The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel deserves top quality dog food for optimum health.
If you're curious to know what dog foods you might want to be feeding your King Charles Spaniel, as well as some health concerns to watch out for and feeding recommendations, we've got you covered.
Today we'll dive into the best dog food for Cavaliers.
A small breed of nobility
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel was originally bred in Europe to be companions for royalty. This fact is actually how these dogs received their name, after the 17-century British monarchs, King Charles I and King Charles II.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a tiny dog with a big heart.
Don't let their fancy name trick you; this dog is more than just a royal and regal dog. They are truly happy to snuggle up with you on the couch and have a nice relaxing day at home.
This puppy-like dog will still romp, play, and engage in activities like dog sports, but they aren't super high energy. It's certainly not required for them to be a calm and pleasant member of the family at the end of the day.
Despite being popular, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesn't let that go to its head.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is currently ranked 18th out of 195 breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This toy breed has stayed high in the ranks due to its adorable looks and affectionate nature.
Cavaliers are sweet and gentle with children. They seem to thrive on attention and one-on-one time.
That being said, they are still social butterflies who love meeting new people. It's one reason why they are frequently used as certified therapy dogs in hospitals, nursing homes, and schools.
King Charles Spaniel diet and nutrition
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have special diet requirements. As a small breed, they typically only weigh 10 to 18 pounds (lbs); a proper balance of nutrients and calories is critical to prevent them from becoming overweight.
These dogs require protein, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins and minerals, and of course always meeting Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) minimum and/or maximum percentages.
The following percentages of macronutrients are ideal for the average Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
- Crude protein: 18-25%
- Carbohydrates: Less than 30%
- Crude fat: 13-18%
Now we know more about these ideal nutrients. So when you reach for the dog food scoop, how much should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel eat?
The number of calories that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels should consume on a daily basis varies.
Do you have more of a lap dog on your hands? Or does your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel train and compete in agility?
Is your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel a youngin' that's 2 years of age, or is he a respectable 9-year-old gentleman?
The ideal average amount of daily calories for seniors, adults, and active Cavalier dogs are:
- Seniors: 250 to 350 calories per day
- Adults: 300 to 450 calories per day
- Very active dogs: 400 to 600 calories per day
You will notice there is a range for each category. This range is because depending on if you have a larger or smaller cavalier (based on their body weight), male or female, or neutered or intact, there is some variation.
For example, an 18 lb male intact Cavalier will require more calories than a 13lb female spayed Cavalier.
Also, keep in mind that the amount of calories per 8oz cup is going to vary depending on the kind of Cavalier food you buy. You will have to calculate how many cups or partial cups of food equals the amount of calories you will need to feed.
Though don't forget that this amount is their daily calories. If you feed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel more than once a day, you will have to split up this amount.
And although your Cavalier may look at you with those soulful, sweet eyes, you must resist the temptation to give him/her too many treats.
As a small breed, it can be easy to forget that the small amount of food you are feeding your Cavalier really is enough.
You should always check your Cavalier King Charles weight on a regular basis to make sure they are not too skinny or too chunky. A good rule to follow is the body condition score.
Make sure to track your Cavalier's body condition score every month.
A dog body condition score has two scales: 1 to 5, and 1 to 9. If you are using a 1 to 5 scale, 3 is the most ideal. If you are using a 1 to 9 scale, 4 or 5 is the most ideal.
At their ideal weight, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's ribs should be easily felt, but not sticking out. Minimal fat should be covering the ribs, and you should be able to feel a little tuck to their waist from the chest to the hind legs. When viewing from above, you should not see a round egg shape; there should be a tuck to their waist on either side.
Since Cavaliers have longer fur, it can be more difficult to evaluate if they are obtaining the proper nutrition just by looking at them.
But an overweight Cavalier King Charles Spaniel could become more prone to joint issues, diabetes, and other problems. One thing is for certain; a fit Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is going to be more healthy and live longer.
