Fresh Food for Irish Water Spaniels
Irish water spaniels can be difficult to spot, but not because of their size—at up to two feet high at the shoulder and 68 pounds on the scale, they are the largest spaniels. Rather, the historic breed, which fans call “the best kept secret of the dog world,” is rare. Bred to retrieve downed birds in soupy terrain, the IWS has an athletic running stride and instinctive swimming skills. Within a household, expect an eager-to-please companion that responds well to training and enjoys exercise and canine sports. The breed is affectionate and emotionally intelligent, traits that have earned some jobs as therapy dogs. Cuddles on any occasion are enhanced by the soft, curly low-allergy coat, which benefits from regular grooming.
What’s the best dog food for Irish water spaniels?
A diet of fresh dog food for your Irish water spaniel is the best way to support their health and happiness—along with daily exercise, regular vet care, and a nearby body of water.
Why fresh is best for your Irish Water Spaniels
Highly processed kibble can contribute to many issues that can compromise your Irish Water Spaniels’s health. Recipes from The Farmer’s Dog are made with fresh, human-grade ingredients, steamed to retain nutrients, and pre-portioned to help maintain weight.
Feed Fresh TodayProtect joints
Irish water spaniels are prone to joint issues. Maintaining a lean body condition can help. And fresh food from The Farmer’s Dog contains Omega-3 fatty acids, proven to reduce inflammation and improve arthritis. Even if kibble contains these healthy fats, they can go rancid sitting on the shelf for long periods. Rancid fats don’t deliver the intended health benefits, and in fact can contribute to inflammation. Fresh food delivers these powerful nutrients intact to your Irish water spaniel.
Promote better digestion (and poops)
A fresh diet provides human-grade, highly digestible protein, which contributes to many facets of your Irish water spaniel's health. It supports optimal muscle growth and maintenance and a strong heart. Another hallmark of a digestible diet is what we call “high quality poops.” Research shows that a digestible, bioavailable diet affects the quality and quantity of your dog’s poop—making it less voluminous, and less stinky, than their poop on a kibble diet!
Maintain a healthy weight
It’s critically important to avoid overfeeding any dog, big or small. Being even a little overweight can increase your Irish water spaniel's odds of developing a host of diseases like arthritis, diabetes, and even cancer. A fresh-food plan, tailored to your dog’s needs, and delivered in pre-portioned packs, makes weight maintenance easy.
Provide nutrients that can reduce the odds of cancer
There’s no sure way to eliminate the risk of cancer, but there are things you can do to give your Irish water spaniel the best chance at more healthy years: Keep them lean, avoid heavily processed foods that may contain preservatives and carcinogens, and feed them a fresh diet that can help reduce inflammation. Dietary antioxidants—like those found in fresh vegetables— are
Read more about dog food and Irish Water Spaniels
- 5 Science-Backed Benefits of Fresh Food
- The Wonder of Your Dog’s Paws and How To Take Care of Them
- What Should I Feed My Dog With Itchy Skin?
- The Gas Guide: What To Know About Canine Flatulence