“I have three pups, all picky eaters, and they devoured their meals! I’m so happy to have found a quick, easy and super healthy food.”
Height 18–21 inches
Weight 40–55 lbs
Lifespan 12–14 years
Energy level High
Shedding Moderate
Grooming Moderate
Get a custom meal plan designed specifically for your English Springer Spaniel
Get StartedEnglish Springer Spaniel: Everything You Need to Know
The English Springer Spaniel is a lively, affectionate, and intelligent breed known for its remarkable energy and loyal nature. Originally developed as a skilled gun dog, Springers are hardworking companions with a natural eagerness to please. Their athletic build and boundless enthusiasm make them excellent partners for active families, hikers, runners, and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for their expressive eyes, feathered ears, and beautifully patterned coats, they are both elegant and rugged in their abilities. They thrive on human interaction and are happiest when included in daily activities, from long walks to cozy evenings at home. English Springer Spaniels are also highly trainable, which makes them suitable for a range of roles, including obedience, agility, and search-and-rescue work. Their joyful personality and affectionate disposition make them wonderful family dogs. As with any energetic, intelligent breed, proper nutrition plays a key role in maintaining their health, stamina, and coat quality.
Create the Perfect Meal Plan for Your English Springer SpanielCharacteristics and Care
Appearance
English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized, athletic dogs with a well-balanced build and expressive features. Their long, feathery ears and soft, wavy coats are hallmark traits of the breed. Coat colours vary, commonly including liver and white or black and white combinations, often with ticking or roaning. Their eyes are dark, warm, and intelligent, giving Springers a gentle and approachable expression. Strong, muscular hindquarters and a deep chest support their natural stamina and agility. Overall, their appearance reflects their sporting heritage—built to work, explore, and enjoy life at full stride.
Temperament
Springers are well known for their affectionate, eager-to-please personality. They enjoy human company and bond closely with their families, making them excellent companion dogs. Their intelligence and enthusiasm make them naturally responsive to training, and they thrive on mental engagement. They are typically friendly with children and other pets when socialized properly. Because they love being active and involved, they may become bored or restless without enough stimulation. Their joy, devotion, and energy make them a favourite among active households.
Grooming
Grooming needs for an English Springer Spaniel are moderate, requiring regular attention to maintain coat health. Their medium-length, feathered fur can trap debris and tangle easily, so brushing several times a week is essential. Routine ear cleaning is also important due to their floppy ears, which can trap moisture and lead to infections. Bathing should be done as needed, depending on your dog’s activity level. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to support comfort and joint health. With consistent grooming, their coats remain beautiful, healthy, and comfortable year-round.
Training & Exercise
Springers are highly energetic and require daily physical exercise to stay balanced and happy. Long walks, vigorous play sessions, and off-leash activities in safe areas are ideal. Their intelligence and drive make them excellent candidates for canine sports like agility, flyball, and field trials. Mental stimulation—through puzzles, training sessions, or scent games—is just as important to prevent boredom. Positive, reward-based training works best for this eager breed. When their exercise and mental needs are met, Springers are attentive, responsive, and deeply bonded to their families.
What Makes an English Springer Spaniel Unique
English Springer Spaniels stand out for their incredible versatility and cheerful personality. Bred originally as gun dogs, they excel in fieldwork with an uncanny ability to locate and retrieve game. Their combination of endurance, agility, and intelligence makes them exceptional athletes capable of hard work and sustained focus. Despite their working instincts, Springers are equally known for their affectionate and social nature, forming strong bonds with every family member. They are adaptable and thrive in homes where they receive ample exercise and companionship. Their distinctive, feathered coat adds a touch of elegance to their rugged frame. Springers are also known for a natural “smile,” giving them a joyful and expressive look. Their keen sense of smell and strong tracking abilities make them effective in search-and-rescue and detection work. With their emotional sensitivity and high intelligence, they respond beautifully to positive training. These qualities, combined with their energetic and loving personality, truly make the English Springer Spaniel a one-of-a-kind companion.
Create a Meal Plan That Caters to Your Springer’s Unique Needs
Health Considerations for the English Springer Spaniel
English Springer Spaniels are generally healthy but can be prone to certain hereditary conditions and lifestyle-related issues. Good nutrition, routine vet care, and proper exercise can make a meaningful difference in preventing or managing these concerns. Understanding common health risks helps owners create a supportive environment tailored to the Springer’s needs. Early intervention and balanced nutrition can help maintain mobility, immunity, and overall well-being throughout your dog’s life.
Ear Infections
Due to their long, floppy ears, Springers are more prone to recurring ear infections. Moisture can become trapped within the ear canal, creating an ideal environment for bacterial or yeast growth. Regular cleaning and proper grooming can help prevent buildup and irritation. Signs of ear infections may include head shaking, scratching, odour, or redness. Some dogs may benefit from diets that support immune health and reduce inflammation, especially if allergies contribute to ear issues. NutriCanine’s fresh recipes avoid highly processed fillers, which can help reduce potential dietary triggers.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is common among medium-sized sporting breeds and can lead to discomfort, reduced mobility, and arthritis. Springers may show symptoms such as stiffness, difficulty rising, or reluctance to jump. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to reducing strain on the joints. A balanced diet rich in high-quality protein can help support muscle development around the hips. Fresh food diets, such as NutriCanine’s, may also be easier to digest and help maintain healthy body condition. Supplements like omega-3s or joint-support ingredients may be beneficial under veterinary guidance.
Eye Conditions
Springers may be susceptible to hereditary eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts. Routine eye exams and early detection can help preserve your dog’s vision. Keeping inflammation low through a diet rich in whole food ingredients and essential fatty acids supports overall ocular health. Antioxidant-rich foods can also help protect cellular function. While genetics cannot be changed, balanced nutrition supports long-term wellness. Fresh food diets may offer natural nutrients that processed kibble can lack.
Allergies & Skin Sensitivities
Some English Springer Spaniels experience skin allergies or sensitivities that can lead to itchiness, redness, or hot spots. Food sensitivities are among the most common triggers, making diet an essential part of management. Fresh, limited-ingredient recipes made with whole foods can help eliminate unnecessary irritants. High-quality proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and anti-inflammatory nutrients support skin barrier function.
Nutrition for Every Stage and Need
A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining the energy, mobility, and coat health of an English Springer Spaniel. Their active nature means they thrive on high-quality protein, digestible carbohydrates, and nutrient-rich whole foods
Springer puppies are energetic, fast-growing, and require balanced nutrition to build strong muscles, bones, and immune systems. They need meals high in quality protein to support growth without excessive calories that could lead to rapid weight gain. Fresh diets with digestible ingredients help support their developing digestive systems. Consistent meal schedules and balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratios are important for healthy growth. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain and vision development
Adult Springers are highly active and benefit from nutrient-dense meals that provide lasting energy. High-quality human-grade proteins help maintain lean muscle mass. Healthy fats and digestible whole foods support stamina for their active lifestyle. Fresh food is gentle on the stomach and may help reduce inflammation, which is especially helpful for dogs with digestive or skin sensitivities. Balanced nutrient profiles help maintain a healthy weight and prevent lifestyle-related issues.
Senior Springers may experience reduced mobility, digestive changes, and lower energy levels. Fresh meals can be easier to digest and offer natural moisture to help support hydration. High-quality protein becomes increasingly important to maintain muscle mass as dogs age. Nutrients like omega-3s help support joint health and cognitive function. Lower-calorie portions may be appropriate for aging Springers with slower metabolisms.
Springers can be prone to weight gain, especially if they aren’t getting enough exercise. Excess weight increases the risk of joint issues, heart strain, and reduced mobility. Fresh food diets made with whole ingredients can help maintain satiety while offering excellent nutrient density. Lean proteins and controlled calorie portions support healthy weight loss. Ingredients like pumpkin and squash add fibre to help keep dogs full.
Allergies or sensitivities can affect digestion, skin health, and overall comfort. Many Springers benefit from limited-ingredient, gently cooked meals that eliminate unnecessary fillers. Fresh ingredients are easier to digest and less likely to cause flare-ups compared to highly processed kibble.
Give Your English Springer Spaniel the Nutrition They Deserve
English Springer Spaniels thrive when fuelled by whole, nutrient-rich foods that support their active and affectionate nature. NutriCanine’s fresh meal plans are crafted with real, human-grade ingredients designed to nourish dogs from the inside out. Each recipe is gently cooked to maintain nutritional integrity and support easy digestion. With no fillers, artificial additives, or highly processed ingredients, your Springer gets optimal nutrition in every bite. Personalized plans ensure your dog receives the right calories, nutrients, and ingredients for their age, lifestyle, and sensitivities. Give your Springer the wholesome, balanced meals they deserve to live a healthy, vibrant life.
English Springer Spaniel | Is It Right For You?
Ready to Provide the Best Nutrition for Your English Springer Spaniel?
NutriCanine’s personalized meal plans are designed to meet the unique nutritional needs of your English Springer Spaniel. Our fresh, high-quality ingredients ensure your dog gets the best possible nutrition. Start your journey to better health and happiness for your Springer today.
Our Gently Cooked Recipes
- Guided by science
- Made fresh daily
Our recipes, developed by an agronomist, are nutrient-rich, delicious, and complete and balanced, meeting AAFCO guidelines.
Chicken Recipe
Bowl lickin' good - bet we don't keep our recipe a secret! For healthier skin and coat with nutrient-dense broccoli and carrots.
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Turkey Recipe
Just like your Thanksgiving meal, but specially designed for your dog. For improved digestibility, enhanced by superfood kale and butternut squash.
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Beef Recipe
Perfect for the pickiest eaters and gluten-sensitive dogs with highly digestible rice and antioxidant-rich berries.
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Lamb Recipe
Designed for dogs with allergies and sensitivities, enriched by nutrient-packed green beans and carrots.
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Pork Recipe
Wrap your dog in comfort with every bowl - soothing relief for itchy skin and sensitive tummies, with irresistible flavour.
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