Cocker Spaniel Diet and Nutrition
The right diet and nutrition will go a long way with regard to Cocker Spaniel care needs. The present state of health will have a big say in the diet and nutrition you will adopt for your Cocker Spaniel care plan. Here are some suggestions that will help you maintain your good health in your pet and increase his or her lifespan.
Fresh Food
The right Cocker Spaniel care includes fresh food such as vegetables and fruits, as well as meat like chicken (boneless), turkey, or beef. Try and avoid fatty meats, as that will create high cholesterol levels and fatty deposits, something Cockers are prone to. Even with their active lifestyle, they gain weight with ease.
Teach your Cocker Spaniel to eat fresh food items as a puppy. Offer them as snacks in between meals but again, watch the sizes of treats as well as the sizes of the meals. Weigh your Cocker Spaniel as often as possible, especially if you feel he or she gained weight, as later in life that will be a major health hazard for you and your Cocker Spaniel.
Dry and Can Food
Dry food is great for the oral hygiene of your Cocker Spaniel, therefore it is recommended as well. However, for your Cocker Spaniel’s care, you must learn to read carefully the labels and ensure that they are USDA approved, containing the nutrients and diet requirements your vet has mentioned.
Also for your Cocker Spaniel’s care, you can count the calories and ensure that there are no saturated or trans fats, which can harm the arteries of your pet as it can harm yours. Many Cocker Spaniel care tips are similar to those applied for humans, so if you keep your dog on a healthy diet that you follow such as vegetables, fruits, and white meat but no fish, your dog will be healthy and happy.
Vitamins and Supplements
Depending on your Cocker Spaniel’s present health, you can consult the vet for extra vitamins and supplements. This is especially necessary if she is expecting puppies or has suffered some illness in the recent past.
Vitamin boosts can be administered just for your Cocker Spaniel’s care and immune system boosting purposes. This is especially effective during winter when, like humans, the immune system is vulnerable and prone to viruses and diseases such as cold and flu.
Helpful Tip
Cocker Spaniels enjoy being pampered with treats, especially during training or when he or she has been a good girl or boy. Try not to overdo it, as they will never refuse it, and will in turn put on considerable weight in the process.
While the Cocker Spaniel gains weight easily, it will be harder your dog to loose it, and you will not have the heart to put him or her on a strict diet after pampering him or her with extra treats. Therefore, when it comes to selecting the right diet to feed your Cocker Spaniel, make low fat treats or use fresh fruit and vegetables but in bite-size quantities.
