Are you wondering whether your Cocker Spaniel can eat that?
You’re not alone. It has led many people to believe that certain foods are safe for their Cocker Spaniels, but it turns out that some of these human foods are actually deadly for Cocker Spaniels.
But what about the rest? What about the other things we eat every day? Here are 37 common foods that are safe or unsafe for Cocker Spaniels.
List of fruits Cocker Spaniels can or can’t eat
Wondering which fruits your Cocker Spaniel can eat or not? Here is a list of some common fruits your Cocker Spaniel can or can’t eat:
Apples
Cocker Spaniels can eat apples.
In fact, apples are one of the best snacks for Cocker Spaniels: high in fiber, low in fat and protein, and rich in vitamins A and C. They’re also a great choice for senior Cocker Spaniels because they don’t have too much sugar.
If your Cocker Spaniel loves applesauce or apple pie, though, be sure to check the ingredients list first. Most store-bought versions contain added sugar that can be harmful to your pup’s health.
Make sure you remove the seeds and core before giving your Cocker Spaniel any kind of apple product.
Avocado
Avocados are a popular food for humans and canines alike, but they aren’t safe for your Cocker Spaniel to consume. The fruit, pit, leaves, skin, and even the actual plant contain persin—a toxin that could poison your Cocker Spaniel if ingested.
Even though avocado oil is safe in small amounts, it’s best not to give your Cocker Spaniel any avocado products at all.
Bananas
Cocker Spaniels can eat bananas in moderation.
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamins, biotin and fiber, and copper, which makes them a healthy snack for your pup. But they are also high in sugar content and therefore should be given as an occasional treat.
It’s best to remove the banana peel before giving it to your Cocker Spaniel—the peel is tough to digest and could cause stomach upset. Also avoid processed bananas like banana chips or puddings because they may contain added toxic ingredients.
Blackberry
Blackberries are a good snack for Cocker Spaniels, but they should be eaten in moderation.
A serving of 2 blackberries per 10 pounds of body weight is the maximum amount you should give to your Cocker Spaniel in one day.
Blackberries contain low calories and sugar, which is good for your Cocker Spaniel’s weight, as well as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You can feed your Cocker Spaniel fresh or frozen blackberries.
But avoid processed blackberries like blackberry jam, jelly, or ice cream—they may contain harmful preservatives and additives.
Blueberry
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat blueberries. In fact, they’re a great source of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.
One important thing to keep in mind is that blueberries are very high in sugar, so you should only feed your Cocker Spaniel about 4-5 blueberries per 10 pounds of body weight. That’s about half a cup for an adult Cocker Spaniel weighing 30 pounds.
Fresh or frozen blueberries are best—but dried or mashed berries are fine too. Just avoid processed blueberries like blueberry muffins, blueberry yogurt, blueberry pie, or blueberry pancakes because they may contain harmful additives.
Cantaloupe
Can a Cocker Spaniel eat cantaloupe? Yes, but in moderation.
Cantaloupe is low in calories and high in other nutrients, such as fiber and moisture. The fruit also contains natural sugar, so it should be given to your Cocker Spaniel in moderation. The rinds and seeds of the cantaloupe are a choking hazard, so remove them before feeding your Cocker Spaniel this fruit.
Cherry
No, Cocker Spaniels can’t eat cherries.
Although the fleshy part around the seed is safe, the plant contains cyanide. Cyanide destroys cellular oxygen transport in your Cocker Spaniel, and this can lead to a number of symptoms including dilated pupils and rapid breathing. Contact your vet if your Cocker Spaniel ate cherry.
Grapes
Grapes are very toxic to Cocker Spaniels, even if they eat just one or two.
Your Cocker Spaniel may not show any symptoms after eating a small amount of grapes, but even one grape can cause sudden kidney failure in your Cocker Spaniel and lead to death if it isn’t treated right away.
Other symptoms of grape poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy (tiredness)
If you suspect your Cocker Spaniel ate grapes, seek veterinary help immediately.
Mango
It’s true: Cocker Spaniels can eat mango!
