Best Dog Foods For Shar Pei
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The Shar Pei, one of China’s 14 oldest dog breeds, is known for its intelligence and war skills. Despite being prone to bloating and skin allergies, they are intelligent companions.
They have two coat types: a prickly horsehair coat and a longer, smoother brush coat. They require good socialization and can become territorial. At home, they are loyal, devoted, and affectionate.
An average Shar Pei is 18-20 inches tall and weighs 45-60 pounds.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Shar Peis
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BEST KIBBLE
3. Hungry Bark Addition (Superfoods w/ Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice) |
BEST AFFORDABLE
4. Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula |
BEST DRY FOOD
6. Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meals Recipe Dry Dog Food |
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Protein
10% Min |
Protein
44% Min |
Protein
24.5% Min |
Protein
26% Min |
Protein
23% Min |
Protein
25.0% Min |
|
Fat
5% Min |
Fat
28% Min |
Fat
14% Min |
Fat
16% Min |
Fat
13% Min |
Fat
13.0% Min |
|
Fiber
1% Max |
Fiber
8% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
4% Max |
Fiber
5% Max |
Fiber
4.5% Max |
|
Calories
1,372kcal/kg |
Calories
1,390 kcal/kg |
Calories
359 kcal/kg |
Calories
429 kcal/cup |
Calories
325 kcal/cup |
Calories
3,599 kcal/kg, 425 kcal/cup |
Our Criteria
The best dog foods for Shar Pei include AAFCO-approved, food trials-approved products, companies investing in nutritional research and testing, employing veterinary nutritionists for formula development, and maintaining good quality control. Nutrition is more important than appealing ingredients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned about a possible link between grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs, and research is ongoing.
While grain-free dog foods are not recommended unless a grain allergy or other health problem has been diagnosed, they are healthy options backed by research and science.
Some recommended foods may not be popular, but they are healthy for your dog.
Best Foods For Shar Pei Reviewed
A high-quality dog food brand should include animal protein, digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and supplements for nutritional balance. It should be reputable and free from fillers or artificial additives.
Nom Nom Fresh Dog Food Turkey Fare Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 10% Min
- Fat: 5% Min
- Fiber: 1% Max
- Calories: 1,372kcal/kg
- Prepared fresh with all-natural ingredients
- Rich in protein and moisture
- Pre-portions according to dog’s caloric needs
- Cost is above market average
- May be too high in fat for some dogs
This Nom Nom Tasty Turkey Fare recipe is a great choice because it features turkey as a novel source of protein with digestible carbohydrates including brown rice, carrots, and spinach.
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.
In addition to being loaded with premium animal protein (33% dry matter) and fiber, this formula is supplemented with Nom Nom’s nutrient mix to ensure complete and balanced nutrition. Plus, it arrives perfectly portioned for your Shar Pei’s age and body weight.
Ollie Dog Food Healthy Turkey Feast Recipe
Product Info
- Protein: 44% Min
- Fat: 28% Min
- Fiber: 8% Max
- Calories: 1,390 kcal/kg
- Real ground turkey as main ingredient
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Rich in omega fatty acids for skin and coat
- May be too high in fiber for some dogs
- Grain-free recipe
This Healthy Turkey Feast features ground turkey as a novel source of protein unlikely to trigger food allergies and, while it is a grain-free recipe, it only contains one carbohydrate ingredient high in plant proteins (lentils).
Overall, this recipe is loaded with fresh fruits and veggies, omega fatty acids, and beneficial supplements.
It will provide your Shar Pei with plenty of protein to maintain lean muscle mass with omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and lots of fiber for healthy digestion.
Hungry Bark Addition (Superfoods w/ Chicken, Turkey & Brown Rice)
Product Info
- Protein: 24.5% Min
- Fat: 14% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 359 kcal/kg
- Real animal protein as the first four ingredients
- Made with digestible whole-grain carbohydrates
- Enhanced with omega fatty acids and probiotics
- More expensive than the average kibble
- No options to customize your dog’s recipe
Shop for specific recipes or plug in your dog’s information to receive a customized meal plan with recommendations.
Hungry Bark also offers mix-ins to add a boost of flavor and protein to your dog’s meal as well as an assortment of nutritional supplements. Every recipe is veterinarian-approved, sustainably packaged, and 100% guaranteed.
Purina Pro Plan Focus Adult Sensitive Skin & Stomach Salmon & Rice Formula
Product Info
- Protein: 26% Min
- Fat: 16% Min
- Fiber: 4% Max
- Calories: 429 kcal/cup
- Does not contain corn, wheat, or soy
- Contains prebiotic fiber to promote healthy digestion
- Made in the USA
- Above average in cost
It also has omega-3 fatty acids to support your dog’s joints. This Focus formula has no corn, wheat, or soy; no artificial colors or flavors; and no poultry by-product meal. Plus, prebiotic fiber in the food promotes digestive health which is so important for Shar Pei.
Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken - Large Breed
Product Info
- Protein: 23% Min
- Fat: 13% Min
- Fiber: 5% Max
- Calories: 325 kcal/cup
- Free from fillers and artificial ingredients
- Contains prebiotic fibers
- Contains real chicken as the #1 ingredient
- Some dogs may be sensitive to chicken ingredients
These prebiotic fibers promote nutrient absorption and encourage healthier digestion. Eukanuba Adult Dry Dog Food for Large Breeds also contains naturally-sourced glucosamine and chondroitin to support healthy joints. And it has optimally balanced levels of omega-3 and omega-6.
Holistic Select Adult Health Anchovy, Sardine & Salmon Meals Recipe Dry Dog Food
Product Info
- Protein: 25.0% Min
- Fat: 13.0% Min
- Fiber: 4.5% Max
- Calories: 3,599 kcal/kg, 425 kcal/cup
- 0% fillers and artificial ingredients
- Made in the USA
- Contains real Anchovy and Sardine as the #1 ingredient
- Not suitable for dogs with fish sensitives
And, it contains no meat by-products, wheat, wheat gluten, or artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
How Much Should You Feed Your Shar Pei?
To estimate the appropriate amount of calories for your Shar Pei’s first year, consider their weight and age.
A three-month-old male Shar Pei weighs 25 pounds, so 1300 calories per day is recommended.
A six-month-old male weighs 47 pounds, so 1391 calories per day.
At one year, a male Shar Pei weighs 64 pounds, so 1578 calories per day. Adjust the calories slightly based on the dog’s activity level, female size, and metabolism.
Spayed/neutered dogs may have a slower metabolism, so adjust the calories accordingly. These dogs often gain weight more easily, so adjust the calories accordingly.
What Kind Of Diet Should You Feed Your Shar Pei?
The Chinese Shar Pei Club of America recommends that Shar Pei puppies consume regular brand name puppy food or an all-life stage dog food for adults. Shar Pei dogs require specific nutrients in their diet, including protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, prebiotics, and prebiotics.
Protein is crucial for their health, providing essential functions like hair, skin, tissue repair, and muscle development. Adult dogs need a minimum of 18% protein, with 22% for growth and reproduction. Good dog foods often exceed these levels, but it is important for them to get protein that they can easily digest and use, known as bioavailability.
Fat is essential for Shar Pei dogs, as they require a minimum of 5% fat for growth and reproduction. Moderate fat percentages between 12 and 16% are recommended to prevent weight gain. Carbohydrates are essential for Shar Pei’s health, providing energy, fiber, and nutrients. Some carbohydrates have fibers, which are important for the digestive system and help regulate glucose levels.
Fiber is crucial for Shar Pei’s diet, found in soluble and insoluble forms in dog foods. Dry dog foods typically contain 3-5.5% crude fiber. Prebiotics and probiotics promote healthy bacteria growth in the gastrointestinal system, which is responsible for 70% of a dog’s immune system. Vitamins and minerals are added to most dog foods after cooking to ensure the dog gets the nutrients they need.
What To Look For When Choosing A Food For Your Shar Pei?
The Chinese Shar Pei Club of America advises Shar Pei dogs to consume a normal diet with normal protein percentages, as they may have health issues that require a lower protein diet. However, a healthy diet with normal protein percentages should be suitable for Shar Pei dogs, as they can gain weight.
To choose the best dog foods for Shar Pei, choose grain-inclusive kibble, food with a protein percentage between 22 and 26 percent, moderate fat and fiber, and avoid grain-free dog foods and exotic meat proteins unless a specific health problem or allergy necessitates these foods.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Shar Pei
Shar Pei breeds are at high risk for bloat, a condition that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Factors contributing to bloat include a dog’s body shape and temperament, as well as food-related factors like feeding one large daily meal, exclusively dry food, fat in the first four ingredients, and citric acid in moistened food.
However, certain factors can decrease the risk of bloating, such as feeding dry food with rendered meat-and-bone meal, mixing table or canned food into dry food, and using a slow feeder bowl. Shar Pei dogs can suffer from various allergies, including inhalant dermatitis, flea bite dermatitis, contact allergy, and food allergies.
Symptoms include itching, hair loss, secondary skin infection, ear infections, and other signs. The most common food allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, dairy, and eggs.
Final Thoughts
The ancient Shar Pei is highly intelligent and always easy to distinguish with his wrinkles and unique coat. We hope this guide to choosing the best dog foods for Shar Pei has provided some insight into the breed’s dietary needs.
