
Choosing the right food for your Shar Pei can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With so many options available, it's essential to consider your dog's life stage to ensure you're providing the best nutrition.
Puppies need more protein and fat to support their rapid growth and development, which is why they require a puppy-specific formula that contains around 22-25% protein and 15-20% fat.
Pregnant and lactating Shar Peis have unique nutritional needs as well. They require a nutrient-rich food that supports the health of the mother and the developing puppies, with a minimum of 18% protein and 10% fat.
As Shar Peis mature, their energy needs decrease, and they can transition to an adult formula that contains around 18-22% protein and 10-15% fat.
Related reading: Is High Protein Dog Food Good for Dogs
Shar Pei Diet Basics
A Shar Pei's diet is crucial for their overall health, and it's essential to understand their nutritional needs.
Growing Shar Peis require a diet rich in good quality protein to meet their high energy needs.

An active adult Shar Pei weighing 50 pounds needs an average daily caloric intake of 1312 calories.
Dogs that have been spayed/neutered or are older may need slightly fewer calories.
Some dogs may need more calories depending on their level of activity and individual metabolism.
A Shar Pei puppy weighing 30 pounds needs an estimated 933 calories per day.
To encourage slow growth in puppies and prevent potential bone or joint problems, it's wise to keep them lean instead of fat.
Being overweight or obese can worsen any potential bone or joint problems in adult Shar Peis.
Most breeders recommend feeding a puppy food that is made for all puppies until the puppy reaches about 90 percent of its adult size.
You can also feed an all life stage dog food, but make sure to check the nutrients to ensure they are suitable for puppies, especially the calcium levels and calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Check this out: Shar Pei Dog Eye Problems
What's the Healthiest?
For a Chinese Shar-Pei, a diet of fresh dog food contributes to a healthy, active life and can help stave off some of the breed's common ailments.
Most breeders recommend feeding a puppy food made for all puppies until they reach about 90 percent of their adult size.
A Shar-Pei puppy weighing 30 pounds needs an estimated 933 calories per day, while an active adult Shar-Pei weighing 50 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 1312 calories.
You should also watch the weight of your adult Shar-Pei since being overweight or obese can worsen any potential bone or joint problems.
A high-protein dog food is beneficial for a moderately active Chinese Shar-Pei, as it helps build muscle and support energy levels.
For dogs with dry and itchy skin, sensitive stomachs, or other signs of food allergies and sensitivities, it's essential to know exactly what you're feeding, which can be impossible with kibble.
Take a look at this: Pros and Cons of Feeding Dogs Human Food
Veterinary Recommendations

Veterinarians for Miniature Shar-Pei recommend Yumwoof Natural Pet Food over other premium dog food brands.
They specifically cite a combination of low carb macros, high antioxidants, and healthy dog food ingredients as primary factors in their recommendation.
This suggests that veterinarians prioritize nutrition and ingredient quality when selecting a dog food for Miniature Shar-Pei.
Yumwoof Natural Pet Food meets these criteria, making it a top choice for veterinarians and pet owners alike.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Royal Canin Mini Schnauzer
Choosing the Right Food
Always feed your Chinese Shar-Pei a dog food that meets the nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).
The first ingredient of a premium dog food should always be an animal-based protein source, such as chicken, turkey, or salmon.
Dog food ingredient labels are ordered by precooked weight, so the first few ingredients make up the majority of the recipe.
Choose a premium food that lists good quality meats within the first few ingredients to ensure your Chinese Shar-Pei gets the nutrients they need.
A diet of fresh dog food can contribute to a healthy, active life for your Chinese Shar-Pei and help prevent common ailments in the breed.
You might like: Food Alternatives for Dogs
What's the Dog for?

Choosing the right dog food is crucial for your furry friend's overall health and well-being. A diet of fresh dog food can contribute to a healthy, active life for your Chinese shar-pei.
Some breeds, like the Chinese shar-pei, are prone to specific health issues. A diet of fresh dog food can help stave off some of these ailments.
Readers also liked: Chinese Food and Dogs
Puppies
Puppies need a special diet to ensure they grow healthy and strong. 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.
It's essential to choose a puppy food with the right calcium to phosphorus ratio, which is about 1.2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. This will help with bone growth.
Feeding your Shar-Pei puppy an adult dog food on a regular basis can cause permanent damage. Therefore, you should always ensure that the AAFCO statement on the dog food packaging clearly states that the food is formulated for growth or all life stages.
Puppy foods are formulated to be nutritionally adequate for growing puppies and may have the AAFCO statement that they are approved for “growth and reproduction.”
Special Considerations