Mangoes are full of vitamins and antioxidants that are hard to find in other fruits, making them a great snack for your Cocker Spaniel. They’re also low calorie, so you don’t have to worry about your Cocker Spaniel getting extra calories from the fruit.
Mangoes skin contains small amounts of oxalates, which can be harmful if your Cocker Spaniel eats too much. So make sure you remove any skins. Also remove pits before giving it to your pup as it contains toxic cyanide.
If you want to add mango to your Cocker Spaniel’s diet, stick with fresh ripe fruit and avoid processed products like mango sorbet, mango popsicles and mango ice cream—these may contain harmful ingredients. The amount of mango you give your Cocker Spaniel depends on its size: one-quarter cup once a week is recommended for most Cocker Spaniels.
Oranges
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat oranges in moderation.
Oranges provide Vitamin C, potassium, fiber and moisture. Cocker Spaniels don’t need as much Vitamin C as humans, but they do need it for their immune system to function properly. This is especially important for puppies who are growing. Oranges also provide necessary nutrients for your Cocker Spaniel’s body to function properly, but we should consider them a treat rather than a meal replacement.
Give only the fleshy part to your Cocker Spaniel—remove all traces of peel, skin, pith and seeds before giving them to your pet.
1-2 sections as an occasional treat are enough for most Cocker Spaniels.
Peaches
Peaches are safe to feed your Cocker Spaniel, but only if you serve them in small amounts.
Peaches are high in fiber and vitamin A, so they can be a good addition to your Cocker Spaniel’s diet. If you have a small Cocker Spaniel, cut up the peach into small pieces. You should also remove the pit before serving it, as it contains cyanide.
However, avoid processed peaches like peach cobbler or peach pie, as they may contain harmful preservatives.
Pears
Can Cocker Spaniels eat pears?
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat pears. In fact, pears are a great snack because they’re high in copper, vitamins C and K, and fiber.
Eating the fruit can reduce the risk of having a stroke significantly. Just be sure to cut pears into bite-size chunks and remove the pit and seeds first, as the seeds contain traces of cyanide. Skip processed pears like canned pears as it may contain sugar syrups and other additives that are harmful to your Cocker Spaniel.
One small slice is ok for most Cocker Spaniels as pears contain sugar.
Pineapples
Yes, your Cocker Spaniel can eat pineapple! Cocker Spaniels are omnivores and can eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Pineapple is safe for Cocker Spaniels to eat in small amounts.
Pineapples are high in water content, which means they make a great snack for Cocker Spaniels after swimming or playing fetch. They also contain bromelain, an enzyme that helps reduce inflammation and improve digestion.
Pineapples are safe for Cocker Spaniels when they are raw, and only the soft inner fruit is eaten. You should remove the spiky skin and hard inner pineapple core before giving it to your Cocker Spaniel. Processed pineapples like canned pineapple or pineapple cake contain added harmful chemicals that may harm your pet if ingested regularly over time, so avoid these options altogether.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is an excellent snack for your Cocker Spaniel. Pure pumpkin, with no spices or additives, is a great choice and a very healthy snack for Cocker Spaniels. Pumpkin is great for skin, coat, digestion, and can help remedy both diarrhea and constipation in your Cocker Spaniel.
As with any new food item, you’ll want to make sure you introduce it slowly. Start with a teaspoon of pure pumpkin (not pie mix) and see how your Cocker Spaniel reacts. If he seems to enjoy it and doesn’t have any negative reactions, you can increase the amount gradually.
Never feed your Cocker Spaniel pumpkin pie mix! This can cause digestive problems for your pooch; canned pumpkin is ok for your Cocker Spaniel but make sure it’s 100% pumpkin with no other ingredients added in. Many pumpkin supplements and pumpkin pup treats are available on the market today if you prefer not making your own treats at home.
Strawberry
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat strawberries.
Strawberries are a great choice for Cocker Spaniels to enjoy as a treat or snack. They contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help support your pet’s health, so they’re an excellent addition to their diet.
Fresh strawberries are best for your Cocker Spaniel because they have more nutrients than frozen ones. But either way is fine—just cut them into small pieces before serving. And remember: always remove the stem!
