The English Springer Spaniel is an active, good-natured, and exceedingly affectionate breed. These dogs aren’t just bundles of energy and joy, they also have specific nutritional needs that must be met for them to live their absolute best lives. But did you know that their name isn’t just a cute title? These dogs were originally bred for an exciting job: to “spring” game from its hiding spots during a hunt.
Understanding this dog’s past life as a hard-working hunting dog can greatly help us in figuring out its optimum diet today. A diet that fuels its athleticism and nourishes its vivacious spirit. So, let’s go on a doggie-diet discovery journey to find out what the best food for an English Springer Spaniel is.
The most essential nutrients needed by your ever-active Springer are protein and fat. The role of protein in your Springer’s diet cannot be overstated – it’s simply crucial. Proteins provide the building blocks for strong muscles and a wholesome nutritional base for your dog to live its healthiest life. Animal-based protein sources like chicken, beef, turkey, and fish are profoundly beneficial for this breed.
Fat, despite often being viewed negatively in human diets, is incredibly important for your Springer. It’s the main source of energy for dogs, essential for the absorption of certain vitamins, and it helps keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny. Look for food sources rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil.
Adult English Springer Spaniels are high-energy dogs, requiring more calories per day than many other breeds. A Springer Spaniel weighing around 50 pounds will need approximately 1,353 to 1,740 calories per day. That’s roughly equivalent to 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily, divided into two meals. Puppies, due to their rapid growth and energetic nature, require even more nutrients. A three-to-six-month-old puppy could need over 2000 calories a day!
Remember to adjust portion sizes and calorie counts according to your Springer Spaniel’s age, activity level, and weight. Regular vet check-ups will keep you on track, ensuring your Springer is receiving the right amount of nutrients without gaining excess weight.
But achieving optimum nutrition for your English Springer Spaniel goes beyond proteins, fats, and calories alone. Your Springer Spaniel also needs a balanced intake of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Whole grains like brown rice and oats, fruits, veggies, and superfoods like sweet potatoes and blueberries can provide the nutritional balance needed to supplement your Springer’s diet and promote overall health.
Specifically, calcium and phosphorus are important nutrients for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Iron, copper, and vitamin B12 are required for the production of red blood cells. Vitamin A is essential for good vision and a strong immune system while Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant.
Also, it’s worth noting the special advantage of probiotics in your Springer’s diet. Probiotics support the gut health of your Spaniel, promoting better absorption of nutrients, enhancing the immune system, and even improving stool quality. You can find these beneficial bacteria in yogurt, fermented veggies, or specially formulated dog foods.
We’ve gone over a bunch of must-haves for your English Springer Spaniel’s diet, but what about the must-avoids? While many foods we humans enjoy may seem like tasty treats for our furry friends, they can actually be harmful.
Chocolate, grapes, and raisins are toxic to dogs, causing serious health problems. Onions and garlic can damage your Springer’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Also, while some dogs handle dairy just fine, others can experience digestive issues, so be cautious. And remember, no matter how pleading those puppy eyes may be, avoid sharing your sugary treats and salty snacks with your Springer.
Choosing the best food for your English Springer Spaniel might seem daunting, but with a bit of research, understanding, and professional advice from a vet, it becomes an enriching process of love. Ensuring your dog’s happy wagging tail, boundless energy, and healthy, shiny coat really is as simple as making sure they have a well-balanced diet fit for their breed.
After all, our furry friends’ wellness and happiness are undoubtedly contingent on the care we provide them. And while regular exercise, abundant love, and plenty of playtime are critical, nutritional care holds a significant place too. So let’s commit to feeding our Springer Spaniels the best that we can, giving them the nutritious, delicious meals they deserve!
