Best Dog Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Adults
At 9-12 months of age, CKCS’s are considered adults. It is important to take a few things into consideration when selecting the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in their adult years. Talk to your veterinarian about your CKCSs body condition and weight, as well as any new or ongoing medical concerns.
When making the switch from puppy food to the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in adulthood, it is okay to change brands. Take care to mix the old food and the new food together for 4-5 days before solely feeding the new adult food by day 7.
Normal Body Condition Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Most Cavaliers are very high energy dogs. Ones with normal body weight can be best fueled with Hills Science Diet Adult Advanced Fitness. Hills trusted, clinically proven nutrition is a great way to fuel your dog busy dog.
Their Advanced Fitness formula has higher calories per cup than average foods, making it perfect for active dogs. Hills also boasts that your dog will have a better coat in 30 days, thanks to ingredients like flaxseed, cranberries and Vitamin E. All Hills products are created in the USA with materials sourced from the US, Europe and New Zealand.
Overweight/Obese Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Heart Disease
CKCS with Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia
Canidae Pure Senior Recipe Grain
The Limited Edition recipe made by CANIDAE is an excellent grain-free premium dry dog food for your senior Cavalier King Charles with no corn, wheat or soy products to help maintain a healthy diet. It is rich in probiotics and antioxidants to help support digestion and a healthy immune system, as well as vitamins to maintain a soft, silky coat.
- 7-10 key ingredients including essential probiotics, antioxidants and fatty acids
- 6 types of protein
- Low in fat and no corn, wheat or soy products
What Are Some Of The Common Health Issues In Cavalier King Charles
Many Cavalier King Charles Spaniels develop health problems because of their small size and breeding. Common health issues include mitral valve disease, syringomyelia, hypoglycemia, and intervertebral disc disease.
Mitral valve disease is a problem with the heart valves that can lead to congestive heart failure. Syringomyelia is a problem with the spinal cord that can lead to pain, weakness, and paralysis.
Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar that can cause seizures. Intervertebral disc disease is a problem with the disks between the vertebrae that can cause pain, weakness, and paralysis.
The chronic health issues caused by obesity in spaniels are long and include pain in the joints , heart problems, and difficulty breathing.
These dogs are also prone to food allergies which can be serious if not understood on time owners need to know what types or quantities might trigger an allergic reaction so they know how best to prevent their pup from getting sick too often!
Also Check: Blue Buffalo Dog Food For Puppy
Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed Adult
- Grain-free dry food with chicken for small dogs.
- Real deboned chicken as the first ingredient.
- Formulated with prebiotic and probiotic fiber.
- Made with a crunchy texture in a small kibble size to help reduce plaque and keep teeth clean.
- Cooked in the USA.
This lil plates recipe is full of high-quality ingredients and yummy meat, making it a fantastic choice for fussy dogs. It has a high protein content of 38%, starting with deboned chicken, turkey meal, and chicken meal. Salmon meal and salmon oil also contribute to the high protein content and supply leading glucosamine levels which his joints appreciate in his later years.
The fish ingredients, along with flaxseed, sunflower oil, vitamin E, biotin, and folic acid, all do their bit to support a healthy and luscious coat. Each kibble piece is fortified with extra vitamins, minerals, and probiotics for better digestive health and immunity strength. This is a grain-free option which is important for those who do better on such a diet.
We love that this recipe has the highest protein content on our list. Making this the best kibble pick for bouncy Cavs and fussy pups who crave lots of meat.
Special Dietary And Nutritional Considerations Of King Charles Spaniels
Though the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel doesnât 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.
You May Like: What Dog Food Has Been Recalled 2020
Best Dog Food For Adult Cavaliers
Adulthood brings about many changes for your dog, so its only right to change up their food too. Keeping them nourished enough to maintain the bodies they developed in puppyhood is crucial to their health and happiness. Understanding their calorie needs is also important, as this life stage is when obesity starts being a real problem. Here are some products that give your adult Cav everything necessary for a fit and fun adulthood.
Victor Senior Healthy Weight
This option is made specifically for senior breeds struggling to manage their weight on normal senior kibbles. Although this option is not designed specifically for small breeds, it ticks all of the small breed boxes. Plus, the kibble pieces are small enough for small breeds to eat easily. This recipe contains a unique blend of probiotics, supporting digestion and immunity.
The protein content is 27%, and the first ingredient is beef meal. Menhaden fish meal and chicken meal are also listed, which supply an extra boost of protein for amino acid variety. Blood meal is also listed, and although this might not sound appealing to you, it is highly nutritious. Organic seaweed meal is also rich in antioxidants which is great for his immune system.
We love that this recipe is designed specifically for seniors who need to manage their weight thanks to optimized nutrition.
