medium breedUpdated March 2026

Best Dog Food for Chow Chows

Our top food picks for Chow Chows. Fresh food delivery, subscription boxes, and kibble brands that actually work for this breed.

At 45 to 70 pounds, the Chow Chow is a lower energy medium breed. The Non-Sporting group is diverse, and Chow Chows have their own set of nutritional quirks. What you put in the bowl has a direct effect on how they feel and perform day to day.

Chow Chows are prone to Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye Problems. Joint-supporting ingredients like glucosamine help. A food that addresses these breed-specific risks goes a long way.

Chow Chows have demanding coats that need omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from their food. If the coat looks dull, diet is usually the first thing to check. We put together our top picks below: subscription food services, monthly boxes, and kibble options that work well for this breed.

Chow Chow Nutrition Profile

22–28%

Protein

12–18%

Fat

3–5%

Fiber

30 cal/lb

Calories

Best Fresh Food Delivery for Chow Chows

These services build a meal plan around your Chow Chow's weight and age. Real food, vet-approved recipes, shipped to your door.

Ollie

JustFoodForDogs

Fresh whole-food meals for dogs

6.4/10

$70–$200/mo

The Farmer's Dog

Real food made fresh

8.1/10

$50–$100/mo

Spot & Tango

Fresh & UnKibble options

7.7/10

$40–$90/mo

Open Farm

Ethically sourced, transparent ingredients

7.4/10

$55–$100/mo

Sundays

Air-dried dog food made simple

7.4/10

$45–$85/mo

Best Subscription Boxes for Chow Chows

Monthly boxes with toys, treats, and chews picked for your Chow Chow's size. Good nutrition is half the battle. Enrichment is the other half.

BarkBox

Monthly surprises for your pup

8.5/10

$23–$35

Super Chewer

Tough toys for power chewers

7.6/10

$29–$45

Pawstruck

Natural chews & treats at honest prices

7.1/10

$20–$35

Goody Box

One-time curated boxes from Chewy

6.7/10

$19.99–$35

Bark Bright

Dental care made delicious

6.5/10

$25–$35

Farm Hounds

Ethically sourced, single-ingredient treats from sustainable farms

6.4/10

$25–$45

Feeding by Life Stage

🐶Chow Chow Puppies

Get a medium-breed puppy food for your Chow Chow. The kibble size and calorie density are designed for their 70-pound adult frame. Most can move to adult food around 10 to 12 months.

🧓Senior Chow Chows

Chow Chows live about 8 to 12 years, so around age 8 you should start thinking about a senior formula. Fewer calories, easier on the stomach. Joint supplements like glucosamine become more important at this stage.

🤧Chow Chows with Allergies

Chow Chows are known to develop food sensitivities. Watch for digestive upset like loose stools or vomiting. Common triggers are chicken, beef, wheat, and dairy. If you suspect a food allergy, switch to a limited-ingredient diet with a novel protein like duck, venison, or salmon. An elimination diet supervised by your vet is the most reliable way to identify the trigger.

Recommended Kibble Brands

Widely available dry food brands suitable for Chow Chows. Listed for informational purposes.

Vet Favorite

Purina Pro Plan Sensitive Skin & Stomach

Salmon-first recipe with oat meal, gentle on stomachs and great for coat health

Allergy-Friendly

Merrick Limited Ingredient Salmon

Real deboned salmon as the single animal protein, grain-free for food sensitivities

Weight Control

Wellness Core Reduced Fat

Lower calorie density with high protein to maintain muscle while trimming weight

Best Value

Taste of the Wild High Prairie

Novel proteins like bison and venison with probiotics, excellent value

Best Overall

Orijen Original

85% animal ingredients, biologically appropriate with free-run chicken and wild-caught fish

Premium

Acana Heritage Free-Run Poultry

Premium whole-prey ratios with 60% meat content from cage-free chicken and turkey

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Chow Chow

How much food does a Chow Chow need per day?

A Chow Chow weighing 45 to 70 lbs needs roughly 1350 to 2100 calories per day, depending on age and how active they are. Split that into two meals. Weigh portions instead of eyeballing. It's easy to overfeed without realizing.

What health issues should Chow Chow food help with?

Chow Chows are known to develop Hip Dysplasia, Hypothyroidism, Eye Problems. Look for foods that address these: glucosamine and chondroitin for joints, and omega-3 fatty acids for overall health.

What protein percentage is right for a Chow Chow?

Chow Chows do well on 22–28% protein. The first ingredient should be a named meat like chicken, beef, fish, or lamb. Skip foods where corn, wheat, or soy is listed first.

When should a Chow Chow puppy switch to adult food?

Most Chow Chow puppies can move to adult food around 10 to 12 months. Your vet can check growth progress and give you a more exact timeline.

What foods are toxic to Chow Chows?

Same as all dogs: chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol (check sugar-free gum labels), onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and cooked bones. Chow Chows can get into things fast, so keep these stored where they can't reach.

When is a Chow Chow considered senior?

Chow Chows live about 8 to 12 years, so they start hitting senior territory around age 8. That's when you might want to look at lower-calorie formulas with joint support and easier-to-digest protein.

Learn More About Chow Chows

📖 Chow Chow Breed Guide 🍖 Dog Food Services ⚖️ Compare Breeds