What Are the Best Dog Foods for Cavalier King Charles

 Best dog foods for Cavalier King Charles

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, with their silky coats and 13-18 pound frames, are a delightful breed with a lifespan of 9-13 years.

To help them thrive, it’s crucial to feed them according to their life stage. As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” A well-balanced diet can be key to your dog’s long-term health.

Puppyhood is a critical time. These energetic pups need high fat, protein, and calorie intake, with meat as the main ingredient. Protein, the building block of muscles, is essential for growth.

Omega fatty acids like ARA and DHA, found in ingredients such as salmon oil, are vital for brain and vision development.

Between 12 months and 7 years, your Cavalier is an adult and needs less energy and fat but still requires about 18% protein. A diet rich in meat proteins, complex carbs, and omega fatty acids supports overall wellness.

As they enter their senior years at 8, Cavaliers become less active and prone to obesity. Reducing fat and incorporating joint-supporting supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin can help keep them comfortable.

Antioxidants and fiber-rich foods are key to maintaining a healthy immune system and digestion in their golden years. Providing the right food ensures your Cavalier enjoys a long, happy life.

The top five dog food brands for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are:

• Taste of the Wild
• Blue Buffalo
• Nom Nom
• Nutro
• Cesar

Prices vary by brand and weight, averaging $29.23, with a range from $8.98 to $55.99. These options provide essential nutrients tailored to the Cavaliers’ needs.

Best Dog Foods for Cavalier King Charles

• Best Overall: Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dry Dog Food – $55.99 per 28-lb bag ($1.99 per lb).

• Best Budget-Friendly:  Cesar Filet Mignon & Spring Vegetables – $8.98 per 5-lb bag ($1.79 per lb).
• Best for Senior Cavaliers: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Canned Dog Food – $31.61 per 12.5-oz, case of 12.
• Best Fresh Dog Food:  Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food –  $ 49 per 7*400g bundle ($7.94 per lb).

Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Dry Dog Food

Diamonds Pet Foods’ grain-free formula, crafted for Cavaliers, ensures a healthy diet.

Launched on September 8, 2015, it includes omega-6 and 3 fatty acids, probiotics, fiber, prebiotics, and antioxidants from garbanzo beans, peas, lentils, blueberries, and raspberries.

Taurine supports heart health, and yucca schidigera reduces stool odor. Note: It lacks fish, so omega-3 levels are lower.

• First 5 Ingredients: Venison, Lamb Meal, Garbanzo Beans, Peas, Lentils.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 32% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 422 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, small, and toy breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding portions vary depending on your Cavalier’s body weight.
• Key Benefit: Venison and lamb meal are the first two ingredients for high-quality proteins to repair tissues and build powerful muscles. 
• Price: $55.99 per 28-lb bag ($1.99 per lb).

Cesar Filet Mignon & Spring Vegetables 

Mars Petcare formula, launched on December 7, 2016, offers 26 nutrients for small dogs’ growth.

It has a crunchy texture for dental health, a resealable bag for freshness, and a filet mignon flavor.

Serve ½ cup daily for Cavaliers up to 5 pounds, adjusting for puppies and pregnant/nursing dogs.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Ground Wheat, Meat and Bone Meal, Whole Grain Corn, Brewers rice.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 26% min, Crude Fat 12.5% min, Crude Fiber 4.5% Max.
• Calories: 350 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding portions vary depending on whether it is a standalone meal or a topper.
• Key Benefit: Real beef is the number one ingredient for a protein-dense recipe and has high palatability.
• Price: $8.98 per 5-lb bag ($1.79 per lb).

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain Recipe Canned Dog Food

Treat your senior Cavalier with Blue Buffalo, available since December 10, 2014.

Featuring beef as the main ingredient, it’s free from corn, wheat, soy, by-products, and artificial additives.

Packed with chondroitin and glucosamine for joint health, it supports mobility.

Serve ¾ to 1 can per 10 pounds body weight. Transition over 14 days to prevent tummy issues.

• First 5 Ingredients: Beef, Beef Broth, Turkey, Lamb, Potatoes.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 7% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 1.5% Max.
• Calories: 469 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, small, and toy breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding quantities vary depending on your Cavalier’s weight.
• Key Benefit: High moisture value (78%) for reduced tummy upsets, proper hydration, and removal of toxins from the body.
• Price: $31.61 per 12.5-oz, case of 12.

