Toy group · Breed guide
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: weight, routine and daily dose
Toy spaniels can be traced back to at least the 16th century and were probably bred down from sporting spaniels; they became firmly established in the courts of Charles I and Charles II. The first Duke of Marlborough developed the red-and-white Blenheim spaniel, which kept its sporting instincts. When fashion later favoured shorter muzzles, breeders who missed the older, longer-muzzled type saw special prizes given at Crufts from 1926 to 1930 for “Blenheim spaniels of the old type” — and the word “Cavalier” was chosen to tell them apart. The Kennel Club recognised the Cavalier as a separate breed in 1945.
The breed standard sums the Cavalier up as sporting, affectionate and absolutely fearless, gay and friendly with no tendency to nervousness. The Royal Kennel Club suggests up to an hour of exercise a day and notes the breed is suited to a flat, so a Cavalier’s day is often gentle and people-centred — short walks, time on a lap and meals at familiar times.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 5.4–8.2 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 1 tablet/day
- One bottle lasts
- 120 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 12 weeks
Weight: Royal Kennel Club, “Weight: 5.4-8.2 kgs (12-18 lbs). A small, well-balanced dog well within these weights desirable.” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel need?
A typical adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniel weighs 5.4–8.2 kg, which sits entirely in the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days | Every 12 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tablet/day | 120 days | 240 days | 360 days | from £0.17 |
Days are for one dog. Each bottle holds 120 tablets; days are rounded down to whole days. Prices and cost per day by bottle count.
Feeding-routine notes for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners
- At 5.4–8.2 kg, adult Cavaliers sit in the up to 10 kg band. The standard asks for a dog well within these weights, so regular weighing is worthwhile.
- A small dog that spends a lot of time with its people can be offered a lot of titbits; counting them as part of the day’s food helps keep weight steady.
- If a whole tablet is awkward for a small mouth, crush it into a spoonful of the usual food — see how to give a dog a tablet.
- Make food changes gradually, and speak to your vet about any vomiting, diarrhoea or change in appetite.
- Give DIGEST+ at the same point in the day — with breakfast or dinner — so it becomes part of the routine. The tablets can be eaten directly or crushed into food.
- Weigh your dog every few months: the dose follows body weight, not breed.
- Introduce one new thing at a time. If you are also changing food, let that settle first so you know what is what.
The full feeding guide
| Body weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 10 kg | 1 tablet/day | 120 days |
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days |
| 25–40 kg | 3 tablets/day | 40 days |
| Over 40 kg | 4 tablets/day | 30 days |
Work out your exact supply
The calculator on the product page takes your dog’s weight band and how many dogs you have, then shows the daily dose, how long a bottle lasts and a sensible refill rhythm.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have a day?
Typical adult Cavalier King Charles Spaniels weigh 5.4–8.2 kg, which is the Up to 10 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 1 tablet/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 1 tablet/day one bottle lasts 120 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
Is a Cavalier’s mouth too small for a tablet?
Many Cavaliers chew a small flavoured tablet happily. If yours prefers not to, crush it and mix it into a little of the usual food, offered before the rest of the meal so you can see it has gone.
Can I give my Cavalier’s supplement as a lap-time snack?
You can, as long as it is given once a day at a consistent point in the routine. Many owners find linking it to a meal is easier to remember than a snack time. Keep fresh drinking water available.
Can every Cavalier King Charles Spaniel have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated