What’s The Best Dog Food For Shar-Pei? Reviews & Buyer’s 2022 Guide

The Shar-Pei is well-renowned for its adorable wrinkles and charming appearance. While they often come off as lazy, these dogs can switch from being calm to aggressive in the blink of an eye, especially when threatened.

Although cute and friendly, Shar-Pei dogs aren’t too active, meaning chances of contracting lifestyle-related illnesses are high when dealing with this dog breed. Therefore, to keep your adorable Shar-Pei in great shape, you’ll need to check on his diet to ensure that he gets just the right amount of good quality necessary nutrients.

Interested in learning the recommended dog food for Shar-Peis? Then you couldn’t be in a better place.

Contents

Top 10 Best Dog Food For Shar-Peis
4 Common Health Problems In Shar-Peis
Important Features To Consider
Ingredients to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

We already did all the research for you. If you’re in a hurry and just want to see the best dog foods for your Shar-Pei, here are our top choices.

PRODUCT / PRODUCT DETAILS

PRODUCT

PRODUCT DETAILS

1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Turkey & Potato Recipe For Adult Dogs

Packed with essential proteins and carbohydrates to help satisfy your Shar-Pei puppy's energy requirements
Contains LifeSource Bits, which is a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help promote immune health and several life-stage requirements
Free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and by-product meals
Contains real turkey, potatoes, pumpkin, and peas for improved digestion
Doesn't contain potential allergens such as corn, wheat, eggs, soy, and dairy

2. Hill's Science Diet For Puppy, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe

Made from high-quality, natural ingredients free of flavors, preservatives or artificial colors
Made in the USA and ideal for Shar-Pei puppies under one year
A well-balanced blend of Vitamins E and C that helps to improve the immune system
Delicious and easily digestible, due to the inclusion of tummy-friendly natural ingredients
Contains natural DHA sourced from quality fish oil, which supports eye and brain development

3. Nutro Wholesome Essentials For Large Adult Breed- Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe

Contains farm-raised chicken as the first ingredient
The presence of Vitamin E improves the immune system health
The recipe doesn't include by-products, corn, soy, wheat or preservatives
Made in the USA with ingredients sourced from credible farmers
An ideal source of glucosamine and chondroitin to support the development of your dog's joints

Top 10 Best Dog Food For Shar-Peis

1. Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Turkey & Potato Recipe for Adult Dogs

Blue Buffalo needs little introduction when it comes to the production of the best dog food for medium-sized to large dog breeds. This Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient recipe comes in three sizes, the 4-lb, 11-lb, and 24-lb bags, which allows you to pick the right size for your furry pet.

With real turkey as the single animal protein in the formula, your dog is guaranteed to enjoy a tasty but nutritious meal. Some of the ingredients include pumpkins and easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as peas and potatoes.

The Shar-Pei diet also comes packed with Blues exclusive and highly-regarded LifeSource Bits, which contains minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are deemed necessary for your pet’s health and well-being.

Other ingredients present in the recipe include calcium carbonate, dehydrated alfalfa mean, potassium chloride, alfalfa nutrient concentrate, flaxseed, cranberries, parsley, and blueberries. These ingredients help to prevent Shar-Pei food allergies and are bound to improve your dog’s digestive system and overall health.

The presence of kelp improves skin and coat health as it supplies natural minerals. Cranberries are also ideal for your Shar-Pei due to their abundance of manganese, vitamin K and fiber, which boost not only immunity but also urinary health.

PROS

Contains deboned turkey as meat proteins
The recipe contains ingredients like potatoes, peas, pumpkin, blueberries, and cranberries which promote dog health
A perfect blend of carbohydrates and essential proteins help to maintain your Shar-Peis' energy levels
Doesn't contain potential allergens in the form of wheat, soy, eggs, corn, and flavors
Contains LifeSource Bits which ensures your dog has the right balance of vitamins and minerals

CONS

2. Hill's Science Diet for Puppy, Chicken Meal & Barley Recipe

Meant for puppies, this Hill’s Science Recipe is among the best dry dog food for Shar-Pei. However, you can feed your pregnant or nursing dog this food as well as it contains the necessary ingredients for bones and immune system.

To support a healthy brain, skeletal, and vision development, this recipe comes packed with wholesome ingredients like barley and savory chicken meal. Besides the presence of chicken meal, the product also contains whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain sorghum, choline chloride, Vitamins B12, and D3.

In case you want to try this best food for Shar-Pei puppy, you can start by buying the small (4.5 lbs) or medium-sized (15.5 lbs) bags. You can also save extra cash by purchasing the largest package (30-lbs). This Shar-Pei food provides your pup with essential minerals that promote his bone and dental strength.

PROS

Contains DHA obtained from high-quality fish oil to boost brain, skeletal and vision development
The presence of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals ensure the recipe is delicious and easy-to-consume
The Vitamins E, C, and oxidants support immune functionality
Doesn't contain any preservatives or artificial colors
Made in the USA with all ingredients sourced from trusted farmhouses

CONS

3. Nutro Wholesome Essentials For Large Adult Breed- Farm-Raised Chicken, Brown Rice & Sweet Potato Recipe

The Nutro Wholesome Essentials Large Breed Adult recipe comes in a 15-lb, 30-lb, and the extra-large 40-lb bags. The recipe contains digestion-improving ingredients like beet pulp and chickpeas. Sweet potatoes provide a natural source of energy, which is crucial to keeping your Shar-Pei well on his toes.

The presence of sunflower oil ensures that your dog receives the right amount of omega-6 fatty acids that promote a healthy coat and skin. Your pet will definitely love the presence of real chicken, a source of meat proteins that also contains amino acids that promote tissue repair and muscle formation. Besides the chicken, your Shar-Pei will fancy the easy-to-digest brown rice that’s part of the recipe.

As one of the oldest players in the dog food industry Nutro is constantly in pursuit of rich ingredients that can improve dog health regardless of breed and age. The company is known to source its ingredients from trusted and certified sources, which ensures that they come up with healthy, vet-recommended diets for your Shar-Pei.

PROS

Uses farm-raised chicken, meaning your dog gets his protein from a trusted source
Ingredients contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which are pivotal to the formation of joints and bones.
Comes packed with essential antioxidants to support a healthy immune system
Contains zero food irritants like corn, soy protein or artificial flavors, making it ideal for sensitive dogs
Contains easy to digest carbohydrates like brown rice

CONS

4. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Ocean, Whitefish, Herring Meal & Salmon Meal Recipe

This dry dog food is ideal for helping adult dogs to maintain their muscles. As part of its nutrient-rich ingredients, the Wellness Core Grain Free Ocean dog food contains real whitefish as the main ingredient. Besides the whitefish, this Shar-Pei food also contains salmon, menhaden, and herring fish meal.

To maintain healthy skin, joints, coat, and gastrointestinal systems, the dog food comes packed with probiotics and glucosamine. And the absence of fillers, flavors, and artificial ingredients ensures that your Shar-Pei has an easy time digesting this delicious recipe.

As arguably one of the most nutrient-dense Shar-Pei diets, your mature Shar-Pei will appreciate the ingredients and nutritional value of this product. This dog food comes in the 4-lb, 12-lb, and the 26-lb bags, giving you enough options in terms of size.

This is a highly-trusted company when it comes to balanced diets. This food contains powerful ingredients like carrots, and ground flaxseed to ensure that your dog consumes only the right types of vitamins and minerals.

For instance, broccoli contains vitamin C and fiber, which besides boosting immune health, also helps to improve heart and skin health, also assisting in the removal of toxins. Spinach provides lutein and beta-carotene, which help to improve the alertness of your pup while also assisting with digestion.

PROS

Contains spinach, kale, and broccoli, which contribute essential nutrients that help improve immunity
Salmon oil and flaxseed are great sources of the essential omega-3 fatty acid that promotes healthy skin and coat
Fortified with vitamins and minerals that promote overall body health while antioxidants boost your Shar-Pei’s immunity
Made in the US and doesn't include potential food allergens like corn, soy, or additives as part of its ingredients to help reduce and prevent food allergies

CONS

5. Royal Canin For Adult Medium Breed

Designed for medium-sized dogs like Shar-Peis, the Royal Canin Shar-Pei dog food contains high dietary fiber levels for improved digestion. Although the dog food can be used for a Shar-Pei pup, it is ideal for dogs over a year old with increasing energy needs.

Similar to most dog foods, this recipe comes in the 6-lb, 17-lb, and 30-lb bags. Some of its main components include oat groats, chicken fat, natural flavors, fish oil, vegetable oil, hydrolyzed yeast. The dog food also contains Vitamin D3, B6, and B12, which ensures that your dog has all the essential nutrients.

PROS

Contains mannan oligosaccharides and antioxidant complex that help to support your Shar-Pei’s natural defenses
The large amounts of dietary fiber and high protein levels make the recipe easy-to-digest
Enriched with the hugely important omega-3 fatty acids that promote coat and skin health while preventing skin-related health conditions
The presence of carefully selected aromas increases appetite for dogs with feeding problems

CONS

6. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Turkey & Potato Formula

Designed for all breeds, this dog food is specifically tailored towards dogs with sensitivities or digestive problems. The Simple Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free formula is the company’s second entry in the list, an indication of its commitment towards providing nutritionally balanced products in the dog food market.

This recipe contains deboned turkey as the primary source of animal protein, which, when combined with dried ground potatoes, canola oil, and ground flaxseed, make a wholly nutritious diet. The presence of riboflavin, Vitamins A, D3, B23, and C supplements ensures that your Shar-Pei benefits from a well-balanced diet of vitamins and minerals.

All the components used in this dog food are easy to digest, which is perfect if your dog has a digestion problem. It doesn’t contain corn, gluten, soy, wheat, or any preservatives that might lead to allergic reactions.

PROS

Limited ingredient food for Shar-Peis with sensitive stomachs and grain allergy or a pre-existing health condition
Doesn't contain gluten, wheat or grains, thus allowing for smooth digestion for dogs with food sensitivities
Presence of flaxseed helps to nourish your Shar-Pei’s skin
Uses high-quality turkey (high protein percentages) as its first ingredient, allowing for a yummy meal for your dog

CONS

7. American Journey Grain-Free, Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

As a highly recommended dog food for Shar-Pei, this nutritious dog food by American Journey is ideal for dogs of different breeds, making it perfect for your adult Shar-Pei. It comes in three main sizes a 4-lb, 12-lb, and 24-lb bags, allowing you to choose the size that best suits your dog’s feeding needs.

This American Journey Grain-Free recipe contains omega 6 fatty acids that promote healthy skin and coat. The presence of high-quality protein supports the formation of lean muscles, ensuring your mature dog can handle play and outdoor activities.

The presence of real deboned salmon as the first ingredient ensures that your dog will enjoy a wonderful flavor during mealtime. This salmon-based food is rich in amino acids and protein, while the chickpeas and sweet potatoes provide sufficient energy to last your dog when active.

The presence of wholesome veggies and fruits such as dried kelp, carrots, and blueberry ensures that your Shar-Pei receives the right amount of phytonutrients and fiber. Your pet will also love the DHA, an essential form of Omega-3 that promotes a healthy growth rate.

PROS

A grain-free recipe that contains zero-fillers, making it ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion
Contains vegetables and nutritious fruits such as dried kelp, carrots, and blueberry that provide antioxidants, vitamins, and vital minerals
A high-quality source of protein since real salmon is the main ingredient
Contains flaxseed that contains fatty acids as well as DHA, which promotes the formation of healthy skin while also preventing inflammatory bowel disease

CONS

8. Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus For Active Dogs and Puppies

Although designed mostly for adult dogs, this dog food is also suitable for use on Chinese Shar-Pei puppies. The dog’s diet is available in four main sizes, the 5-lb, 15-lb, 40-lb, and 50-lb bags. The pet food contains premium quality, beef, fish, chicken, and pork meals, thus making it nutrient-rich, especially in regards to protein.

Some of the main ingredients of the Victor Classic Hi-Pro include beef meal, chicken fat, menhaden fish meal, blood meal, whole grain millet, carrot powder, and Vitamins E, B12, and D3 supplements.

The high concentration of protein and essential nutrients makes this puppy diet ideal for highly active dogs. The presence of several protein sources means that growing puppies, lactating females, and pregnant Shar-Peis will appreciate the dry dog food.

PROS

88% of the dog meal is comprised of meat protein obtained from high-quality chicken, pork, ground turkey, and beef meals
Ideal for puppies and pregnant females as it boosts activity levels
The nutrient-dense formula makes the puppy recipe appropriate for all dog life stages
Fortified with non-GMO minerals, vitamins, protein, amino acids, and essential fatty acids for increased nutrient absorption
Comes in four different sizes, allowing for increased freedom when determining your Shar-Pei’s diet and feeding schedule

CONS

9. Merrick Grain-Free, Real Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe

Ideal for small, medium and large-sized breeds, this quality dog food contains chicken and sweet potato as the primary ingredients. As claimed on the packet, this kibble formula contains 70% healthy protein and fat, most of it coming from its main ingredient, the deboned chicken.

Your dog will also love the healthy distribution of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which besides improving his digestive system, help to promote his coat and skin health, leaving your pup looking neat and well-taken care of.

In addition to the deboned chicken, other sources of proteins present in this premium dog food are chicken meal, salmon meal, and turkey meal. The presence of sweet potatoes, blueberries, and salmon oil helps to make this quality dog food ideal for all dogs regardless of life stage.

PROS

Cooked in the USA using 100% organic ingredients
Protein diet containing 70% protein, making it ideal for older puppies about to mature as well as mature family dogs
The high levels of omega fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin make the puppy food well balanced and healthy for less active dogs
Contains hyaluronic acid which improves the skin and prevents skin infections even for senior dogs provided the feeding instructions are observed
Corn, wheat, gluten, and soy-free, which allows for use on dog's with sensitive digestion and food allergy

CONS

10. Taste Of The Wild Grain-Free Southwest Canyon Recipe With Wild Boar

Since its formation, Taste of the Wild has taken a unique approach towards the production of its dog recipes. Keen to being nature-based, it has developed this Grain-Free Southwest Canyon Recipe With Wild Boar, with the aim of satisfying your pup’s instinctual appetite.

The main protein is real beef and wild boar, while ingredients such as garbanzo beans, wild pine forest grain, and peas provide the much-needed digestive energy for your dog. Although this dog food is ideal for different breeds, it is best suited for adult dogs.

You can get this food by Taste of the Wild in three main sizes, the 5-lb, 14-lb, and 28-lb bags. When using this, your dog will also benefit from the antioxidant support obtained from real vegetables and fruits.

You’ll also love that this dog food has its essential minerals chelated with amino acids, which helps to optimize absorption, consequently ensuring your dog gets all the needed nutrients.

PROS

Grain-free recipe containing real beef as the first ingredient together with wild boar that promotes lean nutrition inspired by nature’s variety
Contains powerful antioxidants, omega 3 fatty acid, and vitamins obtained from vegetables and real fruit
Made in the USA by a family-owned and managed company manufacturing superfoods that promote metabolism
Highly digestible ingredients make the food ideal for dogs with sensitive digestion and food allergy

CONS

4 Common Health Problems In Shar-Peis

Despite their undeniable cuteness and loyalty, Shar-Peis are susceptible to several health complications. However, you’ll be glad to learn that most of these conditions are easy to avoid, especially through proper Shar-Pei diet nutrition or adjustment.

Below are some of the common health problems associated with this medium-sized breed that most dog owners deal with.

1. Skinfold Infections

Shar-Peis are well-known for their coarse skin and thick skin folds. While he might look adorable with the wrinkles around his face, the sensitive skin beneath the folds is highly sensitive and often prone to skin fold dermatitis.

The warm and moist nature of the folds increases the chances of bacterial infestation. Therefore, be on the look-out for foul odor and red skin as these are the main characteristics of skin fold infections

2. Shar-Pei Fever

This condition affects Shar-Peis and is often characterized by swollen ankles and recurring fever. Although the cause is unknown, the condition is widely believed to be inherited.

As the pet owner, make sure you rush your pup to the veterinary in case of suspicion since the condition can lead to liver and renal failure. Some of the main symptoms include fever and swollen hocks. Swollen hocks (swollen hock syndrome) tend to resemble flaccid water balloons when pet dogs are suffering from this illness.

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3. Eye Problems

Shar-Peis are prone to several eye problems such as ectropion (eyelids rolling outwards) and entropion (eyelids rolling inwards). These cute dogs are also prone to developing cherry eye, a condition whereby the tear gland pops out, consequently sitting in the corner of your dog’s eye.

