrition is crucially important, which is why we recommend Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy. It has all the critical ingredients your pup needs with a delightful crunch. Your pup is sure to gobble it up and reap the benefits–it’s the best dog food for Cocker Spaniel puppies.

Completely breed specific

Bonus nutrients for total body support

Professionally researched and formulated

  • Completely breed specific
  • Bonus nutrients for total body support
  • Professionally researched and formulated

Kibble might be too hard for sensitive teeth

  • Kibble might be too hard for sensitive teeth

Brand: Purina

Flavor: Farm-raised chicken

Type: Adult

Calories: 353

Protein: 28%

Fat: 14%

Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 12%

The kibble is the perfect size for your Cocker Spaniel baby. It comes with 23 essential vitamins and minerals to strengthen bones, improve the coat and skin, and aid in mental and physical development—including calcium, DHA, and antioxidants.

This recipe is flavored with farm-raised chicken with no added antibiotics or steroids. In one serving, there are 353 calories. The guaranteed analysis of the product reads 28% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 12% moisture.

The kibble is an ideal size for puppies, providing a delicious crunch that cleans their canines and satisfies their chewing need. But since some Cocker Spaniels can be picky eaters, it might not be aromatic or flavorful enough to satisfy some palates.

Pros

Ideal kibble size

23 essential ingredients

Made with farm-raised chicken

Cons

Might be too bland for picky eaters

If you’re looking for a top-notch grain-free recipe option for your Cocker Spaniel, we recommend Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dog Food. It has all the nutrients your dog could need without any gluten, creating a more natural diet for your floppy-eared friend.

Ideal kibble size

23 essential ingredients

Made with farm-raised chicken

  • Ideal kibble size
  • 23 essential ingredients
  • Made with farm-raised chicken

Might be too bland for picky eaters

  • Might be too bland for picky eaters

Brand: Taste of the Wild

Flavor: Roasted Bison and Venison

Type: Adult

Calories: 422

Protein: 32%

Fat: 18%

Fiber: 4%

Moisture: 10%

This recipe contains key ingredients like real fruits and superfoods. It also contains K9 strain proprietary probiotics, live prebiotics, and chicory root to promote prime gut health.

This recipe uses novel proteins like water buffalo and bison to avoid common allergies related to common proteins. It contains 422 calories per cup, totaling 3,719 per bag. The guaranteed analysis of this product reads 32% crude protein, 18% crude fat, 4% crude fiber, and 18% moisture.

In addition to no grain, this dish also is free of artificial additives. It also contains 80,000,000 CFU live probiotics. There is some controversy over using grain-free recipes unless your dog absolutely requires the elimination of gluten. So, it’s only recommended for dogs with gluten intolerance.

Pros

High protein for ideal muscle mass

Replenishes energy

Live prebiotics and probiotics for gut health

Cons

Only for gluten-sensitive pooches

If you want a well-balanced diet for your dog that uses no nasty ingredients that could potentially impact their health, we love Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula. It is geared toward everyday nutrition for normal pups with no special health concerns.

High protein for ideal muscle mass

Replenishes energy

Live prebiotics and probiotics for gut health

  • High protein for ideal muscle mass
  • Replenishes energy
  • Live prebiotics and probiotics for gut health

Only for gluten-sensitive pooches

  • Only for gluten-sensitive pooches

Brand: Blue Buffalo

Flavor: Chicken & Rice

Type: Adult

Calories: 377

Protein: 24%

Fat: 14%

Fiber: 5%

Moisture: 10%

This recipe contains LifeSource Bits, which are meaty morsels of antioxidant-packed pieces that are cold-formed to maintain potency. Each ingredient is carefully selected, eliminating potentially negative ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, animal byproducts, and artificial additives.

This formula is flavored with chicken and rice, using real deboned chicken as the first ingredient and easily digestible grain. In one serving, there are 377 calories, totaling 3,618 calories per bag. The guaranteed analysis reads 24% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

If your dog is particularly active, it might not contain enough protein to replenish their muscles. For a higher energy Cocker Spaniel, look for a recipe with higher protein content.

Pros

LifeSource Bits

No harmful additives

Easily digestible grains

Cons

Low protein content for active Cocker Spaniels

If your dog experiences hot spots or skin issues, look into Diamond Naturals Skin & Coat All Life Stages. It has just the right combination of ingredients to promote healthy skin and improve overall coat quality. This recipe can be especially useful for Cocker Spaniels with sensitive skin or poor digestion.

