8 - Breed Nutrition

CEnglish & American
ockers Spaniel
Tailor made
nutrition
for Cockers
Royal Canin scientific research:
innovation in Health Nutrition

C o n t e n t s
The history of Cocker Spaniels
The breed standard
1 - Key points for Cocker
Spaniels
Cockers, dogs that like to eat
Long ears that require great care
Cataracts and retinal diseases
Dilated cardiomyopathy in Cockers
2 - Tailor-made nutrition
for Cocker Spaniels
Helping maintain a healthy weight
The coat, reflecting
the quality of the food
Antioxidants to
help maintain health
Nutritional support
for heart function
References
Scientific glossary
Key innovations for pedigree dogs
in the history of Royal Canin
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6
8
8
11
13
15
16
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19
22
25
26
28
29
American Cocker Spaniel - © J. -M. Labat
2
INTRODUCTION
Nutritional science
working for the
health and beauty
of Cocker Spaniels
Is there anyone who hasn’t
been touched by the
famous and so particular
gaze of a Cocker Spaniel?
The English poet and novelist
Rudyard Kipling once
said of his own Cocker:
“He is my most sincere
admirer; he loves me
though he has never read my work.” The Cocker Spaniel’s faithfulness and
gentleness are legendary and enthusiastic breeders try to bring out their sympathetic
qualities and well-balanced behaviour in selection. They are assisted
by a number of very active clubs.
Differences in size and weight between dogs are coupled with anatomical,
physiological and behavioural differences, which demand highly specific nutritional
responses. Studies by veterinarians and researchers at the Royal Canin
Research Centre prove that nutrition can have directly perceptible impacts on
the beauty, health and well being of dogs when breed particularities are taken
into account.

Royal Canin is focused on the particularities of both the English Cocker – a dog
as happy at home as it is on the hunt – and American Cocker – the smaller of
the 2 Spaniels and a much loved companion.
The challenge has been to develop a food that is specially formulated for
Cocker Spaniels, based on their shared particularities, that covers their
daily nutritional requirements and that constitutes a better response to
their specific sensitivities:
• A common predisposition to otitis, some of which are connected to
skin sensitivity
• A natural tendency to put on weight, which needs to be kept in
check to prevent any detrimental effects on health or
willingness to work
• A great frequency of occurrence of cataracts as the dog
grows older
• A not insignificant risk of dilated cardiomyopathy
While nutrition can never prevent the dog from growing
old or contracting certain diseases, the provision of specific
nutrients in a sufficiently concentrated form helps
support the body against environmental agents and neutralise
the free radicals it itself produces. The Royal Canin Research Centre has
developed Cocker 25* in partnership with breeders and the best experts in
the field. Royal Canin is delighted to present this food to breeders and owners
who share our passion for Cocker Spaniels.
Pascal Jouannet
President
Royal Canin Group
3
*Cocker 25 contains 25% protein
English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat

The history of Cocker Spaniels…
Welsh Cocker (Illustrirtes Thierleben), A. E. Brehm
(1867)
Spaniels, dogs that have been used
on the hunt for centuries
It’s not at all easy to trace the precise genealogy of the Spaniels as
they have been used for hunting purposes since time immemorial.
One of the oldest texts on these dogs, Le livre de chasse (The Book
of Hunting), written in 1387 by Gaston Phoebus, the Count of Foix,
states that the Spaniel was trained to find and retrieve game when
hawking.
The word Spaniel is derived from the old French s’espaignir, meaning
“to lie down”, which is exactly what these dogs were trained
to do, so as not to disturb the hunters while they tried to throw their
net over the birds they coveted.
In 1570 John Caius wrote a book in Latin entitled De Canibus
Britannicis (Of English Dogs), in which he attempted for the first time
to classify all the dogs in England at that point. He made a distinction
for instance between water spaniels and land spaniels.
Etymology of the word Cocker
Ted Obo: M. James Farrow, Ipswich (L’Acclimatation)
The classification of the land spaniels was refined much later. An
1803 article in Sportsman’s Cabinet made a distinction between springing spaniels and cocking
spaniels, the latter of which were smaller and better suited to hunting the woodcock. At this time then,
the Cocker was already being distinguished from other spaniels. Some writers were convinced the
Cocker was descended from the Toy Spaniel or Blenheim, which came from the kennels of the dukes
of Marlborough. Around 1800 the Blenheim was much larger than its modern descendants. It was
a sort of link between working spaniels and companion spaniels. Another theory according spaniels
with Spanish roots continues to attract supporters, but it would appear less likely. Until the end of the
eighteenth century land spaniel breeding was very heterogeneous in Britain; everyone selected their
animals based on the particular demands of the hunt they practised. There would however be
attempts to rationalise the classification of dogs based on morphology and bearing.
4

The modern history of Cocker Spaniels
It all started in 1879, when the dog Obo was born at James
Farrow’s kennels in Britain. Its quality was such that it won all the
British shows it entered in 1880.
A Cocker category was added to shows in 1883, but the Cocker
Spaniel was not officially recognised in the English Kennel Club’s
Stud Book until 1893. The Spaniel Club was founded in England
in 1898.
The first cocking spaniels arrived in the US in the first half of the
nineteenth century. Founded in 1881, the American Spaniel Club
(ASC) set itself the task of establishing the distinction between
springing spaniels and cocking spaniels. The two standards were
published a few months after the club’s founding. The only difference
was the Cocker had to weigh 8-12.5 kg and the Springer
12.5-20 kg.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) started to register Cocker Spaniels and other Spaniels separately in 1907. The breed
was very well received and the population spread across the country very fast in the 1930s. It was actually the most popular
dog for many years. This was a time that saw an evolution in the dog’s morphology. Breeders selected smaller subjects
with long flowing coats and a shorter septum, converging with respect to the cranial line. This was the genesis
of an American Cocker Spaniel, as distinct from the English Cocker.
It led to the founding of the English Cocker Spaniel Club of America in 1935 to promote the original breed
and discourage crossings between the two varieties. In 1945 the AKC finally recognised the American
Cocker and the English Cocker as two separate breeds, as opposed to two varieties. Two years later the
American Cocker alone accounted for 30% of the canine population in the United States.
The non-qualified term Cocker Spaniel is used for the American breed in the US, but in the wider world
when people speak of a Cocker Spaniel they generally mean the English breed.
5
Obo & Miss Obo: M. James Farrow, Ipswich (extract from Les
Races de Chiens, Comte H. de Buylandt (1897), from Journal
Chasse et Pêche)
English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat

Cocker Spaniels from the tips of their toes …
Character, aptitudes, education
The English Cocker is the most popular of all the spaniels,
save in the United States. It is a very cheerful,
exuberant and lively dog with a strong personality.
This independent animal is also affectionate and
gentle. The English Cocker demands daily physical
exercise. It can live indoors, but long walks are essential
if it does.
Its sense of smell is highly sophisticated and it is recognised
as a good game animal and bird hunter in
tough terrain. It is not afraid of brambles and thorns.
It signals when the game moves after it stops. It is able
to retrieve but finds it difficult to swim with game in its
mouth.
English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat
Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) classification
9 breeds of Spaniel are classified in Group 8 (Water Dogs, Flushing Dogs and Retrievers)
in sections 2 (flushing dogs) and 3 (water dogs):
English Cocker Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Clumber Spaniel, Field Spaniel Sussex Spaniel,
English Springer Spaniel, Welsh Springer Spaniel, Irish Water Spaniel, American Water Spaniel
ENGLISH COCKER SPANIEL
Appearance
(based on FCI standard N°5 / 06.01.2004)
Size and weight: the male measures 15.5-16
inches (39-41 cm), the female 15-15.5 inches (38-39
cm). Weights vary between 26-32 lb (12-14.5 kg)
General appearance: harmonious and compact;
the distance from the withers to the root of the tail
must be approximately the same as the distance between
the withers to the ground; the dog has a great
deal of impetus in motion, covering a lot of terrain
Head: long, with a dome-shaped skull, well developed
and cleanly chiselled; distinct stop, square muzzle
and strong jaws with scissors bite i.e. the upper
incisors squarely overlap the lower incisors; wide
nose
6
Eyes: brown or dark brown harmonising with the
coat
Ears: set low, level with the eyes, lobular; the leathers
are fine and may extend to the tip of the nose; abundantly
fringed with long, straight silky hair
Neck: moderate length, muscular, clean throat
Body: strong and compact; well developed chest;
well sprung ribs; short, wide loin; wide, muscular
croup; the upper line slopes gently towards the tail
Limbs: fine, sloping shoulders; straight, short limbs
with good bones
Feet: round and firm; thick cat-like pads
Tail: set slightly lower than the line of the back; carried
horizontally and never cocked up; typically docked;
the constant quivering of the tail is one of the
characteristics of the dog in action
Hair: flat, soft, never wiry or wavy, not too abundant
and never curly; forelimbs, body and hindquarters
above the hocks are well feathered
Colours: various; no white is permitted in selfcolours,
save on the chest

… to the tip of their nose
According to the British Kennel Club, these nine Spaniels constitute a category of their own
in the Gundog group of dogs originally trained to find and/or retrieve shot and injured game.
According to the American Kennel Club, these nine breeds belong to the Sporting Group,
which includes naturally active and alert dogs with a remarkable instinct in water and woodland.
Many of these dogs still take part in various hunting activities today.
Character, aptitudes, education
The smallest of the spaniels does not need to be as
active as its English cousin and is much better suited
to the indoor life. Highly adaptable and in no way
timid, it follows the rhythm of its human companion
without a problem, even those with an active bent.
Due to its coat however it cannot roam in thickets or
tall grass.
Very rustic under its precious exterior, happy and well
balanced, it is a very pleasant companion. It is strong
willed however, which means it has to be firmly educated.
Its abundant coat demands daily brushing,
baths and frequent grooming.
Appearance
Based on FCI standard N°5 / 06.01.2004
Size and weight: the ideal height to the withers is
about 15 inches (38 cm) for males and 14 inches
(35.5 cm) for females, with a tolerance of half an
inch; weight varies between 22-29 lbs (10-13 kg)
General appearance: above all, it must move
freely, be happy, robust, well balanced in all areas
Head: rounded skull albeit not exaggerated; clearly
defined eyebrows; pronounced stop; wide, high
muzzle; square jaws; well developed cheeks; black or
brown nose depending on coat colour
AMERICAN COCKER SPANIEL
Eyes: slightly almond-shaped; brown in colour, as
dark as possible
Ears: Long, fine, well feathered
Neck: fairly long, muscular, clean throat
Body: high, wide chest; deep, well sprung ribs,
strong back sloping slightly towards the tail; muscular
hindquarters
Limbs: Clearly oblique shoulders; in profile the
elbows are directly below the highest point of the
shoulder blade; straight, solidly built hindquarters;
wide hips, powerful thighs, strong, well descended
hocks
Feet: compact, large and round; horny pads
Tail: set and carried as an extension of the back or
slightly higher; docked; quivers in motion
Coat: short and fine on the head, average length
with undercoat on the body; ears, chest, abdomen
and limbs well feathered; soft, flat or slightly wavy
hair, with an easy-to-maintain texture;
undercoat present
7
Colours:
Solid black or black with tan points
Any solid colour other than black: ranging
from lightest cream to darkest red, including brown
and brown with tan points. Lighter feathering is permissible.
A small amount of white on the chest and/or
throat is allowed; white is not permitted anywhere
else
Part-colours: two or more solid, well broken
colours, one of which must be white; black and white,
red and white, brown and white, roans, plus any
such colour combination with tan points. The tan may
be anything from the lightest cream to the darkest red
and must not cover more than 10% of the coat. Tan
markings should be located above the eyes, on the
edges of the muzzle and cheeks, on the inside of the
ears, on all four feet or limbs, on the chest and on the
underside of the tail.
American Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat

English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat
1KEYS POINTS
FOR COCKER SPANIELS
Living indoors or in an
urban environment can
make it harder for the
dog to get the regular
physical exercise it needs.
It was long ago that the
American Cocker was a
gundog, but it still has those
characteristic speed and
endurance qualities.
Cockers, dogs
that like to eat...
A Cocker is always happy to eat whatever you put in front of it and its eyes have a
tendency to melt your heart when it’s begging for more. It’s important however to
learn to tailor its eating habits to ensure it maintains a healthy weight, rather than
constantly succumbing to its solicitations. The alternative is an overweight dog!
Maintaining a healthy weight – a vital health issue
To ensure you don’t fall into the trap of giving in every time your dog begs for food, you should
always keep these salient facts at top of mind: an overweight dog finds physical effort harder, is
more susceptible to joint problems, is more likely to develop a skin disease, is at greater risk during
surgery and has a significantly shorter life expectancy (Kealy et al, 2002). The first safeguard to protect
the dog’s health is to help it maintain its optimal weight.
8
American Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat

Cockers have a natural tendency to put on weight (Edney and Smith, 1986), so it is important to be
especially vigilant if the dog:
• has a sedentary lifestyle
• has been neutered, which triples the risk of weight gain, especially among bitches (Jeusette et al,
2004)
• has reached the age of maturity, which is 6-7 years in Cockers; the muscle mass decreases and
the dog’s energy requirements fall by around 20% (Speakman et al, 2003)
• is competing with other animals; the dominant ones tend to eat more than they need.
Dogs are prisoners to the behaviour of owners
Overweight dogs are most often so because of bad dietary habits: either they are allowed to eat
when they want or they are given table leftovers on top of their regular ration.
Weighing the dog on a weekly basis is strongly
recommended. First step on the scales with the
dog in your arms, then step on them again
without the dog – the difference is the dog’s
weight. A normally active Cocker weighing 26 lbs
(±12 kg) needs around 800-850 kcal per day. If
it is fed only a dry food with a moderate energy
concentration, it will not need more than 440-480
oz (±200-220 g) of kibbles per day. The feeding
guides printed on food packaging are for indicative
purposes only and should be adapted to suit
the individual dog. The dog’s lifestyle, climatic
environment and individual predispositions do
have a strong impact on its energy requirements.
If its feeding amounts are not unreasonably high
and the dog still gains weight, you should take a
closer look at what the dog is eating between
meals. 3.5 oz (100 g) of meat accounts for almost
30% of its daily requirement!
Weight in kg (1 kg = ±2.2 lbs)
30
25
20
15
10
8
4
2
1
0
9
Growth curve
of Cocker spaniel puppies
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Age in months
American Cocker spaniel puppies
(lower bracket of the curve [10-13 kg adult])
English Cocker spaniel puppies
(upper bracket of the curve [12-14.5 kg adult])

English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat
During growth a Cocker puppy multiplies its
birth weight by a factor 40 to 50.
Preventing stoutness starts
as early as possible
The Cocker is a precocious dog, reaching its adult size between eight and ten months, although it
does not fill out to adult weight until around twelve months.
The puppy’s education starts with dietary behaviour. The best thing you can do is restrict your puppy’s
access to food to around 10-15 minutes each time. It should get three meals a day, at regular
intervals up to age six months or so, then two a day through the end of the growth phase.
The puppy should not get into the habit of grazing from its bowl the whole day long.
Parameters Ideal weight
Ribs, vertebrae
and pelvic bone
It’s important to weigh your puppy at least once a week, tracing how the weight
curve develops over time. If the dog veers off the curve it means that it is
accelerating the storage of fats in adipocytes*, which do not disappear
when the dog reaches adult age. So, by overfeeding the
puppy you actually increase the risk that the dog will put on weight
more easily in its adult years.
not visible but
very perceptible
Criteria for assessing body condition
10
Overweight (10-20%
above optimal weight)
perceptible
with difficulty
Obesity (40% + above
optimal weight)
Abdominal girdle (waist) visible absent abdominal distension
Adipose covering
thin layer of perceptible fat
tissue on the thoracic cage
noticeable fat deposit
on the vertebral column
and the base of the tail
massive fat deposit on the thorax,
the vertebral column and the base
of the tail

Long ears that require
great care
Cockers have big beautiful ears that are well
feathered. However, the fact that they are
pendulous facilitates the development of
forms of external otitis. These diseases
may be exacerbated by the inadequate
airflow through the external ear
canal, which contributes to maceration
of skin debris.
External otitis very common among Cockers
If it is not treated, otitis can become chronic and may require surgery to drain the ear. A study
conducted at one US university shows that just 4.2% of canine patients are Cockers, but that they
represent 60% of in total 80 dogs that have required surgery to treat the complaint in a six-year timeframe
(Angus et al, 2002).
Other breeds with pendulous ears like Beagles and
Irish Setters appear to be less predisposed to otitis.
There are other causes that explain the frequency of
otitis in Cockers.
A favourable canvas for skin
inflammations and seborrhoea
Cockers are among those breeds that are sensitive to
atopy*, a disease in which the immune system tends
to overreact to the presence of allergens in the environment
(Gough and Thomas, 2004). Eighty-six
percent of atopic dogs develop external otitis (Bass,
2004).
The L shape of the dog’s ear canal favours the accumulation of skin debris, which
cannot be evacuated by natural means. The pendulous ears accentuate the risk of
maceration.
11
Anatomy of the
external ear canal
American Cocker Spaniel
© J.-M. Labat

A Cocker’s external ear canal contains more cerumen*-producing glands than that of any other
breed (Bass, 2004), which increases the risk of maceration. In the event of inflammation these glands
expand and the diameter of the ear canal shrinks, which creates conditions conducive to the appearance
of an infection that causes external otitis (Rosychuk and Luttgen, 2000).
Cockers are also inclined to produce excessive quantities of sebum*, a disease known as seborrhoea*,
which is expressed as greasy skin and dandruff. American Cockers are three times more
likely to contract seborrhoeic dermatitis than the canine population as a whole (Dorn et al, 2001).
Sufferers tend to scratch themselves because seborrhoea creates a favourable canvas for secondary
skin and ear infections, the more so as Cockers are one of the breeds more likely to be affected by
yeast infections, like Malassezia (Bond et al, 1996). The lesions caused by these infectious agents
are most often found around the ears, in the folds around the mouth, between the digits, around the
anus, on the inside of the limbs and on the ventral face of the neck.
English Cocker Spaniel
© J.-M. Labat
Vitamin A responsive dermatitis
This is a rare disease, which is almost exclusively observed in Cockers. Patients present
with dry skin and thick, odorous patches. The skin is greasy, the dog scratches
itself and external otitis is often observed. An in-depth examination will
reveal excessive production of the epidermal cells (hyperkeratosis).
Generally speaking, this complaint responds well to a few weeks’
oral intake of large quantities of vitamin A administered under veterinary
supervision (Gough and Thomas, 2004). The cause of this
problem is unknown, as patients do not generally suffer from dietary
vitamin A deficiency.
The high frequency of chronic
external otitis in Cockers may be
explained by the predisposition of
these dogs to major inflammatory
reactions in the skin and
the excessive production of sebum.
12
© J.-M. Labat

Cataracts and retinal diseases
A Cocker’s average life expectancy is 12-14 years, but many Cockers live more than 15 (Michell,
1999). There is however a risk that the final third of the dog’s life will be typified by signs of ageing,
including less energetic behaviour, painful joints, dry skin and greying hairs, and nascent cataracts.
Cataracts
A cataract is an opacity that develops in the crystalline lens, which is located behind the iris and is
normally transparent. This transparency is in part connected
to the nutritive exchanges between the crystalline lens
and the rest of the eye. A cataract is expressed as a greyish-blue
iridisation of the eye. It can have various origins
(genetic, traumatic, inflammatory, diabetic, nutritional,
congenital), but it is particularly a traditional degenerative
disease in dogs over ten years of age.
Free radicals and cellular ageing
The mechanisms of ageing are connected to the attacks
on cells by highly reactive substances known as free radicals*
responsible for chain oxidation reactions, which
gradually destroy first the membrane then the cell
nucleus. Free radicals are forming constantly in the body,
but their production intensifies with age, while the body’s
defence mechanisms become less and less effective. This
imbalance between the action of free radicals and the
body’s antioxidant protection is known as oxidative stress.
13
A cataract in an ageing
dog is an example
of the harmful effects
of oxidative stress
American Cocker Spaniel- © J.-M. Labat

1 – Retina
2 – Optic nerve
3 – Cornea
4 – Crystalline lens
5 – Vitreous humour
6 - Iris
Anatomy of the eyeball
The risks of cataracts in Cockers
Recent studies show that Cocker Spaniels are among
the breeds with a higher risk of cataracts (Adkins
and Hendrix, 2005; Gelatt and Mackay, 2005).
That risk is 2x for American Cockers and 1.9x for
English Cockers (Purdue Veterinary Medical Data
Base). There is a hereditary form that affects the
American Cocker and hereditary transmission is suspected
with respect to some types of cataract in the
English Cocker (The Kennel Club, 2006). English
Cockers suffering from cataracts have lower vitamin
C plasma levels than healthy dogs (Barros et al,
1999). This may be an indication that low-level synthesis
of vitamin C lowers its concentration in the
aqueous humour, the liquid that nourishes the eye.
Retinal disease in Cockers
Progressive retinal atrophy
Light rays enter the eye through the pupil, passing through
the crystalline lens before converging on the retina. The light
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a hereditary
information is then transmitted by the optic nerve to the brain
disease that can gradually evolve towards total blind-
where it is analysed. If the crystalline lens is opaque the rays will ness. Compared with the average population, the
not be able to reach the retina.
risk of PRA is said to be 45 times greater in the
English Cocker (Dorn et al, 2001). The most widespread
form of PRA in the Cocker is however the
degeneration of the rods, the retina’s photoreceptors, which are specialised in mesopic vision. The
first clinical signs generally appear between three and eight years (Chaudieu, 1997). The dog seems
to be disoriented at night or is hesitant about entering a dark room. There is a genetic screening test
for English Cockers, while one is said to be in development for American Cockers. This disease is
thought to be linked to a primary deficiency in vitamin E, which is liable to develop even when the
level of vitamin E is in line with common nutritional recommendations (McLellan et al, 2002).
14

Dilated
cardiomyopathy
in Cockers
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a heart disease
characterised by a major dilatation of the heart cavities,
associated with a thinning of the muscle wall.
Eventually, the myocardium is unable to contract sufficiently
to fulfil its role as a pump to circulate the
blood throughout the body.
This disease is particularly known among large dogs,
but it is also found in Cocker Spaniels, where it often
develops more slowly and may be complicated by
mitral endocardiosis, a disease connected to the
ageing of the heart valves (Tidholm et al, 2001;
Pereira et al, 2004).
The association between DCM and a taurine* deficiency
has been very well established in American Cockers (Kittleson et al,
1997) and it is also found in English Cockers. Taurine is an amino acid normally
synthesised by the dog, but some breeds or lines appear to produce insufficient
quantities. Taurine regulates the heartbeat and it protects the heart muscle’s cells
(Satoh and Sperakis, 1998).
This deficiency is not inevitably due to an inadequate content in the diet. A
retrospective study shows that the average dietary consumption of taurine is not
significantly different between dogs with or without a taurine deficiency
(Freeman et al, 2001).
Measurement of the taurine content in the plasma and in the whole blood is recommended
in Cocker Spaniels suffering from DCM.
15
An echocardiogram helps in the disease’s
diagnosis before clinical signs of heart
failure appear.
English Cocker Spaniel - © C. Renner/Royal Canin
© Bussadori

2 TAILOR-MADE
NUTRITION
FOR COCKER SPANIELS
Helping maintain a healthy weight
While Cockers are ideal companion dogs, it should never be forgotten that they were originally highly
active gundogs and that overfeeding will adversely affect their morphology. It is vital that the food
keeps the dog at its healthy weight, while providing all the indispensable elements needed to ensure
the dog stays in good shape for as long as possible.
Influence of fat content on the energy balance
The food provides three sources of energy: fat, carbohydrate (e.g. starch) and protein. At equal
weight, fat provides 2.25 times more energy than carbohydrate or protein. Excessive consumption
of high fat diets favours weight gain.
Compared with a dry food containing 20% fat, Cocker 25, which contains 14% fat, provides
300 kcal less per kilogram of dry food, which represents at least one third of the energy consumption
of an adult Cocker weighing 26 lbs (±12 kg).
16
American Cocker Spaniel
© J.-M. Labat

Chronic energy overconsumption predisposes the subject to obesity to a higher degree when it is
started at an early age. Overconsumption in the puppy stimulates the multiplication of adipose cells,
which stock fat in the adult body. Limiting the fat content is particularly important for sedentary and
neutered dogs. If the Cocker has a very active lifestyle (e.g. as a gundog), a food with a higher fat
content may be advisable.
A low kibble density to
ensure the feeding volume
is sufficient
While limiting the fat content avoids the feeding
amount being reduced to an unacceptable
level, it is important not to feed the dog
too high a volume too. The key is to observe
the recommended feeding guide, adapting it
as the dog’s weight develops. To help ensure
the dog accepts the feeding amount as satisfactory
– who can resist a begging Cocker?
– it is a good idea to try to ensure the dog is
satiated. That is why the density of Cocker
25 kibbles is so low. At the same weight of
food, the volume is greater than that of a
standard food.
Achieving satiety with
psyllium
"Recommended ration for a 26-lbs Cocker
(1 hour of activity per day)"
Cocker 25 contains the husk of psyllium* seeds. The fibre in this husk – mucilage – helps trap
water, forming a gel in the stomach. The envelope of psyllium seeds contains 25-30% mucilage.
Psyllium seeds have traditionally been used for their appetite-suppressing qualities. They
slow down the rate at which the stomach is emptied, giving the dog the feeling that it
has eaten its fill. Psyllium also has positive effects on digestive transit, regulating
the movement of intestinal content and facilitating the elimination of stools.
200
150
100
50
150
100
50
200
17
With
Cocker 25
150
100
50
0 0
200 mL
180 mL
200
200 mL
580 mL
of Cocker 25
kibbles
With a standard food,
higher density
200
150
100
50
0 0
200 mL
When the energy concentration is the same, the particular shape
of Cocker 25 kibbles means that a larger volume of the food can be
served even when the weight of the ration is reduced.
150
100
50
200
75 mL
150
100
50
200
200 mL
475 mL
of standard
food

English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat
Incorporation of L-Carnitine to mobilise fat
The adipose tissue constitutes an almost limitless stock of energy compared with glucose stored in the
form of glycogen in the muscles and liver. In dogs in danger of becoming too fat, the food can facilitate
fat oxidation through the provision of L-carnitine*. Cocker 25 contains 100 mg per kg of
L-carnitine.
By stimulating the transport and utilisation of fatty acids, L-carnitine limits the quantity of triglycerides
and cholesterol in the liver and the blood. Several trials among various species, including the dog,
show the beneficial effect of L-carnitine supplementation to limit the storage of fatty acids (Carroll et
al, 2001).
18
Excess weight a burden
on the skeleton
In addition to the steps taken to maintain
the dog’s healthy weight,
Cocker 25 contains 500 mg per kg
of chondroitin* sulphate and glucosamine*,
natural substances that protect
articular cartilage and help maintain
joint health. (Johnston et al, 2001).
Chondroitin sulphate is a component
of cartilage and synovial fluid that
helps lubricate the joint. It is very good
at retaining water, facilitating the good
hydration of the cartilage and helping
it perform its role as a shock absorber.
Glucosamine* stimulates the regeneration
of cartilage by promoting the synthesis
of collagen.

The coat, reflecting
the quality of the food
The Cocker’s soft coat and sensitive skin demand regular care and a food that provides the nutrients
that help bring out the beauty of the hair and support the health of the skin.
Combating excessive seborrhoea
In some cases, the Cocker needs large doses of vitamin A to support skin
health in the face of their tendency to seborrhoea. The level that suffices for
the rest of the canine population is not always high enough for the Cocker.
Vitamin A (retinol) is a liposoluble vitamin that regulates sebum production.
It helps combat seborrhoea and the dandruff that often appears
after scratching.
Cocker 25 provides more than 30,000 IU of vitamin A per kg of
food, which is much more than the majority of maintenance foods
for adult dogs.
Supporting the effectiveness
of the skin barrier
The Waltham Centre for Pet Care and Nutrition closely studied
27 substances liable to have a beneficial effect on the
skin barrier. The selection criteria were based on limiting
water loss through the epidermis and the synthesis of skin
lipids.
Histidine, an amino acid, and four vitamins (niacin,
pantothenic acid, choline and inositol) were
selected due to their synergistic effect (Watson
et al, 2006). These four vitamins (and vitamin
H or biotin, which is very important
for the hair and should be provided in
larger quantities for Cockers) are all
B-group vitamins.
19
American Cocker Spaniel
© J.-M. Labat

Borage oil, which is rich in
GLA, is incorporated in
products used to promote
the suppleness and elasticity
of the skin. It is especially
advisable for dogs whose
coat tends to feel greasy
(seborrhoea).
© J.-M. Labat
They are not stored in the body. Generally speaking, a balanced diet
and synthesis by intestinal bacteria ensure an adequate quantity in the
body. This synthesis may however be limited in the event of a large
water loss or antibiotic treatments.
The beneficial effect of feeding this complex is seen after around two
months.
Preventing any fatty acid deficiency
Whilst limiting the fat content in a food, it is important not to deprive the dog of
essential fatty acids, which the body is unable to synthesise. In the event of a deficiency
the skin suffers major desquamation, which is manifested by dandruff and an alteration
in the skin barrier function.
Essential fatty acids rebalance the composition of the superficial lipidic film to limit the skin
drying (Fray et al, 2004) and play a key role in maintaining good skin health. Long-chain
omega 3 fatty acids provided by fish oil (EPA and DHA*:
0.4% in Cocker 25) are widely used in human and
veterinary dermatology (Byrne et al, 2000).
20
The balance of fatty acids is achieved through the association
of chicken fat, fish oil and vegetable oil (borage,
soy).
It is important to provide good nutritional support to
the skin in the face of environmental agents and
hypersensitivity reactions.

