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This is the most comprehensive Cavalier King Charles Spaniel homemade food guide. A homemade diet for your Cavalier can be the path to better health and nutrition, ensuring they are getting everything they need without all the additives found in store-bought kibble. Cooking for your Cavalier King Charles is an excellent way to provide variety to their diet while keeping them healthy. However, making homemade meals requires you to understand your dog’s nutritional needs and more. Today we cover the Cavalier’s breed-specific nutritional needs and food-related concerns so you can learn to cook a balanced homemade diet. Let’s dive right in! co Preparing homemade meals for your Cavalier can provide several benefits.
Board-certified veterinary nutritionists and diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Nutrition, Jennifer A. Larsen, DVM, MS, Ph.D., and Joe Bartges, DVM, Ph.D., also agree that switching to homemade dog food comes with significant advantages such as diet management, appeasing picky eaters, bond-building, combatting food intolerance and allergies issues, and avoid concern over food recalls1. Further benefits include preventing many conditions associated with a poor diet, such as obesity, poor skin, coat condition, pancreatitis, diabetes, and reduced immunity. Food & Cavalier Health: Why Feed Homemade?Cavaliers are prone to food allergies or intolerances, and it’s the primary cause of skin allergies (dermatitis) in this breed. Allergies in Cavaliers tend to manifest as itching and skin problems and develop in specific areas, particularly the face, paws, legs, sides, and hind end. They can also develop gastrointestinal issues.1 In most cases, kibble is the culprit behind dog food allergies, specifically due to the animal proteins, additives, fillers, toxins, chemical preservatives found in traditional dry dog food. What’s even worse is that research shows that 95% of dog food brands don’t disclose ingredients instead of using generic terms like meat derivatives. Meat derivatives can include animal parts such as beaks, hooves, feathers, and wool.2 A different research on dog foods marketed for dogs with allergies found that ten of the kibbles (83.33%) contained protein and/or fat sources not disclosed in the ingredients lists.3 This makes it harder to find suitable and healthy foods for your Cavalier. In fact, a study showed that dermatological (22.2%) and gastrointestinal (19.3%) health issues are among the top five health concerns for Cavaliers, making it indispensable to pick foods that do not trigger allergies or digestive problems.4 One of the most concerning and most prominent health conditions Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dogs are susceptible to is a hereditary cardiac condition called Myxomatous Mitral valve Disease (MMVD). MMVD causes the degeneration of the heart’s mitral valve, which function is to prevent the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium. This is a serious life-threatening condition, and it is the leading cause of death of Cavaliers. MMVD is very common that it affects over half of the Cavaliers by age five and more than 90% by age ten and above.5,6 It’s crucial for Cavalier parents to provide a heart-healthy diet coupled with exercise to keep a healthy heart in Cavalier. We should note that if you are feeding your Cavalier grain-free kibble, it might be a good idea to reconsider his diet and/or talk to your veterinarian. Recently, the FDA warned that dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, may be associated with grain-free pet foods falsely labeled ‘grain-free.’ Often, kibble is marketed as ‘grain-free when the top ingredients are the top ingredients include peas, lentils, rice, and wheat.7,8 DCM, a disease in which the heart gets larger, leaving it weaker. Cavaliers are already prone to MMVD, and you don’t want to make matters worse by contributing to another heart problem. The link between DMC and grain-free is currently under investigation, but Dr. Anna Gelzer, a veterinary cardiologist and an associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “There’s no scientifically proven benefit to grain-free foods, so why take a chance?” 9 According to the AKC, Cavaliers can develop Hip dysplasia and Patellar Luxation. Estimates of affected Cavaliers affected with Hip Dysplasia range from 15.5% to more than double that amount, while this breed is among the top small dog breeds to visit the vet for orthopedic conditions like Patellar Luxations.10,11 Nutrition plays a major role in preventing or lowering the risk of these musculoskeletal diseases. Why? If you let your Cavalier gain weight and become obese, the extra weight puts more stress on each limb and the spine, which could cause these issues to occur. The results of one study in dogs revealed that preventing the development of overweightness and obesity reduces the prevalence of hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis of the hip and other joints. Another study also showed a decrease in clinical signs of lameness from weight loss. 12,13 Obesity in Cavaliers should be avoided at all costs. It lays the foundations for a number of other diseases like worsened joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Sadly, commercial food or kibble have alarmingly high levels of starches and carbohydrates, contributing to the pet obesity epidemic. Cavaliers are also prone to a disorder known asChiari-like malformations ( CM) and Syringomyelia (SM). CM is believed to play a major role in the cause of syringomyelia. Researchers estimate that more than 95% of cavaliers have CM, and over 50% may have SM. CM is a skull malformation that results in a mismatch in size between the brain and skull, frequently with no serious consequences. While SM is a disorder in which a fluid-filled cyst forms within the spinal cord affecting the brain, spinal cord and causing severe head and neck pain, and in some cases, dog paralysis. 