LifeSource Bits

No harmful additives

Easily digestible grains

  • LifeSource Bits
  • No harmful additives
  • Easily digestible grains

Low protein content for active Cocker Spaniels

  • Low protein content for active Cocker Spaniels

Brand: Diamond Naturals

Flavor: Salmon & sweet potato

Type: All life stages

Calories: 408

Protein: 25%

Fat: 14%

Fiber: 5.5%

Moisture: 10%

This formula has species-specific K9 strain proprietary probiotics to nourish the digestive tract. It contains no triggering ingredients that commonly cause skin problems, such as corn, wheat, soy, and chicken.

This bag is flavored with salmon and sweet potato to boost omega fatty acids and protect your pup from gastrointestinal irritation. In one serving, there are 408 calories. The guaranteed analysis of the product reads 25% crude protein, 14% crude fat, 5.5% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

Because this dog food is for all life stages, you can feed it to your dog regardless of age. But this recipe is designed for dogs who have digestion or skin issues.

Pros

Boost of omega fatty acids for skin support

K9 strain proprietary probiotics

Promotes smooth digestion for all life stages

Cons

Specific recipe for skin and coat only

If you want a delicious recipe for your chunky Cocker Spaniel to try, check out Chicken Soup for the Soul Adult Weight Care. Dieting doesn’t have to be difficult or tasteless. Now, your pup can reduce their caloric intake with a healthy meal that they will enjoy every time.

Boost of omega fatty acids for skin support

K9 strain proprietary probiotics

Promotes smooth digestion for all life stages

  • Boost of omega fatty acids for skin support
  • K9 strain proprietary probiotics
  • Promotes smooth digestion for all life stages

Specific recipe for skin and coat only

  • Specific recipe for skin and coat only

Brand: Chicken Soup for the Soul

Flavor: Brown rice, chicken, and turkey

Type: Adult

Calories: 328

Protein: 21%

Fat: 6%

Fiber: 9%

Moisture: 10%

This formula is packed with superfoods bursting with antioxidants like blueberries, apples, and leafy spinach. The L-carnitine turns fat into energy so they can burn off those extra pounds. Plus, it keeps your pup regular with ingredients that boost digestion function like prebiotics for gut health.

This recipe contains high fiber but low fat to combat packing on unnecessary pounds that can make it harder for your aging guy or gal to get around. In one serving, there are 328 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 21% crude protein, 6% crude fat, 9% crude fiber, and 10% moisture.

We looked over the whole ingredient list, and while there are some ingredients that certain Cocker Spaniels might be sensitive to, (like protein sources or grains) we think it’s an ideal recipe for weight management.

Pros

Contains superfoods and prebiotics

Low fat, high fiber

L-carnitine for fat burning

Cons

Only for overweight Cocker Spaniels

If you’re searching for a wet food selection that triggers the appetite and is easy to chew, look at the American Journey Poultry & Beef Variety Pack. Your dog can have a variety of flavors as a topper to dry kibble or enjoy these cans as a standalone diet.

Contains superfoods and prebiotics

Low fat, high fiber

L-carnitine for fat burning

  • Contains superfoods and prebiotics
  • Low fat, high fiber
  • L-carnitine for fat burning

Only for overweight Cocker Spaniels

  • Only for overweight Cocker Spaniels

Brand: American Journey

Flavor: Beef and chicken, chicken and turkey

Type: Adult

Calories: 420, 425

Protein: 9%

Fat: 6%

Fiber: 1.5%

Moisture: 78%

We really like that these canned foods don’t contain potentially allergy-inducing ingredients or fillers like corn, wheat, soy, artificial additives, and byproducts. Dogs seem to love the extra boost of flavor, meat chunks, and added moisture to create a more robust eating experience.

The two offered recipes are beef and chicken, and chicken and turkey. So, your dog can get a mouthwatering meal every time. In one serving, there are between 420 and 425 calories. The guaranteed analysis on both reads 9% crude protein, 6% crude fat, 1.5% crude fiber, and 78% moisture.

These cans are true to their name—crafted in the USA and made without the use of BPA. We’re sure your pup will love these protein-packed recipes, but some dogs might be sensitive to these protein sources.

Pros

Flavorful eating with added hydration

Perfect as a topper or standalone diet

Free of BPA

Cons

Some Cocker Spaniels might be sensitive to these proteins

Merrick Healthy Grains Raw-Coated Kibble might be a nice change of pace for the right Cocker Spaniel. It is a little more expensive than traditional choices, but the health benefits might really pay off. This recipe is a healthy combination of protein, veggies, and starches to nourish your pup head-to-toe.

