The Ultimate Chinese Shar-Pei Dog Food Guide
The Chinese Shar-Pei is one of the most ancient dog breeds in the world. DNA research has shown that the Shar-Pei is one of the 14 oldest breeds – one of the breeds first domesticated by humans from wolves. The breed is thought to have originated in the Kwangtung (also called Guangdong) Province. They have been found for centuries in the southern provinces of China. They have been recognizable as they look today in China since at least the Han Dynasty (c. 200 BC). They can be seen in very old statues. A manuscript from the 13th century AD refers to a wrinkled dog with the Shar-Pei’s characteristics.
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In the distant past the Shar-Pei was used as a war dog and a fighting dog but that was millennia ago. However, some Shar-Pei are still trained as fighting dogs today in Tibet. The dogs were also favorites of the Chinese emperors at one point. (With a breed with more than 2000 years of history, there are lots of ups and downs.)\
During the Communist Revolution in China from 1945-50, the population of Shar-Pei dramatically declined. With the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, there were few dogs of any kind to be found in the country. Some Shar-Pei were rescued by a Hong Kong businessman named Matgo Law (Down-Home Kennels). During this period a few Chinese Shar-Pei were bred in Hong Kong and in the Republic of China (Taiwan). In 1973 Mr. Law appealed to Americans to save the breed. A few dogs had already been imported into the United States in 1966 from Shar-Pei registered with the Hong Kong Kennel Club. Some 200 additional Shar-Pei were brought to the U.S. as a result of Mr. Law’s efforts. Most American Shar-Pei today are descended from these dogs.
The Chinese Shar-Pei was accepted into the AKC Miscellaneous class in 1988. The breed achieved full AKC recognition in the Non-Sporting Group in 1992. Today the breed is the 61st most popular breed in the United States, according to AKC registrations.
Today there is a difference in the appearance between the original Shar-Pei from China and the Shar-Pei we have in the West. The original dogs are a little taller, they have fewer wrinkles, a flatter mouth and nose, and they are “horse-coated” – a rough, prickly coat that is not very common in Western Shar-Pei, though it is seen in some dogs. The Shar-Pei’s loose skin and unusual coat were originally useful when the breed was a hunting dog. They were used to hunt wild boar. Their unusual coat was also helpful when they were used as fighting dogs. “Shar-pei” means “sand skin” but it’s loosely translated as “rough, sandy coat.” No other dog breeds have a similar coat. The Shar-Pei has another distinctive characteristic which it shares with another Chinese breed. Like the Chow-Chow, the Shar-Pei has a blue-black tongue. This suggests that the two breeds probably shared a common ancestor at some time.
The typical Western Shar-Pei today can have a horse coat (prickly) or a brush coat which is a little longer and smoother than a horse coat. (There is also a beat coat but this indicates the addition of another breed.) Shar-Pei normally shed twice a year. Obviously, Shar-Pei are known for their wrinkles. Puppies and young dogs have lots of wrinkles. They tend to smooth out as the dog gets older but a Shar-Pei is never completely without wrinkles.
Some people may find that they are sensitive to the roughness of the Shar-Pei coat. They can develop a brief, mild skin rash where they have rubbed up against the coat, especially on their arms. This rash usually goes away quickly.
According to geneticists from the University of Washington, Seattle, the Shar-Pei’s genetic code has four small differences from other dogs in the HAS2 gene which is responsible for making hyaluronic acid synthase 2. That particular enzyme makes hyaluronic acid — one of the essential components of the skin. In some rare cases, a mutation of this same gene has also cause severe wrinkling in humans.
The breed also has a head that is slightly hippo-shaped – another way that the Shar-Pei is different from other breeds.
The Shar-Pei is considered to be a highly intelligent breed but they are often very independent dogs. They still do well in obedience, agility, herding, and tracking. They make good watchdogs and will bark at strangers. They are normally silent dogs so they only bark if there really are strangers or something to bark at. (Of course, they will bark when playing, too.)
Shar-Pei puppies do need early socialization with children, other animals, and friendly strangers. Dogs of this breed are often suspicious of strangers and they tend to be reserved with them. Without socialization the Shar-Pei can become territorial so it’s important to socialize your puppy and provide good training from an early age. At home with family members the Shar-Pei is very devoted, loyal, and affectionate. This is a breed that doesn’t like to be left alone.
Along with being independent, Shar-Pei can be a little stubborn at times. However, training is not usually difficult with this breed. They are receptive to fair training and clear rewards. They will not respond well to harsh or unfair training methods.
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Chinese Shar-Pei Diet & Nutrition
The Chinese Shar-Pei is typically 18 to 20 inches at the withers. Their weight is 45 to 60 pounds. Males are usually larger and more square-bodied than females but both should appear well-proportioned. The Shar-Pei is an alert, compact dog of medium size and substance; square in profile, close coupled; the well proportioned head slightly, but not overly large for the body. The short, harsh coat, the loose skin covering the head and body, the small ears, the “hippopotamus” muzzle shape and the high set tail impart to the Shar-Pei a unique look peculiar to him alone. The loose skin and wrinkles covering the head, neck and body are superabundant in puppies but these features may be limited to the head, neck and withers in the adult. You can read the entire breed standard here.