14,15 While there is no cure for SM, being proactive in lowering the risk is essential. You may want to look into supplementation to improve brain energy and mental function. Research suggests that the MCTs found in coconut oil can improve both brain energy and cognitive function in older dogs. Currently, Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center is conducting a study is to test whether feeding a diet high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) might help improve pain in dogs with Chiari malformation/syringomyelia.16,17 Among other common illnesses in Cavaliers are middle ear infection (Otitis Media), eye conditions (retinal issues and cataracts), and digestion issues. They can be managed with proper nutrition consisting of all the essential vitamins and minerals. Always speak to your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet or introducing new foods. Because Cavaliers are prone to many health problems and accidents, it’s highly recommended to get pet insurance for them. Healthy Paws is our top choice pick. Click here to learn more. How Can A Homemade Diet Help Cavaliers With All of This?Cavalier King Charles spaniels require the right balance of nutrients and diet that considers potential health concerns. Homemade food provides real, fresh ingredients, well-preserved fats, and the right amount of antioxidants that can reduce or even eliminate your food allergies. Because all dry dog food contains chemicals and additives, a fresh homemade diet that’s chemical-free with no additives is the right approach to better nutrition. With homemade, you get to monitor and control the ingredients of your recipe. This lets you avoid food allergens and use only safe ingredients. If you are not aware of what your Cavalier might be allergic to, we suggest doing an At-Home Food Dog Allergy Test before selecting the ingredients for his next meal. Another benefit is that fresh ingredients are easier to digest than kibble. This means nutrients are more likely to be efficiently absorbed. Because the nutrients in a homemade diet are more efficiently absorbed due to the higher bioavailability of the ingredients, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins act faster in reducing inflammatory responses from allergies keeping skin inflammation and itchiness in check. In contrast to kibble, homemade dog food allows you to control the amounts of vegetables, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This flexibility allows you to tailor a diet that sustains healthy body weight and avoids unnecessary and unhealthy ingredients. A healthy weight lowers important for issues like hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention states that over 56% of pet dogs are overweight or obese. So, there is a fifty-fifty chance your Cavalier has some extra pounds. Homemade dog food not only can help your dog to maintain its ideal body weight, but a study showed that dogs at a healthy body weight live almost 2.5 years longer, with significantly fewer diseases than their overweight siblings. Moreover, a scientific and statistical study demonstrated that dogs fed with industrially processed food live an average of 10.4 years, while dogs fed with homemade food can reach an average age of 13.1 years.18,19 As far as the cardiac issues Cavaliers are prone to, homemade food can provide ingredients that help strengthen the heart, kidneys, and liver to help dogs better cope with MMVD or other health issues. Homemade food allows you to modify your recipes with ingredients that are essential for your Cavalier. For instance, if you are worried about the risk of grain-free being linked to Cardiac diseases and obesity in dogs, you can easily build a recipe that’s actually grain-free without other harmful ingredients. Preparing homemade meals also benefits your dog because of its higher bioavailability and digestibility. Freshly prepared homemade food tends to protect more of its nutritional value when compared to traditional dog kibble, which may help with cardiac issues like MMVD and obesity-related issues. Additionally, it aids in preventing retinal issues where optimal nutrients, minerals, and vitamins are required. Homemade meals are more delicious, tasty, and nourishing than kibble, and your dog is undoubtedly going to enjoy them. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Homemade Dog Food RisksThere are some risks to be aware of when cooking homemade food for your Cavalier.