Nom Nom Fresh Pet Food 

Nom Nom Fresh offers premium, human-grade dog food with real chicken as the main ingredient.

Its Chicken Cuisine supports muscle health and promotes healthy skin and coats with omega 6 and 3 fatty acids.

Customized for your dog’s needs, it’s pricier but delivers exceptional nutritional benefits, free of corn, wheat, and soy.

• First 5 Ingredients: Diced Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Spinach, Water Sufficient for Processing.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 8.5% min, Crude Fat 6% min, Crude Fiber 1% Max.
• Calories: 206 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: All breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding portions vary depending on your Cavalier’s unique health and nutritional needs.
• Key Benefit: High-quality fiber from wholesome ingredients including sweet potato, squash, and spinach for digestive health.
• Price: $49 per 7*400g bundle ($7.94 per lb).

Wellness CORE RawRev Small Breed Original Recipe 

Support your Cavalier’s wellness with Wellness CORE Small Breed Formula by Wellpet Operations, launched on February 17, 2017.

High in protein, calories, and moderate fats for muscle and stamina.

Freeze-dried raw meat and fiber-rich lentils and peas enhance digestion, dental health, and weight.

Free from wheat, soy, and corn. Antioxidants, probiotics, and taurine boost immunity, heart, and digestive health.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Lentils, Peas.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 38% min, Crude Fat 15% min, Crude Fiber 5% Max.
• Calories: 407 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, small, and toy breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding portions vary depending on your Cavalier’s body weight.
• Key Benefit: High amounts of glucosamine, chondroitin, calcium, and phosphorus for strong bones, teeth, joints, and muscles.
• Price: $20.98 per 4-lb bag ($5.25 per lb).

Nutro Toy Breed Ultra Adult Dry Food

Reward your Cavalier with The Nutro Company formula, launched on February 24, 2012.

Chicken, lamb, and salmon provide proteins for muscle strength and energy.

Rich in calcium, phosphorus, omega fatty acids, and vitamin A, it ensures strong bones, teeth, and a shiny coat.

High in fiber for digestion, this grain-inclusive recipe is not suitable for grain allergies.

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Sorghum, Whole Grain Brown Rice, Whole Grain Oats, Chicken Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 19% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 433 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, small, and toy breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding levels vary depending on your Cavalier’s poundage.
• Key Benefit: High levels of chondroitin and glucosamine from chicken meal for cartilage health.
• Price: $15.59 per 4-lb bag ($3.89 per lb).

Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Small Breed Recipe

Treat your Cavalier with Merrick Pet Care.

Deboned chicken and chicken meal provide muscle strength, while sweet potatoes, blueberries, and peas boost digestion and immunity.

High in omega-6 and 3 fatty acids, this small kibble recipe is free from fillers, corn, soy, preservatives, peas, lentils, or potatoes.

Daily amounts for Cavaliers weighing 3-15 pounds range from ⅓ to 1 ¼ cups. Adjust portions to suit your dog’s needs.

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Brown Rice, Chicken Meal, Barley, Turkey Meal.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 27% min, Crude Fat 16% min, Crude Fiber 3.5% Max.
• Calories: 404 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, small, and toy breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding portions vary depending on your Cavalier’s body weight.
• Key Benefit: Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine for healthy hips and joints. 
• Price: $21.98 per 4-lb bag ($5.49 per lb).

Solid Gold Brown Wee & Bison Bit Rice Formula 

Solid Gold Formula from Solid Gold Pet LLC, produced since September 30, 2004, promotes muscle power and stamina with high protein, fat, and calorie values.

Crafted for small Cavaliers, it includes antioxidants and probiotics for immunity and gut health, free from wheat, soy, and corn.

Ascorbic acid, vitamin E, DHA, and omega fatty acids enhance immunity, brain, and vision health, and support smooth skin and shiny coats. Adjust serving amounts for ideal body weight.

