10 Best Dog Food For Cocker Spaniel Puppies in 2026

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The best dog food for Cocker Spaniel puppies is Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food, which wins on balanced minerals for growing bones and teeth plus DHA for brain and eye development. For small-breed puppies, Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food offers veterinarian-formulated immune and digestive support. Owners wanting a high-protein, chicken-first recipe should consider Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy Food.

Cocker Spaniel puppies have specific needs: they are small-breed dogs prone to ear infections, skin sensitivities, and joint issues as they grow. The right puppy food must balance calcium and phosphorus for bone development, DHA for cognitive development, and high-quality protein for muscle growth, all in a kibble size small enough for their mouths.

This guide is research-based, drawing on manufacturer specifications, veterinary nutritional guidelines, and patterns in owner feedback. We evaluated over a dozen formulas on ingredient quality, nutritional balance, kibble size, and breed-specific suitability to narrow the list to ten top options for your Cocker Spaniel puppy.

Top 10 Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniel Puppies in the Market

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The Best Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniel Puppies, Reviewed

#1Best Overall

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food
Weight12.5 lb
Key IngredientsChicken & Brown Rice
Veterinarian Recommendation#1 Veterinarian Recommended
Made InUSA with global ingredients
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What We Like

  • Balanced minerals for growing bones and teeth
  • DHA and Fish Oil for brain and eye development
  • Antioxidant blend supports developing immune system
  • High quality proteins fuel growing muscles

Trade-offs

  • Chicken-based recipe not suitable for chicken allergies

The #1 Veterinarian Recommended claim means this food has broad professional trust, which matters when you’re choosing a dry food for a growing puppy. Balanced minerals support developing bones and teeth, DHA from fish oil aids brain and eye development, and an antioxidant blend helps build a young immune system. It’s a straightforward, science-backed formula designed to cover the basics of puppy growth without extras that might complicate things. For owners who want a reliable, vet-trusted option that meets key nutritional needs, this food is a straightforward choice.

A 12.5 lb bag is heavier than some other puppy foods in this guide, like the 4 lb Royal Canin Small Puppy option. That makes it less convenient if you’re trying to keep the bag portable or store it in a small pantry. It’s also chicken-based, so if your puppy turns out to have a poultry sensitivity, you’ll need to switch to a different protein source. But for most puppies, this food delivers the balanced nutrition a growing dog needs, backed by a recommendation that veterinarians widely support.

Best for: Owners who want a veterinarian-trusted, balanced dry food for their puppy's overall growth. Not ideal for puppies with chicken allergies or those who need a smaller bag for easy handling.
#2Best For Small Breeds

Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food

Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food
Target Weight9 to 22 lbs
Age Range2 to 10 months
Kibble TypeCrunchy
Key IngredientsAntioxidants, prebiotics, proteins
Bag Size4 lb
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What We Like

  • Developed by veterinarians
  • Supports brain development and energy needs
  • Antioxidants for immune support
  • Prebiotics and proteins for digestive health

Trade-offs

  • Only 4 lb bag means frequent repurchasing for larger litters
  • Lacks DHA explicitly listed for brain development

Royal Canin targets puppies that will top out at 9 to 22 pounds as adults, which covers many small-breed puppies. The kibble is formulated with antioxidants for immune support and prebiotics plus proteins for digestive health, so you get a veterinarian-developed recipe that addresses two of the biggest concerns in a growing puppy: staying healthy and keeping their gut happy. That makes this a sensible pick if your puppy is on the petite side and you want a food built around those specific size-related needs.

The bag size is a factor here. At 4 pounds, you will be buying more frequently than you would with a 12.5-pound bag of Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites, which gives you more food per purchase. For a single small-breed puppy, the smaller bag might actually help you keep the food fresher, but if you have multiple puppies or a larger breed mix, you will want to consider the bigger bags from Hill’s or Purina Pro Plan.

Best for: Small-breed puppies expected to stay under 22 pounds as adults who need a veterinarian-formulated food focused on immune and digestive support. Not ideal for larger-breed puppies or owners who prefer buying in bulk to reduce trips to the store.
#3Best High Protein

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy Food

Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy Food
Key NutrientsDHA, probiotics, omega-rich fish oil
Target SizeSmall breed puppies
Weight6.0 pounds
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What We Like

  • Real chicken is first ingredient
  • High protein for active small dogs
  • DHA for brain and vision development
  • Probiotics for digestive and immune health

Trade-offs

  • 6 lb bag is smaller than some alternatives
  • Chicken-based recipe not suitable for poultry allergies

The first ingredient here is real chicken, which gives this food a protein level aimed at the high energy demands of small breed puppies. That matters because cocker spaniel pups are active little creatures who need steady fuel for growing muscles and staying playful. DHA from omega-rich fish oil supports brain and vision development during those critical early months, and guaranteed live probiotics help keep digestion on track, a practical plus for puppies with sensitive stomachs. This is a straightforward, well-targeted formula for owners who want a protein-forward diet without extra fillers getting in the way.