A study by the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary found that most homemade dog food recipes lack key essential nutrients and other recipes use dangerously high levels of some nutrients. Even more shocking, research published in The Journal of Nutritional Science concluded 48% of dog homemade diets had an imprecise determination of ingredients and quantities and that 71.3 % of dog owners did know how much food to serve per meal. What’s more alarming is that 30.4% of the pet parents admitted to purposely changing the recipe, 40% of owners didn’t measure the proportions of the ingredients well enough, and 28.3% didn’t use any of the recommended vitamins, minerals, or amino acid. In a survey published in the journal Preventive Veterinary Medicine, vets reported 97% of obesity cases in dogs could be traced to how owners fed and played with their pets. Preparing homemade meals for your dog should be taken seriously. A poorly made diet can have profound implications and can affect your pup’s health. The safest way when introducing homemade meals is to speak to your vet. Your vet can provide you with trusted recipes, advice on your Cavalier’s nutritional needs, and/or recommendations for homemade dog food delivery services. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Nutritional Guidelines to FollowTo cook a nutritionally balanced diet, Cavalier food should contain the six essential nutrients recommended by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). AAFCO is the entity responsible for testing and regulating commercial dog foods’ nutritional value. Below is a list of six essential nutrients required to support healthy life and function in dogs. A Cavalier dog meal plan should also consider your dog’s health status, activity level, size, breed-specific needs, and weight.
It’s common for homemade dog food to lack one or more of these nutrients. Using a multivitamin supplement like Zesty Paws Multivitamin Chews can help your Cavalier get a balanced diet. Recommended Supplements For Cavalier King Charles SpanialHere are some breed-specific supplements based on the Cavalier’s top health concerns.
As always, be sure to speak with your veterinarian before feeding anything new to your pet. Vets can help you create an individualized diet for your dog and guide its supplementation. For further cooking help, check out Home Prepared Dog & Cat Diets: the Healthful Alternative by Donald R. Strombeck, DVM, Ph.D. He is an expert in veterinary medicine, and pet nutritionists consider his book the bible for dog nutrition. Health Dietary Changes In CavaliersIt is possible to manage food-related health conditions in Cavaliers by modifying their diet. Below are some dietary adjustments you can implement if your canine friend is experiencing any of the conditions listed below.
If you notice your Cavalier has skin allergies or joint pain, including dog fish oil is a great option. According to AKC, fish oil promotes healthier coats by reducing itchiness and flakiness in the skin as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Other significant impacts include promoting enhanced immunity (especially against cancer) while strengthening heart health in dogs. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Calorie RequirementsDog caloric needs are based on their weight. An adult Cavalier dog usually weighs between 13 and 18 pounds, so most Cavaliers would need to eat between 371 and 475 calories per day. Be sure to follow the 10% rule when feeding treats to your dog. Food equals 90% of the total calories and treats the remaining 10%. If a Cavalier weighs 16 lbs. Then, he would need 435 calories per day. If you feed your pup treats, that’s 391 calories in food (90%) and 44 in treats (10%). Usually, full-grown dogs eat 2 meals per day, so split 435 calories (or 391 if feeding treats) into 2 meals a day. You can use this calculator to find the exact caloric needs for your dog based on his weight. Pregnant Cavaliers can consume up to 2 to 4 times the amount of food they normally have as the mother’s energy requirements increase after delivery and during lactation. Be sure to speak to your vet. Homemade Dog Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel PuppiesPuppies’ dietary needs are different from adult dogs. Puppies require larger quantities of protein, fat, calcium, and phosphorus as compared to adult dogs. Too little or too much of any nutrient can lead to deficiencies, stunt growth, or lifelong complications. The National Research Council recommends that puppies get around twice as many calories as their adult counterparts of the same breed. Most people worry that they need to change their puppy’s calorie and food amount every day because they’re constantly growing. That’s not necessarily true. “To promote normal growth, most puppies need to be fed the same number of calories, and food, from about 4 months of age to 12 months of age,” says veterinary nutritionist Dr. Justin Shmalberg DVM, from Nom Nom. Cavalier puppies should eat 4 to 5 times a day. When your puppy is a bit older (6 – 12 months), you can switch to 2 to 3 meals daily at scheduled intervals. During puppy development, skipping meals is not encouraged to ensure proper growth and development. A puppy’s diet needs to be a proper blend of proteins, carbohydrates, fat, minerals, water, and