Growing puppies and young adults use a lot of energy. They require a diet that features good quality protein. According to the National Research Council of the National Academies, an active adult Shar-Pei weighing 50 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 1312 calories. Dogs that have been spayed/neutered, or that are older, may need slightly fewer calories. Some dogs may need more calories depending on their level of activity and their individual metabolism. If you and your Shar-Pei are doing agility training or other active training, you may need to bump up your dog’s daily calories to 1457 kcal/day or more (50 lb dog), depending on how much training/work he is doing. Growing puppies will also consume more calories than adult dogs and so do young adult dogs. A Shar-Pei puppy weighing 30 pounds (4-12 months of age) needs an estimated 933 calories per day.
Since the Shar-Pei is a medium-large sized dog, it’s not hard to find many good foods that are appropriate for their size. You also have many choices for Shar-Pei puppies since they don’t normally have any special food requirements based on size. Elbow dysplasia has been more of a problem in the breed than hip dysplasia. Patellar luxation (sliding kneecap) also occurs in the breed. For these reasons and for general good health, it is wise to encourage slow growth in puppies and to keep them lean instead of fat. You should also watch the weight of your adult Shar-Pei since being overweight or obese can worsen any potential bone or joint problems.
You can choose a puppy food that is made for all puppies. Most breeders recommend feeding this food until your puppy reaches about 90 percent of his adult size. You can also feed an all life stage dog food (sometimes AAFCO-approved for “growth and reproduction”) to puppies. Just make sure to check the nutrients to make sure they are suitable for puppies – especially the calcium levels and calcium to phosphorus ratio. You should talk to your breeder about the food they recommend for their puppies since they usually have experience with how their puppies grow and develop. Not all puppies will grow at the same rate, even in the same breed, so your puppy’s breeder is usually your best source of advice.
Feeding Your Chinese Shar-Pei
Some Chinese Shar-Pei do have a tendency toward skin problems, including allergic skin diseases such as food allergies. Bacterial ear infections, yeast overgrowth in the ears, hypothyroidism, and gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease and bloat also appear in the breed. All of these issues can be affected by your Shar-Pei’s diet to some extent.
If your Shar-Pei does have an allergy it’s a good idea to work with your veterinarian to identify the trigger(s). Keep in mind that there are different kinds of allergies: inhalant, contact, flea bite/insect, and food. Many dog lovers automatically think of food allergies when you mention allergies, but flea bite allergies and inhalant allergies actually account for far more allergic reactions in dogs than food allergies. So, if your Shar-Pei seems to be having an allergic reaction, with itching, scratching, redness, etc., it may not be due to the food he’s eating. On the other hand, it could be food-related.
If it turns out that your Shar-Pei does have a food allergy, working with your veterinarian can help you identify the specific ingredients that trigger your dog’s reaction so you can avoid it. However, you should be aware that if your dog does have a food allergy, there is a good chance that he will develop reactions to more foods/ingredients as he gets older. You will probably have to change food again in the future so be alert to your dog’s reaction to his food.
If your Shar-Pei has problems with diarrhea, vomiting, flatulence, or a gurgly stomach when he eats, this is not a food allergy. It’s a food sensitivity. If you’ve seen the movie Along Came Polly with Ben Stiller and Jennifer Aniston, you probably recall the scene where they eat at an ethnic restaurant and Ben Stiller’s character is in agony. Some people – and dogs – have food sensitivities to certain foods, spices, etc. If your Shar-Pei has a food sensitivity you will need to try to determine the cause so you can avoid the ingredient(s). It’s often a good idea to feed a dog with a food sensitivity a food with a minimal number of ingredients so there is less chance of giving him something that could upset his gastrointestinal system. Keep his food simple and fairly bland.
Ear infections can occur for various reasons but they can be a sign of a food allergy, especially if your dog is hypothyroid. Dogs with low thyroid often have a somewhat weakened immune system so they are unable to mount a defense against these problems. In these cases a simple ear infection can refuse to clear up and become chronic. If your Shar-Pei’s chronic ear infection is due to a food allergy, you and your vet will need to identify the food(s) that bothers your dog so you can avoid it. Yeast infections are often a secondary infection in the ear. They can be caused by allergies, like bacterial infections; but they can also opportunistically follow along after a bacterial infection has already started. It’s important to realize that yeast is present on your dog’s body and even in his ears at all times. It’s only when the immune system is weakened that it gets out of control and becomes problematic. This can happen if your dog has allergies or other health issues.
Hypothyroidism can increase the chances that your Shar-Pei will have an allergy of some kind. It can also cause dogs to gain weight. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary but dogs will typically have some of the follow signs: lethargy/mental dullness, weight gain, hair loss, dry hair/excessive shedding, hyperpigmentation of the skin, cold intolerance, slow heart rate, high blood cholesterol, anemia. Hypothyroidism is easily treated once it’s diagnosed but owners don’t always recognize the symptoms or associate them with low thyroid. If your Shar-Pei gains weight, seems lethargic, and shows any of the other symptoms, you should talk to your vet about hypothyroidism. Since the Shar-Pei is often predisposed to skin problems, you may not associate dry hair or coat loss with hypothyroidism but it’s something that you should consider. You cannot resolve your dog’s thyroid-related weight gain by changing food, feeding your dog fewer calories, or increasing his exercise. With hypothyroidism, your dog’s entire physical system is slowing down so he is not using food or calories efficiently. If you suspect your dog has low thyroid, see your vet.