The 6-pound bag runs out faster than some of the larger options in this guide, like Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites at 12.5 pounds, so you will be reordering more often. And if your puppy has a poultry sensitivity, the chicken base rules it out entirely. Royal Canin Small Puppy offers a different protein source worth considering. For most cocker spaniel owners focused on high protein and digestive support, though, this food delivers what it promises without pretending to be something it is not.

Best for: Owners of active small breed puppies who want a high-protein, chicken-first recipe with DHA and probiotics. Not ideal for puppies with poultry allergies or those who prefer larger bag sizes.
#4Best For Bone Development

Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Protein SourceReal Chicken First
Target WeightUnder 23 lbs adult
Age RangeUp to 12 months
Key NutrientsDHA, Calcium, Phosphorous
Bag Size4.5 lb
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What We Like

  • Real chicken is first ingredient
  • Optimal calcium and phosphorous for bones
  • Clinically proven DHA for brain development
  • Concentrated energy for growing puppies

Trade-offs

  • Only 4.5 lb bag, smaller than some alternatives
  • Not suitable for medium or large breed puppies

The first ingredient is real chicken, and the formula includes optimal levels of calcium and phosphorous specifically to support bone health in active small breed puppies. That makes this a straightforward pick for a Cocker Spaniel pup whose growing legs and frame need steady structural support. It also delivers clinically proven DHA for brain development, which translates to a more trainable puppy during those critical early months. The concentrated fat and carbohydrate levels provide the energy a bouncy Spaniel needs without overloading the stomach.

The trade-off is bag size. At 4.5 pounds, this bag runs out faster than the 12.5-pound Hill’s Science Diet Small Bites option, so you’ll be reordering more often. If your Cocker Spaniel puppy stays under 23 pounds as an adult, this formula hits the mark for skeletal growth without extra filler. If your pup is likely to land heavier, you’d want the Eukanuba Medium Breed version instead.

Best for: Cocker Spaniel puppies expected to stay under 23 pounds as adults, where bone development is the top priority. Not ideal for owners who want a larger bag to reduce reorder frequency.
#5Best Natural Ingredients

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
Size4 lb Bag
Made InUSA
Free FromCorn, Wheat, Soy, Poultry By-Products
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What We Like

  • All-natural ingredients with no corn, wheat, or soy
  • Includes probiotics for digestive health
  • Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
  • Antioxidants support immune system

Trade-offs

  • Contains grains (oatmeal), not grain-free
  • Only 4 lb bag requires frequent reordering

This kibble is made with turkey, oatmeal, and salmon, and contains no poultry by-products, corn, wheat, or soy, ingredients that can be hard on a puppy’s digestion. The added probiotics support digestive health, and omega fatty acids help maintain healthy skin and coat. It’s a straightforward recipe built around natural ingredients, not fillers.

Best for: Owners who want a natural, protein-rich kibble with no corn, wheat, or soy for their small breed puppy. Not ideal for those needing a grain-free recipe or a larger bag.
#6Best For Cognitive Development

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Chicken Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Chicken Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog Food
IngredientChicken first
DHACognitive development
Size4-lb bag
RecipeChicken & oatmeal
No by-productsNo poultry by-product meals
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What We Like

  • Real chicken first ingredient
  • DHA supports cognitive development
  • Antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
  • No corn, wheat, or soy

Trade-offs

  • Not suitable for medium or large breed puppies

Real meat is the first ingredient in this puppy food, so your small breed pup gets high-quality protein as the primary source for growth and development. The formula includes DHA to support cognitive development in the early months, and antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits help support the immune system. That combination makes it a focused option for a small breed puppy’s nutritional needs.

The bag size is a factor: at 4 pounds, it’s a starter quantity, not a bulk buy, so you’ll need to reorder more often than with larger bags from other brands. For a small breed puppy, this could last a few weeks, but for a growing pup, you might find yourself buying more sooner than you’d like. Compared to the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites, which comes in a 12.5-pound bag, this is a smaller amount. That’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s worth factoring into your routine if you prefer to stock up. For a puppy owner who wants to try a focused cognitive-support formula without committing to a huge bag, this is a sensible place to start.

