American Water Spaniel: Nutrition for a Dense, Waterproof Coat and a Love of a Swim

Bred in the icy waters of the Great Lakes region, the American Water Spaniel (AWS) is a true American original. This merry, hardworking gundog is a master of retrieving from both land and water, thanks to its unique, densely curled, and water-resistant coat.

As summer hits full swing, your AWS is likely living their best life, joyfully splashing and swimming at every opportunity. Supporting this love of water and their tireless work ethic means fueling them with a diet that is specifically tailored to the needs of a rugged, athletic water dog.

The key to a healthy American Water Spaniel lies in a diet that nourishes their signature coat and powers their energetic adventures.

The #1 Priority: Feeding Their Waterproof Coat

An AWS's coat is a marvel of function. The dense curls trap air to insulate them, and a natural oiliness helps to repel water and keep their skin dry. Maintaining this unique coat is a primary nutritional demand.

• Healthy Fats are Non-Negotiable: The production of the natural oils that give the coat its water resistance is fueled by dietary fats. A diet rich in both Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is absolutely essential. These fats create a strong skin barrier and promote the secretion of sebum, the natural waterproofing oil.

• Look For: Foods that contain a high-quality, named animal fat (like chicken fat) and sources of Omega-3s like fish oil or flaxseed. Without enough healthy fat in their diet, their coat can become dry and brittle, and their skin can become flaky.

Fuel for the Field and Water

The American Water Spaniel is an energetic sporting breed. Whether they're training, hunting, or just enjoying a vigorous game of fetch, they need the right fuel in their tank.

• Calorie-Dense Nutrition: They require an energy-dense diet that’s rich in high-quality protein to maintain their strong, compact muscles and healthy fats to provide the sustained energy needed for a long day of activity. A "performance" or "active lifestyle" formula is often a great choice.

A Nod to Ear Health

Like all spaniels with floppy, furry ears, the AWS can be prone to ear infections, especially when they spend a lot of time in the water. While cleaning and drying their ears after a swim is the most important preventive measure, diet can play a supportive role. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory Omega-3s can help maintain healthy skin inside the ear canal and support a balanced immune system to keep infections at bay.

A Meal Fit for a Water Dog

After a long, happy day of swimming and retrieving, your American Water Spaniel needs a delicious, nourishing meal to help them recover. Making that meal extra enticing is a great way to reward their hard work.

A sprinkle of a savory, dog-safe seasoning like Clean Plate K9 over their high-performance food can make their recovery meal absolutely irresistible. The rich, meaty aroma will appeal to their hunter's nose and ensure they eagerly consume the vital nutrients needed to replenish their energy and keep their amazing coat in perfect, waterproof condition.

Sources:

1. "American Water Spaniel Dog Breed Information." American Kennel Club (AKC), akc.org/dog-breeds/american-water-spaniel/.

2. "Essential Fatty Acids and Skin and Coat Health for Dogs." VCA Animal Hospitals, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/essential-fatty-acids-and-skin-and-coat-health-for-dogs.

3. "Feeding Your Canine Athlete." PetMD, petmd.com/dog/nutrition/feeding-your-canine-athlete.