Among medium-sized dogs, Shar-Pei and Basset Hounds are said to have the highest incidence of bloat. Bloat, or gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate emergency veterinary care. With bloat the stomach fills with air, preventing blood from returning to the heart. The dog will go into shock. The stomach will flip, further cutting off the blood supply.
Dogs with deep chests seem to be particularly at risk for bloating.
Encourage your dog to eat slowly so he won’t inhale a lot of air while eating. Some people like to use “slow bowls.” We suggest that you measure the amount of food you feed and only leave the food sitting out for about half an hour for adult dogs. Then put it away. This should give your dog time to eat. We recommend feeding adult Shar-Pei two meals per day throughout their lives. You can feed Shar-Pei puppies 3-4 small meals per day while they are growing.
This Chinese Shar-Pei is known for having a “hippopotamus”-shaped head. Most people recognize the by their wrinkles.
The Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America (CSPCA) makes the following recommendation for feeding puppies:
The Chinese Shar-Pei puppy grows very rapidly during the first four to six months of age. It is generally accepted to maintain a growth rate of two to three pounds per week during this time. In most cases, the Shar-Pei puppy does fine on regular brand-name adult food diet and does not need to be on a puppy formulation. If you have started your puppy on a puppy diet, that’s fine. But it is generally advised that you switch to adult diet somewhere between four and six months of age.
Feeding one cup of food per six pounds of puppy weight, split between three feedings daily works well. At about six months of age, start feeding the pup twice a day and continue twice daily feeding as an adult. It is convenient to feed a dry food as it is less palatable and the pup will tend not to over-eat on it. It also gives the pup something to chew on besides the furniture.
At one time many breeders and veterinarians did recommend switching puppies to an adult dog food when they were a few months old to slow growth and reduce the amount of calcium the puppies were getting. Canine nutritional research in the last 20 years – and improved puppy foods – have changed these recommendations in most cases. We would suggest feeding your Shar-Pei puppy a good puppy food until he has attained most of his adult size. This is usually about 10-12 months of age.
Feeding one large meal per day can encourage dogs to eat fast, gulping in air which can be a trigger for bloat. Many other ideas about what does and does not contribute to bloat are still in dispute, but everyone seems to agree that multiple small meals spread throughout the day are beneficial.
Whether you feed your dog a food with or without grains is a personal choice. Many people choose grain free dog foods because their dogs have digestive problems, food allergies or sensitivities, or skin problems. You may want to avoid the most common grains, such as corn and wheat which are often over-used in dog foods, but there are many good dog foods that use alternative grains/cereals such as oats and barley. You can try a couple of foods, with and without grains, and see how your dog does on the foods so you can make your decision.
Keep in mind that food allergies are based on the proteins in foods and not carbohydrates. The most common dog food allergens are: beef, dairy, chicken, lamb, fish, corn, wheat, and soy. While we usually think of ingredients such as corn and wheat as sources of carbohydrates, these cereals/grains are also sources of proteins. When dogs (or people) have allergies to these ingredients, they are reacting to the proteins and not the carbs. There can be other reasons to avoid lots of carbs in your dog’s diet, but food allergies are related to proteins.
Otherwise, try to feed your Shar-Pei a good quality diet that has good sources of meat protein. It’s easier for a dog to digest good meat protein than protein that comes from poor quality sources of animal protein that may be found in some cheaper dog foods. Dogs also digest animal protein more easily than plant protein for the most part. (Sure, a pet food company can cook peas and lentils to a mushy consistency to make them easier to digest but your dog will get more complete nutrition from animal protein and it will agree with him better.) This doesn’t mean you have to buy the most expensive dog food available but you should look for good quality foods with good quality ingredients. They are better for both the short-term and long-term health of your dog.
It’s also a good idea to select a food that has fewer carbohydrates. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn’t necessarily mean grain free. Many grain free dog foods are loaded with carbs. Potatoes and sweet potatoes, for example, can send carb percentages very high. And some dog foods with grains have modest amounts of carbohydrates. We recommend doing a little math when you’re considering a dog food and figuring out the dry matter basis so you can tell what the actual protein, fat, and carbohydrate percentages are in a food.
For medium and larger size dogs, it’s usually easier on the pocketbook to feed kibble instead of canned food. Kibble costs less per ounce than canned food. Canned food can have more protein than kibble but some dry dog foods today have extremely high percentages of meat protein. They can also be very expensive. Again, some of these things are personal choices that you have to make for yourself depending on your budget. You can find very good kibbles with good meat protein for reasonable prices, especially if you order online from sites like Chewy.com. We always recommend that you figure the dry matter basis for the foods you are considering, whether they are canned or kibble, so you can make a good comparison of the protein, fat, fiber, carbs, and other nutrients.
Theoretically, when you buy and feed better quality dog food you feed your dog less food. Unfortunately, we do not find that to always be the case. If you are used to feeding two scoops of the old food, for example, you may continue to dish out two scoops of the new ultra super max premium dog food – which has double the calories. And your dog happily eats all the food. Next thing you know, Fido is the size of a house. If you are switching foods, make sure you check the label and see how many calories the food has. Have a good idea how much food you need to feed so you don’t accidentally overfeed your dog. It’s very easy for a dog to become overweight before you really notice!
And, of course, keep plenty of fresh water available for your dog at all times. Grain free foods with high protein percentages, especially, can make dogs very thirsty, so keep the water bowl full.
