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

Best Dog Dry Food For Chinese Shar-Pei - Feature Image

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.

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

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PRODUCT DETAILS

Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Recipe For Adult Dogs

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

Hill's Science Diet For Puppy, Chicken Recipe

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

Nutro Wholesome Essentials For Large Breed

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

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 Basics Grain-Free 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.

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

Hill's Science Diet For Puppy, Chicken 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.

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

Nutro Wholesome Essentials For Large Breed

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.

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

Wellness Core Grain Free Ocean 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.

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5. Royal Canin For Adult Medium Breed

Royal Canin For 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.

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

Wellness Simple Grain-Free 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.

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

American Journey Grain-Free

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.

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

Victor Classic Hi-Pro Plus For Active Dogs & 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.

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

Merrick Grain Free

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.

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

Taste of the Wild Grain-Free Southwest Canyon Recipe

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.

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Factors Affecting Shar Pei’s Health Issues - Resource And Answers

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

Best Shar-Pei Dry Food For Picky Eaters - Meat Protein Source

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.

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.

Pet Foods That Meet Protein Needs For Your Shar-Pei - Recommendations

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.

Good Quality Dry Food Options With Omega Fatty Acids For Shar-Pei

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.

Best Good Quality Dry Food For Chinese Shar-Pei - Contents

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.

Pet Foods That Meet Protein Needs For Your Shar-Pei - Recommendations

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.

Blue Buffalo Basics Grain-Free Recipe For Adult Dogs

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