If you’re a dog parent, you already know how hard it can be to pick the right food. There’s added pressure with a Springer Spaniel because they don’t seem to do anything halfway. They run hard, play hard, and love hard–so they need fuel from a quality, balanced diet. 

Choosing the right dog food for Springer Spaniels isn’t just about the brand. You should pick a recipe that supports their athleticism, levels their energy, and addresses breed health concerns. 

Get to Know the Springer Spaniel Breed

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies the English Springer Spaniel as a medium-sized sporting dog. With natural agility, these pups were originally bred to flush and retrieve hunting game. 

Since Spaniels are built for endurance, they burn calories quickly. Adult Springers typically weigh around 40 to 50 pounds and are very active well into adulthood. Even companion and family pets need more exercise if they have spaniel genes. 

Despite all that exercise, Springers can gain weight quickly and easily when overfed. A well-balanced diet goes a long way. Dog food for Springer Spaniel pups should:

• Support lean muscle
• Provide steady, balanced energy 
• Promote hip and joint health 
• Prevent unnecessary weight gain
• Support a healthier skin and coat 

What to Look for in Dog Food for Springer Spaniels

1. High-Quality Animal Protein (First Ingredient Matters!)

Springer Spaniels are muscular, athletic dogs–so they need a protein-rich diet. Protein maintains your dog’s muscles, immunity, and helps their body recover after playtime. They need protein from real animal meat–not from cheap fillers and by-products. 

Look for:

• Real beef, chicken, or turkey as the first ingredient (Sundays for Dogs has this in every recipe)
• Clearly named animal proteins (not “meat meal” or vague by-products)
• Moderate-to-high protein levels for active dogs

Pro tip: If you’re searching for the best dog food for springer spaniel health, start by checking the first five ingredients.

2. Moderate Fat for Sustainable Energy

At heart, Springer Spaniels are like Olympic athletes. They need fat for fuel, but not too much to make them overweight and put stress on their joints. Instead, look for dog food with healthy fat sources, like fish oil or flaxseed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for:

• Skin health (Springers can be prone to skin issues)
• Shiny, soft coats
• Anti-inflammatory support

3. Formulated for Joint Support

Springers are active jumpers and runners. Over time, that activity can stress your dog’s hips and joints. Supporting joint health early, even before symptoms appear, can help maintain your pup’s mobility long-term. 

The best dog food for Springer Spaniel pups has anti-inflammatory ingredients. For example, Sundays’ dog food recipes include: 

• Ground beef bone
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Blueberries
• Salmon oil
• Kale

4. Controlled Calories to Prevent Weight Gain

Despite their activity level, Springer Spaniels can gain weight if overfed. This is especially true once they transition from puppyhood to adulthood. Choose dog food for springer spaniels that give you clear portion and serving size instructions. 

Breed Health Concerns to Consider

Diet can prevent many issues, especially when it comes to inflammation, weight management, and skin health. Springer Spaniels are generally healthy but can be prone to:

• Hip dysplasia
• Ear infections
• Skin sensitivities
• Obesity

If your Springer has chronic itching or loose stools, consider a limited-ingredient or gently air-dried dog food. Brands like Sundays for Dogs have fewer fillers and higher digestibility for Spaniel pups. 

Dry Kibble vs. Air-Dried Dog Food

When choosing the best dog food for Springer Spaniels, processing matters. Most commercial dog food won’t cut it for your Springer, and here’s why. 

Traditional Kibble

• Less costly (but lower quality ingredients)
• Often heavily processed
• May contain meat meals and fillers
• Artificial flavors or synthetic supplements

Air-Dried Food (like Sundays)

• Made with whole food ingredients
• Minimally processed
• Often more digestible
• Higher palatability (great for picky Springers)

Air-dried food offers the convenience of kibble with higher ingredient integrity. For active breeds like Springers, this can mean better nutrient absorption and more bioavailable protein.

Sundays: The Best Dog Food for Springer Spaniels 

As we’ve learned, Springer Spaniels thrive on high-quality nutrition built around real animal protein. That’s exactly what Sundays for Dogs delivers. 

Our vet-formulated dog food recipes are always 100% human-grade. With real meat as the first ingredient, Sundays provides Springers with the protein they need for their active lifestyles. 

Our low and slow air-drying process preserves the natural nutrients of each ingredient without the heavy processing of kibble. Each bite is more digestible, nutrient-dense, and flavorful than traditional kibble. 

Ready to switch your Springer to Sundays? Get started by taking our personalized feeding quiz. We’ll give you a great deal on dog food delivery and nutrition that works just as hard as your pup does.