There’s a secret even your vet might not know about your cuddly Cocker Spaniel. Did you know these fuzzy, floppy-eared friends were originally bred in the United Kingdom? They were used for hunting game birds, and by ‘game birds,’ I mean birds like pheasants and ducks. But that’s not the big secret I am getting at. Here’s the big question we’re diving into today – should Cocker Spaniels eat grain-free?
Before you start fretting, no, you haven’t been doing anything wrong if your Cocker Spaniel’s bowl is currently filled with grain-infused kibble. But you might just discover a nutritional tweak, an adjustment that could make a difference in your best pal’s health and happiness. Let’s get the scoop on the grain-free eating for your Cocker Spaniel, shall we?
The idea of a grain-free diet for dogs is relatively new. People started hopping on this bandwagon when the human trend of low carb, gluten-free, and Paleo diets took off. But is the grain-free diet ideal for our four-legged buddies? More importantly, does it suit the nutritional needs of specific breeds like the charming Cocker Spaniel?
When making a dietary decision for your Cocker Spaniel, bear in mind their energetic and lively disposition. These dogs are super-active! Because of this, they need a diet packed with high-quality proteins and carbohydrates for instant energy. Traditionally, the carbs part is often filled by grains. But, what happens when we take the grain out of the equation?
Well, the truth is, grain-free diets are not necessarily better than their grain-inclusive counterparts. Surprised? Contrary to popular belief, grains are not harmful to dogs, including your cheerful, energetic Cocker Spaniel. Grains provide dogs with valuable nutrients and are a superb source of easily digestible carbohydrates. They promote better digestion, offer energy, and keep the skin and coat healthy.
Yet, we can’t ignore that some dogs may have grain allergies/intolerances, resulting in skin irritations, gastrointestinal upsets, itching, or other unusual behaviors. But here’s the caveat; grain allergies in dogs are not as common as many people believe. They are not even in the “Top Five” list of dog allergy triggers. Moreover, they are even less common in Cocker Spaniels.
According to the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the most common food allergens in dogs include beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, egg, soy, pork, and fish. Notice how grains don’t even make the list? Interestingly, grains like corn, wheat, and soy have been branded as allergenic, but they are not proven to be any more allergenic than any other type of food.
So, if your Cocker Spaniel is not allergic to grains, there’s absolutely no reason to eliminate grains from their diet. Still, if you are keen on trying a grain-free diet, there are a few things you should know.
Switching your Cocker Spaniel to a grain-free diet doesn’t mean you are depriving them of carbohydrates. Grain-free dog foods replace grains with other carb sources like sweet potatoes, peas, beans, and lentils. While these provide the necessary carbs and fiber, there’s a debate about whether they can cause heart disease in dogs.
The FDA raised concerns in 2018 that grain-free diets might be linked to a type of canine heart disease known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). The study isn’t conclusive and only states a “potential correlation”. However, it’s something to bear in mind if you’re considering a switch.
Before you make any big changes to your dog’s diet, notably shifting to grain-free food, schedule a consultation with your vet. Consider your pet’s overall health, breed, age, and activity level. Remember, good nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It should be tailored specifically to your Cocker Spaniel’s needs. If your little furball is happy, healthy, and energetic on their current diet, there may not be a reason to change.
To wrap it up, the question of whether Cocker Spaniels should eat grain free doesn’t have a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. It depends on your individual dog and their unique needs. If your Cocker Spaniel doesn’t have a grain allergy, it’s okay to feed them high-quality, grain-inclusive dog food. If your Spaniel has a proven grain allergy, then yes, you should try to eliminate grains from their food, but always under the close watch of your vet.
Remember, whether you choose to feed your Cocker Spaniel a grain-free diet or not, the most crucial factor is the quality of the food they are eating. Providing your lovable Cocker Spaniel with a balanced, nutritious diet is the best way to ensure they live a long, vibrant, and happy life! (Last revision: 08-Sep-2021)