Chinese Shar-Pei Health Problems
We’ve already discussed some of the most important health issues for the Chinese Shar-Pei. The breed suffered to some extent because of the circumstances surrounding their introduction to the West. The early Shar-Pei breeding in the U.S. in the 1970s led to some health problems in the breed and it resulted in the breed looking somewhat different than the original Chinese Shar-Pei in China. It has to be kept in mind that vast numbers of Shar-Pei were exterminated in China, along with other dogs, during the revolution. Dogs that escaped were bred and raised in Hong Kong and other places for several decades. Breeders can only work with the dogs they have – which sometimes include dogs with health problems. Ancient breeds like the Chinese Shar-Pei deserve to be preserved and breeders are working today to improve the breed’s health.
The Shar-Pei can be subject to several skin problems such as atopic dermatitis and demodicosis. Allergy-induced skin infections are also common.
A congenital disease called Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF) can occur in the breed. This condition causes short-term fevers that last about 24 hours, though they can continue for up to three days. The fevers are usually accompanied by an accumulation of fluid around the ankles (known as Swollen Hock Syndrome). Amyloidosis, a long-term condition, may be related to Familial Shar-Pei Fever. It is caused by unprocessed amyloid proteins which are deposited in the dog’s organs, usually in the kidneys or liver. This condition will eventually lead to renal failure. This disease has been associated with dogs with heavier wrinkling.
Eye problems can also be an issue for some Shar-Pei. Entropion (eyelashes curled inward) causes eye irritation. It can be surgically repaired.
You can see a list of health issues which are possibilities for the Chinese Shar-Pei on the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America (CSPCA) web site.
The CSPCA recommends the following health tests for Shar-Pei, especially for dogs being considered for breeding:
You can see test results reported to OFA for Shar-Pei in this table:
|
Registry |
Rank |
Evaluations |
Percent |
Percent |
Percent |
Percent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
CARDIAC |
N/A |
23 |
.0 |
100.0 |
.0 |
.0 |
|
DENTITION DATABASE |
N/A |
1 |
.0 |
100.0 |
.0 |
.0 |
|
ELBOW |
10 |
722 |
25.2 |
74.1 |
.0 |
.7 |
|
EYES |
N/A |
35 |
34.3 |
65.7 |
.0 |
.0 |
|
HIPS |
64 |
10369 |
16.0 |
81.6 |
.0 |
2.3 |
|
PATELLA |
17 |
433 |
6.0 |
94.0 |
.0 |
.0 |
|
PRIMARY LENS LUXATION |
N/A |
1 |
.0 |
100.0 |
.0 |
.0 |
|
SHOULDER |
N/A |
5 |
.0 |
100.0 |
.0 |
.0 |
|
THYROID |
93 |
202 |
1.5 |
88.1 |
.0 |
10.4 |
Shar-Pei Statistics from the OFA database
You can see from these results that elbows have been a particular concern for the breed. (Eyes are also a concern but they have not had enough dogs evaluated yet to draw conclusions.) According to other charts on the OFA page for the Chinese Shar-Pei, elbow dysplasia in Shar-Pei has been steadily declining since 1985, when breeders began x-raying elbows.
Another chart on the OFA site shows that hips in the breed are trending toward excellent, with dysplastic ratings falling drastically since x-raying for hips began in 1980.
The Shar-Pei typically has a lifespan that is less than 10 years. CSPCA has a longevity program to recognize dogs that live to be 10 years or more and draw attention to these bloodlines. The idea is to establish longevity as a measure of overall good health in the breed. By making longevity a breeding goal, it would eventually lead to Shar-Pei living longer, healthier lives.
Remember that most dogs do not major have health problems. Breeders work diligently to test and screen their dogs so they produce healthy puppies. But no one can completely guarantee that every dog will be healthy throughout their lifetime. If you are interested in getting a puppy or dog, be sure to talk to the breeder about their dogs and their health guarantees.
Along with good breeding practices, health testing, and good vet care, many dog lovers try to keep their dogs healthy by feeding dog food that has more natural ingredients. There is a belief that this can help keep a dog’s immune system stronger. Many people recommend feeding a food that is free of some of the most common food irritants such as corn, soy, and wheat. These are not the most common dog food allergens – beef, dairy products, and chicken, for example, lead to more food allergies for dogs than corn, soy, and wheat. But many people like to avoid soy and grains in dog foods. There are many good grain free dog foods today if you want to feed one to your dog. Avoiding artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives is also suggested as a way to help keep the immune system stronger.
Ingredients to Look for and Some to Avoid
As with most dogs, when choosing a food for your Shar-Pei you should look for a food that has good sources of protein and fat.
Ideally you will select a dog food that features two or three meat proteins in the first several ingredients listed. It’s not unusual today to see a food list both chicken and chicken meal, for example, as the first two ingredients. Both whole meats and meat meals are good sources of protein. Whole meats refer to foods such as whole chicken, beef, fish, and lamb. Some people don’t like meat meals as much as whole meats but they are a concentrated form of the meat in which the moisture has been removed. They contain several times as much protein as a whole meat. Meat meals are usually quite acceptable as one of the first ingredients in a good quality dog food. They are used by many good dog food brands. Some companies will go a step further and also add a related organ meat. For example, if the first two ingredients are whole chicken and chicken meal, they may also add chicken liver. That’s fine. This is one way of adding more protein to the food. Most dogs will enjoy foods that have liver added. It is best if the liver is named. We don’t like to see generic liver. It’s important to remember that liver, hearts, kidneys, lungs, and so on are technically meat by-products so you always want the dog food manufacturer to be as specific as possible about the ingredients they are using.
