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11 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Nicole Cosgrove

Last Updated on April 19, 2024 by Dogster Team

11 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

chow chow dog eatingWho 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 particular 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.

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A Quick Look at Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food
  • Arrives in predictable intervals
  • Reputably sourced ingredients
  • USDA-certified protein
  • Budget Buy Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food
  • Made with deboned salmon
  • Healthy whole grains
  • Omega fatty acids
  • American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food
  • Has deboned salmon
  • Packed with amino acids
  • High in antioxidants
  • Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food
  • Contains antioxidants and minerals
  • Portioned ready-made trays
  • Easily digestible
  • Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Supports cognitive function
  • Great for a shiny coat
  • Has essential nutrients and antioxidants
  • The 11 Best Dog Foods for Chow Chows

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

    The Farmer

     

    Main ingredients Chicken, Beef, Pork or Turkey
    Protein content Up to 41%
    Fat content Up to 32%
    Calories Up to 361 kcal per 1/2 lb.

    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.

    Pros
    • Arrives in predictable intervals
    • Reputably sourced ingredients
    • USDA-certified protein
    • No additives or feed-grade ingredients
    • Made fresh
    Cons
    • Food needs to be stored in the fridge or freezer
    • Pricey

    2. Merrick Healthy Grains Dry Dog Food – Budget Buy

    Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Grains Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice
    Protein content 2.0% min
    Fat content 16.0% min
    Calories 3,739 kcal/kg or 396 kcal/cup

    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.

    Pros
    • Made with deboned salmon
    • Healthy whole grains
    • Omega fatty acids
    Cons
    • Not all dogs like it
    • Few flavor options

    3. American Journey Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    American Journey Grain-Free Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Deboned Salmon, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Peas
    Protein content 34.0% min
    Fat content 14.0% min
    Calories 3,740 kcal/kg, 390 kcal/cup

    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.

    Pros
    • Has deboned salmon
    • Packed with amino acids
    • High in antioxidants
    • Free of corn, wheat, and soy
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Few flavors

    4. Royal Canin Puppy Canned Dog Food

    Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation Canned Dog Food

    Main ingredients Water Sufficient for Processing, Chicken, Pork By-Products
    Protein content 7.5% min
    Fat content 1.1% min
    Calories 684 kcal/kg, 103 kcal/5.2-oz. can

    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.

    Pros
    • Contains antioxidants and minerals
    • Portioned ready-made trays
    • Easily digestible
    Cons
    • Not ideal for mature dogs
    • Perishable

    5. Annamaet Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    Annamaet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Millet, Rolled Oats
    Protein content 25% min
    Fat content 14% min
    Calories  3,887 kcal/kg

    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.

    Pros
    • Supports cognitive function
    • Great for a shiny coat
    • Has essential nutrients and antioxidants
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Few options

    6. Royal Canin Giant Adult Dry Dog Food

    Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken By-Product Meal, Brewers Rice, Chicken Fat, Brown Rice
    Protein content 26.0% min
    Fat content 18.0% min
    Calories 3,958 kcal/kg

    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.

    Pros
    • Full nutrient profile
    • Great for larger dogs
    • Has omega fatty acids and glucosamine
    Cons
    • Expensive

    7. Blue Buffalo Adult Life Protection Chicken Dry Dog Food

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal
    Protein content 24.0% min
    Fat content 14.0% min
    Calories 3,618 kcal/kg, 377 kcal/cup

    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.

    Pros
    • Full of antioxidants and minerals
    • Great for picky eaters
    • Well-balanced recipe
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • May cause gas

    8. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend With Probiotics

    Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken, Rice, Whole Grain Wheat, Poultry By-product Meal
    Protein content 26.0% min
    Fat content 16.0% min
    Calories 4,038 kcal/kg, 387 kcal/cup

    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.

    Pros
    • Contains real chicken
    • Good for digestive health
    • Supports skin and coat
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • May contain additives
    • Few options

    9. Canidae All Life Stages Dry Dog Food

    CANIDAE All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey & Lamb Formula Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Brown Rice, Peas
    Protein content 24% min
    Fat content 10% min
    Calories 3,425 kcal/kg, 506 kcal/cup

    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.

    Pros
    • No soy, corn, or wheat
    • Helps support obesity
    • Has omega fatty acids and antioxidants
    Cons
    • Few flavors
    • Not specialized for specific ages

    10. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Dry Food

    Hill's Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken, Cracked Pearled Barley, Whole Grain Wheat
    Protein content 20.0% min
    Fat content 11.5.0% min
    Calories 363 kcal/8-oz. cup

    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.

    Pros
    • High-quality ingredients
    • Packed with antioxidants
    • Well-balanced meal
    • No artificial colors/preservatives
    Cons
    • Expensive

    11. Wellness Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal, Chicken Meal, Peas, Dried Ground Potatoes
    Protein content 34% min
    Fat content 16% min
    Calories 3,698 kcal/kg or 417 kcal/cup

    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.

    Pros
    • High-protein formula
    • Helps with constipation
    • Contains antioxidants and minerals
    Cons
    • May cause eye irritation
    • Contains a small amount of garlic

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    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 in generally good health simply need a meal that’s high in lean protein, fat, and carbs.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Ivan Marjanovic, Shutterstock

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