Shar Pei dogs have a unique skin condition that requires special care. Their skin folds can trap moisture, leading to skin infections if not cleaned regularly.
Choose a food that's formulated to support skin health, such as those with omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These nutrients help reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin.
Shar Pei dogs are prone to eye problems, including entropion and ectropion. Feeding a food that's rich in antioxidants and has a balanced fatty acid profile can help support eye health.
Senior
As your Chinese Shar-Pei ages, it's essential to plan annual senior check-ups with your vet, ideally starting around 7-8 years of age.
Many older dogs put on pounds due to reduced activity, so it's crucial to monitor your dog's weight and adjust their food portions accordingly.
Senior dog foods often have fewer calories and skimp on protein, but this may not be suitable for all older dogs.
Suggestion: Do Dogs Eating Habits Change as They Get Older

In fact, some very old dogs may struggle to metabolize protein, making it harder for them to maintain good muscle tone and weight.
As a result, it's recommended to look for senior dog foods that have high-quality protein to provide your older Shar-Pei with the nutrition they need.
Good quality protein is easier to digest and metabolize, making it a vital component of a senior dog's diet.
In general, senior dogs should have an annual senior check-up with their vet to ensure they receive the best possible care.
Sensitive Stomachs
Dogs with sensitive stomachs often have gastrointestinal issues like vomiting or diarrhea, which can be a sign of a food sensitivity rather than a food allergy.
Feeding a limited ingredient diet food with few ingredients can help reduce the chance of a bad reaction to something in the food.
Wellness Simple is a recommended food for dogs with food sensitivities, featuring only five main ingredients and being easy to digest.

It also contains probiotics and prebiotics to help the gastrointestinal system and omega fatty acids for good skin and coat.
Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Sweet Potato & Fish Formula Dry Dog Food is another option, with a grain-free formula and limited ingredients.
This food has good quality alternative ingredients that are easily digestible and contains no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Weruva and Acana Singles are also good options if your dog can't eat some of the ingredients in these foods, with Weruva also having foods with pumpkin that can sometimes help with stomach issues.
A dog with a sensitive stomach can often be helped by feeding the right dog food, and sticking to a limited ingredient diet can make a big difference.
Readers also liked: Foods for Dogs with Diabetes
Allergies
Allergies can be a real challenge for Chinese Shar-Peis, and it's often difficult to diagnose and treat them.
Symptoms of food allergies or sensitivities in Chinese Shar-Peis can include itching, ear infections, foot infections, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additional reading: Food Allergies Symptoms in Dogs

Food allergies are actually less common than most people think, and they cause an immune response, whereas food sensitivities do not.
The most common culprits behind food allergies in Chinese Shar-Peis are beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish.
If you know the specific ingredients your dog must avoid, you can use online tools like a food finder to search for products without those ingredients.
Consulting with your dog's regular veterinarian or a dermatology veterinarian can also help you determine the best course of action if you don't know the specific ingredients to avoid.
Feeding a limited ingredient diet can be a good option for Chinese Shar-Peis with food allergies, as it doesn't contain any of the most common allergens.
Here's an interesting read: Common Food Intolerances in Dogs
Feeding and Nutrition
An adult Chinese Shar-Pei weighing 50 pounds requires an average daily caloric intake of 1312 calories, according to the National Research Council of the National Academies.
Dogs that have been spayed/neutered or are older may need slightly fewer calories. Growing puppies, on the other hand, consume more calories than adult dogs, with a 30-pound Shar-Pei puppy needing an estimated 933 calories per day.

Your Shar-Pei's daily calorie needs can vary depending on their level of activity and individual metabolism. If you're doing agility training or other active training with your dog, they may need up to 1457 kcal/day or more.
For general good health, it's wise to encourage slow growth in puppies and keep them lean instead of fat. You should also watch your adult Shar-Pei's weight, as being overweight or obese can worsen potential bone or joint problems.
Most breeders recommend feeding a puppy food that's made for all puppies until they reach about 90 percent of their adult size. You can also feed an all life stage dog food, but make sure to check the nutrients, especially the calcium levels and calcium to phosphorus ratio.
Remember to consult your breeder about the food they recommend for their puppies, as they usually have experience with how their puppies grow and develop.
For more insights, see: Dog Training Food
Choosing a Food Brand