Many dog foods today, even some of the most expensive and highly touted, use lots of plant proteins such as lentils and peas. These foods often have high protein percentages on the label. When you read the guaranteed analysis it’s important to consider how much of the protein in the food comes from meat and how much comes from plants. Your dog is able to digest meat protein more easily than plant protein. Meat protein is a much more natural source of protein for your dog than plant protein.
Dogs also need good sources of fat. You should look for named fat sources such as chicken fat. Other named fats also provide needed nutrients such as fish oil which can provide omega-3 fatty acid to help keep the skin and coat healthy. Puppies can benefit from DHA which is Docosahexaenoic acid. This is a specific form of omega-3 fatty acid that helps with brain and eye development. Older dogs seem to benefit from medium chain triglycerides which feature medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). These have been found to help older dogs feel and act younger. They are often made from a combination of coconut oil and other oils.
If you want to avoid corn, soy, and wheat in your dog food, your Shar-Pei may still be able to eat an alternative grain such as barley or oats. Or you can feed a grain free dog food that uses an alternate source of carbs that is low glycemic. You don’t have to feed a dog food with an excessively high percentage of protein but it’s a good idea to keep the carb percentage low to moderate.
If your Shar-Pei has a food allergy or food sensitivity, you may need to work with your veterinarian to identify the food triggers unless they are very obvious. There are lots of good foods with alternative meat proteins today as well as limited ingredient diets which we will discuss below.
Recommended Dog Food For An Adult Chinese Shar-Pei
Shar-Pei should be able to eat most good quality dog foods but every dog is an individual. Even dogs in the same breed can have different food needs. Some dogs need more calories than others. Some dogs will do better with more protein or fat than other dogs. We are providing several suggested foods for your Shar-Pei which meet our standards but you may have to use a trial and error method to see which food your dog does best on.
When you are trying a new food, be sure to allow several days to slowly transition to the food, mixing in a little of your dog’s old food each day. Of course, if your dog shows signs that he doesn’t like the food or doesn’t tolerate it, you will have to make adjustments. If your dog eats the food but you don’t like his condition after a few weeks, you can change him back – slowly – to his previous food. It’s best not to go directly to another new food. You can upset your dog’s gastrointestinal system if you keep changing to too many new foods in a short period of time. Once your dog has settled back with his old food, you can once again try a new food. You should allow at least a couple of weeks between foods before trying another new food so you can give your dog’s system a chance to rest and recover. This also gives the new food a fair chance.
If you try a new food and your dog doesn’t seem enthusiastic about it, you might also try another food from the same product line that uses a different kind of meat protein or other ingredients. As long as the guaranteed analysis and nutrient percentages are similar, the food should be similar to the original food you selected.
When you are feeding a new food and your dog is eating it without problems, it’s important for you to assess his physical condition. Is he gaining or losing weight on the new food? Does his coat look healthy? Are his eyes bright? Does he seem to have good energy or is he more lethargic than usual? And, the big question for any dog lover – what does his poop look like? As most dog lovers know, you can tell a lot about a dog’s health by checking his poop. Does it look normal and firm? If he having regular bowel movements? Those are good signs. If your dog is having runny poop or diarrhea; or if he is having trouble with his bowel movements, it could be because of the new food. These are all things you should note during the first few weeks of feeding a new food. Even if your dog LOVES the food, if he’s not thriving, you may have to rethink his diet or how much you are feeding him.
Very often, if a dog has loose stool or other gastrointestinal problems with a food, even if he really likes the food, it can be because you are 1) feeding too much of the food; or 2) the food is too rich. What does too rich mean? It means the food may have too many calories for your dog’s needs. It might have too much fat for your dog. Or, the protein percentage may be too high. You can also check the fiber percentage. Maybe it’s too high. If cutting back on the portions doesn’t help, you need to try changing the food.
You should also remember that dogs are a little like people. Their appetites can vary depending on things like the weather and their mood at times. Most dogs will eat more in the winter and less in the summer, especially if you live in a climate with wide changes in the temperature. So, if your dog is not eating as much when it’s hot in the summer, it doesn’t necessarily indicate anything to be alarmed about. If your dog is eating more food in the winter – and putting on weight – you may want to see if your dog’s favorite food has a formula with a little less fat or fewer calories so he won’t gain too much weight. Then go back to his favorite formula when he’s more active in warm weather.
Most of the foods we have selected here do not contain corn, wheat, or soy, unless noted. You may have to try a couple of foods to find which one is best for your dog. You should also keep in mind that your dog’s dietary needs can change as he grows and ages so you may have to change foods to suit him.
