11 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Who doesn’t love the adorable Chow Chow dog breed? Chow Chows are medium-sized and sturdy, with thick bearish fur and short pointed ears. This dog breed is believed to have come from Siberia or China and has a close DNA connection to wolves.

Chows were bred by ancient Chinese aristocrats and farmers to be versatile work dogs. They assisted with hunting, herding animals, fighting in wars, and providing loyal companionship. These muscular dogs could also pull sleds and were even raised and farmed for human consumption.

While they were originally bred to be working dogs, they aren’t overly energetic or aggressive. Although they can be housed in apartments or townhouses, they require at least one daily walk to burn off extra energy. These dogs require a diet high in protein, fats, and carbs. Here is a review list of our top picks for the best dog food for Chow Chows.

A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2026

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food	Arrives in predictable intervals Reputably sourced ingredients USDA-certified protein	Click to Save 50% + Get Free Shipping!
Budget Buy		Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food	Made with deboned salmon Healthy whole grains Omega fatty acids	Check Price
		American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food	Has deboned salmon Packed with amino acids High in antioxidants	Check Price
		Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food	Contains antioxidants and minerals Portioned ready-made trays Easily digestible	Check Price
		Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food	Supports cognitive function Great for a shiny coat Has essential nutrients and antioxidants	Check Price

The 11 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows

1. The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food – Best Overall

The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food is a dog food subscription service manufacturing fresh food. Its high-quality recipes are full of the nutrition your dog needs, which is why it’s our pick for the best overall dog food for Chow Chows.

The meals are gently cooked in USDA kitchens at low temperatures. They are then quickly frozen to allow for safe shipping and storage convenience. In addition, since the recipes are made to order, your Chow Chow’s meals will always be fresh and made without preservatives.

The ingredients for The Farmer’s Dog’s recipes come from reputable food suppliers and local farms, all of which meet USDA standards. There are no feed-grade ingredients and no additives that make the recipes shelf-stable. This means your dog’s food will need to be stored properly (refrigerator or freezer) and eaten promptly to prevent it from going bad.

There are four recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, pork, and turkey. Each is made with USDA-certified protein, whole vegetables, and vitamins. The recipes are formulated with the help of veterinary nutritionists to ensure that your pet is getting the vitamins and nutrients that they need to thrive.

2. Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

In Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food, you’ll find a mix of healthy protein and satiating carbohydrates made from grains. This meal supports digestive health but is free of lentils, potatoes, and peas. It also has deboned salmon, which is great for helping to retain and build solid muscle tissue, something Chow Chows have a lot of.

You’ll find that this recipe is also packed with omega fatty acids to support healthy skin and a shiny coat. This is essential because Chows are a double-coated breed, and dry skin can cause them to shed more. If you need quality budget food for your Chow Chow, here’s one to consider.

3. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food is perfect for Chows with digestive issues. It’s made with nutritious vegetables and fruits, including carrots, blueberries, and salmon. It’s full of amino acids to help build and maintain muscle mass, and it also includes a healthy mix of omega fatty acids and flaxseed.

Not only can this meal help your Chow Chow maintain moisturized skin and a shiny coat, but it will also give them a daily supply of healthy protein, fat, antioxidants, and minerals. This amazing formula is also grain-free and contains no soy, wheat, corn, or additives that may upset your pet’s stomach.

4. Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food

Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food is made specifically for pups, so if your Chow is less than a year old, this recipe may be worth taking a look at. It contains highly digestible proteins and has fish oil and beet pulp to help support easy digestion. It also has taurine, lutein, and vitamins C and E.

To give your Chow a day’s worth of essential nutrients, this formula is a perfect size kibble for small pups and makes for a great daily meal. It’s specifically made for puppies that are up to 22 pounds and 10 months old. Young Chows are full of energy, and this formula is sure to help support their daily energy needs and their protein requirements. It’s also made in the U.S.A.

5. Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food

Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Food is perfect for medium-sized and large Chows. It contains marine microalgae and is packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids. It also has L-carnitine to assist with cognitive functioning and help maintain lean muscle mass. On top of that, this formula is full of probiotics and prebiotics to help your Chow keep a healthy gut microbiome.

This specific recipe is full of high-quality ingredients, including real chicken, and has wholesome grains for an all-around well-balanced meal. It’s also free of wheat, soy, and corn, which may be ideal if your Chow has stomach issues.

6. Royal Canin Giant Adult Dry Dog Food

The meal contains a healthy mixture of fibers and easily digestible proteins, which is important for medium and large dogs with stomach problems or other digestive issues. This heart-healthy meal will satisfy your Chow Chow and give them enough protein to support muscle growth. The Royal Canin Giant Adult Dry Dog Food contains a unique combination of antioxidants that can help repair damaged cells and improve cellular health.

This formula was specifically designed for large breeds, and while Chows are considered more of a medium-breed dog, they can get rather big. The formula also supports bone and joint health, and it contains chondroitin, glucosamine, and omega fatty acids.

