6 Best Dog Foods For Shar Pei
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The Shar Pei, one of the 14 oldest dog breeds, originated in China over two thousand years ago. Known for its intelligence and war skills, the breed has evolved into an intelligent companion. However, they can be prone to bloat and skin allergies, making finding suitable dog food challenging.
The breed has two coat types: a prickly horse hair coat and a longer, smoother brush coat. They require good socialization and can become territorial. At home, they are loyal, devoted, and affectionate, and dislike being left alone. An ordinary Shar Pei is 18-20 inches tall and weighs 45-60 pounds.
Compare Best Dog Foods For Shar Peis
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 | |||
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 quality dog food brand will feature animal protein as the main ingredient with digestible carbohydrates, healthy fats, and beneficial supplements to ensure nutritional balance. It should also come from a reputable brand that doesn’t use fillers or artificial additives.
Here are our top picks for the best food for Shar Pei dogs that you should consider:
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 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 suggests that Shar Pei puppies can consume regular brand name puppy food or an all-life stage dog food for adults. All dogs, including Shar Pei, require specific nutrients in their diet.
Protein
Protein is crucial for your dog’s 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’s important for them to get protein that they can easily digest and use, known as bioavailability.
Many grain-free dog foods have high protein percentages, but many come from ingredients like peas, lentils, and legumes, which have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs. We recommend a grain-inclusive dog food with moderate protein levels between 22 and 26%.
Fat
Dogs require a minimum of 5 percent fat for growth and reproduction, but many dog foods contain more than this. Overly high fat content can lead to weight gain, especially for Shar Pei dogs. To prevent this, it is recommended to use moderate fat percentages, aiming for foods with a fat percentage between 12 and 16 percent.
This will help Shar Pei dogs avoid becoming overweight if not monitored closely.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are essential for your dog’s health, providing energy, fiber, and nutrients. They are not just empty calories, but also essential for brain and tissue function.
Some carbohydrates have fibers, which are important for the digestive system, and complex carbohydrates help regulate glucose levels, preventing constant hunger in your dog.
Fiber
Shar Pei’s diet is crucial for fiber, found in soluble and insoluble forms in dog foods. Soluble fiber slows digestion, while insoluble fiber adds bulk to fecal matter, speeding it.
Dry dog foods typically contain 3-5.5% crude fiber.
Probiotics and prebiotics
Dog foods often contain prebiotics and probiotics, which are dietary fibers that promote healthy bacteria growth in the gastrointestinal system. Common prebiotics include chicory and inulin.
Probiotics, live microorganisms, colonize the digestive tract, promoting better digestion.
The gastrointestinal tract is responsible for 70% of a dog’s immune system, making it crucial to maintain its health.
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are also added to most dog foods today. That’s because dog foods are cooked at high temperatures which can strip away some of the nutrients in the ingredients.
Adding vitamins and minerals back into the food after cooking ensures that your dog will get the nutrients he needs.
What To Look For When Choosing A Food For Your Shar Pei?
The Chinese Shar Pei Club of America does not recommend Shar Pei dogs to eat lower protein percentages, but some sources suggest this. Shar Pei dogs may have health issues that require a lower protein diet, and veterinarians may suggest this.
As long as Shar Pei is healthy, a normal diet with normal protein percentages should be suitable. Calories per cup should be monitored as Shar Pei can gain weight.
The information on the dog food label is usually not always present, so if it’s not available, check the dog food website for the feeding guidelines.
We recommend looking for the following when choosing the best dog foods for Shar Pei:
- Choose a good quality kibble that is grain-inclusive;
- Look for a food with a protein percentage between 22 and 26 percent;
- Look for a food with moderate fat and fiber;
- Avoid feeding grain free dog foods and foods that use exotic meat proteins unless your dog has been diagnosed with a specific health problem or allergy that necessitates using one of these foods.
Special Considerations For Feeding A Shar Pei
Bloat
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, and food-related factors such as 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 bloat, 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 to encourage slow eating.
Allergies
Shar Pei dogs, known for their wrinkles and sand-textured skin, 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.
It’s important to note that a skin or stomach problem with a Shar Pei should not be assumed to be a food allergy, as it could be another skin issue or another breed-specific issue. Additionally, Shar Pei dogs can also have irritable bowel disease.
It’s crucial to consult a veterinarian for a diagnosis and to work together to identify triggers for food allergies. The most common food allergens for dogs are chicken, beef, dairy, and egg.
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.
