Cocker spaniels are known for being voracious eaters, and they can quickly get into trouble if they eat the wrong things. As a breed they are natural scavengers and will help themselves to any type of easy meal that they can find.
Do you have a Cocker spaniel that eats everything in sight?
If so, you’re not alone. Cocker spaniels are notorious for being greedy eaters, and they can quickly become overweight if their diet isn’t closely monitored.
Why does my Cocker spaniel eat everything?
There are a few reasons why your Cocker spaniel may be eating everything in sight.
The first reason is that Cocker spaniels are natural scavengers.
This means that they have a natural instinct to forage for food, and they will often eat anything that smells good and this can include everything from dead animals, insects, rubbish and lots more.
The second reason is that Cocker spaniels are known for being voracious eaters.
This means that they tend to eat a lot, and, if they don’t lead an active lifestyle they can quickly gain weight and become obese.
The third reason is that Cocker spaniels have a high metabolism.
This means that they burn off calories very quickly, and so they need to eat more often than other breeds of dogs.
If your Cocker spaniel is constantly begging for food, or if they are always looking for something to eat, then it’s important to think about your dog’s diet and to make sure that they are getting all the nutrients they need.
What is a healthy diet for a Cocker spaniel?
Being active dogs, Cocker spaniels need a diet that is packed with protein to help them maintain their lean muscle mass.
A high-quality dry food or raw diet will usually have all the nutrients a Cocker spaniel needs.
There is a wide variety of good quality dry foods and raw diets available from pet stores and vets.
It is important to speak to your vet about what type of food is best for your Cocker spaniel, if you are in any doubt, as they will be able to advise you on the most suitable diet for your dog based on their age, weight, health and activity level.
Cocker spaniels can get fat quickly
Cocker spaniels are also prone to obesity, so it is important to make sure that their diet is balanced and not too high in calories.
A good way to do this is to feed them smaller meals more often, rather than one large meal a day and to keep treats to a minimum.
It is also important to make sure that they get plenty of exercise, as this will help to keep their weight down and their muscles toned.
If you think that your Cocker spaniel is overweight, then it is a good idea to speak to your vet about this, as they can give you expert advice on keeping your spaniel healthy.
How do I stop my Cocker spaniel from eating everything
Prevention is often better than attempting to cure and the easiest way to stop your Cocker spaniel from eating everything is to keep those things out of his way.
For example if your Cocker tips the bin over and eats the contents when you are not around, then the simple solution is to remove the bin so that he cannot get to it.
Try a bin with a lockable lid if you have nowhere to move it to.
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If he eats surplus food that the humans have leftover, then the easy answer is to make sure that it is disposed of in such a way that he cannot get to it.
Try to keep the things that your Cocker eats out of his reach.
All dogs are scavengers
Even though dogs are domesticated pets they retain the natural instinct of scavenger, meaning that whenever they find something interesting to eat that there is a good chance that they will eat it.
When combined with their opportunistic nature ( meaning that when the opportunity arises, they’ll take it ) you can see that anything smelly that your spaniel finds will probably end up in his mouth.
Even though the thought of poo, slugs, snails, frogs, dead mice, dead sheep and other animals, along with rubbish, used tampons and other stuff, is disgusting to us – to your dog it is gourmet luncheon – in some cases Michelin 3 Stars.
The key is to provide an alternative that is more palatable to you, rather than him and try to keep those things out of his way.
This means making sure that bins are secure, food is not left where he can get it and generally keeping an eye on what he is doing.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my Cocker Spaniel have a tendency to eat everything in sight?
Cocker Spaniels, like many dogs, have a natural instinct to explore and investigate their surroundings through their mouths. This behaviour is often intensified when they are puppies, but some individuals may continue this habit into adulthood.
Is it normal for my Cocker Spaniel to eat non-food items?
While it is common for dogs, including Cocker Spaniels, to chew on various objects, excessive or indiscriminate consumption of non-food items, known as pica, can be a cause for concern. It is essential to monitor and address this behaviour to prevent potential health issues.
What are the reasons behind my Cocker Spaniel’s habit of eating everything?
There can be several reasons for this behaviour, including boredom, anxiety, teething, hunger, nutritional deficiencies, or attention-seeking. It is essential to determine the underlying cause to address the issue effectively.
How can I prevent my Cocker Spaniel from eating inappropriate items?
To discourage this behaviour, it’s crucial to provide your Cocker Spaniel with plenty of physical and mental stimulation, including regular exercise, interactive toys, and training sessions. Additionally, keeping tempting objects out of their reach and providing appropriate chew toys can redirect their chewing habits.
Could this behaviour be a sign of a health problem?
In some cases, yes. Sometimes, dogs may eat non-food items due to an underlying medical condition. If your Cocker Spaniel’s behaviour persists or becomes severe, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to rule out any potential health issues.
Are there any dietary changes I can make to reduce this behaviour?
Ensuring that your Cocker Spaniel is on a well-balanced and nutritionally complete diet can help minimise the chances of nutritional deficiencies that might contribute to their tendency to eat non-food items. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for your dog’s specific needs.
Should I consider professional training for my Cocker Spaniel to address this behaviour?
Professional training can be beneficial in modifying your Cocker Spaniel’s behaviour and providing you with the tools to manage their tendency to eat everything. Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist experienced in working with Cocker Spaniels to develop a tailored training plan.
Can I use deterrent sprays or bitter-tasting substances to stop my Cocker Spaniel from chewing inappropriate objects?
Yes, you can try using deterrent sprays or applying bitter-tasting substances on objects that you want to discourage your Cocker Spaniel from chewing. However, it’s important to choose products that are safe for dogs and consult with your veterinarian for recommendations.
Final words
It’s perfectly normal for Cocker spaniels to eat almost anything and everything that they find and, if your dog is doing this then don’t be alarmed.
Provide him with a good diet, make sure that he is getting plenty of exercise and keep an eye on what he is doing and you should have no problems.
If you are worried about his health then please speak to your vet who will be able to advise you.