Taste of the Wild Wetlands
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Additional highly recommended Dog Foods for Chinese Shar-Pei Adults
Canidae All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish Meals Formula
This Canidae formula is an all life stages food so you can feed it to dogs of all ages. The first five ingredients are: Chicken meal, turkey meal, lamb meal, brown rice, and white rice. The food does contain grains (rice, oatmeal, barley) but even many dogs that have problems with corn or wheat can eat these grains which provide dietary fiber. The food contains no corn, wheat, or soy. The food is naturally preserved and it contains pre- and probiotics for healthy digestion, along with antioxidants and omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids for good skin and coat. The guaranteed analysis shows 24 percent crude protein; 14.5 percent crude fat; and 4 percent crude fiber. It has 468 kcal/cup. We think this is a good food for dogs that do well on moderate protein and fat. Canidae has had a good reputation for many years.
Merrick Grain Free Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Dry Dog Food
If you would like a higher protein percentage for your Shar-Pei, many dog owners like Merrick Grain Free foods. The first five ingredients in this food are Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Turkey Meal, Sweet Potatoes, and Potatoes. This recipe is an all life stage food with 460 kcal per cup ME (metabolizable energy) on an as fed basis (calculated). It has 70 percent meat ingredients, 30 percent vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. It is grain free – no corn, wheat, or soy. No gluten. No ingredients from China. It has 38 percent crude protein and 17 percent crude fat, with 3.5 percent crude fiber. It also has glucosamine and chondroitin added, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Merrick uses local growers from Texas, where the food is made. We think this food has good quality protein and other ingredients for a very active Shar-Pei. Not everyone will like a protein percentage this high but if you do, give this food a try.
ACANA Grasslands Regional Formula Grain Free Dry Dog Food
If your Shar-Pei is very active (training for agility, for example), we can also recommend Acana foods. Champion Pet Foods has completed their new kitchen in Kentucky and they have reformulated some of their dog and cat foods to reflect what is now “regional” to the Kentucky area. So, it’s still the same award-winning company, but Acana is being made in Kentucky. We’ve had a chance to review the Acana dog and cat foods and there are some changes in the meat proteins but the foods still look good. If you visit the Acana web site you can view the old and new formulas to see the changes (we really like being able to compare the formulas). The current (old) Grasslands formula, for example, is heavy on lamb, duck, whitefish, and lentils. The new formula will feature goat meal and catfish meal, in addition to the lamb and duck. The old formula has 31 percent crude protein, 17 percent crude fat, 5 percent crude fiber, and 10 percent moisture. The new formula has 33 percent crude protein, 17 percent crude fat, 6 percent crude fiber, and 12 percent moisture. The food has 60 percent animal protein ingredients and 40 percent vegetables, fruits, and botanicals. No grains, potatoes, or tapioca. If you’re looking for a good grain free dog food for your Shar-Pei that is low in carbohydrates, we think that the Acana foods are a good choice. Acana foods typically have slightly less meat protein than Orijen (made by the same company), but we think they’re a good choice for many dogs. Most people still seem to like the Acana foods now that they are being made in Kentucky but if you have questions about them, we recommend talking to people who feed these foods to their dogs for their opinions.
Fromm Adult Gold Dog Food
If you would like a food with a little less protein, we also like Fromm Adult Gold. This formula has duck, chicken meal, and chicken as the first three ingredients. It has 24 percent crude protein, 16 percent crude fat, and 3.5 percent crude fiber, with 408 kcal/cup. It is AAFCO-approved for growth and maintenance. The food includes salmon oil – a great source of omega-3 fatty acid for healthy skin and coat; probiotics, and prebiotics. No corn, wheat, or soy. The food is also made at the family’s own facilities in Wisconsin. The Fromm family has been making dog food and dog products for over 100 years and they have a great reputation. The food includes brown rice and pearled barley in the first five ingredients. It does contain oatmeal and potatoes so if you are trying to keep the carbs very low you may not like this food. However, we think the ingredients are good quality and many dogs will do well on this food. You can see the technical analysis for the food, with the dry matter basis figures on the site. Fromm also makes their popular Four Star line of dog foods which feature favorites such as Chicken a la Veg and Hasen Duckenfeffer.
Best Dog Foods for Chinese Shar-Pei Puppies
These 10-week-old Chinese Shar-Pei puppies look like they’re ready to play.
Shar-Pei puppies can usually begin eating a puppy food right after they are weaned or they can eat a good all life stage food. If you have questions about how to feed your puppy, we recommend talking to your puppy’s breeder. They usually have the most experience with raising Shar-Pei puppies and can guide you.
Puppy foods should have a calcium to phosphorus ratio of about 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. It’s also important that dog and puppy foods do not have an excess of calcium since this can affect bone growth. If you are feeding your puppy a food that is properly formulated, you should not add any extra calcium, such as milk, cottage cheese, or other calcium supplements. Doing so can lead to serious health problems such as OCD (osteochondritis dissecans) and other orthopedic problems.
Keep in mind that all life stage dog foods are formulated to be nutritionally adequate for growing puppies. Foods for puppies may also have the AAFCO statement that they are approved for “growth and reproduction.”
Here are some of the puppy foods we like for Shar-Pei puppies.
Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula
This is one of our favorite foods for all puppies. Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula is a limited ingredient food with nine ingredients plus vitamins and minerals and probiotics. It’s grain free with probiotics to help digestion; antioxidants for a healthy immune system; and omega 3 and 6 to support healthy skin and a beautiful coat. The first five ingredients are chicken, menhaden fish meal, lentils, peas, and potatoes. The recipe is supposed to be especially good for puppies with sensitive digestion. The food has 30 percent crude protein, 12 percent crude fat, 4 percent crude fiber, and 10 percent moisture. This food checks in at 520 kcal/cup, so it’s high in calories but active, growing Shar-Pei puppies can usually burn them off. Just remember that you don’t need to feed a lot of food with these very nutrient-dense foods. If your Shar-Pei puppy does well on this puppy food, Canidae has some good adult foods – both grain free and foods with grains.