Recommended Reading: How To Cook Homemade Food For Dogs
Common Health Concerns Of The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Breed
Many CKCSs are quite healthy, but owners and prospective owners need to be aware of some hereditary issues. In some cases, a special diet can help you manage the condition. It’s best to discuss dietary options for health concerns with your veterinarian or a canine nutritionist.
Dry Eye
CKCSs can suffer from an inherited form of dry eye, or congenital keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Most of the puppies affected also have other signs, such as an abnormal curly or rough coat, scaly skin and cracked foot pads.
Treatment of this condition includes essential fatty acid supplementation, tear replacement and stimulation medication and measures to control itchy skin. Research is underway to identify the genes that cause this issue and maybe a test can be used in the future to identify breeding animals with the gene.
Heart Disease
CKCSs have been affected by genetic heart disease for a long time, despite responsible breeding practices. Specifically, they can be affected by myxomatous mitral valve disease. This is a condition where the mitral valve does not function properly, causing a murmur and negative effects on heart function.
Chiari-like Malformation and Syringomyelia
One study in 2009 reported that as many as 95% of CKCSs have some degree of chiari-like malformation. Many do not ever show symptoms of this issue, which means that possible causative genes persist in breeding stock gene pools.
Dietary Requirements For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Dog Foods
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as with all other breeds, is a carnivore. The best dog foods for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel list a moderate amount of lean meat as their primary ingredient. Whole meats or meat meals are the most beneficial.
Items such as artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, chemicals, additives and fillers contribute nothing of value to a dogs diet. Experts agree that foods containing these items are best left on the shelf.
From the carbohydrate content found in a diet, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel gains support for optimal digestion and a strong immune system. These carbohydrates can be derived from fruits, vegetables, or whole grains. The main priority of any carbohydrate included in a diet for this breed is its abundance of antioxidants and fiber.
Healthy fats play an important role in the diet for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, providing the dog with support for coat and skin health as well as fuelling strong reserves of energy. These are best found in such foods as oily fish and chicken fat. Plant-based oils such as safflower, canola, and coconut are also excellent sources for the essential fatty acids that Cavalier King Charles Spaniels need to enjoy optimal health and wellness.
Foods that contain supplements offer additional health benefits to dogs. The ideal supplements to look for in a food for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel include prebiotics, probiotics, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
Recommended Reading: Dog Food Storage And Bowls
Nutro Ultra Small Breed Weight Management
Nutro understands that your overweight pup needs to shed a few pounds. Theyve created this formula that promises better weight management without compromising flavor. This weight loss formula is crafted with small dogs like your Cavalier in mind. It features three lean animal proteins for maximum energy: chicken, lamb, and salmon. Targeted levels of protein and fat ensure that your dog gets what they need out of their kibble. This formula is also developed to keep the skin and coat healthy. It does not contain artificial ingredients or GMOs, so you know that your dog enjoys only natural, wholesome goodness.
Wellnesss Complete Health recipe is so good that your dog wont even know hes on a diet. While calorie content may be reduced, flavor certainly isnt. This is perfect for your overweight buddy who loves chowing down on dinner. A smaller kibble size helps smaller mouths pick up and chew their food easily, getting the most out of their digestion. This formula is developed to support the immune system and maintain energy levels, so they stay healthy during extended exercise. Fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, spinach, blueberries, and apples all add the vitamins and minerals necessary to stay strong and healthy even as your pup loses weight.
Are Cavalier King Charles Picky Eaters
Yes, Cavalier King Charles can be picky eaters. The common methods to address pickiness include the following:
- Reward your dog with their favorite toy when they clear the food on their bowls.
- Make the food more appealing. You can add more fat for flavor.
- For dry food, go for a crunchy texture, as it increases palatability.
- Switch to canned food. The high moisture content improves palatability.
- Limit the number of treats.
- Be consistent with meal times.
Your dog can still be picky even after trying the methods above. This calls for a visit to the vet to rule out any health issues.
Also Check: Best Dog Food For Bulldogs With Allergies
Diamond Naturals Small Breed Adult Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Dog Food
Top 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Ground White Rice, Chicken Fat, Dried Beet Pulp
This dog food option by Diamond Naturals provides loads of nutritional goodness for small breeds. Its a nutrient-dense dry dog food and is a great choice for your Cavalier King Charles. The primary ingredient is real chicken, which provides essential amino acids for muscle development. Other wholesome ingredients include cracked pearl barley and white rice to fuel your dogs body throughout the day.
The dog food also contains probiotics, omega fatty acids, and minerals sourced from whole foods. Chicory root, pumpkin, and kelp help support and strengthen your dogs digestive system. Plus, seeds and flaxseed enhance their skin and coat health. Give your dog the highest quality nutrition by choosing Diamond Naturals dry dog food.
