Fresh Food & Cavaliers: How Nutrition Can Protect Against Common Breed Diseases
Written by: Veterinarians Dr Sienna Browne and Dr Will Maginness
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are some of the most affectionate and charming companions you’ll ever meet. Their soft eyes, gentle nature, and eagerness to please make them a breed that truly captures hearts. But anyone who has lived with a Cavalier also knows that, unfortunately, they are prone to a number of health challenges that can impact both quality of life and longevity.
From heart disease to weight problems, joint pain, skin sensitivities, and digestive issues, Cavaliers are vulnerable to conditions that, in many cases, can be supported, and sometimes even prevented with the right nutrition. Feeding fresh, lightly cooked whole food is one of the most powerful steps you can take to give your Cavalier the healthiest, happiest life possible.
Let’s explore how fresh food can help.
1. Heart Health & Longevity
Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is one of the most common health concerns in Cavaliers. While diet alone cannot prevent genetic heart conditions, what you feed does matter. Fresh, lightly cooked diets provide:
High-quality proteins that support strong heart muscle.
Taurine and L-carnitine (found naturally in fresh meat) that play a role in cardiac function.
Anti-inflammatory compounds from fresh vegetables and oils, which help reduce systemic inflammation and support circulation.
Feeding meals free from excess starch and artificial additives means your Cavalier’s body isn’t constantly processing empty fillers. This reduces strain on the heart over time and promotes overall cardiovascular resilience.
2. Weight Management Made Simple
Cavaliers love food, and their adorable begging eyes make it tempting to overfeed. But carrying just a few extra kilos can cut years off a dog’s life. Overweight dogs are at much higher risk of arthritis, diabetes, respiratory strain, and worsening of heart disease.
Fresh diets shine here because:
They are nutrient-dense but not calorie-dense, so your dog feels satisfied without overloading on starch.
They provide steady energy from protein and healthy fats, not sugar spikes from refined carbs.
They allow for portion control with whole ingredients you can recognise and trust.
By keeping your Cavalier lean, you’re protecting them from a cascade of other health issues.
3. Joint Health & Mobility
Joint issues are not just a “big dog” problem. Cavaliers, like many breeds, are prone to luxating patellas, hip dysplasia, arthritis, and general wear-and-tear on their joints as they age. Maintaining strong, healthy joints is critical for long-term quality of life.
Fresh food helps by:
Reducing inflammation through omega-3 fatty acids (from fish and oils) and antioxidants (from colourful vegetables).
Supporting cartilage and connective tissue with naturally occurring nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin found in animal proteins.
Maintaining a healthy weight, which is one of the single biggest protective factors for joint health.
Providing balanced minerals (like calcium and phosphorus) in forms that the body can easily absorb, supporting bone integrity.
Dogs on fresh diets often show better mobility into their senior years, with less stiffness, more willingness to exercise, and a happier daily outlook.
4. Skin, Coat & Ear Health
Cavaliers frequently battle skin allergies, hot spots, and ear infections. These issues are often linked to diet, particularly when dogs are consuming ultra-processed foods high in carbohydrates and artificial additives.
Fresh food diets:
Provide high-quality omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, improving skin barrier function and reducing itchiness.
Avoid unnecessary fillers that can feed yeast overgrowth in ears and skin.
Support the gut microbiome, which plays a surprisingly large role in skin health.
Many owners notice that switching to fresh food leads to shinier coats, less itchiness, and fewer ear problems.
5. Digestive Wellbeing
Cavaliers can be prone to sensitive stomachs. Ultra-processed foods with long ingredient lists and synthetic additives can make things worse.
Fresh, lightly cooked meals are naturally easier to digest, meaning:
Nutrients are absorbed efficiently.
Stools are smaller, firmer, and less odorous.
Dogs experience less bloating, gas, and diarrhoea.
A healthy gut doesn’t just mean better digestion. It also means stronger immunity, improved mood, and better resilience against disease.
Why Start Fresh Feeding Now?
Nutrition is one of the few things we can directly control as pet parents. Genetics and environment play a role in a Cavalier’s health, but the food in their bowl is a daily opportunity to protect their body, reduce disease risk, and extend their vitality.
Even if you can’t commit to feeding 100% fresh meals, adding fresh food alongside existing diets still delivers benefits. Research suggests that even partial fresh feeding reduces the risk of chronic disease later in life.
Our Cavaliers give us endless love, and by making thoughtful choices about what goes into their bowl, we can give them the gift of more years filled with energy, comfort, and joy.
Disclaimer:
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Queensland (CKCSRQ) encourages all dog owners to conduct their own research and consult with their Cavalier’s veterinarian to determine the most appropriate diet for their individual dog, based on their specific nutritional and health needs.