Fromm Puppy Gold formula
Similar to Fromm’s Gold Adult formula, this puppy formula contains no corn, wheat, or soy. The first three ingredients are duck, chicken meal, and chicken. The food has moderate protein and fat to encourage puppies to grow slowly. The food has 417 kcal/cup. The technical analysis for the food shows the correct calcium to phosphorus ratio for puppies. The food has 27 percent crude protein; 18 percent crude fat; and 3.5 percent crude fiber. Fromm Puppy Gold formula also has added DHA-rich salmon oil for good brain and eye development in puppies. The USDA-inspected ingredients for the food are delivered fresh each morning. We think this food could be a good choice for Shar-Pei puppies.
Best Dog Foods for the Senior Chinese Shar-Pei
A Shar-Pei may be considered a “senior” by the time he reaches 7-8 years of age. As your dog ages it’s a good idea to plan an annual senior check-up with your vet. Many older dogs begin to put on pounds as they become less active. For this reason, most senior dog foods have fewer calories and they can skimp on protein. You should watch your older dog’s weight as he gets older to make sure he doesn’t become overweight. In some cases you can simply cut back on the portions of his regular dog food to help him stay fit or increase his exercise.
On the other hand, some very old dogs often start to have some problems metabolizing nutrients, including protein. It can become hard for them to keep good muscle tone and weight as they age. For this reason, you may wish to avoid many dog foods labeled “senior.” These foods are often formulated for older dogs that have gained weight. Instead, look for a senior dog food that has lots of protein. As long as your older dog doesn’t have any problems with his kidneys or with phosphorus, there is no reason to avoid higher protein levels.
It’s very important that senior dogs have good quality protein. Good quality protein is easier to digest and metabolize than poor quality protein. It provides the older dog with more nutrition that he can use. So, plan on giving your older Shar-Pei the very best food possible with excellent sources of protein.
Orijen Senior Dog
Orijen Senior provides plenty of excellent quality protein for your older dog. This food features free-run chicken and turkey, wild-caught fish, and nest-laid eggs. It helps keep older dogs in good muscle even as they become less active. Made of 80 percent meats and fish, the food is low-glycemic and has low carbs to help keep your older dog’s blood sugar steady. The food also contains natural sources of glucosamine and chondroitin to keep your dog’s joints healthy. The food is 38 percent crude protein and 15 percent crude fat. It checks in at 445 kcal per 250ml/120g cup. We think this is a very good food for senior dogs who often need extra protein as they get older. (We know Orijen is expensive but this food really stands out for senior dogs.)
Another food you may want to consider for older dogs is Weruva’s Caloric Harmony Venison and Salmon Meal Dinner with Pumpkin. This food (and several others in this product line) is potato-free with no corn or wheat, easy to digest, and low-glycemic. It contains pumpkin and oatmeal for healthy gut motility. The first five ingredients are: Venison, Venison Meal, Salmon Meal, Herring Meal, and Oatmeal. Meat protein comes from grass-fed venison. The dry matter basis for this food is an estimated 37.8 percent protein;14.4 percent fat; 3.9 percent fiber; and 35 percent carbs. The calorie count (calculated) is Metabolizable Energy (ME) 3320 kcal/kg; 348 kcal/cup. This food is not specifically made for senior dogs but we think those look like good figures for senior dogs that need more good quality protein without extra fat.
Best Dog Foods for Chinese Shar-Pei with Skin Problems
Shar-Pei are often inclined to have skin problems so this is a subject you may come to know well. If your Shar-Pei is having skin problems or problems with food allergies, you will probably want to avoid foods that contain known food allergens such as beef, dairy products, chicken, lamb, fish, chicken eggs, corn, wheat, and soy. If your dog is having food allergies – which usually manifest as itching, redness, chewing, hair loss, and sometimes ear problems – you will need to identify the trigger for his allergy. You can try to guess the trigger or work with your veterinarian on a food trial and elimination diet for your dog. You may need to find a novel protein for your dog – a protein that he has not eaten previously. Natural Balance has a selection of limited ingredient diets that can be helpful for dogs with food allergies. You might try giving your dog the rabbit formula, kangaroo formula, venison formula, or bison formula. He should be able to eat a meat protein that he has not eaten previously without having an allergic reaction.
Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets® Potato & Rabbit Dry Dog Formula
This limited ingredient diet food has limited sources of protein and carbs. It’s also grain free and complete and balanced for puppies, adults, and senior dogs. The food should be easy for your Shar-Pei to digest and it contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Wild Calling! Xotic Essentials Rabbit Meal Recipe
Any dog suffering from skin problems or food allergies may benefit from Wild Calling’s Xotic Essentials recipes. Formulas like their rabbit meal recipe use exotic meats that are rare in today’s pet food market so your dog probably hasn’t eaten them before – and has less chance of having an allergic reaction. The foods are also highly digestible. Wild Calling also uses what they call LITe (limited ingredient technology). They don’t use any of the ingredients commonly found in most dog foods such as chicken, grain, gluten, egg, yeast, corn, wheat or soy. If your Shar-Pei has a food allergy, he may benefit from Wild Calling. The foods are formulated for rotational feeding and they offer several Xotic Essentials recipes, such as kangaroo and bison, so your dog doesn’t get over-exposed to one kind of meat protein. This is an All Life Stage food. We think that dogs with skin problems and food allergies can definitely benefit from these recipes.