Flavorful eating with added hydration

Perfect as a topper or standalone diet

Free of BPA

  • Flavorful eating with added hydration
  • Perfect as a topper or standalone diet
  • Free of BPA

Some Cocker Spaniels might be sensitive to these proteins

  • Some Cocker Spaniels might be sensitive to these proteins

Brand: Merrick

Flavor: Real salmon and brown rice

Type: Adult

Calories: 392

Protein: 28%

Fat: 15%

Fiber: 3.5%

Moisture: 11%

Since salmon is one of the main ingredients, it offers a powerful dose of omega fatty acids to nourish your dog’s skin and coat. It even has added glucosamine and chondroitin to protect joint function and performance.

This recipe is flavored with real salmon and brown rice—and real salmon is also the first ingredient for a whole protein source. In one serving, there are 392 calories. The guaranteed analysis reads 28% crude protein, 15% crude fat, 3.5% crude fiber, and 11% moisture.

Our only complaint is that some people who are sensitive to the smell of fish might find this dog food unpleasant to have in the home. It’s not completely overwhelming, but the smell of salmon is definitely present. Also, it can get a little pricey if you serve it as a standalone diet.

Pros

Omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin added

Raw coated for optimal health

Aids in beautiful skin and coat

Cons

Fishy smell

Expensive

Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Dog Food for Cocker Spaniels

Type of Recipe

Life Stage: It’s important to feed your dog a diet based on their life stage. From puppies to seniors, your cocker spaniel needs specific nutrients at the vital turning points of life. As puppies, they need an influx of DHA and high protein for bone and muscle development. As seniors, they could use a boost of glucosamine and chondroitin for extra joint support, plus added fiber for digestion. Many older dogs also need a caloric decrease to avoid obesity from lack of activity.

Dietary Sensitivities: Some dogs can show negative side effects to certain grains, proteins, and dairy. If you notice hot spots, frequent skin infections, or other signs something isn’t right, your vet might have you participate in food trials to verify the trigger. Once you have a diagnosis, you can start the search for a fitting recipe for your pooch.

Activity Level: If you have a particularly active Cocker Spaniel, you might need to get a formula especially fortified to meet the high energy needs of your dog. Usually, these recipes have an increase of protein and other vital ingredients.

Dental Condition: If your Cocker Spaniel has significant dental issues, it might prevent them from eating harder foods like dry kibble. Always ask your vet to recommend a texture or brand that works best for your dog’s particular needs.

Type of Dog Food

Dry Kibble: Dry kibble is dog food that has been blended and baked to perfection for a crunchy finish. It doesn’t have a lot of moisture but it has a super long shelf life. Today, it still might be in the lead with dog food popularity.

Wet Food: Wet food was one of the first dog foods to exist because it was easy to store. It’s often easier to eat for dogs with dental issues or sensitivities.

Moist Food: Moist food comes in sealed packages. It is a combination of dry kibble and wet food. It tends to have a lot of flavor, but it also usually has preservatives.

Fresh Commercial Food: Fresh food is becoming a much more common option in the pet food world. It is often much better for your dog’s digestion. Right now, options might be limited, but naturalist diets are really catching on for canine counterparts.

Freeze-Dried: Freeze-dried meals can be used as a topper or standalone diet. Often, these meals are raw and dehydrated to preserve the nutrients therein. It reduces the minimization of natural nutritional benefits. But many of these options are significantly more expensive.

Home Prepared: With veterinary guidance, you can prepare homemade meals for your Cocker Spaniel. It might be a little time-consuming, but the time spent is likely well worth the reward in canine health.

Conclusion

We recommend The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Turkey for any Cocker Spaniel because it’s nutritious, fresh food delivered right to your door.

Omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin added

Raw coated for optimal health

Aids in beautiful skin and coat

  • Omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin added
  • Raw coated for optimal health
  • Aids in beautiful skin and coat

Fishy smell

Expensive

  • Fishy smell
  • Expensive

Life Stage: It’s important to feed your dog a diet based on their life stage. From puppies to seniors, your cocker spaniel needs specific nutrients at the vital turning points of life. As puppies, they need an influx of DHA and high protein for bone and muscle development. As seniors, they could use a boost of glucosamine and chondroitin for extra joint support, plus added fiber for digestion. Many older dogs also need a caloric decrease to avoid obesity from lack of activity.

Dietary Sensitivities: Some dogs can show negative side effects to certain grains, proteins, and dairy. If you notice hot spots, frequent skin infections, or other signs something isn’t right, your vet might have you participate in food trials to verify the trigger. Once you have a diagnosis, you can start the search for a fitting recipe for your pooch.

