Best Dog Foods For Chow Chows
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The best dog foods for Chow Chows, especially as growing puppies, can include foods designed for large breed dogs. Large-breed puppy foods can help encourage slower growth and result in fewer bone and joint problems later in life.
These dogs are not usually extremely active, so they can be kept in an apartment. However, they will require regular, daily exercise.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Chow Chows
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BEST FOR SENIORS
4. Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food |
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Protein
8.5% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
10% Min |
Protein
21% Min |
Protein
23% Min |
Protein
8.0% Min |
|
Fat
6% Min |
Fat
15% Min |
Fat
3% Min |
Fat
12% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
4.5% Min |
|
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
Fiber
2% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
3.4% Max |
Fiber
1.5% Max |
|
Calories
1,255 kcal/kg |
Calories
3,745 kcal/kg |
Calories
1,298 kcal/kg |
Calories
392 kcal/cup |
Calories
318 kcal/cup |
Calories
1240 kcal per kg / 562 kcal per lb |
Our Criteria
Chow chow owners should prioritize providing high-quality dog food that is not only popular but also provides the best nutrition for their dogs. They prefer foods from companies that invest in nutritional research and testing, employ veterinary nutritionists to develop balanced formulas, and avoid foods that contain ingredients that humans would eat, as dogs have different nutritional requirements.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, which has expanded to include exotic meat proteins.
To avoid this, it is recommended to choose foods that contain nutritious grains. In most cases, grain-free dog foods should only be used for dogs with a grain allergy diagnosed by their veterinarian.
The 6 Best Dog Food For Chow Chows Reviewed
Nom Nom Chicken Cuisine Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 8.5% Min
- Fat: 6% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Calories: 1,255 kcal/kg
- Real chicken as a lean source of protein
- Omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- Rich in moisture for hydration and digestion
- Too high in fat for some dogs
NomNomNow is fresh food for pets made with wholesome, natural ingredients. Every recipe is prepared fresh and portioned appropriately for your dog’s age, size, and activity level.
Because it is a fresh food product, it is also high in moisture to support your dog’s hydration and digestion.
It also retains more of its original nutritional integrity because it hasn’t been cooked at high temperatures.
This Chicken Chow-Wow recipe features fresh chicken as a lean source of protein and contains fewer calories per kilogram than other Nom Nom recipes.
It is also supplemented with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat with essential nutrients for balance.
Open Farm Wild-Caught Salmon & Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 15% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 3,745 kcal/kg
- Wild Pacific salmon as the first ingredient
- Herring and salmon oils for omega fatty acids
- No animal by-products or vaguely named ingredients
- Contains a significant number of plant-based ingredients
- Doesn’t contain the moisture your cat needs
In addition to being loaded with animal-based protein, this Open Farm formula contains herring oil and salmon oil as natural sources for omega fatty acids, though it’s worth noting that the first source of added fat is plant-based (coconut oil).
Ollie Dog Food Chicken Goodness Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 3% Min
- Fiber: 2% Max
- Calories: 1,298 kcal/kg
- Lean source of protein for healthy bodyweight
- Long-grain rice for fiber and digestible carbohydrates
- Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- May be too high in fiber for some dogs
- Above average in cost compared to many options
This Chicken Goodness recipes is packed with 35% protein (dry matter) and just 18% fat, making it a great option to help your Chow Chow maintain lean muscle mass and a healthy bodyweight. It also contains long-grain rice as a rich source of fiber for healthy digestion.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 21% Min
- Fat: 12% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 392 kcal/cup
- Affordable and high in quality
- Made in the USA
- Picky eaters may love this dog food
- Contains some plant protein (pea protein)
It has a clinically-proven blend of antioxidants with Vitamins C and E to help support your dog’s immune system. This formula contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Also available in a canned version.
Royal Canin Medium Sensitive Digestion Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 23% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 3.4% Max
- Calories: 318 kcal/cup
- Support digestive health
- Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to improve the health of your dog’s skin
- Optimized formula for medium and large dogs
- Causes gastritis issues in some dogs
- Might increase the bowel movements in some dogs
This is also a good food for senior dogs because it’s easy to digest. Royal Canin has a number of foods for medium and large dogs that are formulated for good digestion and/or skin problems.
The Farmer’s Dog Turkey Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 8.0% Min
- Fat: 4.5% Min
- Fiber: 1.5% Max
- Calories: 1240 kcal per kg / 562 kcal per lb
- Made in the USA
- None
The recipe also includes a mix of parsnips, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, and spinach which provides a modest sum of carbohydrates and fiber. Here we see parsnips which are very similar to carrots and are high in complex carbohydrates and rich in B vitamins, fiber and other essential nutrients. Chickpeas are also fiber rich but do contain 22% protein which brings up the content for this recipe.
Broccoli and spinach are both green vegetables rich in fiber. Broccoli provides high amounts of vitamin c and is believed to have anti cancer benefits for your Chow Chow.
Fish oil is added for additional energy source and can help with your Chow Chow dog’s coat and skin.