Spot & Tango offers high-protein meat options for your Chinese Shar-Pei, including UnKibble and Fresh recipes, which are nutritionally balanced and free from fillers or artificial additives.
Their recipes feature a blend of protein, whole grains, fruits, veggies, and an all-natural blend of vitamins & minerals.
Their vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, making them a great choice for a high-protein dog food.
Recommended read: What Vitamins Do Dogs Need in Homemade Food
High Quality Where to Buy
If you're looking for high-quality dog food, you can check out Yumwoof Natural Pet Food for a convenient delivery option. They offer a selection of dog food tailored to specific breeds, making it easy to find the right food for your furry friend.
For Miniature Shar-Pei, Yumwoof is the highest rated store for dog food delivery. They allow you to select the right dog food according to your dog's breed at the top of their page, and you can have it delivered straight to your door.
You can also check out other pet food stores that offer delivery services, but Yumwoof stands out for its breed-specific options.
Choose Spot & Tango for Protein

Spot & Tango offers several high-protein meat options for your Chinese Shar-Pei between the UnKibble and Fresh recipes.
All their recipes have an appropriate blend of protein, whole grains, fruits, veggies, and an all-natural blend of vitamins & minerals to ensure meals are nutritionally balanced and high in protein.
Their UnKibble and Fresh recipes never use fillers or artificial additives.
Our vegetables are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins, making them a great addition to your Chinese Shar-Pei's diet.
If you want a high-protein dog food for your Chinese Shar-Pei, Spot & Tango could be the solution.
A fresh viewpoint: Canine Pancreatitis Diet Recipes
How to Choose
To choose a reliable food brand, look for products that meet the minimum nutritional standards established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). Ensure that the product you choose has a clear AAFCO nutritional adequacy statement on its packaging.
When selecting a dog food, check that the life stage specified matches your dog's needs. For example, if you have a Chinese Shar-Pei puppy, choose a food that meets the AAFCO Growth and Reproduction nutritional standard.

Premium dog food made with predominantly meat is a better choice than those that use concentrated vegetable proteins to cut costs. Non-meat proteins often lack the necessary amino acids required by dogs.
Read the ingredient label carefully, as it's ordered by precooked weight, with the heaviest ingredients listed first. Choose a food that lists a good quality animal-based protein source, such as chicken or beef, within the first few ingredients.
Ingredients and Safety
Shar Pei dog food requires a specific set of ingredients to meet the breed's unique nutritional needs.
The Shar Pei's skin and coat require a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be found in salmon oil, a key ingredient in many Shar Pei dog foods.
A Shar Pei's digestive system is sensitive, so it's essential to choose a food with easily digestible ingredients, such as brown rice and sweet potatoes.
Shar Pei dog food formulas should ideally contain joint supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support the breed's prone joints.

Antioxidants like vitamin E and beta-carotene help protect the Shar Pei's skin and coat from damage caused by free radicals.
The Shar Pei's skin folds can trap moisture, making them prone to skin infections, so it's crucial to choose a food that's easy to digest and won't exacerbate this issue.
Additional reading: Shar Pei Dog Skin Problems
How to Choose
To ensure your Chinese Shar-Pei is getting the best possible nutrition, choose a dog food that meets the AAFCO minimum standards.
In the United States, nearly all major dog food companies formulate products to meet these standards.
Look for a nutritional adequacy statement on the product's packaging, or check our website for a review to confirm AAFCO approval.
The life stage specified on the statement is crucial - Adult Maintenance foods are not suitable for puppies.
Feed premium dog food made with predominantly meat to provide the necessary amino acids your dog needs.
Non-meat proteins often lack these essential amino acids, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Choose a food that lists good quality meats within the first few ingredients, as these make up the majority of the recipe.
The first ingredient should always be an animal-based protein source, such as chicken, turkey, salmon, or beef.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best food to feed a shar pei?
Feed your Chinese Shar-Pei a high-quality diet rich in animal-based protein sources like beef, chicken, and fish for optimal health
Do Shar Peis need grain free food?
Shar Peis benefit from a grain-free diet, which can help alleviate food allergies and provide a healthy eating option. Check labels for grain-free and premium options that suit your Shar Pei's needs.
What foods are Shar Peis allergic to?
Shar Peis may be allergic to foods such as wheat, chicken, and soy. These common food allergens can trigger allergic reactions in this breed.
Sources
- https://www.thefarmersdog.com/breed/chinese-shar-pei
- https://yumwoof.com/pages/pet-stores-by-breed-miniature-shar-pei
- https://learn.spotandtango.com/chinese-shar-pei/high-protein/dog-food/
- https://dogfood.guru/the-ultimate-chinese-shar-pei-dog-food-guide/
- https://www.pawdiet.com/breeds/best-dog-food-for-chinese-shar-pei/
Featured Images: pexels.com