If you are not sure, discuss your precious dog's weight with your veterinarian.
Common health problems with Cavaliers
Unfortunately, we can't ignore that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to developing certain health issues.
Some of these problems can be screened or identified early in your pup's life. Other conditions might be hidden or only become obvious in older dogs.
Common health problems include:
- Eye issues (cataracts, retinal problems)
- Heart disease (mitral valve problems, heart murmurs, congestive heart failure)
- Joint problems (luxating kneecaps, hip dysplasia)
- Neurological conditions
There are several foods and ingredients that can help with some of these common health problems:
Low salt / low sodium
First, a low salt food is going to be the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Less than 80 milligrams of sodium per 100kcals is considered moderate restriction, which is usually suitable.
Diets with less than 50 milligrams of sodium is more extreme restriction and should only be fed after discussion with your vet what level of sodium is appropriate, especially if your Cavalier has already been diagnosed with heart disease.
Some salt is needed for normal body function, but restricting the level prevents too much water from being retained, potentially making heart problems worse. It also helps keep a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's blood pressure from getting too high from too much sodium.
Essential amino acids
Certain amino acids, such as taurine, carnitine, and arginine, specifically strengthen cardiovascular health. In order to better protect your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's heart, a diet containing these nutrients is essential.
If not added as a supplement, most of these amino acids are found naturally in high quality protein sources such as chicken.
Glucosamine and omega fatty acids
Second, because of their joint concerns, foods that contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, and additional supplements such as glucosamine, can help protect a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel's joints.
Fatty acids can be found as added supplements or natural foods like salmon oil. Additionally, omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA and DHA can work together to stabilize heart muscle cells.
Feeding Cavalier puppies
What should I feed my Cavalier puppy?
The best food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies will be similar to what's good for adults, but puppies require higher protein and energy intake than adult dogs. They need quality food made specifically for puppies.
Look to make sure that any brands that you plan to feed your Cavalier puppy when he or she gets older come in both puppy and adult versions to make the transition easier.
How much should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy eat?
We already discussed food for Cavaliers in detail, but that's assuming they're an adult. So how much should you be feeding a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy?
Growing puppies will likely need 400 to 600 calories of food per day. Of course, they should be eating a dog food formulated specifically for puppies, since they require extra nutrients during the growing stages.
Don't forget to gradually increase or decrease the amount you are feeding based on their size and age, even as a puppy. A 4-month old still-intact puppy is going to require more than a 9-month old neutered puppy.
You'll want to follow these tips to set your puppy up for success to prevent obesity in adulthood.
Since you will likely be training your puppy, what about treats?
Treats should be taken into consideration when feeding your Cavalier puppy (and let's face it, your adult Cavaliers too!). Take away a few kibbles from their breakfast or dinner depending on how many treats they've had.
Minimize the amount of table scraps as well, to keep your Cavalier pup as healthy as possible.
Most human food your dog might beg for is way too fatty, high salt / high sodium, or are dense with calories. So it's best to avoid the handouts and stick to the occasional pet-safe treat.
Some of the best treats for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels that are safe for both puppies and adults should have fatty acids, high quality protein, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and low sodium.
The best treats for Cavaliers can also simply include fresh and natural, low fat snacks such as baby carrots, green beans, apple slices, or blueberries.
Although these are human foods, they are not only a cheaper option but also one that gives you peace of mind that you are not giving your dog too many extra calories throughout the day.
We recommend you buy these snacks and store them in a separate container in your fridge just for him/her, that way your dog will know that those are his/her snacks and not that he/she is getting table scraps from you.
Are Cavaliers fussy eaters?
Our experience is that this dog breed isn't usually a fussy eater. However, as mentioned above, too many table scraps aren't good for them and can actually spoil their appetite.
Switching foods too quickly can also cause your dog to become picky and not eat their dog food. Do your best to gradually transition them to the new food over about 1 week.