Choosing The Correct Calorie Count For Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel requires a well-balanced diet that is comprised of exceptional quality ingredients. The best dog foods for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels list suggested serving sizes on their packaging. Owners can use these guidelines to help them determine how much food to give to their dogs at each meal. Adjustments can be made, using the dogs weight, age, activity level, and appetite as guides until the correct portion is found.
Free feeding this breed is strongly discouraged since weight gain can occur quite easily. All food should be measured and daily intake monitored to prevent obesity since the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a master at manipulating its owner into freely dispensing an abundance of treats.
Also Check: Science Diet Wet Puppy Food
How Much Is A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Like with any breed of dog, the cost of a Cavalier puppy depends on location, sex, and his lineage. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $3,000 for one of these popular pups from a reputable breeder. That price tag should come with an assurance that the puppy was raised in a clean home environment, and from parents with proper health clearances proving they are good specimens of the breed.
Blue Buffalo Life Protection Senior
- High protein content for muscle maintenance.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin boost.
This senior option is our top pick for seniors because its the only one to complete a full set for the Cavalier, meaning that if he has always loved Blue Buffalos small breed Life Protection line, this is the obvious choice. The protein content is 23%, starting with deboned chicken and chicken meal. Chicken meal is rich in glucosamine for extra joint support. Nutrient-dense dried kelp is rich in calcium which is great for his bones.
This recipe lists LifeSource Bits, this time made with seven select superfoods optimized for his senior years. Healthy omega-rich fats support cognitive function, healthy coats, and overall wellness. Probiotic ingredients are added to assist with smooth digestion.
We love that this offers a high-fiber diet for seniors, making it a top choice for aging Cavs always looking for the next snack and pushing the scales a bit too high.
Recommended Reading: When To Take Dog Off Puppy Food
A Note About Life Stages
Calorie recommendations can vary dramatically with this breed. Its crucial that you double check your portion sizes so that your dog has plenty of energy. Its helpful to stick with a life stage-specific formula to help.
They dont eat a lot, but their food is going to be more of an investment than some other dog breeds out there. They just arent able to tolerate generic, processed foods the way some other breeds can. You have to be willing to seek out the best kinds of foods for this particular breed so that you dont have health problems later on.
Adult Cavalier Nutrient Needs
Around the age of 12 months, you should start thinking about switching your dog to adult food. Although he has not yet fully matured, he has completed most of his growing now. Cavs are partial to food, and they are low-energy breeds, making them prone to weight gain. So, its important to switch them to adult dog food that contains less fat and energy than puppy kibble.
A well-balanced meal includes meat protein, healthy carbohydrates, fiber, omega fats, vitamins, and minerals. Now, AAFCO recommends that adult dog food contain a minimum protein content of 18%. And meat should still be the first listed ingredient.
High-quality foods list nutrient-dense ingredients that provide all the antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals the immune system needs. Ingredients such as blueberries, cranberries, dried kelp, and pumpkin are just some of the best ingredients high-quality dog foods use. If your Cavalier has a sensitive stomach, choose a food that lists probiotics. These promote friendly bacteria in the gut. Look for ingredients such as dried lactobacillus plantarum fermentation product.
Also Check: How To Make Healthy Dog Food
Iams Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food
Looking for food thats tailored specifically for small and toy breeds? Iams Adult Small & Toy Breed Dry Dog Food is the perfect solution.
This formula is packed with premium ingredients like real farm-raised chicken, which helps your pup maintain strong muscles. Plus, it features an optimal calorie count to help keep your little guy healthy and active.
This canned dog food features real farm-raised chicken as the first ingredienta powerhouse protein to encourage your buddy to build strong muscles.
It also includes antioxidants for a healthy immune system and omega-six fatty acids, which help keep coat or skin well throughout their lives!
This big bowl of benefits will be sure to make it easy on you while still giving them everything they need to stay leaner than ever before.
This dog food is formulated to support the nutritional needs of your Cavalier King Charles. Its a high-quality protein, which helps promote strong muscles and improve bone growth.
It contains antioxidants that protect against damage caused by free radicals .
Puppys Delight Homemade Beef Stew
This stew is a great alternative to buying canned dog food. Making it is quite easy and doesnt require long hours of stirring. It includes meat for protein, veggies for vitamins, and gravy for flavour if your dog is picky. You can store the stew in the fridge for up to 5 days.
total time:45 minutes
- 450 grams of beef stew meat
- 1 small sweet potato
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of green beans, diced
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1/2 cup of water or organic vegetable oil, plus 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying
Recommended Reading: Simply Nourish Grain Free Dog Food