20 Best Foods for Cocker Spaniel with Allergies

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Dealing with your Cocker Spaniel’s food allergies can be beyond frustrating! We asked our 800,000 members of Cocker Spaniel community on facebook the following question: “Those of you with Cocker Spaniel’s who have allergies…. what food do you use and why?” We received hundreds of replies, and summarized the top 20 responses here.

As always, be sure to consult your veterinarian before making any health changes to your Cocker Spaniel’s diet.

Healthier Meals for Dogs With Allergies

Truthfully you should check with your vet. Because there’s various different foods out there one of them that I was informed about his kangaroo. It is expensive but it did work for my dog. Another is Natural Balance and you can check out the various different kinds. But I would definitely check with your vet. If you know what your dog is allergic to that’s great if you don’t you may want to have your dog go through the test to find out.

Author: Kay Q.

Likes: 1

Most dogs are allergic to protein not grains. Unless you know for sure stay away from grain free foods. Especially now that they know they contribute to congestive heart failure in dogs. Ask your vet! I feed my cockers Fromm Salmon a la Veg. But they do not seem to have any allergies.

Author: Kenly Krag T.

Likes: 0

I feed both my boys purina pro plan sensitive skin and stomach Salmon and rice. And one takes Apoquel too.

Author: Jenny D’Alonzo S.

Likes: 1

Just bought American cocker and she recommended purina pro for puppy, and in one yr wean to purina pro lamb +rice adult. Good Luck (and nothing else)

Author: Gail Cameron-R.

Likes: 1

I had a cocker spaniel with food allergies it was not just one thing she was allergic to it was a long list. You really need to find out what your pup is allergic to and find out what they can have. It’s not easy having to look at every label on food and treats. I was lucky as my vet gave me a lot of advice as to what to feed my dog. It was mostly children and rice. Good luck finding the balance for your pup

Author: Brenda M.

Likes: 1

Whitefish is a good protein if you have sensitive pups. I stay away from grains and sweet potatoes since my little cocker tends to get itchy and yeasty from them. I make them homemade food in the morning and they get Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream (salmon) for later in the day.

Author: Nancy H.

Likes: 4

Try Just Food for Dogs website. They have several different recipes you can make and it is Vet formulated. I do buy the supplements for the recipe because dogs require more calcium than humans. I did 2 online pet nutrition courses before I started feeding home cooked for my Cocker.

Author: Reeseann W.

Likes: 1

Open Farm has all kinds, even kangaroo. I’d do grain free. My cocker is allergic to the grain and can only do limited ingredient lamb. Nulo is another good one. I got the smallest bag of each and tried her for a week. If she had diarrhea, then i moved on to the next kind of Open Farm. When she had no diarrhea or loose stools, i kept her on that one. Her skin, ears, itching got all better and healed.

Author: Wendy Johnson K.

Likes: 2

Talk to your vet about an hydrolyzed protein diet (Hills Z/D or Royal Canin HP)

Author: Carrie Strader F.

Likes: 0

I try to switch up his diet so he doesn’t get bored. He gets chicken and rice butternut squash and or sweet potato. He lives sardines and salmon. Occasionally scrambled egg. He won’t eat broccoli but gets frozen carrot or cucumber sticks for treats. Loves banana, blueberries, strawberries, apple (but only if they’re sweet lol,) even wee bit of satsuma. He does get red meat too and turkey. Now and again lamb or pork all of which I cook from scratch for him.

Author: Alison P.

Likes: 0

Science Diet Sensitive Stomach and Skin is great! You can have a blood test done at the vet’s clinic to know exactly what the allergies are. I once had a cocker who was allergic to rice, so she ate a chicken and potato food.

Author: Linda I.

Likes: 0

I make my own for my cocker. I brown ground turkey and steam carrots and broccoli along with brown rice and mix it all together. He loves it and he is so much healthier too

Author: Tracy Rosenberg-R.

Likes: 2

Taste of the wild pacific stream (salmon) and green beans, carrots, green peas, blueberries. Our 3 Cockers are allergic to everything so this is what we feed them. They love it.

Author: Valentina G.

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Mine can only eat NATURAL Balance fish and sweet potato.

Author: Kristine P.

Likes: 4

We make our own food! Carrots, butternut squash, peas, spinaches, zucchini, sweet potato, and protein. We use organic chicken, salmon and organic eggs, with an allergic pup I would try just fish.

Author: Enrique Vargas M.

Likes: 0

Mine eats blue basics by blue buffalo

Author: Shannon M.

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One of mine is like that—we feed Farmina ancestral grains with cod and orange. Works well for us.

Author: Bernadette J B.

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My dog is the same. No one quite understands it. I even took her to an allergist, and even he was confused. I ended up with Acana Pork and Squash. It’s the only thing that I can consistently give her without her going into the itches or her ears oozing afterwards.

Author: Luz N.

Likes: 0

The honest kitchen dehydrated we use it for our very sensitive one with allergies

Author: Calleen H.

Likes: 1

My boy is only good on Diamond Naturals Whitefish and potato

Author: Haley G.

Likes: 1

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Foods for Cocker Spaniels with Allergies

1. What are common food allergies in Cocker Spaniels?

Cocker Spaniels often develop allergies to proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, soy, and corn. Identifying the specific allergen with your vet’s help is essential to choosing the right food.

2. What ingredients should I avoid in my allergic Cocker Spaniel’s diet?

Avoid artificial preservatives, fillers like corn and wheat, and common protein allergens like chicken or beef. Look for limited ingredient diets and hypoallergenic formulas.

3. Are grain-free diets better for Cocker Spaniels with allergies?

Not always. Grain-free diets can help if your dog is specifically allergic to grains, but grains like brown rice and oatmeal are often tolerated well. It’s best to base the decision on your dog’s unique allergy profile.

4. What are the best protein sources for allergic Cocker Spaniels?

Novel proteins like duck, venison, rabbit, or fish are often good choices for Cocker Spaniels with food sensitivities. These are less likely to have caused previous allergic reactions.

5. Can wet food help manage my Cocker Spaniel’s allergies?

Yes, wet food with limited ingredients and no fillers can be easier to digest and help minimize allergic reactions. Always check the label for allergens.

6. How do I transition my Cocker Spaniel to a new allergy-friendly food?

Gradually mix the new food with the old over 7–10 days, increasing the new food amount daily. This helps avoid digestive upset and allows you to monitor for allergy improvements.

7. When should I consult a vet about my Cocker Spaniel’s allergies?

If your dog shows signs like excessive itching, chronic ear infections, or digestive issues, consult your vet. A proper diagnosis through an elimination diet or allergy testing is key to managing food allergies effectively.

Support Your Dog’s Allergy Relief With Better Nutrition

Choosing the right food can make a world of difference for dogs with allergies. When you select recipes made with gentle ingredients and clean nutrition, you help soothe irritation, support digestion, and keep your pup feeling their best. Every thoughtful choice brings your dog closer to the comfort and wellness they deserve. With the right allergy-friendly diet, you can ease symptoms and enjoy more joyful, energetic days together. Because a healthy, comfortable dog is a truly happy dog.

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