7. Blue Buffalo Adult Life Protection Chicken Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Adult Life Protection Chicken Dry Dog Food contains chondroitin and glucosamine, both of which support the digestive tract and promote the building of strong cartilage in the joints. The meal is easy to chew and contains a long list of B vitamins, along with vitamins C, D, and E. Blue Buffalo is one of the best dog food brands available in the marketplace, and this meal is a testament to that.

It’s made with real chicken and has healthy grains, including brown rice, oatmeal, and barley. So, if you’re looking for a healthy dog food formula for an older Chow, this one is definitely worth taking a look at.

8. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend With Probiotics

A chicken-based meal, Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend With Probiotics is one of the best-selling dog foods on the market. The formula is made of real shredded chicken, grains, and rice. It’s also full of omega fatty acids and vitamin A, which are essential to skin and coat health, something that Chow Chows need a lot of.

It’s great for both young and older Chow Chows and is a good high-protein formula for those long walks in the park.

9. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food is formulated for all dog breeds in all stages of life. It can work as a well-balanced meal all on its own, or you can supplement it with wet food options for larger Chows. It contains a healthy amount of protein sourced from turkey, chicken, fish, and lamb. The formula is also full of healthy antioxidants and omega fatty acids to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin and a shiny coat.

It’s a veterinarian-formulated recipe that contains all the vitamins and minerals that your Chow Chow needs for a well-balanced diet. The recipe is also free of wheat, soy, and corn.

10. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Food

Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Food develops dog food recipes that are specifically formulated to provide a well-balanced diet, and this meal doesn’t disappoint. It’s made with real chicken and whole grains, and it’s full of nutrition from A to Z.

It has a potent antioxidant plan that includes vitamins E and C and helps support strong immunity and everyday health. All of Hill’s recipes are made in U.S.-based manufacturing plants and contain no preservatives, artificial colors, or flavors. So, if you’re looking for a dog food brand that offers high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art formulas, look no further.

11. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

Wellness Core Natural Grain Free Dry Dog Food is particularly high in protein and is also grain-free. So, if you have a large or particularly active Chow, here is one recipe to try. It’s packed with omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants. This particular formula is crafted with premium proteins, vegetables, and fruits for an all-around well-balanced meal.

It contains absolutely no by-products, corn, fillers, or soy. It’s truly designed to provide a great way for your dog to build lean muscle and maintain healthy skin and coat at the same time. So, if you’re looking for a whole-body formula, this is it.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Food for Chow Chows

Ingredients

You always want to check the ingredients when selecting a food for your Chow Chow (and for any dog, really!). While dogs are omnivores, they greatly benefit from animal protein. Check the main ingredients and see if they are animal proteins. Some people might be put off by “meal” as the first ingredient; however, a meat meal is still made from meat.

Potential Allergens

Yes, dogs can have food allergies! One of the most common food allergies is chicken. And, as you can tell, chicken is often the most popular ingredient in many dog foods. Beef and eggs are other common allergens. If you notice your dog experiencing the following signs, they might have a food allergy:

Your vet will be able to help you determine if your Chow Chow has a food allergy with testing. You might need to switch to a food with novel proteins instead.

Calorie Content

Chow Chows are prone to obesity. They are not overly active dogs, so a healthy diet will be very important for maintaining a healthy weight. Look at the recipe you are feeding them and check for the number of calories per serving. Consult your vet about how many calories your Chow Chow needs to maintain an ideal weight. Some foods might be too high in calories for your pooch. Obesity is dangerous and can reduce your dog’s lifespan.

Our Selection Process for Dog Foods for Chow Chows

To create this buyer’s guide, our writing team and editorial staff checked customer reviews, brand reputation, and veterinary approval ratings to present the dog foods we think should be highlighted for our readers. In some cases, we conducted hands-on testing along with seeing how much our dogs liked the dog foods. All these factors were considered when selecting these listed dog foods to help you make the best purchase for your furry friends.

Why Trust Dogster?

Since 2004, Dogster has been a trusted brand for dog owners online, which means we have a lot of experience with dog foods. We take pride in promoting the well-being of all dogs—from toy breeds to giant canines. Our in-house veterinarians, writers, and editors examine each product on our lists, ensuring its quality and reputation. As pet owners ourselves, we only want the best for our furry companions. At Dogster, we are transparent about the products we promote. The nutritional information, overall brand reputation, and customer reviews are all considered for these lists. We inform you how we want to be informed.

Conclusion

Among these reviews, we listed The Farmer’s Dog Fresh Dog Food as our overall best pick for Chow Chow dog food due to its nutrient density and high amount of antioxidants. In second place, we have the Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice formula, which is made with real salmon and healthy grains.

It shouldn’t be difficult to find a good formula for your Chow Chow, as there are many to choose from. However, if your Chow has specific diet requirements, it’s best to find a recipe that can cater to their unique needs. But overall, Chow Chows are generally in good health; they simply need a meal high in lean protein, fat, and carbs.

See also:

• 10 Best Vitamins & Supplements for Puppies: Reviews & Top Picks
• 10 Best Probiotics for Dogs – Reviews & Top Picks

Featured Image Credit: Ivan Marjanovic, Shutterstock