Activity Level: If you have a particularly active Cocker Spaniel, you might need to get a formula especially fortified to meet the high energy needs of your dog. Usually, these recipes have an increase of protein and other vital ingredients.

Dental Condition: If your Cocker Spaniel has significant dental issues, it might prevent them from eating harder foods like dry kibble. Always ask your vet to recommend a texture or brand that works best for your dog’s particular needs.

  • Life Stage: It’s important to feed your dog a diet based on their life stage. From puppies to seniors, your cocker spaniel needs specific nutrients at the vital turning points of life. As puppies, they need an influx of DHA and high protein for bone and muscle development. As seniors, they could use a boost of glucosamine and chondroitin for extra joint support, plus added fiber for digestion. Many older dogs also need a caloric decrease to avoid obesity from lack of activity.
  • Dietary Sensitivities: Some dogs can show negative side effects to certain grains, proteins, and dairy. If you notice hot spots, frequent skin infections, or other signs something isn’t right, your vet might have you participate in food trials to verify the trigger. Once you have a diagnosis, you can start the search for a fitting recipe for your pooch.
  • Activity Level: If you have a particularly active Cocker Spaniel, you might need to get a formula especially fortified to meet the high energy needs of your dog. Usually, these recipes have an increase of protein and other vital ingredients.
  • Dental Condition: If your Cocker Spaniel has significant dental issues, it might prevent them from eating harder foods like dry kibble. Always ask your vet to recommend a texture or brand that works best for your dog’s particular needs.

Dry Kibble: Dry kibble is dog food that has been blended and baked to perfection for a crunchy finish. It doesn’t have a lot of moisture but it has a super long shelf life. Today, it still might be in the lead with dog food popularity.

Wet Food: Wet food was one of the first dog foods to exist because it was easy to store. It’s often easier to eat for dogs with dental issues or sensitivities.

Moist Food: Moist food comes in sealed packages. It is a combination of dry kibble and wet food. It tends to have a lot of flavor, but it also usually has preservatives.

Fresh Commercial Food: Fresh food is becoming a much more common option in the pet food world. It is often much better for your dog’s digestion. Right now, options might be limited, but naturalist diets are really catching on for canine counterparts.

Freeze-Dried: Freeze-dried meals can be used as a topper or standalone diet. Often, these meals are raw and dehydrated to preserve the nutrients therein. It reduces the minimization of natural nutritional benefits. But many of these options are significantly more expensive.

Home Prepared: With veterinary guidance, you can prepare homemade meals for your Cocker Spaniel. It might be a little time-consuming, but the time spent is likely well worth the reward in canine health.

  • Dry Kibble: Dry kibble is dog food that has been blended and baked to perfection for a crunchy finish. It doesn’t have a lot of moisture but it has a super long shelf life. Today, it still might be in the lead with dog food popularity.
  • Wet Food: Wet food was one of the first dog foods to exist because it was easy to store. It’s often easier to eat for dogs with dental issues or sensitivities.
  • Moist Food: Moist food comes in sealed packages. It is a combination of dry kibble and wet food. It tends to have a lot of flavor, but it also usually has preservatives.
  • Fresh Commercial Food: Fresh food is becoming a much more common option in the pet food world. It is often much better for your dog’s digestion. Right now, options might be limited, but naturalist diets are really catching on for canine counterparts.
  • Freeze-Dried: Freeze-dried meals can be used as a topper or standalone diet. Often, these meals are raw and dehydrated to preserve the nutrients therein. It reduces the minimization of natural nutritional benefits. But many of these options are significantly more expensive.
  • Home Prepared: With veterinary guidance, you can prepare homemade meals for your Cocker Spaniel. It might be a little time-consuming, but the time spent is likely well worth the reward in canine health.

If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, we think you might like Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Beef, Pea, and Brown Rice Recipe. Plus, it’s gluten-free while still providing easy-to-digest grains. We really think this chef did the trick.

But if you really want to get personal and don’t mind the price tag, Royal Canin makes a recipe specifically for your Cocker Spaniel—so it might be worth the extra.

We hope these reviews lead you to a purchase you and your Cocker Spaniel are happy with.

See also:

  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Great Pyrenees – Reviews & Top Picks!
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Miniature Schnauzers – Reviews & Top Picks!
  • 10 Best Dog Foods for Mini Goldendoodles – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Switlana Sonyashna, Shutterstock