Gundog group · Breed guide
English Springer Spaniel: weight, routine and daily dose
Springers earned their name from the way they “spring” forward to flush game — originally into nets, and for falcon or greyhound, and after the invention of guns from undergrowth for the shooter. The breed standard calls the English Springer the oldest of the sporting gundogs, and the Royal Kennel Club notes it was once known as the Norfolk Spaniel, after the Duke of Norfolk who was reputed to have developed it. It stands highest on the leg of all the Land Spaniels and remains the most popular spaniel for working in the field.
Today’s Springer still finds, flushes and retrieves game for the gun, and the standard describes a friendly, happy, biddable disposition. With more than two hours of exercise a day recommended by the Royal Kennel Club, this is a dog whose routine is built around being busy — so the quieter fixed points of the day, its meals, are the natural place to keep anything else consistent.
At a glance
- Typical adult weight
- 18–23 kg
- DIGEST+ per day
- 2 tablets/day
- One bottle lasts
- 60 days
- Suggested refill
- Every 6 weeks
Weight: American Kennel Club, “Weight: 50 pounds (male), 40 pounds (female)” [source]
How many DIGEST+ tablets does a English Springer Spaniel need?
A typical adult English Springer Spaniel weighs 18–23 kg, which sits entirely in the 11–25 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 2 tablets/day.
| Your dog’s weight | Tablets per day | One bottle lasts | Suggested refill |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11–25 kg | 2 tablets/day | 60 days | Every 6 weeks |
How long DIGEST+ lasts for a English Springer Spaniel
| Daily dose | 1 bottle | 2 bottles | 3 bottles | Cost per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 tablets/day | 60 days | 120 days | 180 days | from £0.33 |
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 English Springer Spaniel owners
- With a typical adult range of about 18–23 kg, most Springers fall in the 11–25 kg band. Weigh your own dog and check the dose calculator.
- Very active dogs often do well on two meals a day rather than one; a daily supplement can go with whichever meal is the more regular.
- Letting your Springer settle for a while after eating before a long run or training session is a calm habit many owners of active gundogs follow.
- On long field days keep fresh water available, 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.
English Springer Spaniel: common questions
How many DIGEST+ tablets should a English Springer Spaniel have a day?
Typical adult English Springer Spaniels weigh 18–23 kg, which is the 11–25 kg row of the DIGEST+ feeding guide: 2 tablets/day. Always use your own dog’s current weight.
How long does one bottle of DIGEST+ last for a English Springer Spaniel?
Each bottle holds 120 tablets. At 2 tablets/day one bottle lasts 60 days. Days are for one dog and rounded down.
When should I give a supplement to a working English Springer?
With a regular meal, at the same time each day, whether it is a working day or a rest day. Keeping the routine identical makes it easier to remember and to notice any change in your dog. If you have questions about feeding a hard-working dog, your vet is the best person to ask.
My Springer bolts its food — can I still crush a tablet into the bowl?
Yes. Mixing the crushed tablet into a small first portion, then giving the rest of the meal, helps make sure it is eaten. A slow-feeder bowl can also make mealtimes less of a race.
Can every English Springer Spaniel have DIGEST+?
DIGEST+ is not recommended for pregnant or lactating dogs and is not suitable for puppies under 12 weeks. If your English Springer Spaniel is under veterinary supervision, ask your vet before starting.
Sources
- English Springer Spaniel Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Spaniel (English Springer) — Breeds A to Z — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
- Spaniel (English Springer) breed standard — Royal Kennel Club. Checked 2026-10-15.
Updated