Facilitating the absorption of trace elements
To ensure the expression of the coat’s full spectrum of colours, the cells need to have a sufficient
quantity of the amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine, which are precursors of the hair pigment
melanin. An inadequate intake will lead to changes in the colour of the coat.
Copper plays an important role in maintaining the quality of the skin and coat, as an essential
co-factor in tyrosinase, the key enzyme in the synthesis of melanin.
The absorption of trace elements (iron, copper, zinc etc) is naturally lower than 30%. The incorporation
of copper in the food in chelated form helps improve its metabolic utilisation in Cockers, whose
coat-related syntheses are highly active, due to its long hair.
Lower
faecal losses
Chelated trace elements
The absorption level of trace elements varies
depending on how they are provided
Blood
A chelated trace element is made up of one metallic ion linked
to three amino acids. When trace elements are chelated
the absorption yield can exceed 60%.
21
Intestinal wall
Major
faecal losses
Free trace elements

English Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat
Antioxidants to help
maintain health
The dog perceives its environment through its cognitive function, which depends on the degree of
acuity of its smell, hearing, vision and taste. All these means of perceiving the environment depend
on the proper functioning of the sensorial cells. The perceptions tend to wane with age due to cell
damage caused by free radicals. So, the older the dog gets, the more important it is to support its
antioxidant defences. Antioxidants are an important support to the health of the lens and retina.
22
To help neutralise free radicals, the
dog should be given antioxidants in
its food every day. These include vitamin
E, vitamin C and taurine. The
blood antioxidant concentration
depends to a great degree on the
daily intake through food.

Lutein and zeaxanthine supplements for vision
Lutein* and zeaxanthine* are pigments in the crystalline lens and the retina that belong to the carotenoid
family. They are xanthophylls (yellow-orange pigments) that have an antioxidant role found
in some vegetables of the same colour, like carrots, oranges, marigolds and maize. They absorb
ultraviolet rays and act as a protective filter for the cells of the retina. Their incorporation in Cocker
25 enables the dog to benefit from their from a very early age.
A higher lutein content in the food helps increase the density of pigments in the retina. Lutein specifically
protects the rod cells, playing a major role in mesopic vision. In humans, the risk of cataracts
is inversely proportionate to the serum level and the quantity of ingested lutein (Moeller et al, 2000).
Supplementation is also advised in people suffering from (central) macular degeneration of the retina.
Zeaxanthine acts in synergy with lutein and exercises a specific protective action in the retina’s cone
cells, which play a part in colour vision. There is a synergy between the different carotenoid pigments:
lutein has a role in the regeneration of zeaxanthine.
Cell membrane
Nuclei
Lutein action sites
23
Lutein protects the cell
membrane
Lutein stabilises the cell
membrane
Free
radicals

Antioxidants help protect the
cell membranes and nucleus
by neutralising free radicals,
which resemble tiny
meteorites that constantly
bombard the cell.
A synergistic cocktail of antioxidants
A diet high in varied antioxidants until the end of the growth phase appears to be very worthwhile
for a breed like the Cocker, with a relatively long life expectancy. Antioxidants help protect the eye
cells against light-accelerated oxidation (Valero et al, 2002; Taylor et al, 2002), and they also support
the immune system. Cocker 25 contains a complex of antioxidants that act in synergy. In addition
to lutein and zeaxanthine, it is enriched with taurine, vitamins E and C, and extracts of green
tea and grapes, which are rich in polyphenols.
Taurine: amino acid essential to the heart and retina, which also has an antioxidant role.
Vitamin E: many studies show the positive influence of a vitamin E supplement in the food acting
as an antioxidant.
Vitamin C: favours the regeneration of vitamin E, which enables it to neutralise free radicals for
longer. Dogs do synthesise vitamin C themselves, but an extra intake through the diet helps provide
a higher antioxidant level.
Grape and green tea polyphenols*: polyphenols are a family of major antioxidants that work
inside the cells. They protect the membranes and the cell DNA.
Ultraviolet
Pollution
Stress
Poor diet
Action of antioxidants
O2
Free radicals
Taurine, vitamin E and vitamin C
act on the cell membrane
24
Polyphenols
act on the nucleus
Lutein and zeaxanthine
act on the inside of the cell

Nutritional support
for heart function
Preventing any taurine deficiency
Taurine is essential to the proper functioning of the heart. Its beneficial effects are proven in animals
as well as in several clinical trials among humans (Elizarova et al, 1993; Azuma et al, 1994). A
number of publications have shown the benefits of a taurine supplement in dogs when a dog does
not synthesise adequate quantities of taurine or does not utilise it properly (Alroy et al, 2000;
Sanderson et al, 2001; Fascetti et al, 2003). Cockers are one of the breeds in which taurine production
or utilisation can sometimes be disrupted, warranting an extra intake in the food. By giving
the dog a complete food rich in taurine you will ensure a good daily intake and can avoid buying
expensive supplements.
L-carnitine and taurine act together
L-Carnitine is concentrated in the striated muscles and the heart, where it plays a key role in supplying
energy to the cells. A deficiency of L-carnitine is often mentioned during DCM.
Supplementation with L-carnitine provides beneficial nutritional support after one to three
weeks and should be continued for life. A study on eleven Cocker Spaniels receiving taurine
and L-carnitine supplements showed the importance of daily support. (Kittleson et
al, 1997).
Carnitine molecule
In dogs,
L-carnitine is made
from two amino
acids, lysine and
methionine, but
production may
sometimes be
inadequate.
25
American Cocker Spaniel - © J.-M. Labat

References
1. Carroll MC, Coté E - Carnitine: a review. Comp Cont Educ Pract Vet
2001; 23: 45-52.
2. Edney ATB, Smith PM - Study of obesity in dogs visiting veterinary
practices in the United Kingdom. Vet Rec 1986; 118: 391-396.
3. Jeusette I, Detilleux J, Cuvelier C, et al - Ad libitum feeding following
ovariectomy in female Beagle dogs: effect on maintenance
energy requirement and on blood metabolites. J Anim Physiol and
Anim Nutr 2004; 88: 117-121.
4. Johnston KA, Hulse DA, Hart RC - Effects of on orally administered
mixture of chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and
7. Angus JC, Lichtensteiger C, Campbell KL, et al - Breed variations in
histopathologic features of chronic otitis externa in dogs: 80 cases
(1995-2001). J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002; 221: 1000-1006.
8. Bass M - Canine otitis externa: causes and predisposing factors. Vet
Med 2004 (March); 254-258.
9. Bond R, Ferguson EA, Craig JM, et al - Factors associated with elevated
cutaneous malassezia pachydermatis populations in dogs
with pruritic skin disease. J Small Anim Pract 1996; 37: 103-107.
10. Byrne K Campbell KL, Davis C, et al - The effects of dietary n-3 vs
n-6 fatty acids on ex-vivo LTB4 generation by canine neutrophils.
Vet Dermatol 2000; 11: 123-131.
11. Fray TR, Watson AL, Croft JM, et al - A combination of aloe vera,
curcumin, vitamin C, and taurine increases canine fibroblast
migration and decreases tritiated water diffusion across canine
Helping maintain
a healthy weight
The coat, reflecting
the quality of the food
26
manganese ascorbate on synovial fluid chondroitin sulfate 3B3 and
7D4 epitope in a canine cruciate ligament transaction model of
osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2001; (1): 14-21.
5. Kealy RD, Lawler DF, Ballam JM, et al - effects of diet restriction on
lifespan and age-related changes in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc
2002; 1315-1320.
6. Speakman JR, Van Acker A, Harper EJ - Age-related changes in the
metabolism and body composition of three dog breeds and their
relationship to life expectancy. Aging cell 2003; 265-275.
keratinocytes in vitro. J Nutr 2004;134 (8 Suppl): 2117S-2119S.
12. Dorn CR and Science Officer AKC Canine Health Foundation -
Canine breed-specific risks of frequently diagnosed diseases at
veterinary teaching hospitals; time period: Jan 01,1981-Nov
30,2001. Purdue Veterinary Medical Data Base Publishing Award-
1248 Lynn Hall, Purdue University; West Lafayette, IN 47907.
13. Gough A, Thomas A - Breed predispositions to disease in dogs and
cats; Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2004.
14. Rosychuk RA, Luttgen P - Diseases of the Ear. In: Feldman E,
Ettinger S (eds). Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. WB
Saunders, Philadelphia, PA; 2000: 986-1002.
15. Watson AL, Fray TR, Bailey J, et al - Dietary constituents are able
to play a beneficial role in canine epidermal barrier function. Exp
Dermatol 2006;15 (1): 74-81.

16. Adkins EA, Hendrix DV - Outcomes of dogs presented for cataract
evaluation: a retrospective study. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2005;
41: 235-240.
17. Barros PS, Angelotti AC, Nobre F, et al - Antioxidant profile of cataractous
English Cocker Spaniels, Vet Ophtalmol 1999; 2: 83-86.
18. Chaudieu G - L’atrophie progressive de la rétine. In: Thenlot NR
(ed). Les Spaniels (II). Paris, 1997: 267-274
19. Gelatt KN, Mackay EO - Prevalence of primary breed-related cataracts
in the dog in North America. Vet Ophtalmol 2005; 8: 101-
111.
20. Genetics Committee of the American College of Veterinary
Ophthalmologists - Ocular disorders presumed to be inherited in
purebred dogs. 5th Edition (2007); VMDB/CERF, Urbana, IL
61803-3007.
21. McLellan GJ, Elks R, Lybaert P, et al - Vitamin E deficiency in dogs
with retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy. Vet Rec 2002; 151:
663-667.
27. Freeman LM Rush JE, Brown DJ, et al - Relationship between circulating
and dietary taurine concentrations in dogs with dilated
cardiomyopathy. Vet Therapeutics 2001; 2: 370-378.
28. Pereira L, Matiko Akao Larsson MH, Leomil Neto M, et al -
Cardiomyopathy of the English Cocker Spaniel: clinical, electrocardiographic,
radiographic and echocardiographic aspect. Ciência
Rural 2004; 34: 419-424.
Antioxidants
to help maintain health
Nutritional support
for heart function
22. Michell AR - Longevity of British breeds of dogs and its relationship
with sex, size, cardiovascular variable and disease. Vet Rec
1999; 145: 625-629.
23. Moeller SM, Jacques PF, Blumberg JB - The potential role of dietary
xanthophylls in cataract and age-related macular degeneration.
J Am Coll Nutr 2000, 19: 522S-527S.
24. Taylor A, Jacques PF, Chylack LT Jr, et al - Long-term intake of vitamins
and carotenoids and odds of early age-related cortical and
posterior subcapsular lens opacities. Am J Clin Nutr 2002, 75:
540-549.
25. Valero MP, Fletcher AE, De Stavola BL, et al - Vitamin C is associated
with reduced risk of cataract in a Mediterranean population. J
Nutr 2002; 132: 1299-1306.
26. The Kennel Club - Breeds and Conditions Certified (on Schedule A)
under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme - January 2006.
29. Kittleson MD, Keene B, Pion PD, et al - Results of the multicenter
spaniel trial (MUST). J Vet Intern Med 1997; 11: 204-211.
30. Satoh H, Sperelakis N - Review of some actions of taurine on ion
channels of cardiac muscle cells and others. Gen Pharmacol 1998;
30(4): 451-463.
31. Tidholm A, Haggstrom J, Borgarelli M, et al - Canine idiopathic
dilated cardiomyopathy. Part I: aetiology, clinical characteristics,
epidemiology and pathology. Vet J 2001; 162: 92-107.
27

Scientific glossary
Adipocytes: cells in the fat tissue specialised in fat storage. These cells multiply when they can no longer increase
in volume
Atopy: hereditary disposition to manifestation of hypersensitivity to antigens in the atmosphere
Cerumen: waxy, yellowish substance secreted in the external ear canal, which lubricates the eardrum and cleans
the ear canal
Chondroitin: natural cartilage extract that facilitates the hydration of cartilage
EPA/DHA: omega 3 long-chain fatty acids important for skin health and cognitive function; abundant in fish oil
Glucosamine: base element in the cartilage structure that encourages the regeneration of cartilage by stimulating
the synthesis of its constituents
L-carnitine: carrier that helps get the fatty acids to the mitochondria, where energy is generated for the cells
Lutein and zeaxanthine: antioxidants of the carotenoid family (yellow-red pigments)
Chelated trace element: complex mineral comprising one neutral molecule to improve its assimilation
Polyphenols: vegetable substances with antioxidant powers which help to neutralise free radicals in ageing cells.
Psyllium : annual plant native to the sandy basin of the Mediterranean that is traditionally used for digestive complaints
Free radicals: by-products of oxygen metabolism responsible for oxidising unsaturated fatty acids that make up
the cell membranes
Retinol : special form of vitamin A that plays a role in the synthesis of retinal pigments needed to perceive
colours and for night vision
Seborrhoea: increased secretion of the sebaceous glands accompanying various types of dermatitis
Sebum : natural wax that protects the skin and hair; produced by the sebaceous glands in the dermis
Taurine : amino acid derivative that remains in free form; essential to heart function and a constituent
part of the retina, it also possesses antioxidant powers
28

Key innovations for dog breeds
in the history of Royal Canin
Since the launch in 1980 of AGR – the first
food specially formulated for large-breed puppies
– Royal Canin has continued to break new
ground in nutrition, providing breeders and
owners with products that are fully tailored to
the age, size and lifestyle of their dogs.
New BREED HEALTH NUTRITION
programme: tailor-made nutrition
specially adapted to the requirements
of different breeds of dog
© J.-M. Labat
© J.-M. Labat
In 2002, Royal Canin introduced the first-ever
tailor-made food for the Yorkshire Terrier.
Yorkshire 28 was the first product to take
account of the particular characteristics of the
breed. The Breed Health Nutrition line now
comprises no fewer than 23 specially formulated
foods for 15 different breeds:
• Boxer
• Cavalier King Charles
• Chihuahua
• Cocker Spaniel (English and American)
• Dachshund
• English Bulldog
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Great Dane
• Labrador Retriever
• Poodle
• Rottweiler
• Shih Tzu
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Yorkshire Terrier
29
Written by Aniwa S.A.S.
on behalf of Royal Canin
Publisher: Royal Canin Group
Communication Department,
Aimargues, France
Editor/supervisor: Pascale Pibot
(responsible for scientific
publications)
Publisher’s contact:
Marie-Laure Rémy-Néris
© Royal Canin 10/2007
Cover photo: Jean-Michel Labat
Thank you to Very Vigie for the
photos.
Producer: Diffomédia Paris
Manager: Béatrice Fortamps
Artistic direction: Élise Langellier
Graphic design concept:
Guy Rolland
© Illustrations: Diffomédia/
Élise Langellier, Mickaël Masure
Editorial coordination:
Valérie de Leval
Printed in the EU/Diffo Print Italia

Up to 12
months
Birth
A NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMME FOR EVERY
Supplementing
and/or replacing
mother’s milk from
birth to the start of
weaning (between
weeks 3 and 5).
3 weeks
© J.-M. Labat
GROWTH PHASE
For optimal weaning of Cocker Spaniel
puppies (a fragile period due to the
“immunity gap”). Also recommended for the
end of gestation and lactation of Cocker
Spaniel bitches.
30
2 months
PRE BIOTICS
American Cocker
Spaniel puppies
Perfectly covers the requirements
of medium-sized breeds like
Cocker Spaniels during growth.
12 months
Facilitates balanced intestinal flora and
guarantees better digestive tolerance and
so better faeces quality by providing
prebiotics (fructo-oligosaccharides,
mannan-oligosaccharides, beet pulp).
Helps support the
puppy’s natural
defences by providing
a patented complex of
antioxidants bolstered
by mannanoligosaccharides.
Satisfies the
requirements of rapid
growth, responding to
the puppy’s weak
digestive capacity by
providing a tailored
protein and energy
concentration.
Ca P
Ensures the skeleton
is solidly built by
providing a tailored
calcium and
phosphorus content
without any excess or
deficiency.

STAGE OF THE COCKER SPANIEL’S LIFE
from
12 months ADULT AND MATURE PHASES
COCKER 25
Tailored nutritional food exclusively
formulated for Cocker Spaniels
© J.-M. Labat
Supports the barrier role of the skin and helps
maintain health of skin and ears through the
“Skin complex ® ” and a higher EPA-DHA content.
Brings out the natural beauty of the coat through
the synergistic action of borage oil and biotin.
31
An exclusive formula and a kibble size and shape adapted to the Cocker
Spaniel’s jaw to slow the rate of ingestion.
Supports the eye’s antioxidant defences (lutein, zeaxanthine, vitamin E
and vitamin C).
Contributes to the optimal functioning of the heart muscle by providing taurine,
L-carnitine, EPA-DHA and green tea and grape polyphenols.
Kibble exclusively designed to suit
the Cocker Spaniel’s jaw,
encouraging it to chew.

KNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT
Customer Services
Royal Canin (UK)
Oak Tree Meadow
Blackworthy Road
Castle Cary
Somerset
BA7 7PH
Tel: 0845 300 50 11
www.royalcanin.co.uk
Royal Canin brochures for individual breeds are available from:
www.royalcanin.com