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10 Best Dog Foods for a Chow Chow – 2024 Reviews and Top Picks

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By Nicole Cosgrove

chow chow dog eating

The adorable Chow Chow is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. Originally from China and bred as working dogs, things have changed quite a bit for these medium to large-sized dogs over the years. While they aren’t as active as they used to be, Chows are part of our hearts and homes. To keep this dog breed healthy, exercise and play are important. This means they need a well-balanced dog food that will give them the energy they need without causing you, as their pet parent, lots of worries.

If you’re concerned about the dog food you’re feeding your Chow Chow, take a look at our review below. We’ve taken a look at some of the most popular foods on the market to determine which ones we feel and the 10 best dog foods for a Chow Chow in this year.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Ollie Fresh Chicken Dog Food Subscription Ollie Fresh Chicken Dog Food Subscription
  • Fresh chicken is the primary ingredient
  • Includes superfoods like blueberries
  • Low in calorie content
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Gr Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe with Ancient Gr
  • Good for dog’s digestive systems
  • Ideal for a Chow Chows coat and skin
  • Builds and maintains muscle mass
  • Third place
    American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Foo American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Foo
  • Deboned salmon is the primary ingredient and main source of protein
  • Features a great number of amino acids
  • Designed for dogs with sensitivities to grains
  • Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation Canned Dog Food Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation Canned Dog Food
  • Features minerals and antioxidants
  • Good for digestion
  • Ready to feed
  • Annamet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food Annamet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food
  • Supports muscle mass and cognitive function
  • Made with quality ingredients
  • Features essential nutrients and antioxidants your Chow needs
  • The 10 Best Dog Foods for a Chow Chow

    1. Ollie Fresh Chicken Dog Food – Best Overall

    white fluffy dog closeup licking Ollie dog food chicken recipe

    Main ingredients Chicken, carrots, peas, and rice
    Protein content 10%
    Fat content 3%
    Calories 1,298 kcal per package

    Our choice for the overall best dog food for Chow Chows this year is Ollie’s Chicken Dish with Carrots. What we like about Ollie’s Fresh Chicken Dish with Carrots is the use of healthy ingredients your Chow Chow needs. Fresh chicken is the primary ingredient and main source of protein. You’ll also find carrots, rice, and even blueberries. Fish oil and cod liver oils are also used to provide your pooch with omega-3 fatty acids they need in their diet.

    We also like that this is the Ollie recipe with the lowest calorie content. This is great for Chow Chows as they are a large dog breed and weight issues need to be addressed as they age. The only downside of this choice is that you’ll find it’s a bit more expensive than dry food options.

    Pros
    • Fresh chicken is the primary ingredient
    • Includes superfoods like blueberries
    • Features fish oil and cod fish oil for omega-3s
    • Low in calorie content
    Cons
    • Expensive

    2. Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice – Budget Buy

    Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice

    Main ingredients Deboned salmon, chicken meal, brown rice, and barley
    Protein content 25%
    Fat content 16%
    Calories 396 kcal per cup

    Our pick for the best dog food for Chow Chows for the money is Merrick Healthy Grains Real Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe. Chow Chows are big dogs with lots of muscle mass. The protein from the deboned salmon in this recipe is ideal for building and retaining this solid muscle tissue. You’ll also find that the healthy grains inside this dog food will help support digestive health without the use of peas or any dangerous ingredients. The omega fatty acids are also great for this dog breed due to them having a double coat and issues with dry skin.

    The only issue with Merrick Healthy Grains that we’ve discovered is the lack of options they offer. While we love the ancient grains and the salmon included, we would like for the line to offer options for dogs that may not be fond of the salmon.

    Pros
    • Good for dog’s digestive systems
    • Ideal for a Chow Chow coat and skin
    • Builds and maintains muscle mass
    Cons
    • Not a lot of flavor options in this line

    3. American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Dog Food

    American Journey Salmon & Sweet Potato Recipe

    Main ingredients Deboned salmon, chicken meal, turkey meal, and peas
    Protein content 34%
    Fat content 14%
    Calories 390 kcal per cup

    Our premium choice dog food for Chow Chows is American Journey Salmon and Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free dry dog food. If your pooch has digestive issues or sensitivities to grains, this food is an excellent choice. It uses salmon, blueberries, and even carrots to ensure your pet’s nutritional needs are met. You’ll also find lots of amino acids to help with your Chow Chow’s muscles, mass, skin, and coat.