While it might be tempting to underestimate these problems, it is advisable to seek veterinary services when your pet starts to develop them. You should also buy adult dog food that has no fillers or meat by-products to prevent skin allergies, constant scratching, and tearing.

4. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is often caused by the shrinkage or inflammation of the thyroid glands. [1] The condition is common in medium and large-sized dogs, more specifically middle-aged dogs.

Some of the symptoms to pay attention to include dull hair coat, hair loss, thinning of his fur, weight gain, excess scaling or shedding, and reduced activity. If your dog suffers from hypothyroidism, he’s more likely to develop ear infections and a change in body weight.

He may also develop swelling, and discomfort due to skin conditions, exactly why you should consider visiting a vet if you notice some of the symptoms.

Important Features To Consider

Protein

Despite being medium-sized, Shar-Peis have a lot of potential for muscle growth. These dogs require high levels of proteins for healthy growth. Be sure to feed your pup dog food with high protein content, especially to boost his lungs, kidney, and reproductive organ formation.

Omega-3 & 6 Fatty Acids

Naturally, Shar-Peis have coarse skin that is often prone to infection. For proper skin health, these dogs need a balanced level of these fatty acids, which help to brighten dull coats and relieve skin issues.

Carbohydrates

Although not the most active dog breed, Shar-Peis love their playtime, especially as they continue growing up. As a result, you’ll need to check on the carb levels you give your pup to maintain a high activity level. Also, be sure to buy dog foods that use easy to digest carbs.

Fiber

Shar-Peis don’t have the best digestive tract, meaning they need digestion-friendly diets to prevent constipation. As such, it is advisable to take up dog foods with high fiber content. Check on the vegetable and fruit content of several dog foods before settling for a particular brand.

Ingredients to Avoid

Since Shar-Peis have a sensitive digestive system, it’s crucial to observe a strict diet for your pet. As usual, you should avoid wheat or soy-based products since these tend to lead to allergic reactions and difficulty with digestion. Also, avoid foods with additives such as flavors and other chemicals that can easily harm animal bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you walk a Shar-Pei?

You should walk your Shar-Pei at least once a day. 20-30 minute walks accompanied by free play and purposeful activity should be enough to keep a Shar-Pei active.

Can Shar-Peis eat bananas?

Yes, Shar-Peis can eat bananas. However, since bananas are high in sugar, Vitamins B6 and C as well as potassium content, it is advisable to feed your pup bananas in moderation. Too much sugar isn’t good for dogs, especially breeds like Shar-Peis that aren’t too active.

Can Shar-Peis eat apples?

Yes, Shar-Peis can eat apples. In fact, it’s advisable to give your dog a slice or two to accompany his diet as these fruits are rich in Vitamins A, C, and fiber. Including apple in your dog’s diet will gradually improve digestion.

Conclusion

As one of the most sensitive dog breeds, Shar-Peis require proper grooming to lead healthy lives. Luckily, a large part of good grooming for Shar-Peis is centered on its diet.

To prevent skin diet-related complications, choosing a well-balanced dog food diet that meets world standards is recommended, the best of which is: Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Turkey & Potato Recipe For Adult Dogs.

Having discussed the leading dog foods for Shar-Peis in the market, you should be well placed to choose one that perfectly suits your four-legged best friend. Remember to always check the packaging before settling for a particular item.

Editor's Choice

Blue Buffalo Basics Limited Ingredient Diet Grain-Free, Turkey & Potato Recipe For Adult Dogs

Packed with essential proteins and carbohydrates to help satisfy your Shar-Pei puppy's energy requirements
Contains LifeSource Bits, which is a blend of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that help promote immune health and several life-stage requirements
Free of preservatives, artificial flavors, and by-product meals
Contains real turkey, potatoes, pumpkin, and peas for improved digestion
Doesn't contain potential allergens such as corn, wheat, eggs, soy, and dairy

Kathy R. Conner

Kathy is a licensed veterinary surgeon and writer in Miami. With over 20 years of experience in deal with pets and small animal, she hopes to share her knowledge on what she learned throughout her life to all animal lover. On her free time, she likes to attend Yoga and Meditation classes.

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