---
title: "Irish Water Spaniel - Feeding and nutrition | Pedibase"
description: "Complete Irish Water Spaniel feeding guide: portions, food types, meal frequency, and age-specific advice, from puppy to senior."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+4
Feeding
# Feeding your Irish Water Spaniel well
Ireland
The diet must cover the high needs of a sporting dog while maintaining a lean and muscular silhouette. Its energy density and its quantity must be adjusted individually to age, weight, activity and body condition.
A menu for every age
## Their needs change as they grow
- Puppy: Choose a growth formula suited to its size and divide the ration into several meals without promoting overly rapid growth.
- Adult: Adjust the energy density to the activity level, higher in a hunting dog or one practicing a canine sport.
- Senior: Regularly reassess weight, muscle mass and mobility with the veterinarian in order to adapt the energy intake.
Which food?
## Kibble, wet food, or homemade meals?
A complete, good-quality diet, formulated for a medium-sized dog and chosen according to its life stage, is suitable for the breed. For a hunting dog or a very athletic dog, a more energy-dense formula may be considered with the advice of a veterinarian.
Portion sizes
## How much should you feed?
The daily amount depends on the caloric density of the food, the actual weight, the age and the intensity of the activity. It must be calculated based on the manufacturer's recommendations and then adjusted according to changes in body condition.
| Weight | Daily amount | Meals per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 20 - 23 kg | 343 - 471 g | 2 |
| 23 - 27 kg | 390 - 535 g | 2 |
| 27 - 30 kg | 436 - 598 g | 2 |
Changing food
## How to switch foods successfully
Any change in diet must be gradual over several days, gradually increasing the proportion of the new food in order to limit digestive upsets.
Hydration
## Don't overlook water
Fresh water must remain available at all times, particularly after long walks, exercise, hunting or swimming. Access to water must be checked more often in hot weather.
A little extra
## Treats in moderation
Treats can be used for training, but their intake must remain moderate and be deducted from the daily ration in order to avoid an excess of calories.
Good habits
## Make mealtimes count
- Weigh the ration rather than estimating it by eye.
- Adjust the intake to work, sport or rest days.
- Regularly monitor the silhouette and weight.
- Avoid a very large meal just before intense exertion.
### Never feed these foods
Chocolate, fresh or dried grapes, onion, garlic, xylitol, alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and cooked bones must be kept out of reach, as they can cause poisoning or serious digestive damage.
## Ready to welcome your Irish Water Spaniel?
Find a verified breeder near you and get off to a great start, right from the food bowl.
[Find a breeder](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-irish-water-spaniel)
## Discover other breeds
[American Water Spaniel
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/american-water-spaniel)
[Spanish Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/spanish-water-dog)
[Frisian Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/frisian-water-dog)
[Barbet
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/barbet)
[Portuguese Water Dog
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/portuguese-water-dog)
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