    The only issue we found with this dog food is the price. If you’re on a budget, this brand isn’t the best choice for your pet. If money isn’t an issue though, you can easily give it to your Chow Chow without worries.

    Pros
    • Deboned salmon is the primary ingredient and main source of protein
    • Features a great number of amino acids
    • Designed for dogs with sensitivities to grains
    Cons
    • Expensive

    4. Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation Canned Dog Food

    Royal Canin Puppy Appetite canned dog food

    Main ingredients Water sufficient for processing, chicken, and pork by-products
    Protein content 7.5%
    Fat content 3.9%
    Calories 103 kcal per can

    For your Chow Chow puppy, we recommend Royal Canin Puppy Appetite Stimulation canned dog food. What you’ll love about this dog food is the support it gives your dog’s digestion. Beet pulp, digestible proteins, and fish oil are great for keeping your pup regular. This formula also includes taurine and vitamins for healthier living.

    Keep in mind, however, when using this food that it is intended for puppies that are under 22 pounds and less than 10 months old. When your Chow Chow exceeds those limits, it is time to switch foods.

    Pros
    • Features minerals and antioxidants
    • Good for digestion
    • Ready to feed
    Cons
    • Not intended for dogs over 22 pounds and 10 months old

    5. Annamet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    Annamaet 25% Medium & Large Breed Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken meal, brown rice, millet, and rolled oats
    Protein content 25%
    Fat content 14%
    Calories 414 kcal per cup

    One of the best things about this vet-approved dog food is that it supports your dog’s cognitive function by including L-Carnitine which also helps promote healthy muscle mass. There are also omega fatty acids, probiotics, probiotics, and healthy grains to promote better digestion in your dog. The quality protein inside each bag is also essential for a happy, healthy Chow.

    The only real issue with Annamet Medium and Large Breed dog food is the price. It’s easy to find a more budget-friendly option on the market but the quality of the ingredients used in this food makes it worth the price.

    Pros
    • Supports muscle mass and cognitive function
    • Made with quality ingredients
    • Features essential nutrients and antioxidants your Chow needs
    Cons
    • Expensive

    6. Blue Buffalo Life Protection Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe

    Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula

    Main ingredients Deboned chicken, chicken meal, brown rice, and barley
    Protein content 24%
    Fat content 14%
    Calories 377 kcal per cup

    The Blue Buffalo Life Protection formula is a great food for your Chow by a company that is well-known in the dog food world. What we like about this food is the great ingredients in the formula. You’ll find chicken, oatmeal, rice, and even barley. Many of these ingredients are ideal for good digestion. Your dog will also receive Blue Buffalo’s Lifesource Bits which they include in every food in their line. This is a healthy mixture of nutrients your pup needs to be healthy.

    Unfortunately, while this food is great for your dog’s digestive system, it can cause gas in some dogs. If your pooch deals with gassiness, be careful when feeding them this formula.

    Pros
    • Includes healthy ingredients
    • Features Blue Buffalo’s Lifesource Bits
    • Good for your dog’s digestion
    Cons
    • It may cause gas in some dogs

    7. Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula with Probiotics

    Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice Formula

    Main ingredients Chicken, rice, whole grain wheat, and poultry by-product meat
    Protein content 26%
    Fat content 16%
    Calories 387 kcal per cup

    Chow Chows are large dogs that need a lot of protein in their diet. This Purina Pro Plan High Protein Shredded Chicken & Rice Formula is a great one to choose for your big pal. Along with the shredded chicken inside, you’ll also find vitamins and omega fatty acids to help with your dog’s skin and coat.

    Unfortunately, even though this food is protein-packed, some dogs may not enjoy the shredded chicken texture. If you try it out for your pet and they don’t seem interested, that could be the issue.

