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Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows: 2024 Reviews & Top Picks

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Are you the proud owner of a Chow Chow? You’re in luck – these cuddly dogs have some very specific dietary needs that are easy to meet if you know what to look for.

We not only review 10 top-rated options but also provide an extensive buyer’s guide and tips on transitioning from puppy food to adult food.

Key Takeaways

  • Protein-rich options are important for Chow Chows’ health.
  • Grain-free options are beneficial for digestion.
  • Omega fatty acids are essential for brain development.
  • Transitioning to adult food should be based on age and size.

Top 10 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows

Choosing the right dog food for your Chow Chow can be a daunting task. To help make it easier, here is a list of our top ten picks for 2021:

  • Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon Rice Dog Food
  • Taste Wild High Prairie Bison Venison Adult Dog Food
  • Royal Canin Large Puppy Wet Dog Food
  • Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Fish
  • Blue Buffalo Chicken Brown Rice Dry Kibble
  • Purina Pro Plan Dog Food
  • CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food
  • Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken Barley Dry Kibble
  • Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food
  • Orijen Puppy Formula

With this collection of quality ingredients and recipes to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect mealtime solution for your furry friend.

1. Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon Rice Dog Food

Merrick Limited Ingredient Diet DryView On Amazon
If you’re looking for a quality food to meet the dietary needs of your Chow Chow, Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon Rice Dog Food is an excellent choice. This pellet-shaped dry dog food features real deboned salmon as its first ingredient and is free from chickpeas, lentils, or peas – perfect for dogs with sensitivities or allergies.

It also contains vitamins and minerals which help support joint health, skin and coat health plus antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits to boost immune system function.

Pros
  • Designed specifically for dogs with sensitivities or allergies
  • Contains real deboned salmon as the primary ingredient
  • Free from chickpeas, lentils, or peas
  • Contains essential vitamins & minerals
  • Enriched with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids
  • Made in the USA using globally sourced ingredients
Cons
  • Mixed reviews regarding customers’ preferences/reactions
  • Some reported digestive issues/allergic reactions
  • Price may be prohibitively expensive

2. Taste Wild High Prairie Bison Venison Adult Dog Food

Treat your pup to the savory, succulent flavors of Taste Wild High Prairie Bison Venison Adult Dog Food and watch as their health, coat, and energy levels soar. This premium natural dog food is specially formulated for adult dogs with 32% protein content from real roasted bison and venison.

It also contains essential vitamins and minerals from fruits like blueberries or apples along with superfoods that boost joint health, skin & coat wellbeing, plus antioxidants for immune support.

Further benefits come in the form of Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids, which provide healthy skin, plus LifeSource Bits enriched with select nutrients to ensure optimal nutrient absorption.

This highly nutritious recipe is free from any grain-free formula, meaning there’s no need to worry about corn, wheat, soy, poultry by-products, artificial colors, or preservatives getting into your pet’s diet either! Plus, it comes in a convenient 15lb bag suitable for multi-dog households, making it easy to feed multiple pups at once – all without compromising on quality or nutrition!

Pros
  • Real meat as the first ingredient featuring roasted bison/venison
  • Contains Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits
  • Free From Corn, Wheat, Soy, Poultry By-Products, Artificial Colors, Or Preservatives
  • Comes In Convenient 15lb Bag Suitable For Multi-Dog Households
Cons
  • Some customers mention a change in eye/saliva color after switching
  • Strong odor reported
  • High cost compared to other brands

3. Royal Canin Large Puppy Wet Dog Food

View On Amazon
Royal Canin Large Puppy Wet Dog Food is a vet-recommended formula designed to give your pup the nutrition they need for growth and development. This wet food comes in pouches, not cans, and contains soft texture chunks of pork in gravy that are easy for puppies to eat.

It’s fortified with antioxidants like vitamins E and C, as well as prebiotics and digestible proteins, to help support digestive health. Additionally, it’s enriched with DHA, which promotes brain development in growing puppies.

Customers report being pleased with the product because their dogs seem to enjoy the taste but can go through pouches quickly due to its small size (4-4.

