Use the Feeding Schedule Planner
Building the Right Feeding Schedule for Your Springer Spaniel
Enter your Springer Spaniel's weight and age above to get a personalized feeding schedule with portion sizes and meal timing. Consistency in feeding time and quantity is one of the most important things you can do for your dog's digestive health and behaviour.
The English Springer Spaniel is a friendly, athletic sporting breed that was historically used to 'spring' game from cover. Today they are popular family dogs and working dogs in field trials, search and rescue, and drug detection. Springers are enthusiastic, obedient, and love to swim and retrieve. They have high energy levels and need at least 90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily. Their beautiful feathered coats require regular trimming to stay manageable.
Recommended Feeding Frequency by Age
2–3 months: 4 meals per day
3–6 months: 3 meals per day
6–12 months: 2–3 meals per day
Adult Springer Spaniel (1–7 years): 2 meals per day (morning and evening)
Senior Springer Spaniel (7+ years): 2 smaller meals per day
A typical adult Springer Spaniel weighing 52 lbs needs approximately 1049 calories daily, which works out to roughly 2.8 cups of standard kibble split across two meals — about 1.4 cups per meal.
Feeding Schedule Tips for Springer Spaniels
Feed at consistent times each day — ideally morning and evening, 8–12 hours apart. Consistent timing regulates digestion, reduces begging behaviour, and makes house training significantly easier. Avoid exercising your Springer Spaniel immediately after eating, especially if they are a larger breed, to reduce the risk of bloat (GDV).
Measure portions precisely using a kitchen scale or dedicated measuring cup — "eyeballing" portions is one of the most common causes of obesity in dogs. Account for all treats, chews, and toppers in the daily calorie count.
Choosing the Right Food for Your Springer Spaniel
Look for dog food where the first ingredient is a named protein (chicken, beef, salmon — not "meat meal"). Springer Spaniels benefit from food with at least 25% protein content and moderate fat levels. Avoid fillers like corn syrup, artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT), and vague ingredient labels like "animal by-products."
Breed-specific formulas exist for many of these characteristics and can be a good starting point, but they are not mandatory — a high-quality standard adult formula works just as well for most Springer Spaniels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I feed my Springer Spaniel once or twice a day?
A: Twice daily is recommended for most Springer Spaniels. Splitting daily calories into two meals reduces hunger, improves digestion, and is associated with lower bloat risk in larger breeds.
Q: Can I leave food out all day for my Springer Spaniel?
A: Free-feeding is not recommended for Springer Spaniels, as it makes calorie control impossible and is a major contributor to obesity. Scheduled mealtimes also strengthen your role as a provider, which supports training.
Disclaimer: These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can give breed- and dog-specific recommendations based on a physical examination.