Another food that is often recommended for dogs with food allergies and skin problems is Zignature. It comes in proteins such as trout & salmon, kangaroo, turkey, duck, venison, and others. It’s available in dry and canned versions. Foods are potato- and grain-free, and chicken-free. They do not use common bonding agents (thickeners and ingredients to hold the food together) in their foods which are high in simple carbs and starches. They only use low glycemic carbs such as chickpeas that add extra protein and fiber to the food. They work with Tuffy’s in Minnesota and Performance Pet in South Dakota to make their foods. Many people like Zignature very much. If you have a dog with food allergies, this is a brand that you might consider. This duck formula is a good example with hypo-allergenic meat first, no corn, wheat, soy, dairy or chicken, chicken eggs or chicken by-products.
Best Dog Foods for Chinese Shar-Pei with Sensitive Stomachs
Many dogs are susceptible to food sensitivities that affect their digestion and excretion. If your dog has a sensitive stomach it can be an indication of a food sensitivity, which is different form a food allergy. A dog with a food sensitivity will have gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting or diarrhea. Or it could be something more serious.
A dog with a sensitive stomach can often be helped by feeding the right dog food. Sticking to a limited ingredient diet food with as few ingredients as possible can reduce the chance of your dog having a bad reaction to something in the food.
Many people recommend Wellness Simple for dogs with food sensitivities. The formulas feature only five main ingredients to keep things very simple for your Shar-Pei. Wellness makes formulas that are both grain free and some that have grains such as oatmeal. The food is easy to digest and contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the gastrointestinal system. It also contains omega fatty acids for good skin and coat. Formulas feature duck, salmon, turkey, and lamb. Wellness Simple comes in dry and canned formulas.
We also recommend Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Dry Dog Food. This food is grain free with limited ingredients. It has good quality, alternative ingredients that are easily digestible for a dog with a sensitive stomach. And it contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. The first five ingredients are: Sweet Potatoes, Salmon, Fish Meal, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (preserved with mixed tocopherols). It has 21 percent crude protein, 10 percent crude fat, 5 percent crude fiber, and 10 percent moisture. It has 350 kcal/cup and it’s a maintenance formula. If your dog can’t eat some of the ingredients in this food, Natural Balance has lots of other LID recipes that you might check.
If your dog can’t eat these ingredients, you might try one of the Weruva foods or Acana Singles. Weruva also has lots of foods with pumpkin which can sometimes help a dog with stomach issues.
Best Dog Foods for Overweight Chinese Shar-Pei
It’s possible that you won’t ever have a problem with your Shar-Pei and weight gain. However, some dogs do put on extra pounds. You can often help your Shar-Pei lose weight by cutting back on his portions and encouraging him to get more exercise.
If your Shar-Pei needs to lose more than a couple of pounds, however, you may need to consider a weight control dog food.
We do not recommend a weight control dog food for a puppy or a very old dog. These foods generally have fewer calories and may have some other differences in nutrients that make them inappropriate for growing puppies or older dogs who need special nutrition. Many weight control foods contain a lot of filler ingredients or empty carbohydrates which makes it hard to recommend them.
If you have a Canaan Dog who needs to lose weight, we can recommend Fromm Gold Weight Management. It can be hard to find a good weight control dog food but Fromm is a quality brand with good ingredients. This food has 25 percent crude protein and 10 percent crude fat so it’s not that much different from some of the adult foods we’ve recommended. It has 341 Kcal/cup. Fed in moderation, it should help most overweight Shar Pei lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. The first five ingredients are: Turkey Liver, Chicken Meal, Pearled Barley, Oatmeal, and Dried Tomato Pomace.
Fromm also has a grain free weight control formula called Fromm Gold Coast Grain Free Weight Management Dog Food with the same crude protein and fat percentages if you prefer a grain free weight control food for your dog.
If your dog needs to lose weight, you should proceed slowly. No crash dieting. You should aim for your dog to lose no more than 3 to 5 percent of his body weight per month or about one percent each week.
Conclusion
The Shar-Pei is an ancient, unique breed. We are very fortunate that these dogs were saved in the mid-20th century. Loyal, affectionate, and very intelligent, they make wonderful family dogs. The Shar-Pei does need good socialization and they do well with training. While there are some health problems in the breed, the Chinese Shar-Pei Club of America is working diligently to preserve the Shar-Pei and help them live longer, healthier lives.
Below is a list of products reviewed in this article
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Canidae All Life Stages Chicken, Turkey, Lamb & Fish Meals Formula
- Fromm Adult Gold Dog Food
- Canidae Grain Free Pure Foundations Puppy Formula
- Nulo Freestyle Senior Trout & Sweet Potato Recipe
- Weruva’s Caloric Harmony Venison and Salmon Meal Dinner with Pumpkin
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Dick Van Patten’s Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets® Potato & Rabbit
- Zignature
- Wellness Simple
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Dry Dog Food
- Fromm Gold Weight Management
- Fromm Gold Coast Grain Free Weight Management Dog Food