Best for: A new small breed puppy owner who prioritizes cognitive development and wants a small-bag, chicken-first recipe, not ideal for those looking for a bulk-size purchase.

Product photos

#7Best Large Bag Value

Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog Food

Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog Food
Weight33.0 pounds
Breed SizeMedium (24-54 lb adult)
First IngredientChicken
Key NutrientDHA for brain development
Age RangeUp to 12 months
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What We Like

  • Real chicken is first ingredient
  • DHA supports smarter, more trainable puppies
  • Calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for bone development
  • Antioxidant vitamin E for immunity support

Trade-offs

  • 33 lb bag is heavy to lift and store
  • Only for medium breeds, not small or large

A 33-pound bag of puppy food covers a lot of meals, so you won’t need to reorder every few weeks. Chicken is the first ingredient, and the formula includes clinically proven levels of DHA to support smarter, more trainable puppies. An optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio also helps bone development during rapid growth. For someone who wants a complete, consistent diet through the first year, this bag provides both the volume and the tailored nutrition to make that simple.

The sheer size of the bag is a real consideration. At 33 pounds, it is not something you want to haul from the car to the pantry every week. If you have limited storage space or only one puppy, it may feel like committing to a year of the same kibble. It is a practical choice for owners who know their puppy’s size and want to stock up.

Best for: Medium breed puppy owners who want a large bag of food with real chicken first and DHA for brain development.

Product photos

#8Best Premium Puppy Food

Jinx Puppy Dry Dog Food

Jinx Puppy Dry Dog Food
Protein SourceReal chicken, first ingredient
Key NutrientsDHA, calcium, phosphorus, probiotics
Breed SizeAll breeds and sizes
Age Range1 to 12 months
Made InUSA, no corn/wheat/soy
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What We Like

  • Real chicken as first ingredient
  • DHA for brain and eye development
  • Probiotics and fiber for digestive support
  • No corn, wheat, soy, or fillers

Trade-offs

  • Not breed-size specific for small puppies
  • Not tailored for small-breed puppies specifically

Real chicken is the first ingredient, which means your Cocker Spaniel puppy gets high-quality protein to support lean muscle growth during those gangly adolescent months. The formula also includes DHA for brain and eye development, plus a blend of calcium and phosphorus for healthy bones and teeth, all critical for a breed prone to joint issues later in life. Live probiotics and fiber-rich sweet potatoes help keep digestion smooth, which matters for puppies whose sensitive stomachs can turn a happy morning into a mess on the rug.

The 4-pound bag means you will need to reorder more often than with larger options like Hill’s Science Diet’s 12.5-pound bag, but the recipe is formulated for all breeds and sizes, so it works for a growing Cocker. If your priority is clean ingredients and whole-body nutrition without fillers, Jinx delivers, just be ready to restock regularly.

Best for: Owners who want a premium, clean-ingredient puppy food with real chicken and digestive support, and don't mind buying smaller bags more often. Not ideal for those who prefer a grain-free formula or a breed-specific kibble size.

Product photos

#9Best Wet Food For Small Puppies

Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Wet Dog Food

Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Wet Dog Food
Target WeightUp to 8 lb adult
Age Range2 to 10 months
TextureThin slices in gravy
Key NutrientsDHA, prebiotics, antioxidants
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What We Like

  • Thin slices in gravy for tiny mouths
  • DHA supports brain development
  • Prebiotics aid digestive microbiome balance
  • Antioxidants help immune system development

Trade-offs

  • Only for puppies under 8 lb adult weight
  • Only wet food, no crunchy texture for dental health

A 3-ounce portion in gravy means this food is sized for a puppy that will top out at eight pounds as an adult, so it’s a precise fit for extra-small breed puppies who still need easy-to-chew, soft bites. The thin slices in gravy make mealtime less of a struggle for tiny jaws, and the DHA is there to support brain development in the early months. Prebiotics and highly digestible proteins target digestive health, while clinically proven antioxidants like vitamins E and C work on building a young immune system. This is a wet food designed around the specific limits and needs of extra-small breeds, not a generic puppy recipe.

This food is formulated exclusively for puppies with an expected adult weight of eight pounds or less. If your puppy is on track to be a standard-size adult, this wet food won’t match their long-term nutritional needs. For the smallest extra-small breed puppies, the precise calorie density and bite size are a genuine advantage; for everyone else, it’s a mismatch.

Best for: Owners of extra-small breed puppies (adult weight under 8 lb) who want a soft, digestible wet food with brain and immune support. Not ideal for puppies that will grow beyond 8 pounds.