Nutritional Needs of Your Chow Chow
Most Chow Chows can eat a diet that is similar to what other dogs eat. Dogs, including Chow Chows, have the following nutritional requirements:
Protein
Dogs require a minimum of 18% protein in their diet for maintenance and 22 percent for growth and reproduction. Most good dog foods exceed this percentage.
However, there is debate about whether Chows need higher protein percentages for their coat maintenance. It is recommended to feed moderate, easy-digestible protein.
A protein percentage between 22 and 26% is a good range for kibble with grain. Grain-free dog foods often have higher percentages, but much of the protein comes from suspect ingredients like peas, lentils, and legumes, which have been associated with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
Fat
Chow Chows require a minimum of 5 percent fat in their diet for maintenance and 8 percent for growth and reproduction. Most dog food contains this fat, as it makes it taste better and makes them more willing to eat.
However, too much fat can lead to weight gain, especially for Chows, who are not active dogs. The best dog foods for Chow Chows typically have a fat percentage between 12 and 16 percent.
Carbohydrates
You will not find a listed percentage of carbohydrates required by dogs on most nutritional pages.
This doesn’t mean that dogs don’t need carbs. Carbs are not “empty calories” or filler ingredients, as they have been mislabeled by some sources.
They are a source of energy, fiber, and other things that your dog needs. Your Chow Chow can’t live on protein and fat alone.
Carbs help provide sugar and starches for the brain and other tissues, while some fibers from carbs are essential for the digestive system.
Some of the ingredients that provide carbohydrates in dog foods are also sources of important amino acids.
Fiber
Dogs require fiber in their diet, which comes in soluble and insoluble forms. Soluble fiber slows digestion by attracting water, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to stool and speeds it up.
Most dog foods contain fibers to promote good digestion, with dry dog foods containing 3-5.5% fiber.
Probiotics And Prebiotics
Dog foods often contain probiotics and prebiotics, which are live organisms added to promote healthy digestion. Probiotics, which are colony-forming units (CFUs), are typically measured in the millions.
Prebiotics, or dietary fibers, encourage the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which is crucial for maintaining the health of the gastrointestinal tract, which contains 70% of the dog’s immune system. Common prebiotics include chicory and inulin.
Vitamins and Minerals
Most dog foods today also have added vitamins and minerals. These are known as “condiments” in the dog food business.
Vitamins and minerals are normally added back into dog foods after the cooking process because the high temperatures of cooking the food can strip away many of the nutrients in the food.
What to Look For When Choosing a Food for Your Chow Chow?
The FDA has issued a warning, advising dogs to choose grain-inclusive kibble, a protein-rich food with a protein percentage between 22 and 26%, moderate fat and fiber, and avoid grain-free and exotic meat proteins unless a specific food allergy requires them. This is in response to the recent warning.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Chow Chow
Bloat
Chow Chows are at a higher risk for bloating, a potentially life-threatening condition if not treated promptly. Factors contributing to bloating include feeding a large daily meal, only using dry food, consuming fat in the first four ingredients of dog food, and using citric acid-moistened food.
Conversely, feeding dry food with rendered meat-and-bone meal, mixing table or canned food into dry food, and using a slow feeder bowl can decrease the risk of bloating. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to prevent life-threatening consequences.
Allergies
Chow-chows are known to be susceptible to allergies, particularly those related to proteins. Common food allergens for dogs include chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs, which are not harmful but are frequently exposed to.
Symptoms of a food allergy include itching, red skin, red, inflamed ears, and a skin infection. Food sensitivity affects a dog’s gastrointestinal tract, causing diarrhea, vomiting, gas, or a rumbly stomach, especially when consuming a particular food.
To identify a food allergy or sensitivity, it is recommended to work with a veterinarian. Trying different dog foods can be expensive and not always successful. A food trial with a veterinarian is usually the best way to solve a dog’s problem.
It is essential to consult with a veterinarian to determine the cause of the problem and find a solution that works for your dog.
How Much Should You Feed Your Chow Chow?
A male Chow Chow puppy weighs around 26 pounds at three months, requiring 1339 calories daily. At six months, it weighs 49 pounds, requiring 1435 calories daily.
At a year old, it weighs 68 pounds, requiring 1652 calories daily.
Females weigh slightly less, and their metabolism may be slower if spayed or neutered without sexual hormones.
These dogs can gain weight more easily, so it’s important to monitor their weight and adjust calories accordingly. Young puppies typically eat three meals daily, while puppies six months of age and older usually eat two meals daily.
Adult dogs also need to consume two meals per day. Watch your puppy or dog’s weight and adjust his calories as needed.
Most people feed young puppies three meals per day. Puppies six months of age and older usually eat two meals per day, as do adult dogs.
Final Thoughts
Intelligent, dignified, and devoted, the Chow Chow is a unique breed. Finding the best food for your Chow Chow can take some effort, especially if he has any digestive issues or allergies. We hope the suggestions here are helpful.
