10 Healthiest & Best Dog Food For English Springer Spaniel: Updated May 2023

The English Springer Spaniel has a long history of pulling double duty as a mild-mannered house dog during the week and a driven hunting companion on the weekends. Bred to be bird dogs, this breed has a sweet temperament that loves having a job to do.

Your English Springer Spaniel needs quality food to keep up with its health and nutrition needs. While cheap dog foods will give your Springer, the calorie count it requires, only a quality food will help your English Springer Spaniel thrive.

Let’s look at what makes the best dog food for English Springer Spaniels and how to choose the right one. Plus, we’ve put together a list of our favorites for all life stages so your companion can thrive throughout life. Let’s take a look.

OUR TOP 3 PICKS FOR DOG FOODS FOR ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIELS

Why Quality Food Matters for Your English Springer Spaniels

Joints are often an issue with athletic dogs, so quality foods can help maintain cushioning and strengthen muscle groups that help keep joints healthy.

They also need food that can help them maintain a healthy weight throughout their lives because this is key to keeping your Springer healthy and active.

Best Dog Food for English Springer Spaniel

Let’s keep your Springer Spaniel healthy and happy. We’ve put together a list of recommendations for the best food for your English Springer Spaniel for a range of life stages and budgets. Let’s break it all down.

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food
2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach
3. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe
4. Iams Proactive Health Active Chicken & Turkey
5. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken
6. Merrick Backcountry Great Plains Red Recipe
7. Wellness CORE Puppy Chicken & Turkey Recipe
8. Nulo Freestyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Puppy Recipe
9. Merrick Chicken + Sweet Potato Senior Recipe
10. Blue Buffalo Chicken + Sweet Potato Senior Recipe

 

1. Ollie Fresh Pet Food Delivery

Ollie’s cooked meals are a good balance between dry food and raw diets. Meals are prepared and arrive at your house ready to serve or store in the fridge (or freezer).

Turkey Dish with Blueberries is a non-allergenic option that uses whole turkey and turkey liver for quality proteins plus whole fruits and veggies to give antioxidant and vitamin support.

It’s clean and limited ingredient. It should appeal to picky dogs and help alleviate the digestive issues of dogs with severe allergies. Portion sizes are simple, and foods contain balanced nutrition created by a Vet Nutritionist.

First Five Ingredients:

• Turkey
• Kale
• Lentils
• Carrots
• Turkey liver

About The Company

Ollie is a company that was developed with your dog’s health and longevity in mind. They partnered with experts with a goal in mind: to provide an ancestral diet in easy to serve portions that wouldn’t overwhelm the way raw food diets often do. The formula is created right in the kitchen and shipped out ready to serve.

Pros:

• Suitable for allergies
• Taste appeals to a wide range of dogs
• Easy to serve

Cons:

• Requires cold storage
• Delivery schedule choices aren’t available in all areas

2. Purina Pro Plan Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula

This is a premium dog food designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of dogs with sensitive skin and stomachs. Made with real salmon as the main ingredient, it provides high-quality protein that promotes lean muscle mass and supports healthy skin and coat.

The formula is also enriched with rice, which is easily digestible and gentle on the stomach. This kibble is free from common allergens such as wheat, soy, and artificial colors or flavors, making it suitable for dogs with food sensitivities.

With a balanced blend of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotic fiber, it helps promote digestive health and supports a strong immune system. It is trusted by veterinarians and loved by dogs for its great taste and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for dogs with skin and stomach sensitivities.

About The Company

Purina is a well-established and reputable pet food company that has been providing high-quality pet nutrition for over 90 years. They offer a wide range of pet food options tailored to different life stages, dietary needs, and preferences, and are committed to producing safe and nutritious pet food backed by scientific research and expertise.

First Five Ingredients:

• Salmon
• Barley
• Rice
• Oat Meal
• Canola Meal

Pros:

• Trusted by veterinarians
• Uses high quality ingredients
• Specifically formulated for dog with sensitivities
• Enriched with prebiotic fiber, promoting healthy digestion
• Balanced blend of nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants

Cons:

• Contains grains
• A noticeable change in formulation

3. American Journey Beef & Sweet Potato Recipe

American Journey has produced dog food that goes to show that cheap does not have to mean poor quality. Using beef as its main source of animal protein, this formula contains 32% protein and 14% fat.

This is amazing for a budget dog food and will be more than enough to ensure your dog maintains a healthy immune system, bones, and muscles. However, some of this protein is from the vegetable source pea protein. This is harder for dogs to digest than animal protein, but shouldn't be too much of an issue for a healthy dog.

