How Much To Feed A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels or Cavaliers as they are sometimes called, are special dogs. They enjoy sitting on the couch and cuddling for hours on end.

It would be even better for them to have their favorite human next to them because they are a lovable breed.

But this does not mean that they do not relish the idea of adventure because these dogs are high energy and upbeat.

Their beautiful coats come in four colors which are white & chestnut, black & tan, ruby, and tricolor (all white with black and tan markings). They also have gorgeous puppy dog eyes that many are unable to resist.

If you would like to know how much to feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, then the feeding chart within this article will be able to help you.

With this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel feeding chart, you can feed your dog correctly to maximize his health.

How Much Should A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Eat?

When feeding your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you need to consider his activity level, age, and breed type.

Usually, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are fed 4-5 cups of dry dog food as puppies. When puppies are in their development stage they require more food than adult and senior dogs.

Cavaliers need adequate amounts of protein, calcium, fat, and fiber to be healthy. In their early years, they should be fed frequently but in small portions.

As they begin to develop you should reduce the meal size to about 3 cups per day.

When they are adult dogs, you should reduce it even further to about 2 cups of food per day. This is because they tend to gain a lot of weight in adults which may lead to a range of diseases and complications.

Even though this seems like a lot less food, it is the correct amount to feed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to prolong his life.

Healthy treats are also an option for training or when you feel like he deserves it.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Feeding Chart

To calculate the right amount of food to feed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there are a few methods then you can use.

The RER method can be employed to give your dog the right amount of food. These calculations are necessary because not all dogs are the same.

Even within the same breed, some may be bigger than others. And since serving sizes are usually determined by the size and weight it may be difficult to find the right amount of food to feed your dog.

The RER method stands for the resting energy requirements of your dog. and it is calculated by multiplying the total body weight in kilograms to the power of ¾ by 70.

Therefore, if your puppy weighs 10 kg, you should express 10 kg to the power of ¾ and multiply this amount by 70. The RER you will get is 70 X 10 kgs ¾ = 400 calories per day.

For the RER method to work, you need to have an accurate measurement of your puppy’s weight to perform the calculations.

To figure out the amount of food to feed your puppy, you can also look at the package instructions of the food which are sometimes breed-specific.

2-Week-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

There is not much that you need to do when it comes to food at this stage because a 2-week old puppy will be looking to his mother for nourishment. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are born into litters of about 3-5 pups.

In the rare case that one of the puppies is rejected by his mother, you should keep him warm and give him a substitute for his mother’s milk. You can feed him a milk replacement through a tube or bottle.

4-Week-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will be weaned during this stage and stop drinking his mother’s milk.

He will need to be introduced to solid food, but this should be handled carefully because the transition can be difficult.

Make sure that the food is soft enough for his still tender mouth. If you are feeding him dry kibble and then be conscious of the kibble size as he is a small breed and as a puppy, his mouth will be even smaller.

Make sure that you put some moisture in his food so that it is the right consistency. It should be like mashed potatoes.

It is okay to feed him about 1 – 1 ½ cups of food spread over for meals. This measurement should also be based on your dog weight.

6-Week-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

You should see a bit of a growth spurt in your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy. By this time he will be used to solid foods and do not need his mother’s milk.

You should increase his rations so that he can meet all his developmental milestones.

Increase his food to about 1 and a half to 2 cups every day and this can be spread out over three meals so that he will not feel hungry at any time.

However, you should still monitor him and if he is not satisfied you can increase the amount by half a cup.

8-Week-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

As your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel continues to mature you can increase his rations. This is to account for his brain and muscle development.

Expect that your puppy will be a bit more active as he explores his environment and learns the wider world around him. His muscles will become stronger and his coordination will improve.

Increase the amount of food you give him to 3 cups spread over three meals. You can give him one cup of food at every meal and see how he copes with this amount.

If you notice that he is hungry at certain times throughout the day then you can increase this by a half cup.

10-Week-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

At 10 weeks old you can continue to feed him 3 times per day, but you can increase the amount you give him at those times. You can give him 1 ⅓ cups of food every meal which is equal to 4 cups of food per day.

Also, continue to monitor him to make sure he is adjusting to this amount. Furthermore, make sure that he is not bloating and give him ample amounts of water.

12-Week-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

This would be the right time to increase your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s food to 5 cups per day. It should remain this way until they are no longer puppies. Then you can reduce this amount gradually.

Your dog should be eager to eat at every meal because this is a signal of good health overall. Reduce the amount of time you feed your dog per day to 2 times.

Best Puppy Dog Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Editor’s Choice

#1. Ultimates Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food

It is no surprise that Ultimates Chicken Meal & Brown Rice Puppy Dry Dog Food is scientifically prepared for the first year of a puppy’s growth.

Developing puppies require double the nutrients of adult dogs. This is why this dog food is packed with all the nutrients that growing puppies need for healthy muscles, bones, and organs. Not only that but it is loaded with protein and DHA for the brain.

Pros

Fortified with Protein
Loaded with real chicken
No corn wheat or soy
Antioxidants and Minerals
DHA for eyes and brain

Cons

Very small kibble size

Runner-Up

#2. Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy Dog Food

If you are looking for healthy organic ingredients, then Purina Beneful Healthy Puppy with Farm-Raised Chicken is the dry dog food you are looking for.

This will give your Cavalier a good start. Your precious pooch will have loads of calcium and protein as they grow.

Pros

Loaded with Protein
Great for small breeds
23 essential vitamins and minerals
Ingredients for strong teeth and bones
No Artificial preservatives or flavoring

Cons

Some dogs don’t like the taste

#3. Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food

Purina ONE SmartBlend Natural Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Puppy Food allows you to achieve good nutrition with great taste.

It features a varied texture of crunchy kibble and meaty bits. It is packed with protein so that your Cavalier puppy can develop healthy muscles and organs.

Furthermore, it contains no fillers, so your puppy only gets nutrition great taste and nutrition.

Pros

28% animal Protein for development
Added nutrients for good nutrition
Calcium and phosphorus for joints and bones
Ingredients for proper digestion
No preservatives or artificial flavors

Cons

Some kibble bits are too hard

#4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Dog Food

With Blue Buffalo Wilderness Rocky Mountain, your puppy can benefit from a recipe inspired by western wolves.

It is rich in protein that was sourced from red meat and contains no chicken. Your Cavalier will enjoy this grain-free recipe that is loaded with nutrients.

Pros

Real animal protein from red meat
Ideal for small breeds
Tasty for puppy’s enjoyment
A special blend of vitamins and minerals
No corn, wheat, soy, or grain

Cons

Kibble bits get crumbled easily

#5. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dog Food

Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food can support your Cavalier’s active lifestyle. It is specially made for puppies and has chicken listed as its first ingredient.

They also add extra nutrients for a balanced diet. It provides everything your puppy needs like calcium for bones and joints, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

Pros

Chicken protein listed as first ingredient
Antioxidants for immune health
Ideal for puppies less than 1-year-old
No harmful ingredients like soy or corn
Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA

Cons

Kibble size a bit large

2-Month-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Weight

When your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is 2 months old, you should expect that they will weigh approximately 2.5 – 4.5 lbs.

You should increase their food and at this time to keep up with their rapid development.

3-Month-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Weight

You should expect that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy would be around 5 to 8 lb.

Remember that they tend to develop quickly during the earlier years. The growth rates will then slow down as they age which is why their food amounts should be reduced as well.

4-Month-Old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Weight

At the four-month mark, anticipate that your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy will be about 9 to 12 lb.

They will continue to grow until they are about 9 months old, and you can expect their weight to increase.

Understanding Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Nutritional Needs

Understanding the nutritional needs of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy is important if you want him to develop healthily.

Whether you choose homemade or commercially manufactured food you need to pay attention to four 4 main areas of nutrition. These are:

Protein – this is especially in developmental stages to help your dog to be healthy and gain muscle, tissue, and bones. Puppies require 29% protein while adults only need 18%.

Fat – this is a great energy source for your dogs, and it also contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids which are good for a shiny coat.

Vitamins – these help with regular metabolic processes that your dog completes to be healthy.

Fiber – these do not have any nutritional value per se, but they give your dog good gut bacteria that will help digestion.

Kibble vs Wet Food For Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies

The dry kibble has its advantages which is why many people prefer to use it, and it is the most widely used when it comes to feeding dogs.

Dry kibble is affordable, convenient and most of them provide sufficient nutrition to keep your dog healthy.

On the other hand, wet food that can be found in a can or package is preferred by many dogs especially those who have sensitive stomachs.

You can make wet food at home as well. In this way, you will ensure that all the proper nutrients will go into each portion, and you can tailor-make it to your dog’s needs.

How Much Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppies Grow Each Week?

When it comes to Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, it may be a bit difficult to say exactly how much they will grow each week.

This is because each puppy is different and grows at different rates. However, it is safe to say that a Cavalier can grow at least ¼ – ½ pounds every week. This growth rate becomes slower and then to a halt as they get older.

Switching From Puppy Food To Adult Food

Eventually, all dogs will be ready to switch from puppy to adult food. Please try to make this transition easy for them. Abrupt changes can result in your dog getting sick or not eating at all.

Start by mixing in a small amount of the adult food with the puppy food for one meal. You can then increase the amount of adult food in the puppy food so that it is half-and-half. After about one week you can increase this amount to 75 % in the adult food’s favor.

At each stage, monitor your dog to see how he is coping with the adult food that you have introduced and reduce or increase accordingly.

What If My Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Won’t Eat?

There may be several reasons why your dog is not eating. You need to look at them closely to figure out the cause, but if you are unable, you should visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Nutrition is important, so if your dog is not eating you should be attention.

Sometimes your dog will not eat because of emotional reasons for example they may be in a strange place which makes them confused or anxious.

Additionally, your dog could have an upset stomach because of a health problem or something he ate. Visit your veterinarian to make sure.

Can You Free feed A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy?

It is not a good idea to free feed a Cavalier King Spaniel puppy, because they are prone to obesity. Also, remember that you shouldn’t give them table scraps regularly because it can lead to diarrhea and other conditions.

This is especially critical when they are younger as cooked bones and other foods may harm them. Remember that their stomachs are still fragile while they are developing so stick to regular feeding on a schedule.

Should You Feed A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Puppy Supplements?

If you are feeding your puppy properly, then supplements are not necessary. High-quality dog food that is commercially manufactured has the minerals and vitamins that your dog needs to be healthy.

However, if your dog is not getting enough sunlight and time outdoors then some vitamin D may be necessary to supplement. For dandruff issues, some people like to you fish oil, but it is not necessary.

How Much Water Should A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy Drink?

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy usually drinks a lot of water because they are known to be quite active especially in their younger years.

It is a great idea to free-feed water to your dog as long as it is clean and fresh every day. Monitor to make sure that he does not drink more than one cup of water at a given time because bloating may occur.