If you buy the right food for your Cavalier's nutritional needs, you shouldn't have a problem with him/her not wanting to eat it.
If he/she does become picky and refuse to eat, it could indicate a toothache or some other issue that should be checked out by your veterinarian.
The best dog foods for Cavaliers
Now that we talked about the ins and outs of the Cavalier's nutrition needs, let's review some examples of the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Always remember that you can't go wrong with any options from our dog foods list below; the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs will be whichever they thrive on.
So don't feel like you can't switch between brands for each of your dogs: every dog is different!
1. Royal Canin Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Adult Dry Dog Food
This dog food was created perfectly for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
Royal Canin's dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels contains antioxidants, carnitine, taurine, EPA and DHA fatty acids from fish oil for optimum heart health. The fatty acids and ideal balance of vitamins and minerals also provide nourishment for a beautiful skin and coat as well.
Meat is not the first ingredient in this dog food, but still contains the perfect amount of protein needed in your dog's diet. Each recipe was formulated by veterinarians, breeders, and pet experts.
Bonus: the kibble shape was specially designed for this small breed to help Cavalier King Charles Spaniels easily pick up and chew their food based on their eating style and muzzle/mouth shape! No other dog food brand can tout this claim, which is why Royal Canin is considered one of the best dry dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs.
What makes Nutro one of the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs is the combination of superfoods, with good-quality animal protein, real vegetables and fruits, and whole grains/seeds. Antioxidants in fresh cranberries and blueberries, for example, support a healthy immune system.
This dog food has smaller kibble for small dogs, and comes in puppy food versions too!
Nutro dry dog food has a high rating for a reason: it's made with non-GMO ingredients, and also contains no chicken meal, no corn / wheat / soy protein, and no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
The 5-star reviews from many different dog owners say it all! Dogswell has created functional formulas that will fit the needs of your adult Cavalier.
Their Happy Hips dry food is fortified with glucosamine and chondroitin to help support proactive hip and joint health. Real chicken is the first ingredient, and helps provide essential amino acids to support muscle development and tone, including for the heart.
Other useful ingredients include Vitamins A and E antioxidants, real fruits and vegetables like carrots, apples and sweet potatoes, and healthy carbohydrates, like oats, barley, and brown rice for energy.
There is not a specific small breeds version of their happy hips dry food, which is the only downside, but Dogswell does make other recipes that come in smaller bites and grain free versions if desired, as well.
If your dog suffers from food allergies or sensitivities, your King Charles Spaniel may need a more limited ingredient or grain free diet. A senior dog may also develop a more sensitive stomach as he/she gets older, so you might need to consider switching your dog's diet after several years.
Wellness has developed a special formula designed to provide an easily digestible meal of all natural ingredients such as salmon and potato. The single animal protein source makes it easy for you to choose the meat that agrees best with your pup.
Plus, this dry food is chock full of omega fatty acids, probiotics, antioxidants, glucosamine, and taurine for not only a healthy heart, but joint health and the whole body.
It's no surprise then that Wellness rivals other brands as one of the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels!
If your dog has already started to show signs of heart disease, your veterinarian may recommend a prescription pet food made for their special needs.
Science Diet and Royal Canin both have formulas that require you to obtain a prescription from your vet. However, some dogs may benefit from starting on this food before any symptoms show up, so get more information from your vet if you are interested.
So what makes these prescription diets the best dog foods?
They help to maintain normal blood pressure, protect organ function and boost the immune system, and minimize retention of fluids for optimum support of your dog's cardiac health.
From head to tail
We know that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel deserves the whole world. Now you're equipped with recommendations for the best dog food for Cavaliers to not only pamper your charming dog, but also keep him/her in top condition.
We discussed some common health issues in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, how their diet can help prevent or manage those issues, and their eating habits.
All in all, let's feed our Cavaliers only the very best dog food so they can stay as healthy as can be, from head to tail.
