Best Food for Chow Chow (2026 Guide)

A breed-specific food guide for Chow Chow owners — what to look for, what to avoid, and our top picks based on this breed's size, energy and known health profile.

Photo: JacLou- DL / Pexels

The Chow Chow is lion-maned ancient chinese guardian. independent, dignified, often aloof. Their nutritional needs reflect their 20–32 kg body weight, 8–12 years lifespan, and the breed-specific health considerations covered below.

Why feeding a Chow Chow is different

Feeding a Chow Chow is not the same problem as feeding the average dog. You're juggling at least two specific risks: bloat (deep chest = GDV danger) and joint stress (the breed's hip + elbow genetics). The right food choice + feeding method address both.

Lower-energy Chow Chow dogs gain weight fast. The portion on the bag is for an active dog; cut by 20–30% for a couch-loving individual and weigh portions, don't eyeball them.

The Chow Chow's coat needs omega-3 + omega-6 in roughly a 5:1 ratio for skin + coat condition. Fish-oil supplementation or a salmon-first food are the cheapest ways to get this right.

Below: a specific list of what to look for, what to avoid, plus our daily-calorie estimate for an average Chow Chow.

What to look for in food for a Chow Chow

A complete-and-balanced food labelled for dogs that meets FEDIAF or AAFCO nutritional standards.
Named animal protein as the first ingredient (e.g. "chicken", "salmon"), not "meat derivatives" or "animal by-product".
Added glucosamine and chondroitin for joint support — especially important from puppyhood.
A moderate-calorie maintenance formula — these breeds gain weight easily.

What to avoid

Free-feeding (food always available) — choose scheduled meals.
Anything containing onion, garlic, raisins, xylitol or chocolate flavouring (common kitchen toxins for pets).

For an exact daily portion based on your dog's weight and activity, use our food portion calculator. To check current weight is healthy, use the body condition score.

Feeding a Chow Chow: common questions

How much should I feed a Chow Chow?

A Chow Chow typically weighs 20–32 kg, but the right daily amount depends on age, exact weight and activity — not the breed average. Start from the feeding guide on your chosen food (or our food portion calculator), weigh the portion rather than eyeballing it, and adjust to keep your dog lean enough that you can easily feel the ribs.

How many meals a day should a Chow Chow have?

Split an adult Chow Chow's food into two meals a day rather than one large bowl — for a big, deep-chested breed this lowers the risk of bloat (GDV). Avoid vigorous exercise for 30–60 minutes either side of a meal.

Do Chow Chows need a special diet for their joints?

The biggest dietary lever for a joint-prone breed like the Chow Chow is keeping them lean — every extra kilo multiplies the load on the hips and elbows. A complete food with added omega-3s (or a fish-oil top-up) supports the joints; ask your vet about glucosamine.