The dog food does also use chicken and turnkey meal to bolster its protein content, which could be of some concern to dogs with allergies. In those cases, you would be better off going with American Journey's limited ingredient range. Still, this formula is grain-free.

This formula does include “dried plain beet pulp” as a source of fiber. This is fine but the saponinins in it has been found to cause irritation in a minor amount of dogs' gastrointestinal tract.

First Five Ingredients:

• Deboned Beef
• Chicken Meal
• Turkey Meal
• Peas
• Chickpeas

About The Company:

American Journey is the house brand of known online pet products and food retailer, Chewy.com. Manufactured in the United States, American Journey products offer nutritious recipe choices ranging from grain-free to rice-mixed. All formulations are made without soy, wheat, poultry meal by-products, or any filler for a truly healthy feast.

Pros:

• Cheap
• High in protein
• Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants

Cons:

• Uses pea protein
• Smaller bag sizes

4. Iams Proactive Health Active Chicken & Turkey Recipe High Protein

This is a specially formulated dog food designed for active adult dogs. Made with real chicken and turkey as the main ingredients, it provides high-quality protein to support muscle development and energy levels.

The recipe is enriched with essential nutrients, including omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotic fibers, which promote healthy skin and coat, support a strong immune system, and aid in digestion.

This high-protein dog food is designed to fuel your dog's active lifestyle, helping them maintain their optimal body condition and overall well-being. It supports a high energy diet, which is perfect for Springers who have more energy than the majority of dog breeds.

This kibble is a trusted choice for active dogs, backed by Iams' commitment to producing premium pet nutrition that meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Chicken By-Product Meal
• Ground Whole Grain Corn
• Ground Whole Grain Sorghum
• Dried Plain Beet Pulp

About the Company: 

Iams is a well-known pet food company with a long history of providing high-quality nutrition for pets. They offer a wide range of pet food options tailored to different life stages, dietary needs, and activity levels, and are committed to producing nutritious and balanced pet food backed by scientific research and expertise.

Pros:

• High protein content
• Tailored for active dogs
• Enriched with essential nutrients like omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, and prebiotic fibers
• With essential minerals to maintain strong joints and bones

Cons:

• Has grains (may trigger sensitive dogs)

5. Gentle Giants Canine Nutrition Chicken

Gentle Giants have produced a chicken-based dry budget dog food that is packed with vitamins and minerals. It uses twelve whole fruits and vegetables including beets, tomatoes, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, celery, and apples.

This means that your dog will not only be enjoying a flavor sensation, they will also be absorbing Vitamin A, Vitamin B 12, and Vitamin C from natural sources. These aim to foster good immune health in your dog. We are a little disappointed in this formula's protein and fat content.

This formula has been designed for dog's with sensitive stomachs, so it might be a good idea to try this if your pet is having digestive trouble with standard dog food.

Whilst, it isn't really competitive with premium dog food, Gentle Giants will be more than adequate for dog owners on a tight budget.

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken Meal
• Pearled Barley
• Brown Rice
• Oatmeal
• Dried Plain Beet Pulp

About the Company:

The brainchild of Burt Ward, the actor famous for playing Robin on the television series ‘Batman’ back in the day. What not everyone knows is that Ward is also a huge animal lover and runs Gentle Giants Rescue and Adoptions to find homes for abandoned dogs and pets in distress.

An American-made brand of dog food, Gentle Giants, is designed to keep your dog healthy with a view to increasing their lifespan.

Pros:

• A great natural formula
• Made with twelve whole fruits and vegetables
• With added prebiotics and probiotics
• Contains vitamins and antioxidants

Cons:

• Kibble is too big for small dogs
• May not be a hit for finicky eaters

6. Merrick Backcountry Raw Great Plains Red Recipe

Back Country Raw provides a premium kibble blended with freeze-dried bits of meat for texture and plenty of protein. Merrick uses only whole sources of protein and quality complex carbohydrates to provide energy and muscle support all day.

Whole fruits and veggies give your dog vitamins and minerals while essential fatty acids support coat and skin health. It’s grain free and contains no artificial flavors or colors. It also helps support joints with glucosamine and chondroitin.

First Five Ingredients:

1. Deboned Beef
2. Lamb Meal
3. Salmon Meal
4. Sweet Potatoes
5. Potatoes

About The Company:

Merrick uses only whole, premium ingredients to provide your dog with nutrient-dense foods. The company makes and tests food right in local kitchens just like it’s been doing for the past 25 years.

Pros:

• Freeze dried meat bits
• Premium kibble
• Joint and skin support

Cons:

• Freeze dried bits can settle to the bottom
• Kibble doesn’t satisfy some dogs preferences

 

Best Puppy Food for Springer Spaniels

Puppies need controlled growth. Whole protein sources keep muscles healthy and build good bones. Fatty acids help with brain development while fruits and veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals.