Product photos

#10Best Vet-Recommended Wet Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Wet Dog Food

Hill's Science Diet Puppy Wet Dog Food
TypeWet dog food
Protein SourceChicken
Key IngredientsChicken, rice, vitamins, minerals
Size12.5 oz cans, 12-pack
Made InUSA with global ingredients
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What We Like

  • #1 Veterinarian Recommended brand
  • High-quality protein for lean muscle
  • Clinically proven antioxidants for immune health
  • Balanced minerals for strong bones and teeth

Trade-offs

  • Wet food only, no dental crunch of dry kibble
  • Not suitable for puppies needing dental kibble texture.

The US Veterinarians’ #1 recommended brand is the single most concrete fact here, and for a puppy owner, that carries real weight. This wet food delivers high-quality protein to help your pup build and maintain lean muscle, plus antioxidants Vitamin C+E for a healthy immune system. Balanced minerals support strong bones and strong teeth. It’s made with purposeful, easily digestible ingredients your young dog will love, and it’s made in the USA with global ingredients you can trust. If you want a diet backed by veterinary consensus and formulated for the early stages of a puppy’s life, this is a straightforward, no-guesswork option.

This is wet food only, so you miss the dental scrubbing action that dry kibble provides for puppy teeth. Compared to the Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food in the same brand family, you get a different texture and moisture content here but lose the crunchy texture that some owners prefer for dental health. For a puppy that’s a picky eater or needs extra moisture in their diet, the wet format is a clear win, but you might want to rotate in dry food for dental health.

Best for: Puppy owners who want a vet-recommended wet food with immune support and digestible ingredients. Not ideal for those who prefer dry kibble for dental benefits.

Product photos

How We Evaluated Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniel Puppies

Our evaluation focused on what matters most for a growing Cocker Spaniel. We started with manufacturer nutritional data, looking at guaranteed analysis, ingredient lists, and breed-size recommendations. We cross-referenced these specs against veterinary nutritional standards for small-breed puppies, paying close attention to calcium-to-phosphorus ratios, DHA levels, and protein content. Understanding how to choose puppy food by reading labels was a critical first step.

The four criteria that mattered most were kibble size (small enough for a Cocker Spaniel’s mouth), protein source and quality, DHA content for brain and eye development, and the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio for proper bone formation. For small-breed puppies, we also prioritized formulas with probiotics for digestive health and omega fatty acids for skin and coat, both common concerns for this breed. Our research on small breed puppy food confirmed that kibble geometry matters as much as ingredient quality.

The honest limit of a research-led evaluation is that individual puppies vary. Some Cocker Spaniels have sensitive stomachs that react to chicken; others thrive on chicken-based formulas. We can point you to the patterns that most owners report working well. If your puppy is a picky eater, our guide to food for picky puppies covers strategies that complement the options here.

What To Look For In Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniel Puppies

Choosing the right food for your Cocker Spaniel puppy means balancing breed-specific needs with general puppy nutrition. The table below summarizes the key criteria at a glance.

Look for a puppy food labeled for small breeds. It should have a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio near the ideal range, DHA from fish oil or algae, and real meat as the first ingredient. The kibble should be small enough for a puppy mouth.

Breed-Specific Kibble Size

Cocker Spaniel puppies have small mouths and developing teeth. Standard kibble can be too large, causing them to gulp without chewing or to avoid eating altogether. Small-breed formulas use smaller kibble pieces that are easier to pick up, chew, and digest. Royal Canin and Hill’s Science Diet both engineer their small-breed kibble to be bite-sized for puppies under 22 pounds adult weight.

DHA and Cognitive Development

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid critical for brain and eye development in puppies. Look for DHA sourced from fish oil or algal oil on the ingredient list, not just from flaxseed (which provides ALA, a less efficient precursor). The best formulas, like Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed and Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE, list DHA explicitly. Many owners report that puppies on DHA-rich foods are more trainable and alert during early socialization.

Calcium, Phosphorus, and Bone Health

Cocker Spaniels are prone to hip dysplasia and elbow issues as they age. Proper bone development starts with the right calcium-to-phosphorus ratio in puppy food. The ideal range is about one point one to one point three to one. Too much calcium can cause skeletal problems in growing large-breed puppies, but for small breeds like Cockers, the risk is lower. Still, choose a formula that lists calcium and phosphorus percentages on the guaranteed analysis. When you eventually transition to adult Cocker Spaniel food, the calcium ratio will shift to a maintenance level.

Protein Quality and First Ingredient

Puppies need about twenty-two to thirty-two percent protein for muscle growth, but the source matters more than the percentage. Real chicken, lamb, or fish as the first ingredient indicates whole-protein sources rather than meat meal or by-products. Cocker Spaniels can develop food sensitivities, so rotating protein sources across life stages may help. For breed-specific guidance, our Cocker Spaniel puppy nutrition resource covers protein rotation strategies.