Pros
  • Vet recommended brand
  • Soft texture chunks in gravy make eating easy
  • Contains antioxidants like vitamins E & C plus prebiotics & digestible proteins
  • Enriched with DHA for brain development
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other brands
  • Pouch sizes are smaller than expected
  • Mixed reviews from vets on benefits

4. Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Fish

Annamaet Grain-Free Aqualuk Cold WaterView On Amazon
With Annamaet Grain Free Aqualuk Fish, you can give your pup a holistic and GMO-free meal full of cold water fish, like salmon and herring, that provides essential nutrients to support their immune system.

The formula also contains Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which helps with ear, skin, and coat issues, as well as chronic digestive upsets.

This food is made from top-grade ingredients by a family-owned business with strict quality control standards in artisanal production batches for superior taste.

Customers report positive results such as improved stool quality, itchiness reduction, or elimination of dandruff after feeding this product to their dogs. Although some customers find it expensive compared to other brands on the market, they love how much less food their dog needs for satisfaction due to its high protein content, plus added vitamins and minerals that keep dogs healthy overall.

It may be difficult finding smaller sizes than 15lb bags, but customer service is always available if needed, making sure all questions are answered promptly before purchase decisions are made!

Pros
  • Holistic & GMO-free products
  • Strict standards of quality control
  • Rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids
  • Helps reduce itching & dandruff
  • Made in USA with global ingredients
  • Committed towards sustainability
  • Family company providing responsive customer service
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other brands
  • Difficult finding smaller size packages than 15lbs

5. Blue Buffalo Dog Food Chicken Brown Rice

View On Amazon
Try Blue Buffalo’s Chicken Brown Rice Dog Food and see the difference it makes to your pup’s coat, digestion, energy levels, and overall health! This premium natural dog food is designed specifically for adult dogs with real chicken as its first ingredient.

It also contains whole grains, garden veggies, and fruit to provide essential vitamins and minerals along with Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids for coat and skin health. Plus, it has antioxidant-rich LifeSource Bits that help support immune system function.

What’s more – this 30-pound bag of pellets comes without any by-product meals or artificial ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, or preservatives, which makes them an ideal choice if you’re looking for a quality meal option that will keep your furry friend happy all day long.

Pros
  • Real meat first ingredient (chicken)
  • High-quality protein formula
  • Contains whole grains, garden veggies & fruits
  • Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids to promote healthy skin/coat
  • Antioxidant-rich LifeSource bits for immune support
  • No by-product meals or artificial ingredients like corn, wheat, soy, etc.
Cons
  • Not suitable for Labrador breed due to tendency towards overeating
  • Strong odor compared to other brands

6. Purina Pro Plan Dog Food

Purina Pro Plan High ProteinView On Amazon
For a surefire hit with your Chow Chow, look no further than Purina Pro Plan Dog Food. This dry kibble with shredded pieces is packed full of essential nutrition for adult dogs and fortified with probiotics to keep them healthy and active.

With chicken as the first ingredient, this food contains all the protein necessary for keeping large breeds in top condition. Dogs seem to love its taste and texture, but it can be difficult to find smaller sizes – 35 lb bags are typically available widely across stores.

Purina Pro Plan has earned itself a reputation among pet owners due to its consistent quality ingredients that give dogs’ coats a soft sheen of healthiness.

Pros
  • High-protein dry kibble formula designed specifically for adult dogs
  • Chicken & rice pieces fortified with probiotics
  • Widely available (35lb bags)
  • Keeps dog at a healthy weight
  • Quality ingredients make coat soft & beautiful
Cons
  • Can be hard to find smaller sizes
  • Some customer complaints about packaging

7. CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food

CANIDAE® All Life Stages Multi-ProteinView On Amazon
Discover how CANIDAE All Life Stages Dog Food provides complete nutrition for your pup with its mix of protein-rich chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish, plus essential vitamins and minerals. This vet-formulated kibble is specially designed to meet the needs of all ages, breeds, and sizes of dogs.

CANIDAE contains no corn or wheat, giving you peace of mind that it’s free from unnecessary fillers while still providing a balanced diet with key nutrients like omega fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, along with probiotics and antioxidants promoting digestive health.

It also comes in a single 15 lb bag, so you don’t have to worry about buying multiple bags if you have more than one furry friend at home!

Pros
  • Contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health
  • Rich in essential Omega 6 Fatty Acids, which helps maintain healthy skin and coat
  • Formulated specifically for large breed adult dogs
Cons
  • Expensive compared to other brands
  • Some users have reported a strong odor.

8. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken Barley

HillView On Amazon
With Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken Barley, you can give your pup the nutrition they need to stay healthy and active. This premium dry kibble is designed specifically for large breed adult dogs with natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health.

It also contains omega-6 fatty acids and vitamin E to nourish skin and coat. The food is made with real chicken as the first ingredient, providing high-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance in larger breeds.

Plus, it’s veterinarian recommended, so you know you’re giving your pup only the best ingredients without corn, wheat, or soy fillers or by-product meals! This food comes highly recommended from customers who have seen great results in their dog’s energy levels as well as improved coat quality overall!

Pros
  • Supports joint health with natural sources of glucosamine & chondroitin
  • Promotes healthy skin & shiny coat w/ omega 6 fatty acids & Vitamin E
  • High-quality protein keeps pups at a healthy weight
Cons
  • Not suitable for puppies under 15 months old
  • Some reports that some dogs may not like taste/texture
  • Relatively expensive compared to other brands

9. Wellness CORE Dog Food

Experience the power of premium nutrition for your adult chow chow with Wellness CORE Dog Food! This grain-free dry food is designed to provide complete and balanced nutrition, made with responsibly sourced turkey as the primary ingredient.

Plus, it contains omega fatty acids, glucosamine, probiotics, and taurine for skin health and digestive system support. It’s also free from corn, wheat, or soy products, as well as artificial colors or preservatives, making this an excellent choice in dog foods.

Customers report that their dogs love its taste while benefiting from improved energy levels too! Made in America using global ingredients you can trust, this product has been trusted by pet owners without any recalls since 2001, so why not give it a try?

Pros
  • High-quality protein content (44%) supports leaner body mass and muscle tone
  • Contains omega fatty acids and glucosamine for a healthy coat and joints
  • Free from poultry byproducts; no corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors, or preservatives
Cons
  • Some dogs may need wet food mixed in order to eat it
  • Can be hard to find smaller bags
  • Higher cost compared to some other brands

10. Orijen Puppy Dog Food

ORIJEN Puppy Dry Dog Food,View On Amazon
Orijen Puppy Dog Food provides puppy-friendly nutrition with its 85% fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients, helping to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and active. This high-quality product contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health, omega fatty acids for skin & coat health, plus vitamins E & C as antioxidants.

The first five ingredients are fresh or raw chicken, turkey giblets, flounder, and whole mackerel to give puppies the protein they need while transitioning from milk to solid food. Its small kibble size makes it easy on their young teeth while being highly rated by pet owners worldwide.

However, there are some concerns that arise when feeding this dog food. Its acquisition by Mars Corp raised quality issue questions but has since been addressed through strict regulations set in place for safety assurance.

There is conflicting information on the protein percentage needed specifically tailored towards puppies, which may be disadvantageous if not monitored closely during feeding times. Additionally, Orijen Puppy Dog Food also carries a higher price tag than other brands due to its superior quality, leading many pet owners to have second thoughts about purchasing it despite all the benefits mentioned above.

Pros
  • Supports healthy skin and coat
  • Good quality product
  • Puppy-friendly
  • Seamless transition during feeding
  • Small kibble size
  • Highly rated dog food
Cons
  • Acquisition by Mars Corp raised quality concerns
  • Conflicting information on protein percentage

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods for a Chow Chow


When selecting the best dog food for a Chow Chow, protein content is an important factor to consider. It’s also essential to choose puppy food that meets your pup’s nutritional needs and transition them properly when they reach adulthood.

Protein content importance

When it comes to your Chow Chow’s diet, the protein content is essential for providing them with a balanced nutritional meal. Protein helps keep muscles strong and healthy while aiding in energy levels and overall wellness.

Look for nutrient-dense food sources like real meat, fish, or poultry as the first ingredient when choosing dog food. This will ensure that your pup gets enough of these important macronutrients on a daily basis without overdoing it on carbohydrates or fats, which can contribute to obesity if not carefully monitored.

Consider foods specially formulated for chow chows, which provide appropriate nutrition specific to their size and breed type needs.

Choosing puppy food

When selecting puppy food for your Chow Chow, look for real meat as the first ingredient and avoid ingredients such as corn, wheat, or soy. Puppy foods should not contain artificial colors or preservatives either. Consider dietary needs like caloric requirements and protein content when making a selection; Chow Chows require higher levels of fats to fuel their active lifestyle.