Processed strawberries are high in sugar and may not be good for your pet’s health.
Watermelon
The answer is yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat watermelon. It’s a low-calorie treat that contains vitamins, minerals and lycopene, which is all good stuff for your Cocker Spaniel’s overall health.
Keep the following in mind:
Cocker Spaniels should only eat the flesh of a watermelon; it’s safe and nutritious. Cut it into small chunks so your Cocker Spaniel can’t choke on it and remove the seeds, rinds and skin before giving it to them. A half cup of diced seedless and rind-free watermelon per 10 pounds of body weight is enough for your Cocker Spaniel.
List of vegetables Cocker Spaniels can or can’t eat
Wondering which vegetables your Cocker Spaniel can eat or not? Here is a list of some vegetables your Cocker Spaniel can or can’t eat:
Broccoli
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat broccoli.
Broccoli contains vitamins A, C and K, along with antioxidants that help keep your pup’s immune system strong. Broccoli stems and florets are both safe to eat, either cooked or raw. Just cut them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. Offer 1/4 (0.25) cup of broccoli per 10 pounds of body weight of a pup.
Cabbage
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat cabbage.
Cabbage is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is considered one of the healthiest foods for Cocker Spaniels. It is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, as well as fiber and moisture. All the varieties of cabbage are safe for your Cocker Spaniel to eat, including red cabbage and green cabbage.
But red cabbage contains 10 times more vitamins than green cabbage does! If you want your pup to get the most out of his or her diet, offer them some red cabbage instead of green cabbage.
Roasted or lightly cooked cabbage is the best way for your Cocker Spaniel to digest it—but make sure it doesn’t have any added oil or salt! Offer your pup about one bite per 10 pounds of body weight.
Carrots
Yes, your Cocker Spaniel can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie treat for your pup, and they contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Cooked carrots are better since they’re easier to digest than raw or frozen ones. If you choose to feed your Cocker Spaniel raw or frozen carrots, be sure to chop them into smaller pieces before giving them to your Cocker Spaniel. This will help avoid choking on the large pieces.
Carrot cake is ok too- just make sure that you don’t add any harmful additives to your Cocker Spaniel’s carrot cake! 1 or 2 baby carrots per day is enough for the average-sized pup.
Celery
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat celery.
Celery is a great low-calorie treat. It contains vitamins and minerals, and it’s also high in moisture and fiber. You can cut the celery into bite-sized pieces for your pup to enjoy, or you can top it with peanut butter or other treats, mix it in with your Cocker Spaniel’s regular food, or serve it as a side dish along with another treat.
Celery sticks are great for big pups, but avoid the leaves of celery unless they’re organic and washed thoroughly before serving them to your Cocker Spaniel.
Cucumber
Cucumbers are safe for Cocker Spaniels to eat, and they provide several health benefits. They contain vitamins and minerals, moisture, fiber, and phytochemicals that can help freshen your Cocker Spaniel’s breath. The seeds and peels or skin are also safe for Cocker Spaniels as long as the cucumbers are organic—you should avoid processed cucumbers like pickles, which may contain harmful additives like salt or sugar.
The amount of cucumber that’s safe for your Cocker Spaniel depends on their size—one or two pieces per day is all they need.
Garlic
Can Cocker Spaniels eat garlic?
No, garlic is toxic to Cocker Spaniels. It contains N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that can cause hemolysis leading to anemia. Other symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Raw and cooked cloves and bulbs of garlic are toxic to your Cocker Spaniel. The toxic dose is 15 to 30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. Contact the vet immediately if your Cocker Spaniel ate garlic.
Onions
The answer is no.
The toxic dose for onions is 15 gm/kg of body weight for Cocker Spaniels.
Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a sulfur compound that causes hemolysis leading to anemia in Cocker Spaniels. Besides, all parts of the onion plant are toxic to Cocker Spaniels too, including the flesh, ring, leaves, juice, and processed powders.
If you think your Cocker Spaniel has eaten onions or any other part of the onion plant and you don’t know what to do next? Contact your vet immediately.
Zucchini
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat zucchini! It’s a low-calorie treat, full of vitamins and antioxidants, as well as high in fiber and moisture. Plain raw, steamed, or cooked zucchini is safe for Cocker Spaniels to eat. However, raw zucchini provides more Vitamin A than cooked ones. The amount of zucchini you feed your Cocker Spaniel depends on the size of your Cocker Spaniel—start with just one or two small bites at first.
List of some other snacks Cocker Spaniels can or can’t eat
Wondering which snacks your Cocker Spaniel can eat or not? Here is a list of some snacks your Cocker Spaniel can or can’t eat:
Bacon
Bacon is not a good idea to feed your Cocker Spaniel, as it is an extremely rich and fatty food with a high salt content. Because of this, it can prove to be too much for your Cocker Spaniel’s stomach to handle.
Eating a large amount of cooked bacon can cause pancreatitis, which can be very painful for your Cocker Spaniel. Pancreatitis occurs when there is too much acid in your Cocker Spaniel’s digestive tract. This excess acid will damage the pancreas and cause inflammation, which leads to the symptoms of pancreatitis.
However, giving your Cocker Spaniel small amounts of cooked bacon infrequently should not cause harm. If you must give it to them, try feeding them only once every few months rather than every week.
Beef
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat beef.
Cooked, unseasoned lean beef is safe for Cocker Spaniels in small amounts unless your Cocker Spaniel is allergic to beef. However, never feed cooked bone to your Cocker Spaniel—it could splinter and cause internal damage. But larger raw beef bones can be a chew toy.
Beef broth, beef stew, specialized Cocker Spaniel beef jerky without an excess amount of salt are also safe for your Cocker Spaniel.
Avoid giving your Cocker Spaniel raw meat because it may contain bacteria that will make your pet sick.
Bread
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat bread, but only plain white and wheat bread.
Bread doesn’t provide that much nutrients in your Cocker Spaniel, so offer them in moderation. A crust is fine, but a whole slice is too much for your Cocker Spaniel.
Too much bread can cause stomach problems, diarrhea and even vomiting for your pet.
Cheese
Yes, a small amount of cheese is ok for Cocker Spaniels. But be careful of what types of cheese you are feeding to your Cocker Spaniels.
Mozzarella, cottage, swiss and cheddar cheese are safer. Stay away from spicy cheese like cheesecake, blue, goat, parmesan and cream cheese.
Amount depends on the size of your Cocker Spaniel, however, a few small bites are fine.
Chicken
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat chicken. Chicken contains protein and omega-6 fatty acids, which are both essential nutrients for Cocker Spaniels. It also contains vitamins and minerals that your Cocker Spaniel needs to stay healthy.
Boneless cooked breast meat is the best option because the skin is high in fat and can cause stomach upset if eaten in large quantities. Boneless breasts are also easier to dig than other parts of the chicken.
When feeding your Cocker Spaniel chicken, be aware of how much you’re giving him or her! Amounts vary depending on the size of the Cocker Spaniel, but give 1/8 to 1/6 cup of meat protein per 10 pounds of body weight per day if your Cocker Spaniel is on a raw meat diet.
Chocolate
Can Cocker Spaniels eat chocolate?
The answer is no! Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine that are toxic to pups. The most toxic forms of chocolate are cocoa powder, unsweetened baker’s chocolate, semisweet chocolate, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate. If you suspect your Cocker Spaniel has eaten any of these types of chocolates, contact your vet immediately.
Educate your family about the danger of chocolate in Cocker Spaniels to prevent accidental ingestion. It is best to keep all forms of chocolate out of reach from your pets.
Eggs
Yes, your Cocker Spaniel can eat eggs. In fact, it’s actually a good idea to give your Cocker Spaniel eggs as a treat every once in a while.
Eggs are high in protein, fatty acids and vitamins and minerals.
Give your Cocker Spaniel cooked eggs but make sure that there are no harmful ingredients in the egg (like salt or sugar) or else it could be bad for their health. Also make sure that you cook the egg thoroughly so it doesn’t contain any bacteria from raw eggs.