1. Wellness Core Grain Free Puppy Chicken And Turkey

Wellness Core uses whole proteins from chicken and turkey to provide the building blocks of healthy growth for your puppy. It includes fatty acids, including DHA, for healthy skin, coat, and brain development.

Whole veggies and fruits give your puppy plenty of vitamins and antioxidants while guaranteed levels of phosphorus and calcium support healthy bones. It has no fillers, artificial flavors or colors, and uses probiotics to promote digestion.

First Five Ingredients:

1. Deboned Chicken
2. Chicken Meal
3. Turkey Meal
4. Potatoes
5. Peas

About The Company

Wellness Core uses a team of veterinarians and pet experts to create a balanced, grain free food that doesn’t sacrifice any nutritional requirements. Puppies get everything they need to build healthy bodies and maintain optimum growth.

Pros:

• Whole proteins
• Guaranteed calcium and phosphorus levels
• Includes DHA

Cons:

• Uses potatoes and peas
• Taste doesn’t seem to appeal to some puppies

2. Nulo Freestyle Chicken, Salmon & Lentils Puppy Recipe

This Freestyle recipe uses both whole chicken and salmon for complete proteins for growing bodies. It’s grain free and uses lentils as a source of complex carbohydrates and fiber.

It has guaranteed levels of DHA in addition to fatty acids for brain development, healthy skin, and coat. It’s low glycemic and will help control growth. Plus, it uses antioxidants and probiotics to support digestion.

First Five Ingredients:

• Chicken
• Chicken Broth
• Salmon Broth
• Chicken Liver
• Salmon

About The Company

Nulo was created about ten years ago in a focus on providing low carb and low glycemic foods to dogs. It’s manufactured in states with an emphasis on sustainable farming and strives to provide a quality ancestral diet for your puppy.

Pros:

• Guaranteed DHA
• Whole proteins
• Support for bone health

Cons:

• Canned food is messy
• Strong smell

Best Senior Dog Food for English Springer Spaniels

It’s likely that your senior has slowed down a bit, so weight control is critical here. Formulas should provide plenty of nutrients but cut back on the calories to help your senior control weight.

Fiber is key to this as well. Also, look for formulas with glucosamine or chondroitin for joint health.

1. Merrick Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Senior Recipe

Merrick’s senior food uses a proper blend of protein and complex carbohydrate sources to balance calories with weight control. It features whole fruits and veggies for antioxidant support plus glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints.

First Five Ingredients:

• Deboned Chicken
• Chicken Meal
• Sweet Potatoes
• Peas
• Potatoes

About The Company

Merrick uses premium kibbles formulated across all life stages to help your dog transition to its golden years with grace. Whole balanced meals help control weight and support your dog’s aging joints, eyes, and skin.

Pros:

• Joint support
• Grain free weight control
• Whole proteins

Cons:

• Taste is bland for some seniors
• Kibble could be tough to chew

2. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Senior Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

Blue Buffalo’s life protection includes their proprietary LifeSource bits, a blend of antioxidants and vitamins to support your senior’s health.

Chicken and brown rice adds dense nutrition without empty fillers for better weight control, plus vitamins and antioxidants to round out nutritional needs.

First Five Ingredients:

• Deboned Chicken
• Brown Rice
• Barley
• Oatmeal
• Chicken Meal

About The Company

Blue Buffalo was started by a family in search of the best nutrition for their beloved Airedale Terrier, Blue. Since then, the company has provided a balanced diet to support your dog in all stages of life.

Pros:

• LifeSource Bits
• Balanced protein and carbs
• No empty fillers

Cons:

• Some dogs pick out LifeSource Bits
• Probiotic blend may cause runny stools at first

3 Common Health Issues in English Springer Spaniels A Good Food Can Help With

English Springer Spaniels are subject to many of the same health issues as athletic dogs of any other breed, but there are a few you should watch out for.

Making sure to handle these health issues before they start can help you get the most out of your furry companion’s life and keep them in top shape even into the senior years.