For added convenience, consider dog food delivery services that provide discounts on quality brands tailored to your pup’s nutritional needs.

Benefits of delivery services

Discover the convenience of having dog food delivered right to your door and learn about the discounts available with select providers. Dog food delivery services offer a range of benefits for Chow Chows. These benefits include portion control, dietary expertise on breed-specific requirements, and cost savings from direct purchasing options.

With many specialized brands catering to specific preferences or allergies in these breeds, you can trust that each meal will be tailored according to their individual needs.

Selecting the Best Puppy Dog Food for Chow Chows


When it comes to selecting the best puppy dog food for Chow Chows, one of the most important factors is that real meat should be listed as the first ingredient. Additionally, pet owners should also consider transitioning their pup to adult dog food when they reach a certain age and size.

There are also several benefits associated with using delivery services for your pet’s meals, such as convenience and portion control.

Real meat as first ingredient

It’s critical to prioritize real meat as the first ingredient in your Chow Chow’s puppy food for optimal health. Research and select a grain-free formula with quality sourcing of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are important components of any meal plan for this breed too.

Avoid fillers like corn or wheat that can cause dietary allergies; instead, opt for lentils or peas as healthy alternatives when possible. Balancing nutritional needs is key to providing lasting energy while avoiding obesity-related issues later on in life.

When selecting the best dog food for chow chows, read labels carefully: look out especially for preservatives and artificial flavors/colors found in many brands today! A nutritional balance tailored specifically to their unique needs will ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients from an early age – essential to grow up happy & healthy!

Transitioning to adult food

Once your Chow Chow pup has reached its full size, it’s time to transition it from puppy food to adult dog food. To ensure optimal health and prevent obesity, a tailored age-specific diet is important for the breed.

Nutritional guidelines should include limited ingredients with real meat as the first ingredient, plus plenty of vitamins and minerals in addition to healthy fats and carbohydrates.

Benefits of delivery services

Gaining access to delivery services can add convenience and precision to your Chow Chows’ meal plan. With dog food delivered right to their door, pet owners no longer have to worry about running out of food or having difficulty shopping for specialty diets, such as grain-free foods.

In addition, with experts available at the click of a button on most delivery services, it’s easier than ever for pet parents to seek advice on nutrition and health considerations specific to Chow Chows.

Furthermore, many providers offer discounts, helping to keep costs low while ensuring your pup gets only the best quality ingredients in their meals.

Delivery makes it possible for you to provide optimum nutrition without breaking the bank!

Transitioning to Adult Dog Food for Chow Chows


As your pup grows to adulthood, it’s important to make sure they transition into the right adult dog food.

  1. Provide high-quality ingredients with an appropriate level of protein, fat, and carbohydrates that meet their dietary needs as adults.
  2. Look for grain-free options, which are easier on sensitive stomachs compared to regular puppy food formulas containing grains like wheat or cornmeal that can be hard to digest in older dogs.
  3. Consider transitioning gradually over several weeks by mixing small amounts of adult foods with the puppy formula. This will help you completely transition them onto the new diet plan over time without sudden changes in their nutrition intake levels too quickly.

    Sudden changes can lead to digestive issues or other health concerns later down the line if done incorrectly.

  4. Maintain balanced meals at meal times. Adjust portion sizes according to actual growth stages and activity levels as needed throughout each stage of development from puppyhood through full-grown adulthood.

    Select nutritional plans best suited for your growing canine companion’s long-term health benefits overall.

Conclusion

As the old adage goes, you’re what you eat. The same is true for our canine companions, Chow Chows. What you feed your Chow Chow is crucial because their dietary needs are specific and different from other dogs.

To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best dog foods for Chow Chows in 2023. There’s a range of options to suit different needs and budgets, so you can rest assured that your furry friend is getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy and happy.

From protein-rich dry kibble to grain-free wet food, there’s something for everyone. With our guide to buying the best dog food for Chow Chows and the top-rated products on the market, you can make an informed decision and ensure your furry friend gets the best nutrition to fuel their active lifestyle.

Avatar for Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim Sweileh

Mutasim is the founder and editor-in-chief with a team of qualified veterinarians, their goal? Simple. Break the jargon and help you make the right decisions for your furry four-legged friends.