Raw eggs are not recommended because avidin prevents absorption of biotin when eaten by Cocker Spaniels—this protein is found in raw egg whites but not cooked ones—and may contain bacteria that could make your Cocker Spaniel sick if they eat it raw!
Finally, don’t worry about feeding your Cocker Spaniel egg shells! As long as you grind them up first so there aren’t any sharp edges left on them, they’ll be fine to feed him/her.
Fish
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat fish.
Fish is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. However, not all types of fish are safe for your Cocker Spaniel.
Smaller, younger, wild-caught, shorter-lived species like salmon, shrimp and tilapia are safe for your Cocker Spaniel. Avoid longer-lived fish species like tuna, shark and swordfish as they can contain heavy metals such as mercury.
Always clean them properly before feeding them to your Cocker Spaniel. Remove the skin and debone them, then cook them with no harmful additives. Feeding your Cocker Spaniel one or two times per week in small amounts is recommended but consult with your veterinarian first before doing so just to be sure that this is safe for your pooch.
Icecream
Can Cocker Spaniels eat ice cream?
No, the Cocker Spaniel shouldn’t eat ice cream.
Ice cream contains high amounts of dairy products and sugar. It can also contain other ingredients that are toxic to Cocker Spaniels, such as chocolate, nuts, and alcohol.
Cocker Spaniels who accidentally eat ice cream may experience symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy (tiredness), hyperactivity (excessive energy), increased thirst, increased urination, tremors and seizures. Seek veterinary help immediately if you suspect your Cocker Spaniel accidentally ate ice cream.
Peanut butter
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat peanut butter in moderation.
Peanut butter provides protein, vitamins and healthy fats. It’s not something you should give your Cocker Spaniel every day. In moderation, this treat can be very beneficial to your Cocker Spaniel’s health.
However, ensure the peanut butter is pup-safe without xylitol or chocolate (they’re both toxic to Cocker Spaniels). Also try to avoid peanut butter pretzels—they contain three times more sodium than regular pretzels!
Start with a half teaspoon per day and gradually increase the amount if your Cocker Spaniel seems OK with it.
Popcorn
Can Cocker Spaniels eat popcorn?
The short answer is yes—but only in small quantities as an occasional treat. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to Cocker Spaniels, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc, along with fiber and trace amounts of vitamins. This makes them a healthy snack for your pup.
However, avoid processed popcorn (buttered popcorn or popcorn with other toppings like cheese) because it contains salt and sugar that aren’t good for Cocker Spaniels in large quantities. Also, un-popped or partially popped kernels can be a choking hazard and may even cause damage to your Cocker Spaniel’s teeth.
Turkey
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat turkey.
Turkey meat is safe for Cocker Spaniels as long as you provide cooked lean, white, unseasoned and boneless turkey meat to your Cocker Spaniel. Turkey breast meat is the best option because it contains more protein, fatty acids and minerals that are good for canines. Avoid turkey skin, though—it can cause GI upset and pancreatitis. Also avoid processed turkey, which may contain harmful ingredients like sodium nitrite.
We recommend 20 grams of white meat turkey or 15 grams of dark meat turkey per 12 pounds body weight for your pooch’s diet.
Yogurt
Yes, Cocker Spaniels can eat yogurt. Plain yogurt is a perfectly acceptable snack for Cocker Spaniels. However, some Cocker Spaniels may have trouble digesting dairy products.
If your Cocker Spaniel can digest it, the beneficial bacteria in yogurt can help strengthen the digestive system. Plain yogurt is the best choice for your Cocker Spaniel.
Avoid any yogurts with added sugar and artificial sweeteners and any flavored or fruit-flavored varieties of plain yogurt. One teaspoon of yogurt a day is fine for most pups.
Conclusion
There you have it, a list of 37 human foods your Cocker Spaniel can or can’t eat. However, with any safe food, follow the 90/10 rule: 90% of the time, feed your Cocker Spaniel a balanced diet that contains nutrients and 10% of the time, give them treats.
Remember, Cocker Spaniels are animals and they do not need all of these human foods to survive. They need their essential nutrients in order to stay healthy and happy.