vitamins, as outlined in our nutritional guidelines earlier. Homemade Dog Food Delivery ServiceDoes preparing homemade meals for your dog seems like an intimidating job? You can breathe a sigh of relief, as there is a way around giving your dog the benefits of homemade meals without having to cook them yourself. Nom Nom is a homemade dog food delivery service that does everything for you, so you don’t have to compromise your time or your pup’s nutrition. They deliver fresh homemade dog food prepared with premium quality ingredients right at your doorstep. Everything is made from organic, human-grade ingredients (meats, veggies, grains, etc.) The best part of this dog food company is that they use no fillers or additives to increase shelf-life. All recipes are made from scratch and gently cooked, which means the nutritional value of each ingredient is perfectly preserved. Board-certified veterinary nutritionists formulate each recipe and ensure their formulas comply with AAFCO standards. Each meal is packaged as a daily portion in recyclable containers, making serving easy. Additionally, Nom Nom personalizes each recipe according to your dog’s unique dietary requirements, age, nutritional goals, and other vital factors. For instance, if your Cavalier has certain food-related health issues like allergies or an illness, they will craft a recipe that caters to your pup’s needs. Our readers have access to save 50% off their first Nom Nom order. Just use this link to get your Cavalier’s first homemade meal. Check out Canine Bible’s Maltipoo, trying out Nom Nom homemade dog food. She recommends it!
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Homemade Food TipsBe sure to read the following homemade cooking tips before we head on to share our favorite recipes for Cavaliers with you.
How To Cook Homemade Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (Video)Watch this heartwarming video and learn how to prepare a homemade meal for your Cavalier.
Best Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Homemade Dog Food RecipesWe put together four of the best Cavalier homemade dog food recipes for you. Your pup is sure to love all the flavors and ingredients in these recipes. We’ve also added a special treat recipe for Cavaliers that is not only delightful and tasty but it’s packed with awesome health benefits. We kid you not; this recipe can do a lot for your pup’s health and wellness. It has our favorite secret ingredient, dog CBD oil. Note: Please consult with your pet’s veterinarian and use personal judgment when applying this information to your dog’s diet. The recipes below do not include serving size because portion sizes will vary depending on breed, weight, activity level, age, and health of your dog. A common recommendation is to feed your dog a comparable amount of ounces/cups to what you would usually feed in kibble BUT check with your vet to be certain. CBD-Infused Dog Treats | Salmon Fish Cakes | Doggie Burgers | Pork & Beef, Sweet Potato & Rice CBD-Infused Dog TreatsCBD dog treats are perfect for helping with seizures, anxiety, arthritis, inflammation, pain, wellness, preventive care, and many other health problems. (read our dog CBD guide to learn more) Treat your Cavalier with these nutritious, therapeutic, and delicious homemade CBD oil dog treats. They are made with Pumpkin, a great source of essential vitamins and minerals (like vitamin A, potassium, vitamin C, and iron). Pumpkin also aids with digestion and hydration. Coconut is added for skin and coat, digestion, and helps reduce allergic reactions. Just be sure to check with your vet before to make sure CBD is safe for your pup, and you are giving the correct dosage. You can also purchase already made CBD dog treats so your pup can experience all the benefits of CBD. Ingredients
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Recipe from: Truth Theory Salmon Fish Cakes Dog RecipeThese salmon fishcakes make 10 serving for a 25-pound dog. Nearly all of the dogs love salmon. This recipe is the perfect blend of nutrients as it contains fish and vegetables like sweet potato and peas. Ingredients
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Note: You can refrigerate leftovers in the airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days. Doggie BurgersProviding your dog with the perfect balance of proteins and vitamins, and minerals in the shape of these tasty burgers will express your love for him, and he’ll love you back. Ingredients
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Pork & Beef, Sweet Potato & RiceYou can easily prepare this meaty recipe in an instant pot or slow cooker. Combined with sweet potato rice, the meat is tender, and your Cavalier will love it. With kale, carrots, and blueberries, this recipe is highly nutritious and digestible. Ingredients
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Recipe from: Emily’s Little Homestead If you are interested in more homemade dog food recipes and cooking options for your Cavalier, cookbooks can come in handy to have a range of dog food recipes. Our top pick is Home Cooking for Your Dog: 75 Holistic Recipes for a Healthier Dog. Best Homemade Dog Food Cooking PracticesKeep in mind these cooking practices when preparing food for your Cavalier to ensure their safety.