  • Check that the food is labeled “Complete and Balanced” by AAFCO for growth
  • Confirm the kibble diameter is 8-12mm for small-breed puppy mouths
  • Look for probiotics (listed as dried fermentation products) on the ingredient list
  • Avoid artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives like BHA, BHT, or ethoxyquin

A good rule of thumb: if the kibble looks too big for your puppy to eat comfortably, it probably is, size matters more than brand.

Dog Foods For Cocker Spaniel Puppies Compared

The table below compares the ten top dog foods for Cocker Spaniel puppies across key specs, helping you match your puppy’s needs to the right formula.

ProductKey IngredientsTarget Weight / Breed SizeAge Range
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog FoodChicken & Brown RiceN/AN/A
Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog FoodAntioxidants, prebiotics, proteins9 to 22 lbs2 to 10 months
Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy FoodDHA, probiotics, omega-rich fish oilSmall breed puppiesN/A
Eukanuba Puppy Small Breed Dry Dog FoodDHA, Calcium, PhosphorousUnder 23 lbs adultUp to 12 months
Wellness Complete Health Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog FoodTurkey, Oatmeal, and Salmon RecipeN/AN/A
Blue Buffalo Baby BLUE Chicken Small Breed Puppy Dry Dog FoodChicken & Oatmeal RecipeN/AN/A
Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog FoodDHA for brain developmentMedium (24-54 lb adult)Up to 12 months
Jinx Puppy Dry Dog FoodDHA, calcium, phosphorus, probioticsAll breeds and sizes1 to 12 months
Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Wet Dog FoodDHA, prebiotics, antioxidantsUp to 8 lb adult2 to 10 months
Hill's Science Diet Puppy Wet Dog FoodChicken, rice, vitamins, mineralsN/AN/A

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I feed my Cocker Spaniel puppy?

Feeding amounts vary by brand and your puppy’s weight, but most small-breed puppy foods recommend half to one cup per day split into three meals for puppies under six months, then two meals after that. Follow the feeding chart on the bag, adjusting based on your puppy’s body condition, you should be able to feel ribs without seeing them.

When should I switch from puppy food to adult food?

Most Cocker Spaniels can transition to adult food around 12 months of age. Small-breed puppies mature faster than large breeds, so your vet may recommend switching as early as 10 months if your puppy is at a healthy adult weight.

Is grain-free puppy food better for Cocker Spaniels?

Not necessarily. Most Cocker Spaniels do well with whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, or barley. Grain-free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in some dogs, though the connection is still being studied. Unless your puppy has a confirmed grain allergy, a grain-inclusive formula like Wellness Complete Health is a safe choice.

Can I mix wet and dry puppy food?

Yes, mixing wet and dry food can add variety and moisture to your puppy’s diet. Royal Canin X-Small Puppy Wet Food and Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Wet Food both pair well with their dry counterparts. Just adjust the total portion to avoid overfeeding, wet food contains more water and fewer calories per volume than dry kibble.

What ingredients should I avoid in puppy food?

Avoid artificial preservatives (BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin), artificial colors, and unspecified meat by-products. For Cocker Spaniels specifically, watch for excessive corn or wheat fillers that offer little nutritional value and may trigger skin sensitivities. Stick to named protein sources and whole grains or vegetables as carbohydrate sources.

The Bottom Line

For most Cocker Spaniel puppy owners, Hill’s Science Diet Puppy Small Bites Dry Dog Food is the best overall choice. It balances DHA for brain development, balanced minerals for bone growth, and antioxidants for immune support, all in a kibble size that small mouths can manage. The veterinarian-trusted formulation gives new owners confidence during those critical first months.

If your puppy is a toy breed expected to stay under 22 pounds, Royal Canin Small Puppy Dry Dog Food offers specialized immune and digestive support. For owners who prioritize a high-protein, chicken-first recipe, Purina Pro Plan Small Breed Puppy Food delivers DHA and probiotics in a formula active puppies thrive on. And if budget is a concern, the Eukanuba Puppy Medium Breed Dry Dog Food in its 33-pound bag provides excellent value for medium-breed Cocker Spaniels.

The single most important factor in choosing puppy food is matching the formula to your individual puppy’s needs, not the brand name. Watch your puppy’s energy, stool quality, coat condition, and appetite during the first two weeks. A food that checks every box on paper but leaves your puppy with loose stools or a dull coat is not the right food, no matter how well it reviewed.