• First 5 Ingredients: Bison, Oatmeal, Fish Meal, Chicken Fat, Peas.
• Guaranteed Analysis: Crude Protein 28% min, Crude Fat 18% min, Crude Fiber 4% Max.
• Calories: 422 kcal/cup.
• Suitable for which dogs: Extra small, small, and toy breeds.
• Feeding: Optimal feeding portions vary depending on your Cavalier’s weight.
• Key Benefit: Contains taurine and L-carnitine for a strong heart and reduced risks of cardiac diseases.
• Price: $38.99 per 12-lb bag ($3.25 per lb).

What Should You Consider While Buying Dog Foods Cavalier King Charles?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels thrive on a balanced diet rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Their diet plays a vital role in managing several health issues common to the breed.

• Heart problems, often hereditary, can be mitigated by foods rich in taurine, low in sodium, and high in antioxidants. L-carnitine is beneficial for breaking down excess fat and preventing obesity, which can exacerbate heart issues.

• Dental disease is common due to tartar buildup, so choose foods with a crunchy texture and minerals like calcium and phosphorus to promote dental health.

• Patellar luxation requires moderate-fat foods to help maintain a healthy weight, while L-carnitine can aid in weight management.

• Hip and elbow dysplasia, also genetic, benefit from foods high in glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for joint support.

• Lastly, dry eye can be improved with vitamin A-rich foods, such as carrots, and DHA for better vision health.

What are the best dog foods for Cavalier King Charles with different ingredients?

The Best Food With Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Cavalier King Charles

• Diamond Naturals Adult Large Breed Dry Food: Consuming this diet lowers the risks of hip and joint dysplasia and patellar luxation with the high levels of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine.

The Best Food with Pumpkin for Cavalier King Charles

• Nature’s Recipe Chicken, Sweet Potato, & Pumpkin Grain-Free Dry Food: Pumpkin is the best source of dietary fiber and antioxidants for digestive health and prevention of oxidative damage.

What are the other dog foods for Cavalier King Charles with different health conditions?

The Best Dog Food for Cavalier King Charles With Allergies

• Royal Canin Hydrolyzed Protein Veterinary Diet Adult Dry Food: The proteins are broken down into minute pieces that the immune system will not recognize. It also contains essential nutrients to reinforce the skin barrier.

The Best Food for Cavalier King Charles With Sensitive Stomach

• Diamond Care Grain-Free Adult Sensitive Stomach Dry Food: This meal is designed specifically for Cavaliers with sensitivities. It features a single source of easily digestible protein. Probiotics also support digestion and gut wellness.

What is the ideal calorie intake for Cavalier King Charles?

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels require more energy per body weight than larger dogs.

At 6 months, feed two meals daily, checking rib visibility to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.

Lifestage	Approximate daily caloric intake
Active adult	530 calories
Puppy	1060 calories

What are the foods to avoid for Cavalier King Charles?

Here’s a list of foods to avoid for your Cavalier King Charles:

• Harmful Vegetables: Onions, garlic, and leeks contain toxic compounds that damage red blood cells, causing anemia. Symptoms include reddish urine, pale gums, lack of appetite, lethargy, and weakness.

• Bones and Fatty Meat: Bones can cause choking, mouth sores, and blockages. Fatty meat can lead to obesity, heart problems, and pancreatitis.

• Chocolate, Alcohol, and Coffee: These contain toxic substances like theobromine and caffeine, causing increased heart rate, panting, seizures, and high body temperature.

• Chewing Gum, Soda, Cat Food, and Caramel: Harmful to your dog’s overall health; rush to the vet if ingested.

• Grapes and Raisins: Highly toxic, causing symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and kidney failure, which can be fatal.

Are homemade foods good for Cavalier King Charles?

Homemade foods for Cavalier King Charles have pros and cons.

Benefits include customized nutrition, improved digestibility, avoiding unhealthy ingredients, and stronger bonds.

However, disadvantages include difficulty balancing meals, time consumption, and expensive ingredients.

Are Cavalier King Charles picky eaters? 

Yes, Cavalier King Charles can be picky eaters.

Address this by rewarding them with their favorite toy, adding fat for flavor, choosing crunchy dry food, switching to canned food, limiting treats, and being consistent with meal times.

If pickiness persists, visit the vet to rule out health issues.