What Foods Should YourCavalier King Charles Spaniel Never Eat?Be sure to avoid all these ingredients when feeding your Cavalier.
Check out this handy list for a comprehensive list of all foods to avoid. Please print it out and put it on your refrigerator as a reminder. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Raw Diet (BARF)Preparing and offering a raw dog diet (aka BARF or biologically appropriate raw food) to your Cavalier requires immense effort as there can always be a risk of contamination and nutritional imbalance. Raw dog food typically consists of raw meat, bones, organ meats, and possibly fruits and veggies. A raw dog diet is meant to be similar to the diet of what dogs ate in the wild millions of years ago. Raw dog diets are gaining popularity because of their health benefits for teeth, coat, digestion, allergies, and more. Check out our raw dog food diet article if you are interested in learning more about the benefits and risks, and get the best commercial raw food diet for your Cavaliers. Monitor Weight And HealthIt is always recommended to carefully monitor your Cavalier’s weight and health for at least a month after introducing your pup to a homemade diet. This helps to rule out any adverse effects from eating homemade meals. An inappropriately balanced diet can cause extreme lack of energy, skin or coat disorders, allergies, weight loss, malnutrition, obesity, and other health problems. If you observe any of these symptoms, stop feeding your Cavaliers homemade food. You will also need to modify your dog’s diet and check in with a vet as soon as possible. It’s essential to work alongside your vet to ensure the diet maintains nutritional adequacy. Other Food AlternativesLearning how to cook homemade food for Cavaliers can be a bit tedious. Each dog has unique nutritional requirements. It’s advised to always consult with your vet and build a diet based on your dog’s health and dietary goals. According to our research, homemade food is healthier, more nutritious, and can help you improve your Cavalier overall well-being for a happier pooch. Read up on vegan dog food if your Cavalier is prone to food allergies or any food-related health issues. Plant-based diets are also becoming increasingly popular diets for dogs with food sensitivities and other health issues. Sources & References: [1] NomNom, [2] PRNewswire [3] Sources of Animal Origin, [4] Canine Genet Epidemiol: Prevalence Disorders CKCS, [5] PubMed: Study of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease CKCSs, [6] Research Gate, [7] FDA, [8] NBC News, [9] NBC: Dr. Anna Gelzer, [10] Cavalier Health, [11] NCBI, [12] PubMed: Osteoarthritis & Obesity, [13] NCBI, [14] Syringomyelia CKCS, [15] NC State Veterinary Medicine, [16] Ohio State University, [17] AKC: MTC Coconut Oil, [18] AVMA, [19] Statistical Study Like It? Subscribe & Share!How many times a day should a Cavalier King Charles eat?Cavalier puppies have tiny tummies and should be fed accordingly. Small meals, probably four daily to begin with, changing to three times a day by the time the pup is 10 - 12 weeks old. As an adult he will need one feed per day.
How much food should I give my Cavalier King Charles?Fully grown, mature adult Cavaliers eat approximately 3/4- 1 cup adult kibble daily plus a cookie, training treats such as Charlie Bears and 1 Nuvet Vitamin. Do not overfeed your adult Cavalier! Measure out the food with a measuring cup. Dogs never become overweight from being spayed or neutered.
Why is my Cavalier King Charles always hungry?Causes of Increased Appetite in Dogs
There's no clear-cut cause for why a dog might be obsessed with eating. It could stem from a psychological issue, such as stress or learned behavior, or a medical issue, such as not getting the right nutrients or an underlying health condition.
What is the best food to feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?Acana Singles + Whole Grains Limited Ingredient comes veterinarian-recommended and gets our pick as Vet's Choice for the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This wholesome food not only hits all the check marks for being nutritionally balanced, but it's also a great option for those that suffer from any allergies.
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