    Pros
    • High in protein for active dogs
    • Formulated to promote healthy coat and skin
    Cons
    • Some dogs may not enjoy the texture

    8. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Adult Dog Food

    Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Giant Adult Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Chicken by-product meal, brewer rice, chicken fat, and brown rice
    Protein content 26%
    Fat content 18%
    Calories 427 kcal per cup

    Royal Canin’s Size Health Nutrition dog food is designed for giant dog breeds like the Chow Chow. Inside this formula, you’ll find good protein amounts to support a healthy heart and an active lifestyle. You’ll also find a combo of antioxidants that are intended to help improve your pet’s cellular health and repair its damaged cells.

    The price of this food can get a little pricey for some pet owners. It is designed for giant dog breeds, and while that may not encompass every Chow Chow, this breed does get quite large and needs healthy protein. That’s why we feel it is worth the money you’ll pay.

    Pros
    • Supports a healthy heart
    • Improves cellular health
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • It may not be suitable for smaller Chows

    9. Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Wellness CORE Grain-Free Original Deboned Turkey, Turkey Meal & Chicken Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

    Main ingredients Deboned turkey, turkey meal, chicken meal, and peas
    Protein content 34%
    Fat content 16%
    Calories 417 kcal per cup

    Ensuring that your Chow Chow builds the muscle they need and receives the protein necessary for an active life is a must. With Wellness CORE, you can easily do that and make sure Chows with sensitive stomachs can receive the goodness they need. You’ll notice this formula has probiotics, antioxidants, and omega-fatty acids for better health.

    Our only issue with this formula is the fact peas are used as one of the main ingredients. The link between peas and heart issues in pets is still being investigated. It’s also important to note that this food also contains small amounts of garlic.

    Pros
    • Features minerals and antioxidants
    • High in protein
    Cons
    • Includes peas
    • The formula includes a small amount of garlic

    10. Hill’s Science Diet Large Breed Chicken & Barley Recipe

    Hill’s Science Diet Adult Large Breed Chicken and Barley

    Main ingredients Chicken, cracked pearled barley, and whole grain wheat
    Protein content 20%
    Fat content 11.5%
    Calories 363 kcal per cup

    Hill’s Science Diet is a brand made in the US that many people trust. This large breed formula is good for your Chow and includes many of the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they need for better health. It also includes healthy grains to help promote your dog’s digestion.

    Unfortunately, for a dog food designed for large breed dogs, this food isn’t particularly high in protein content. Yes, it uses chicken as the main ingredient, but we’d prefer seeing a bit more protein for a Chow Chow.

    Pros
    • Features vitamins and minerals dogs need
    • Chicken is the primary ingredient
    • Good for digestion
    Cons
    • Protein content too low for large breeds

    Divider-Dog bone- NewBuyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Foods for a Chow Chow

    Now that we’ve shared our favorite dog foods to keep your Chow Chow happy and healthy, let’s discuss the things you should consider when choosing the food you want as part of your dog’s diet.

    Ingredients

    As with any food you give your dog, what’s inside is important. When it comes to ingredients, you want the best possible. You also want good portions. For large dogs like Chow Chows, you should make sure the food you provide them is high in protein. Larger dogs need protein to stay healthy and active. Real chicken, beef, salmon, and turkey are only a few of the proteins you may find in your dog’s food. Choose options you know they like and ensure the protein content is high enough for their needs.

    Grains are an important part of your dog’s diet. Many people are hesitant to include these in their Chow’s diet, but unless your dog suffers from sensitivities to grains or digestive issues, you should allow them to eat healthy grains as part of their normal diet.

    Price

    You may have noticed that most dog foods are increasing when it comes to pricing. While it may be difficult to budget the more expensive dog foods into your life, don’t give up. Many of the choices on our list are not only good for your dog but also very affordable. This should make it easier to find one that will easily fit your budget and your dog’s taste buds.

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    Conclusion

    As you can see from this review, there are many dog foods available for your Chow Chow. While each one on this list is fitting for your home, our favorite, Ollie’s Chicken and Carrots Dish is by far one of the best. This food is made with fresh ingredients and packed with the flavor your dog will love. Our best-value dog food, Merrick Healthy Grains, is a great way to give trusted ingredients at a price you can afford. If you aren’t worried about the money, American Journey may be a little expensive, but it is dependable dog food for your Chow, making it our third choice. Any of these choices will ensure you’re giving your Chow Chow the best.


    Featured Image Credit: Ivan Marjanovic, Shutterstock

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