• Ear Issues – Because their ears are long and covered in fur, English Springer Spaniels are prone to ear infections and ear irritations. It’s a good idea to keep the ears trimmed and cleaned so that you don’t risk more severe infections. Foods that irritate the skin and digestive system can cause overdrive with ear irritations as well, furthering the problem. Eliminating known food allergens can help keep ear issues from getting inflamed and causing more severe damage.
• Hip And Elbow Dysplasia – Dysplasia plagues athletic dogs, and while the occurrence relies on genetics, there are things you can do to help prevent complications. Dysplasia causes the joint to misform and eventually slide out of the socket, whether the hip or elbow. It can cause issues with mobility and limit your dog’s enjoyment. Good, nutrient-dense foods help support the elbows and hips by building muscle groups that stabilize weak joints and rebuild cushioning. Foods that supplement with glucosamine and chondroitin can strengthen joints and prevent the abnormal wear and tear of dysplasia.
• Weight Control – Springer Spaniels will need to maintain a healthy weight to fulfill their athletic abilities. They need a nutrient dense food that helps them grow properly during the puppy period and helps them maintain weight during the slower elderly years. Foods need proper proteins and complex carbohydrates with no cheap fillers that can add any empty calories. Springers will need to have portion sizes carefully controlled so that they don’t overeat accidentally. During their peak years, this is especially critical because they will need plenty of nutrients for energy without any extra calories.

What to Look For in a Quality Dog Food for English Springer Spaniels

Proteins should come from whole sources with no by-product meals. Complete proteins give your Spaniel the building blocks for healthy muscle growth and to maintain strength in joints. It can also help keep the healthy coat right at the root.

Complementing proteins are sources of complex carbohydrates that can help give your Spaniel energy all day long without adding empty calories. Complex carbohydrates avoid spiking sugar and prevent your Spaniel from packing on weight.

Fiber provides weight control and helps your Spaniel keep from overeating. Fiber also helps keep your Spaniel’s digestion healthy by encouraging healthy bowel movements and giving plenty of prebiotics to support the gut flora. It controls weight and keeps gas under control.

Other healthy ingredients can be whole veggies and fruits which provide vitamins and minerals.  Glucosamine and Chondroitin support joint health. Essential fatty acids help protect skin and coat by building health layers and keeping the coat soft. It can also help with skin irritations and other types of inflammation.

Ingredients to Avoid in Your Springer Spaniel’s Dog Food

Some of the most common ingredients in cheap dog foods are the ones that can cause serious health concerns. Fillers such as soy and corn are often the first ingredients for foods to lower cost, but over time can cause unnecessary weight gain and digestive irritations. THese should never be present anywhere in your dog’s diet.

Other common food allergens include chicken or other poultry by-product meals and artificial flavors and colors. Foods should never contain any of these ingredients either. Artificial colors are only there for human benefit and have no bearing on whether the dog will eat food or not, but they can disrupt digestion.

Something new to look out for may be potatoes, peas, and legumes. These have recently been connected to higher rates of Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy or an enlarged heart. We aren’t sure of the connection, but we recommend that you avoid these ingredients in the first three listed on your dog’s food and possibly avoid peas altogether until we understand more about the connection.

Bad Dog Food Brands For English Springer Spaniels

Some of your cheap, big box store brands are common offenders with these ingredients, so here are a few to watch out for. Put your dog’s health above saving money and you should save money on vet visits in the long run.

• Ol Roy: Some of the first ingredients are yellow corn, meat and bone meal, soybean meal, and poultry by-product meal. These are all the top food allergens, and they’re listed as the first four ingredients. You might be able to save some money in the short term, but we think that will translate to more vet visits later.
• Purina Beneful: The first ingredient listed is meat, but after that corn, gluten, and chicken by-product meal shows up at various points in the ingredients list.
• Kibbles N Bits: The first ingredients are corn and soybean meal followed by meat and bone meals and BHA a suspected carcinogen as a preservative. It’s also full of artificial flavors and colors. Again, it's certainly cheap, but you’ll pay for it in the long run.

English Springer Spaniel Feeding Chart

A healthy adult Springer Spaniel consumes just under 1353 calories per day to stay healthy and maintain weight. You should consult your veterinarian for specific feeding recommendations and make sure to follow the serving sizes listed on your dog food. However, here are general recommendations.

• Puppies: Puppies grow quickly, and their food recommendations are likely to change rapidly. Make sure you follow your vet’s recommendations to keep growth to a proper rate.
• Adults: Generally, adults should maintain a weight anywhere between 44 and 55 pounds. Servings should be cut in half and fed twice per day to help the Spaniel keep up energy all day.
• Seniors: Seniors will get close to the same recommendations, but your vet may reduce those recommendations to just under 1000 calories per day to account for a drop in activity. Maintaining proper weight here is critical.

 

Final Thoughts

Feeding your English Springer Spaniel well is the key to controlling weight and maintaining muscle health all throughout life.

Athletic dogs need plenty of solid nutritional support for all their life stages so that you can enjoy your beloved companion from birth into the golden years. Don’t compromise on nutrition because this is key to your dog’s quality of life and happiness.